"If you can't sleep, go online and take down all the videos. I don't want Mommy to be on the front-page news tomorrow.""Okay. I'll go handle it right now."When Natalie came out from the Jennings', it was already one in the morning. Dean got her to stay but she refused. Dean was going to get married to Angela soon. Furthermore, Natalie hated Dean, but she needed his protection, so she could not express her hatred too obviously.If she were to stay under the same roof with him, she was afraid that she would be annoyed to death.She got Dean's men to send her back to her house in Bridgedale.When she reached home, it was almost two in the morning. She did not have any urge to sleep. Her mother had sent her a few messages, asking her about her situation.She called her mother."Mom, Dean only wants Tate Industries. He doesn't care for me as his daughter," Natalie felt unfair. "In his eyes, I'm only a tool for him to gain benefits. He is already seventy-three. Why is he still so in
Avery had not slept for the entire night either.She could not help but think back on all her memories with Elliot. The more she thought of it, the sadder she got. It was as if time had been paused. If Mike had not entered, she would have just lain there dreaming with her eyes open."Big H is still the best. I never thought of investigating Angela, but Hayden thought of it immediately." Mike sat down next to Avery's bed and said excitedly, "Do you know how Dean and Angela got acquainted?"Avery said, "Dean said they knew each other a long time ago.""Dean invested in Angela's company. Not only was this company not earning any money, but he also had to put quite a lot of money into it every year. However, Dean seemed to willingly just give Angela that much money every year. Why? Dean is a very pragmatic person. He would not even treat his own son that well, why was he being so nice to a woman?"Avery listened attentively, not interrupting him."Hayden found out about this company.
Mike was baffled. "So, because of a muted call, you two have such a huge misunderstanding, causing you two to hate each other for three years! This isn't the worst part. The worst part is that you gave up on Tate Industries and Elliot gave Tate Industries to Natalie! In the end, you two even almost died in her hands! What the hell! Who wouldn't be done with you two when they hear the truth!"Mike finished saying and realized that he might be a little harsh, and he immediately said, "It's all in the past. No need to cry about these matters. Even if your misunderstandings were not cleared, you two have already reconciled, right? What does this say about you two? This meant that no matter how big the challenge, you two will never stay apart."Avery did not say anything. She took clothes out of her closet and walked to the bathroom.Mike came out of her room and went to the living area. He saw a group of people standing outside the gate. Mike strode over.It was Sebastian.However, th
"Mike, didn't you say that you want to go catch up on sleep?" Avery realized that they did not get along well. She immediately got Mike to leave. "Go rest! I'll be at home today. I won't go out. You don't have to worry.""Okay then. I am indeed tired," Mike said. He walked over to Wilson and gave him some instructions. "Stay in the hall. Don't leave no matter who says what. As long as Sebastian is there, you'll be there. Watch him."Wilson replied loudly, "Understood!"Mike returned to his room to catch up on some sleep. Wilson stayed in the living area, staring at Sebastian as if he was afraid Sebastian was going to escape.Sebastian was feeling uneasy, but he was not planning to leave just like that.He sat down on the sofa and the nanny asked him if he wanted to drink anything."Water is just fine." Sebastian looked at Avery and said in confusion, "Did you not sleep last night? Your face is pale, your eyes are bloodshot. It is quite scary."Avery ignored his teasing.The nan
Although this issue seemed to have nothing to do with Elliot's abduction, Avery thought that she would be able to understand Dean better through this issue."You're half right. Those children that died for no reason were indeed not my father's biological children, but how could this matter possibly be hidden from him? DNA tests are so convenient. Those that were not his biological children were allowed to be born. I'm guessing he allowed them to be born, it would be as if he was taking care of a pet!"Avery was silent."What I am sure right now is that my brother and I are his biological children, Natalie too. If not, he would not have risked it for her." Sebastian continued, "My dad's body isn't as great as you think. If not, he would not have relied so much on Angela."Avery did not expect that Sebastian would bring Angela up by himself."Your father has invested in Angela's company. What is this company doing?" Avery asked nervously, "Sebastian, tell me what you know.""What d
Sebastian did not stay long at Avery's. After drinking water, he left soon after.When he got in the car, he called and gave his report to Dean. "Dad, Avery is doing well.""Oh, did she say what she is planning to do next?" Dean asked."I did ask her, but she seemed to be cautious of me. She asked whether you had sent me to get some information out of her," Sebastian said honestly. "Bobby attempted to assassinate her yesterday, which caused her bodyguard and her to not trust me. She rejected all the gifts I brought over today.""Hehe, did she mention Natalie?" Dean was not surprised at Sebastian's reply."She did," Sebastian replied monotonously. "She said Natalie was behind everything in Ylore. She even asked me if you were planning to make Natalie your heir.""Are you using Avery's question to get something out of me?" Dean could hear the intention behind it."Dad, you're worrying too much. She really asked me this. The reason she is concerned about this is that she feels that
Angela was silent for a while before sneering. "Avery, Sebastian has told us about you. You think that I'm holding Elliot in my company. Are you trying to investigate my company because you can't find anything on Dean? I wonder why you didn't also learn that my company has long shut down because of financial losses?"Avery was speechless.Shut down?Angela said, "Let's meet and talk! Right at the cafe near your house! Remember to bring my gift. I'll only talk to you once I see the gift."Then, she hung up.Avery was baffled.Angela's company was shut down? Then, where was Elliot?Sebastian had already confirmed it, why would this suddenly change? Did Sebastian lie to her or were there some secrets behind this?Avery returned to her room, changed, and headed out with Wilson. Apart from Wilson, she brought along ten other bodyguards. She followed the advice that Mike had given her the night before. The ten bodyguards were in plain clothes. They looked relaxed as if they were go
Avery looked at her bodyguards. She did indeed feel much safer. She put her gun back into her bag and followed Angela out of the cafe."Avery, you mentioned James Hough's diary. Is it fake? How could you lie to me?" Angela was furious that she had been lied to."It's not a complete lie." Avery took Angela to her car. They sat in the backseat while Wilson drove."Professor Hough did indeed have a habit of writing in his diary. He has more than ten notebooks, but they are all with Mrs. Hough." Avery glanced at Angela. "I only have a few of his lesson notes.""Avery, you're despicable. I knew that he would never mention me. Not even on paper. It is impossible." Angela had completely given up."Angela, Professor Hough had indeed mentioned you to us before." Avery took out a piece of yellowed paper from her back. "Have a look at yourself. I don't know if you can recognize his handwriting."Angela took the paper and looked at the paper. Her name, Angela Hills, was clearly written on it
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