"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
"I've never heard of that before," Mike said. "If something like that exists, Angela is playing God! No one would die anymore! If she's really that skilled, she could have just used any corpse. She didn't have to steal Elliot all the way from Ylore just to bring him back to life!"Ben nodded and turned to face Avery. "Avery, we don't know the first thing about biology, but you do. Do you think this is true?"She took a deep breath and shook her head. "I don't know. This goes beyond my knowledge. I don't know anything about what Angela is capable of, so it could be true or fake.""You didn't ask that professor?" Ben asked. "He must have gone through her research data... Marshall’s Award is not just some random award...""Professor Greens said he hasn't gone through her research data yet because there is too much data." She lowered her gaze. "So Elliot is still alive, then?" Ben asked. "I can't eat until I know this.""Go back to your hotel if you can't eat! Don't stop us from eat
Dean's blood pressure shot up. He had spent a fortune bribing the press and had thought that he could put this incident behind him, only to be surprised to find out that Dream Maker was in possession of the video as well."Can Dream Maker be the one who actually sent the video to the press?" he thought.When Sebastian saw the video being played on the Dream Maker building, he seemed to have realized something and called Avery.Avery picked up right away."Avery, what exactly is your relationship with Dream Maker? Sebastian was not frustrated at all because he didn't care if Dean was doomed. He had no affection for his father, so he only cared about the future of the Jennings family because his fate was tied to that of the Jennings family. Though his life wouldn't be over if his family collapsed, it would definitely be less luxurious if he was no longer the second son of the Jennings family.Avery had just seen the video playing on the Dream Maker building. She had only seen half o
Avery wanted to say something, but she was not sure what the appropriate words were. No matter how much Sebastian hated Dean, Dean would always be his father; and Avery did not intend to let Dean go no matter what.She sighed after the call, but before she could completely regain her composure, Dean called."Avery, are you toying with me?" he growled. "You know that we have Elliot Foster and still... Aren't you afraid that I will kill him?"Avery felt nothing despite hearing his threats. "Elliot will be fine… at least until Angela gets the Marshall's Award.""You—""And I will get Elliot out before she gets the award. You, on the other hand, just wait for your karma!" she said, before hanging up.Professor Greens found a CD in the documents Angela had mailed to the committee. He placed the CD into the computer and Angela's face instantly popped up on the screen.She started with a self-introduction, before beginning to introduce her experiment.Professor stared at the screen un
Avery was not as surprised as she thought she would be when she heard everything from Professor Greens."You haven't seen Elliot in person?""No. Angela went past us and directly made an agreement with our leader. I supposed it's confirmed that she will be winning the award.""How can I find Elliot?" Avery mumbled."I'm sorry, but I've told you everything I know. I haven't a clue about the rest.""It's fine... Thank you, anyway."After the call, she tilted her chin up so that her tears would not fall.Elliot was still alive, but she had no idea what he looked like in the present, or whether he remembered her and the children at all.Meanwhile, the internet was exploding with comments. They were all reacting to the video on the Dream Maker building. [Oh, the drama! If what's on that video is true, this is just shocking!][Dream Maker and MediLove aren't even competitors in the same industry! Why are they firing at each other? By the way, who is the owner of Dream Maker? I've
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