Leah gladly accepted her invitation."Ms. Kennedy, why don't you come to my place? We didn't get to show you around the last time you came!""Wouldn't that be inappropriate?""Just come, Ms. Kennedy! Uncle George is on rest today so I can't go outside. My mommy said that Uncle George has to be by my side if I want to go outside.""George is the only bodyguard in the house?""Of course, not! But I like him the most. Without him to protect me, I don't like to go out.""Alright, then! I will come to find you." Leah felt honored that Layla had invited her.One hour later, she arrived at the residential area where Elliot's mansion was located with a fruit basket, and George was waiting at the entrance to pick her up.She was stunned when she saw George. "Layla told me that you are off duty today.""Yeah. After she invited you, Robert dragged her out to play so she told me to come pick you up," George said while taking the fruit basket off her hands."Isn't this too much trouble fo
Even if it meant being resented by her entire family, at least she did what she thought was right.George immediately took out his phone and called Avery."Miss Tate, Leah just told me that Natalie Jennings is behind what happened to you and Mr. Foster in Ylore," George said. "Leah overheard Natalie on the phone with people in Ylore right before you were kidnapped."Avery lay in bed, gripping her phone tightly. She had guessed that Natalie might have something to do with what happened but to have her theory proven correct still shot sharp pain through her chest.Elliot was the one who had given Natalie a chance to become the person in charge of Tate Industries, yet she wanted both of them dead."How ironic and ridiculous! If Elliot finds out that Natalie did this, I wonder how he would feel," Avery thought."Capture Natalie right away and find out where Elliot is!" Avery roared."Yes!" George leaped into action and hurried toward Elliot's mansion while calling Ben to inform him
"She is your cousin, after all. I can understand why you couldn't tell me right away. I will come to thank you in person when I come back.""It's okay. I hope that you find Mr. Foster soon. That way, I can at least feel a little better.""Yeah, we will find him."...A while later, Ben received information on Natalie's whereabouts and called Avery. "Avery, Natalie is heading to Bridgedale! She will be landing in an hour. Gather some men and capture her at the airport."Avery stepped out of her room with her phone in hand.The nanny heard the sound of the door opening and came outside as well."Miss Tate, where are you going? Aren't you injured?" The nanny asked in confusion when she saw Avery reaching for the car keys.Mike stepped out of his room and asked, "Avery, you are heading out?""I'm going to the airport! Natalie will be landing soon!""Natalie? What do you want with her?" Mike grabbed her by the arm. "You are injured, or have you already forgotten about that? You ca
"Miss Tate, what a coincidence. Are you here to pick someone up as well?" Dean was behind her.Everyone turned around to see Dean leading a huge team of bodyguards."Mr. Jennings, you brought so many bodyguards here to the airport. Why? Are there criminals here?" Mike sneered.Dean said with a smile. "There are many people at the airport. I usually take along many bodyguards with me when I go to places with many people." Then, he sized up their bodyguards. "You also brought quite some bodyguards with you."While they were talking, Natalie walked over to Dean and stood in front of him. She said in a low voice, "Dad, thank you for coming to pick me up."Dean nodded at his men, and they immediately took Natalie's luggage from her.Dean held Natalie's hand. "You are my daughter. It's not a problem coming to pick you up."Their words were like a knife stabbing into Avery's heart! Natalie was about to leave with Dean just like that. She was unhappy about it! She lost it, rushed forw
"I never said that your cousin told me about this!" Avery would not sell Leah out. "If I dare to stop you here, that meant I have received solid news. Natalie, you were trying to kill Elliot and I to make Tate Industries your own! It was a great plan, but sadly, I'm not dead!""If it wasn't my cousin who told you, where did you get your news from? Avery, since you have proof, show us! If you can prove that it was me, I'll let you do anything to me! If you don't have proof, ordering your bodyguards to grab me is against the law!"Natalie shouted as loudly as she could to emphasize how the law was on her side. Avery heard how arrogant she sounded and completely lost it!At the thought of how much she and Elliot had suffered in Ylore, and how Elliot was nowhere to be found while all she could do was wonder whether he was suffering or not, and how the mastermind was standing before her yet she was powerless to do anything made her lose it. She could no longer remain calm!"So, what i
"Not working together," Dean corrected her. "You're working for me. If you do it well, I'll reward you. If you mess it up, you will face whoever wants to kill you on your own."Natalie gulped. Her heart was beating wildly. She was at a loss for words. No wonder her mother left Dean back then. How would her mother not have weighed the pros and cons? The possibility of danger by being with Dean would surely be much higher than the advantages she received."Why are you not talking?" Dean looked at her.Natalie's fawning gaze vanished. At that moment, she looked extremely cold. He could not guess what she was thinking."Dean, it is true that I tried to kill Elliot and Avery, but Avery is not dead. If you hadn't removed Elliot from the underground cellar, they would have managed to rescue both Elliot and Avery. If I were to tell Avery that you are the one who has Elliot, do you think I would be her only target?"Natalie could not find it in herself to call him Dad."Are you threatenin
Perhaps it was because she had exerted too much strength at the airport a moment ago. Right now, she felt exhausted and dizzy.She wanted to quickly rescue Elliot, even if it meant sacrificing her life. However, without any proof, she did not know where Elliot was being hidden. It was difficult to make the next step.A long time later, her phone suddenly rang, pulling her back to reality. She stiffly took her phone and picked up the call."Avery, I heard that you were stabbed by my brother. Are you alright? My dad called me to his place this evening. I have just reached home." Sebastian had wanted to call her sooner, but it was inconvenient to do so while was at his father's place. "Rather than say that it was your brother who stabbed me, you should say that your dad wants me dead," Avery's tone was cold."I know. Angela was chatting with me tonight. She teased me and told me to pay more attention to Natalie. She said that my dad likes her a lot. He praised her for being smart an
Avery most likely had heard what he said because he could clearly hear her crying, but she did not answer his question.Sebastian listened to her sobbing. Other than listening to her, he could not do anything else.After a while, Avery realized that the call was still connected. She quickly said, "It has nothing to do with you…" Then, she hung up.Sebastian looked at the disconnected call. His head hurt. From what Avery said a moment ago, it was not hard to guess that she had previously misunderstood Elliot and had blamed him for her misunderstanding. That night, she realized her mistake.If Elliot was by her side, she would surely apologize to him and try to compensate him. However, at that moment, she could not find Elliot, so even if the misunderstanding had been cleared, it would only create more guilt for her.Mike stood outside Avery's door for a while before walking over to Hayden's room and knocking on his door. He felt heavy. When they left for the airport, Hayden
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