"Hmm, we've just reached." Elliot took a bottle of water, twisted the cap off, and passed it to Avery.Avery accepted the bottle and drank some water."Do you want to eat something?" Elliot took the desserts he brought over and passed them to her. "I'm afraid you might not be able to eat anything tonight."Avery shook her head, pushed open the car door, and got out of the car.After getting out of the car, she walked forward a little while before seeing the tape all around. Beyond the tape, there were many people busy at work.The pit was in the old cellar of a dilapidated brick house. The cellar had originally been used to store food. No one had expected the crime organization to use it as a burial pit!The brick house was dilapidated with tall weeds obscuring it. On the ground, there were many skeletons. Some were complete and others were not. Avery stood by the cordon tape, looking at the scene in front of her. Her eyes could not help but turn wet.She thought of how Ivy wo
During dinner, the bodyguard came to knock on the door.Elliot opened the door."Mr. Foster, do you want to have dinner now or later? Do you want to go to the restaurant to eat or order room service?" The bodyguard asked."Why don't you all go ahead and eat first!" Elliot said.Avery's bodyguard stood by the door and looked inside. "Where is Miss Tate?""She has locked herself in her room." Elliot had wanted to enter her room a few times to look for her, but he did not dare to do so.When her bodyguard heard that, he immediately entered the presidential suite. "How could she not eat! No one said that Ivy is dead! What is she doing!"The bodyguard entered and realized that the suite was like a maze. There were too many rooms. He did not know which room Avery was in.Elliot's bodyguard had wanted to drag Avery's bodyguard out of the room. He could not believe the man had entered the suit without Elliot's permission. However, Elliot gave him a look, asking him to not move.At t
The good thing that had come out of that was that their sacrifice had paid off. After Natalie graduated, every job she got was better than the last. Her salary had gradually increased from a normal person's salary to an exorbitant one.Then, she became the executive of Tate Industries. On top of her salary, she even got a huge annual bonus. Leah's father was in business. Their family had always done well. It was just too bad that Leah did not have a head for business. She had always wanted to become a teacher, but a teacher's salary could not compete with that of an executive's. Leah was not envious of Natalie earning more than her. She was just curious about Natalie's capabilities."I can get you out. It's just about spending money," Natalie said. "I also spent quite some money contacting you. The main issue now is not about money. It is also not about whether I can get you out. Since I found a way of contacting you, I'm sure I can help you leave Ylore…"The voice on the othe
Leah cleared her throat and said, "Natalie, I'm a little thirsty. Do you have any water here?"Natalie immediately went to get her some water."I only drink bottled water." Natalie passed a bottle to her. "I usually boil it before drinking, but it's fine to drink it directly too.""Oh. Natalie, you're so sophisticated." Leah looked at the brand of the water bottle. It was a high-end brand."I just like the taste of this water better. My skincare products are cheap, but that's also because I'm used to them, so I have never changed them," Natalie said pleasantly. "Drink up.""Oh…" Leah twisted open the cap of the water bottle, drank some water, and calmed down a little. "Natalie, I only heard a little. When I took the sip of water, I forgot everything. Perhaps because what I heard was nothing worth remembering…"Natalie closely observed her cousin's face, trying to determine the truth of her words."Natalie, I'm a little scared of you looking at me like that. Were you on an import
"Hmm. They seemed to have passed away when you were young.""My grandfather passed away when I was four. My grandmother was grief-stricken when my grandfather passed away. She was in so much pain and grief it caused all sorts of chronic diseases to flare up in her body. She died painfully in the end." Avery's eyes turned wet when she said that. "Before they died, they were still protecting our family, so we weren't in such a tough spot. After they left, Wanda started getting brazen.""How did your grandfather die?" Elliot looked at Avery's eyes, heartbroken.Seeing the tears in her eyes, his hand reached out reflexively. Avery pushed his hand away and wiped her tears. "My grandfather suddenly fell and hurt his brain. He could not be resuscitated. I remembered it clearly. Back then, my father brought me to the hospital to see my grandfather one last time. I wanted so badly to treat him and keep him with me so that he would look after me.""Avery, don't be sad. Your grandparents ar
Avery was speechless. She almost choked on his words."What?" He looked at her seriously. "Didn't you say Hayden's spending a lot now? How much pocket money do you give him every month? Why don't I give you some money and you transfer it to him?"Avery shook her head. After pressing the button on her room floor, she secretly swallowed."Elliot, you don't have to worry about my life and Hayden's.""I know you have money. You're usually quite thrifty. The money you got from selling the company should be enough to see you through your entire life. And you can take on some surgical cases and earn even more money." Then, Elliot changed the topic. "As for Hayden, as long as he wants to get money, he will be able to get it, but…"Avery looked up at him. She wanted to know what he wanted to say."Avery, you returned to Aryadelle to look for Ivy, leaving Hayden alone in Bridgedale, that isn't goood. Hayden is at an age where he is going through a rebellious phase, like most teenagers. Wi
