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
After washing up, Avery got out of her room.The next-door room door was closed tightly. Elliot should still be asleep. Avery decided to head down to have some breakfast. Just when she was by the door about to head out, Elliot's room door opened. He was properly dressed, looking fresh. He walked over to her."Why are you up so early?" Avery asked in surprise."Aren't you up too?" He followed her out of the door. "Look at your eyebags. Did you not sleep last night?""No, I slept, but I kept having nightmares," she said and covered her mouth to yawn. "Let's go and see that person after breakfast!"Elliot looked at her sleepy face. He said, "Do you want to try catching up on some sleep after breakfast? It might be easier for you to sleep during the day.""Is there a scientific basis to this?""None," Elliot said. "Or take some medicine?""I don't have trouble sleeping. I don't need medicine." Avery rejected his offer. "Don't rely on medicine too much. They are part poison.""Bu
Avery pulled Elliot aside and said in a low voice, "I've met her before. The last time I came to Ylore, she was the one who told me that Ivy had been sold to someone in Aryadelle.""There is no evidence that indicates that Ivy has been sold to someone in Aryadelle. She might have been lying to you," Elliot replied in a low voice."Why would she lie to me? Since she knows about the pit, that means that she knows about a lot of other things…" At that, Avery suddenly said, "I think she noticed me. She told me about Ivy, and in exchange, I was supposed to give her pills that she could use to kill herself, but I didn't do it in the end. She must hate me."Elliot looked at that woman. Sure enough, the woman was looking at Avery with a loathsome expression."Why don't you go out? I'll talk to her," Elliot said to Avery."Okay, see what you can do about it. If she is not willing to say anything, forget about it," Avery only said that because she thought that she had already gotten the ans
The woman pondered for a while before stating her request.Coming out of the detention center, Elliot received a call from his bodyguard.Avery walked to the side and took her phone out. She saw missed calls and messages from her bodyguard.Before arriving at the detention center that morning, she put her phone on silent mode.When she got out of the detention center, she put her phone back into normal mode and returned her bodyguard's call."Miss Tate! Where are you? You were not answering my calls or replying to my messages! I was worried sick!" The bodyguard was so worried he sweated profusely. He was pacing around the hotel lobby with Elliot's bodyguard."Don't worry. We just came out to do something," Avery explained to her bodyguard. "We got up earlier today, so we didn't call you two.""How could you two do that? Where are you right now? We'll meet you there," the bodyguard said.Avery hesitated for a while before refusing his offer.At the same time, Elliot had already
Avery and Elliot had already discussed the matter that afternoon. To prevent the woman from taking any actions apart from their agreed plan, Avery would drive while Elliot guarded the woman.The woman's hands and legs were cuffed. It was unlikely that she would do anything beyond their control.After they entered the car, Avery asked, "Now, can you tell us the address?""Have you two been to the pit?" the woman asked."Yes." Elliot's face darkened. "Are you saying that Ivy's in the pit?"Avery's hands clutched the steering wheel tighter. Her ears perked up, waiting for the woman's answer."No. She's on the other side," the woman replied with determination. "Drive over there. Once you're nearby, I'll guide you." Since the journey was long, Elliot said to Avery, "Why don't I drive!""No need. I can drive." Avery pulled up the GPS on her phone and started driving. The atmosphere in the car was eerily quiet.Avery felt a little suffocated as if someone was choking her. "Is my
"Why did you come so far to look for a job?" Elliot suppressed his grief. He was afraid that if he looked too sad, it would affect Avery."My family forced me to marry an old man. I was not willing to do it… so I escaped. Back then, I was just thinking of running as far away as I could, so I came all the way here. It's a bustling city. There are many job opportunities…" Holly did not continue further.Elliot's gaze no longer had murderous intent.Holly secretly let out a sigh. She considered herself safe for the time being. She did not want to reveal too much of her past to them. These were her wounds. Telling people meant that she was showing them their wounds.Avery listened to them chatting occasionally. Her heart was empty, yet it was also painful.Actually, she had long prepared for the worst. Now, she had received the confirmation of the worst. An hour later, the car arrived at the first pit."Continue ahead. There will be a fork, and you need to take the path to the righ
Holly turned back and smiled at Elliot and Avery."Look at the row of houses. Don't they look like a prison?"Elliot and Avery re-examined the houses. Since the rooms were surrounded by weeds, they had not looked at the houses closely.At that moment, when they got a closer look, they noticed that the houses were indeed not like ordinary houses.An ordinary house would have doors and windows, but the houses in front of them had no doors."I'll take you two over. You will get lost otherwise." Holly quickly walked forward. Elliot and Avery followed her closely.There was a huge door on the ground." Holly took them around to the main entrance.The main entrance was at the side of the house. It was a door made of steel.Elliot grabbed the doorknob. He wanted to open the door but could not do it.It was locked. They needed a key."Don't worry. There is another entrance," Holly said calmly. "The other entrance is to enter from the ground.""An underground entrance?" Avery sounded
Avery's words moved him.She said that, if they were together, they could care for each other.Holly walked for a while. She could not help but turn around and look in the direction of Elliot and Avery. They seemed to have already gone down into the cellar.Holly stopped in her tracks. She smiled an evil, triumphant smile.'Elliot Foster and Avery Tate, your time has come!'"Who would have thought that the legendary business tycoon would die so easily in my hands! Hehehe!" Holly giggled to herself. A while later, a helicopter appeared in the skies.On the ground, a group of men in black appeared. The men ran straight to the well.Holly looked over delightedly. "Cover it up! That way they can't escape!" Holly instructed the men in black after walking over to them. "There is no water or food down there. They will starve to death in three days! Hahaha!"The men in black were long ready.The well cover was welded shut in no time.The helicopter behind them slowly came to a ha
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