"I know, Mommy. One of my classmates invited me to her birthday party a few days ago but I said no. I've been in a bad mood because both you and Daddy are gone, so I don't feel like going out to play. I come home right after school every day so I'm safe. Don't worry about me," Layla said sweetly. She knew that Avery was exhausted from trying to find Elliot and she did not want to cause Avery any more worry."I know you are a good girl. Your dad and I have put you through so much when you shouldn't have to face something like this," Avery said sorrowfully. "Once I find your dad, I will try talking Hayden into moving back with us. After that, we are never going to part as a family ever again.""Yay! I'm so happy that you said that, Mommy."Avery started chuckling at the sight of the overjoyed expression on Layla's face.After the call, she turned around and noticed that the doctor was standing behind her with his briefcase. She cleared her throat awkwardly and asked, "When did you ar
After making up her mind, she made a call to her mother."Natalie, are you okay? You haven't picked up your calls for the past two days, and I'm about to lose my mind!" Mrs. Jennings said anxiously. "I can't reach you, so I could only call Dean. It's only after he told me you are fine that I could finally get some sleep.""I'm just in a really bad mood, Mom! I hope you understand." Natalie picked up the glass in front of her and took a sip of liquor. "Have you called Auntie?""Yeah. I told her what happened to you. She tried calling Leah but Leah hasn't been answering her call." Mrs. Jennings sighed. "It could really be Leah who told Avery about you. How could she? How could she tell an outsider something so important? Does she not know that this could get you killed?!""Why are you still speaking like you are on her side, Mom? She's going to get me killed and you are still siding with her?! She's not a child. She's an adult in her twenties now! She knew what she was doing and knew
"Avery, how are you?""Good. Why are you here all of a sudden?" Avery asked. "We are close, and soon, we will find Elliot.""You've done well. I came because you are certain that Elliot is here. Besides, Natalie could be hiding here as well. I feel disgusted whenever I think of what she's done." Ben scowled. "She signed a contract with Elliot, so I can wait. Once Elliot walks free, he will deal with her!"Avery nodded. "When did you arrive?""I arrived at two in the morning and went to the hotel to rest for a bit. I figured you would be awake around this time and came over." Ben looked her up and down. "I heard that you were injured. Are you okay?""Much better now. I'm fine." Avery glanced at the kitchen.The nanny was waiting inside and noticed Avery's gaze. "Breakfast is ready."Avery turned to look at Ben. "Have you eaten?""I did at the hotel, but I can eat more." Ben walked with her to the dining room. "Is Hayden at school? Mike's still sleeping, huh?""Probably. Mike ha
After breakfast, Avery returned to her room to change, and by the time she came out, Mike had already woken up and was chatting with Ben."Mike, Ben will be going out with me today. You can stay home and rest," she walked over and said to Mike.Mike scratched his head. "I rested last night.""If you don't want to stay home, you can go to the office! I've promised Ben he can come," she said and turned to look at Ben. "Let's go!"Mike saw them off. "Let me know first thing if there are any updates!""Alright! You should stay home and rest. You look horrible!" Avery went into the car and glanced at Mike before closing the door."Do you know me at all? I have dark circles even after I sleep... Wait, these are more like eye bags." Mike closed the car door for her and commanded ten of the bodyguards to follow them.Once Ben and Avery left, he returned to the house and enjoyed his breakfast, before driving to the office.In the Dream Maker office, Mike parked his car in the undergroun
"I saw this person in a lot of Dean's photos on the internet," Hayden said. "Which means that he must know a lot of Dean's secrets. I found him and offered him money in exchange for the confession.""That must have cost a fortune, right? Dean is a formidable force in Bridgedale and his former bodyguard wouldn't be moved to betray him in exchange for a small payment. Once this video gets out, Dean will hunt him down and kill him."Mike had guessed correctly."I helped his family escape and paid him a fortune that would allow his family to live like kings and queens overseas," Hayden said."Big H, you've gone radio silent for the past few days and this is what you've been doing? You are the man! You are brilliant!" Mike was impressed."I'm not going to forgive him for what he did to my mom." He shut his laptop and asked, "Where's my mom? Why aren't you with her today?""Ben is here and he's with your mom today." Mike sat down on a chair beside Hayden. "I wonder if they could get so
Ben attempted to get close enough to eavesdrop, but Avery and Professor Greens were whispering to one another. Even when Avery appeared to be frustrated and miserable, her voice remained contained out of fear that she would disturb others in the bookstore.Failing terribly at eavesdropping, Ben returned to his original position and took out his phone to take a picture of Avery and Professor Greens, before sending it to Mike.[Guess I'm the third wheel here.]Mike replied. [Hahahaha!][Judging from the look on Avery's face, things are quite bad.][Can Elliot be dead?][You shut your mouth!][You are the one who said it looks bad...][She just seems a bit frustrated.][You just haven't spent enough time with her lately. She is always frustrated.][Oh! I guess I am overthinking then.][Something fun is about to happen later today.][Fun? Where?][You are so nosy! Focus on keeping Avery company instead of trying to have fun!][???][Let me know what Avery and that professor
Dean narrowed his eyes and stared intently at the video."I've worked beside Dean Jennings for fifteen years. I quit my job two years ago and returned home due to a severe injury. For the past year or so, I've been tormented, and every time I close my eyes, I'm haunted by countless spirits that died in vain because of him... Throughout the fifteen years, I've worked for him, I've killed a total of eighteen people, including his lovers and children. Of course, those children aren't really his children. Dean Jennings tells the world that they were his children to cover up the fact that he had long lost the ability to make children!""Baam!"Dean threw Sebastian's phone onto the ground, but the video was still playing."Eighteen lives, gone, simply because he wanted them gone. He had more bodyguards under his command killed… Even Dean Jennings himself must have lost track on how many women and children died because of him.""B*st*rd! Shut up! Shut up!" Dean barked and stomped ferocio
Dean's mood instantly lightened. The money he spent was only meant to ward off bad luck, and he could always earn more again.Meanwhile, after chatting with Professor Greens, Avery stepped out of the bookstore wordlessly and locked herself inside her bedroom after arriving home.Ben tried a few times to ask what had happened, but he could not bring himself to actually ask the question. Once he got Avery home, he called Mike and told him to hurry home.When Mike hurried home, he went to knock on Avery's door but did not dare to intrude when she did not respond.In the evening, Ben urged Mike to get Avery. "Go tell her to come out for dinner!"Mike shook his head. "I don't dare to. I think Elliot might be dead. Why else would she stay quiet the whole time?""You keep saying that! I'm really going to get upset!""Then go ask her! What's the point of shouting at me?" Mike shoved Ben toward Avery's bedroom door. "You probably won't be able to eat if you don't ask her."Ben took a de
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