Elliot's attitude had boosted Avery's confident on her judgement. However, there was still a chance that she might get it wrong.Just like how she had misjudged him in the past.If he dared to barge in without knocking, she would move out and stay in the room next to her bodyguard.About half an hour later, she finished her shower and then made a video call to Hayden.After Hayden accepted the call, the three siblings' faces appeared on her screen. Looking at the sweet scene of her three children together, Avery could not help but cry.This was the first time the three children had gotten together after Robert was a little older. She thought herself to be an incompetent mother. She should have allowed them to meet more often. Even if she had divorced Elliot, she should have found a way to get them together every year."Robert, did you greet Hayden?" Avery laughed and cried at the same time. Robert was a little helpless, not knowing what to do."He did!" Layla answered for him. "
Avery sighed a little. She wanted to explain the situation to Layla, but Elliot spoke instead."Layla, your Mommy doesn't want to stay in the same room with me, but I insisted on her staying with me because the security isn't great here. I'm afraid that your Mommy might be in danger…""I think you're the biggest danger there." Layla did not give Elliot any face.Elliot instantly blushed. He could sense the change in his daughter. When Layla was not with Hayden, she would not be so merciless.Avery could not help but smile. She walked over to the sofa and sat down."What are you all doing?""We're just… having fun!" Layla took the phone and changed the camera to the back camera. Mike and Chad appeared on screen.They were sitting together at a side, talking amongst themselves.Layla had changed the camera to face them, but they still had not noticed."Chad, thank you for taking Robert and Layla to Bridgedale. Did they cause you any trouble on the way there?" Avery said politely
Three years later…Ivy and Robert stood at the airport in Aryadelle, anxiously waiting."It's been three years! Your boyfriend is finally here to see you!" Robert exclaimed before shifting the conversation. "He's not here to break up with you, is he? After all, you haven't seen each other in three years. A lot can change."Ivy sighed, "Robert, can you not jinx it? Although we haven't met in three years, we talk on the phone and video call every day!"Robert quipped, "Digital romance.""Anyway, he promised me that he's going to settle down in Aryadelle this time, and we won't be apart again," Ivy said. Robert smirked. "He's got a strong sense of pride. When he meets Dad later, they might not hit it off, and he'll buy a ticket to leave tonight!"Feeling helpless, Ivy was at a loss for words. Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Ivy!"Ivy immediately looked over to the source of the voice and saw Lucas stepping out of the exit, dragging his suitcase behind him. A smile sp
Mr. Woods did not expect Hayden to be so direct, and he found himself momentarily caught off guard. He had come to ask Hayden for money, but he had not thought about exactly how much he wanted. After all, Hayden's family was extremely wealthy, and he did not want to ask for too little and feel shortchanged, nor did he want to risk asking for too much and having Hayden refuse. It was a tough decision. After a brief internal struggle, Mr. Woods turned to Hayden and said, "I know your family is one of the wealthiest in Aryadelle, so why don't you name the price? I trust you won't mistreat my son and our family." Hayden furrowed his brows slightly. Shelly, noticing his hesitation, quickly chimed in, "Uncle, why don't you make an offer? We're not very familiar with this process. If you insist on us naming a price, we might need to consult my father-in-law." "Elliot Foster, you mean?" Mr. Woods asked. Shelly nodded. "Yes. My father-in-law isn't as easygoing as my husband. After a
"All right. Let's find a place nearby to sit and talk." Mr. Woods breathed a sigh of relief. "Good! Our house is actually nearby. Would you like to visit? Ivy has been with us for many years, and our staff has a close relationship with her." Hayden glanced at Shelly and asked, "Should we go?" "Sure!" Shelly said. Mr. Woods immediately invited Hayden and Shelly into his car and drove them to the Woods' mansion. Upon arriving, Mr. Woods instructed the servants to serve tea and refreshments. He pointed to the butler and said to Hayden, "This is our butler. He hired Ivy's grandmother." Hayden nodded. Mr. Woods then introduced Hayden: "This is Irene's older brother, the renowned businessman Mr. Hayden Tate." "Hello, Mr. Tate. Irene was a wonderful young lady," the butler said. "We all liked her very much. When we heard of her passing, we were truly saddened. Fortunately, she didn't actually pass away! Ivy is a very sensible and resilient girl, one of the strongest I've eve
