Tammy knew. "Avery, why didn't you tell Elliot? If he finds out that these are his kids…" "He doesn't want kids, Tammy. If you tell this to anyone or even Elliot, we won't be friends anymore." Avery said with a cold voice and her face was even colder as if she was a whole different person. "If this is serious, of course I won't tell. This is your privacy and I will keep your secret." Tammy said anxiously, "I really don't understand Elliot. What do you think, does he have a mental problem?" "Not unlikely." Avery sat by the bed and articulated each word, "I only want to take care of the kids until they grow up." "Avery, don't worry. I promise you I won't tell anyone about this." …At the old Foster mansion, it was seven thirty in the evening when Elliot came home. "Elliot, is Zoe okay? Why was she so careless? A doctor's hands are the most precious body part of them all!" Rosalie heard about Zoe's burn and she was worried. "It's no big deal." Elliot did not want his moth
He had two voices inside him. One voice was telling him not to get back with Avery. Another voice was telling him to find Avery's daughter. Even if the daughter was not his, he wanted to see how alike the girl was to Avery. And for that dude! A thorn to his heart! … At the Starry River Villa, Tammy came with the newly bought puzzle. As a result, it was Mike who opened the door for her. "Why don't you have clothes on again?" Tammy looked at Mike's naked top and complained, "You're not alone at home, there are Laura and Layla! Can you be more mindful of the situation?" Mike looked half awake, "Why didn't you bring breakfast? The buns you bought the other time were not too bad!" Tammy was speechless. She put down the puzzle and walked toward the master bedroom. However, Avery was not around. "Is Avery at work?" Tammy walked out from the bedroom and asked. Mike yawned, "If she's not around, then she's at work!" "Where's Laura? Sending the kids to school?" "If sh
Meanwhile, Hayden walked over to them. Tammy was shocked, why was Hayden not in school?Mike was equally shocked, "Big H, why're you not in school? Let's go out and play!" Tammy was speechless. Mike called Hayden "Big H"? Hayden pulled on Mike's arm and pulled him away. Tammy was speechless. It appeared that the two of them were quite close. No wonder Mike won Avery's heart. He got along with her kids. … After Elliot arrived at the Sterling Group, Chad came in to report to him. After the report, Chad adjusted his glasses over the bridge of his nose, "Mr. Foster, Miss Tate's current address is at the Starry River Villa. Are you looking for her? You had a divorce, I'm afraid she might not let you in." Chad did not want Elliot to get into trouble. Elliot said, "Chad, keep looking for a doctor to treat Shea for me. No matter how much they want, we can negotiate as long as Shea can be treated." Chad was surprised, "Miss Sanford is no longer treating Shea?" Elli
Laura walked toward Elliot. When he saw Laura walking toward him, he said, "Hello, Aunt." Laura looked cold, "Did Avery invite you over?" "No." "Then, why're you here? You had a divorce, please stop disturbing our lives." Laura's attitude was harsh. This was their house and Elliot came uninvited out of the blue. Elliot looked at the closed gate and then at Laura's face. He had to leave, "Sorry for disturbing." He could not break inside. When he left, he caught a small white object moving behind the bushes. The small object must have been Avery's daughter. He really wanted to see her but not through this way. He walked away. After he left, Layla ran out from the bushes. "Grandma! Why did Dad come?" Laura held Layla's hand and walked toward the villa's gate, "How do you know he's your Dad?" "Because he is Mom's ex-husband!" Layla said worriedly and sighed, "What a pity that he's a douchebag. My brother and I won't have a Dad for the rest of our lives." Laura
After the Tate Industries dinner had ended, there was a series of entertainment. Chad's friend promised to let him join them. This way, Chad could get close to Mike. After Avery and her family sat inside the car, Chad said to Elliot, "Mr. Foster, get some rest! Zoe's hands are hurt, you haven't visited her today, right? Why don't you check on her so that she's not disappointed." Elliot spent the whole day working today. Chad could tell that Elliot was not feeling well and so he used work to numb himself. However, Elliot had to face her eventually. Now Shea needed Zoe's treatment. As Zoe's boyfriend, Elliot must not be too harsh. Around half an hour after Elliot had left, Chad's friend came out from the restaurant. There was a group of men coming out along with him, including Mike. "Our Technical Director will wing us to continue drinking at the bar…Chad, I remember that you can drink a lot. Come and join us." Chad's friend patted Chad on the shoulder and said in a lo
At 5 a.m. the next morning, Elliot's phone vibrated. He had received a text message. It was not until two hours later that he woke up and saw the message from Chad.[Sir, according to Mike, he's an expert hacker.][He's gay.][I'd like to take the day off, Sir.]Elliot's brows furrowed as he read the three messages.How did Chad manage to find out this much crucial information in the span of a night?Mike was not someone who was easy to deal with.He would not simply reveal personal details to a stranger for no reason.At that thought, Elliot dialed Chad's number."Chad, how did you get all that information from Mike?"Chad remained silent for two seconds, then said with a hint of exhaustion in his voice, "I was drinking with him last night. He told me after a few drinks.""That's it?""Yes. Also, I had too much to drink, so I'd like to take the day off.""Okay. Stay home and get some rest."…Chad's eyes were red at the end of the phone call.No one would believe wha
Avery glanced at the children, then turned to Laura and said, "Take the kids to school. I'm sure he has a reason for being here."As Laura led the children past Elliot, he noticed Layla's face.It was true that Layla looked similar to Avery.Layla's glistening wide eyes had a hint of hostility in them, and she glared at him when they walked past.He wondered what thoughts could have been instilled in her for her to despise him to this extent. Avery approached Elliot soon after."Why are you here this early in the morning?"Elliot looked at Avery's cool, clean face, then asked with a complicated expression on his face, "Is she your biological daughter, Avery? She looks a lot like you.""Did you come by just to look at my daughter?""Who's her father?" Elliot asked in a raised voice. "Since she's already in preschool, she's definitely more than three years old."It seemed like Avery could not get away with saying that Layla was adopted.Her daughter resembled her too much. La
Avery rushed to the technical department the moment she received the notice."Our director isn't here today, Mr. Foster."The manager at the technical department had no clue what had happened.However, judging from the coldness on Elliot's face, he guessed that Mike had somehow offended the man."Perhaps I should escort you to the president!" said the manager just as Avery walked into the room.Avery approached Elliot, noticed his rage, then said, "Let's talk in my office."He probably came up to the technical department to see Mike about something that had happened between them.Mike did not tell Avery anything but based on how livid Elliot looked, she guessed that it must be something serious. Once they were in Avery's office, Elliot and Ben sat down on the couch while the bodyguard waited at the door."What happened?" Avery said as she served each man a glass of water."Miss Tate, I'm afraid your Technical Director violated Chad," Ben said.Avery was speechless.Chad wa
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