Ivy's eyes were red as she said, "Hayden, Lucas' mother has passed away, so I won't be able to spend time with you for a few days." "It's okay. Given what has happened, we're not in the mood for fun either. After we attend his mother's funeral, Shelly and I will return," Hayden said. Ivy nodded. "How are funerals handled here?" Hayden asked. Given Lucas' relationship with Ivy, his younger sister, he felt a sense of duty to help Lucas with the funeral arrangements. "It's similar to how it's done back at home. Wealthy people can have elaborate funerals, and those with less money can opt for simpler ceremonies. Those who can't afford much at all can forgo the ceremony and opt for a simple burial," Ivy said. "What if someone wants a more elaborate funeral?" "Hayden, do you want to help with his mother's funeral? He doesn't have any close relatives here, so there's no need for an elaborate ceremony," she explained. "I see. Go and talk to him about it. I'll help with whatever I
Lucas hung up, tears welling in his eyes. Ivy stood by his side and asked, "What's wrong, Lucas?" "My mom has passed away. You should keep your brother company! I need to head back to the hospital." "I will come along! Aunty seemed fine just now, so why did she suddenly pass away?" The two hurried toward the car, completely forgetting about Hayden and Shelly. Hayden and Shelly watched as they left awkwardly, and Shelly said, "Honey, let's go to the hospital. I think Lucas' mother has passed away." "Sure." The two caught a taxi and hurried after Lucas. Meanwhile, in the hospital, Lucas arrived to first encounter the doctor and then his father. Mr. Woods tried ingratiating himself with his son, saying, "Lucas, I came to the hospital to see your mother, but when I arrived, she had already passed away. What a shame!" "Are you sure she had already passed away before you came? I was here earlier today, and when I saw her, she was still alive!" Lucas said. Mr. Woods reto
Mr. Woods sneered, "What do you mean? Are you looking down on me? Although the Woods family has fallen on hard times, we're still a prominent family in Taronia! Lucas may be foolish, but are you any wiser? If it weren't for me backing Lucas, would the Fosters even look at him?" "Shut up! The Foster family isn't narrow-minded like you! Ivy's family doesn't dislike Lucas, so don't go causing trouble! They don't want to see you at all!" Lucas' mother retorted. Mr. Woods scoffed. "Is that so? Do you really think they don't look down on him? Why wouldn't they? Are they planning to make Lucas marry into their family instead of the other way round?" "It's none of your business! You never cared about Lucas, and now that he's independent, he doesn't need you anymore! You wouldn't have come to me repeatedly if Ivy wasn't Elliot Foster's daughter and if she wasn't interested in Lucas. Do you really think I have no idea what you are plotting?" Mr. Woods countered, "What nonsense are you ta
Ivy did not hesitate, immediately shaking her head. "I'm not leaving. Don't worry about me; just focus on yourself." "Staying here is just a waste of time." "I've been studying and interning so hard for so long. What's wrong with taking a break now?" Ivy argued. Before long, Hayden and Shelly had finished their shopping, and Ivy and Lucas immediately joined them to go to the hospital. Lucas' mother had no idea that Ivy's brother and sister-in-law were coming to visit her, so she appeared a bit uncomfortable when they arrived. She tried to sit up, but her body failed her. Ivy raised the head of the hospital bed. "Aunty, my big brother and sister-in-law came over to Taronia for a visit. They wanted to see Lucas and you." "Oh, this is really embarrassing. It's a blessing for my son to know Ivy..." Lucas' mother muttered sheepishly. Shelly reassured, "Aunty, don't say that. Lucas is outstanding. Otherwise, Ivy wouldn't have fallen for him." Lucas' mother continued, "I've
Throughout the meal, Ivy found it hard to enjoy her food. Lucas and Hayden discussed everything that mattered, and the conversation went smoother than anyone had anticipated. Hayden was not upset, nor was Lucas. It was a better scenario than what Ivy had hoped for, but she still felt depressed. "Lucas, my husband and I would like to pay your mother a visit. Would that be okay?" Shelly asked after finishing her food. "Sure," Lucas said. "Don't we need to ask your mom first?" Ivy asked. "It's fine. We can just head over right away and introduce them once we arrive." Lucas' mother grew weaker every day and had stopped using her phone altogether, so it was her nurse, whom Lucas had hired, who reported his mother's condition to him daily. "You restarted your business and have to take care of your mother simultaneously; you're really strong. Most people would crumble under the pressure," Shelly commented. "Ivy had a tougher life before. She didn't crumble, so I won't eith
After what Ivy said, Lucas added, "I want to focus on my career for now. Marriage is secondary until I become more successful." Hayden sneered. "Running a business isn't as simple as it seems. What if you fail or never achieve anything out of the ordinary?" "If that happens, I won't drag Ivy down," Lucas said. "At least you know your place." Ivy felt as though her cheeks were on fire. "Hayden, even if Lucas fails, I won't give up on him. I won't let him go just because of his financial state." Shelly grabbed Hayden's hand again, signaling to him to control his temper; he could be rude to others, but he could not be so demanding with Ivy. Ivy sensed that she was slightly out of line, and her tone eased. "Hayden, we shouldn’t judge people based on their wealth. Our family is rich enough, and there really aren't that many people out there who can compare to our financial state, so why does it matter how wealthy my partner is?" "Ivy is right. Love matters most. Even if we man