The assistant replied. [If we can obtain Dream Maker, why bother with Tate Industries?][...] Natalie had not expected Dean to be this ambitious.[Natalie, I know that you are proud and have your own point of view, but speaking from experience, it's best that you just listen to your father. That's the only way you can be more successful.][I'm really curious about how much he is paying you each year to get you to be so obedient.][... You said you ran into Avery and Elliot in the hospital. Why were you at the hospital?][I've been hit.][... By who? Can we talk on the phone now?][My aunt. I've stopped considering her my aunt, though, from the moment she hit me.][I was wondering who had the guts to hit you. Are you free tonight? I will buy you dinner.]Natalie hesitated.Dean's assistant was a divorced man in his forties. he looked awfully greasy but had a brilliant way with his job so Dean trusted him.Natalie had enemies in all directions at the present. Avery and Elliot
The CT scan showed that there was a metal object inside his head.Avery's eyes glittered with disappointment. She had hoped that Angela was lying about bringing the dead back to life, but with the results of the CT scan, her last hope was destroyed."What's wrong?" Elliot studied her expression and asked, "Is it bad?"She shook her head. "No. The report just suggests that there's a foreign object in your brain. Let's go take some other tests. Once everything is done, your finalized report should be ready." She paused, before continuing, "Elliot, don't be too pessimistic. Professor Greens used to say that I'm better than Angela. If she can do this, I will soon understand her research.""I'm so worried that you would exhaust yourself.""I'm not tired. Not at all. I will only be tired if you aren't with me. Without you, eating, sleeping, and breathing all feel tiring. With you by my side now, I feel motivated." She wrapped her arms around his and grabbed his hand and squeezed them. "
"Sebastian, are you saying these things because you think I was wrong before? You think that I killed those women and children because of an inferiority complex?""Dad, what happened is in the past. I am only saying what I said out of hope that you will live a wonderful, loving life with Aunt Angela.""Hahaha! So long as she doesn't betray me, of course, I won't kill her. I called you here today to discuss the rest of your life, actually." The smile returned to Dean's face. "Sebastian, you are old enough now to start a family. I am looking forward to becoming a grandfather.""Why do you want grandchildren out of the blue, Dad?" Sebastian asked warily."Why won't I want that? Isn't it normal to want grandchildren? Do you intend on staying single forever? That's not going to work." Dean grabbed his fork to take a piece of broccoli. "Do you have someone you like?""No.""That's a lie." Dean glared at him. "You like Avery Tate, don't you? I can tell."Sebastian froze. "Dad, Avery an
[Avery, my dad wants us to get married. I'm guessing that he's going after Dream Maker. He probably thinks that if I marry you, he can get his hands on Dream Maker.][He said that he will implement this plan once he marries Angela. If you don't want to marry me, think of something soon because I can't disobey my dad!]Sebastian had sent over two messages, and Elliot saw both of them.Elliot stared at the screen for a few more moments, wondering if there would be more messages from Sebastian, but the screen went black and did not light up again.Shortly after, Avery came out of the shower."Help me get a phone," said Elliot while holding a book that she had purchased for him and leaning against the bedhead."Sure. Same brand as the one you had before? Do you want to use your old number or a new one?" Avery strolled toward the bed, all while studying his face.Elliot was asking for a phone, which meant that he wished to contact someone else apart from her and that was a good thing
"Why are you in my study?" Avery strode up to him.Mike had Elliot's bodycheck results in his hands and was reading through them with such attention that Avery knew he was reading Elliot's results and not his own. He would not read his own results with such intensity. "I'm reading the medical reports! You haven't told me anything...""He was there during dinner. Who would ask about someone's medical reports right in front of them like you did?" Avery snatched the reports away from him and placed them on the desk. "There was, indeed, a special device implanted in his brain. Apart from that, there is no abnormality in his physical condition. I don't fully understand the thing inside his brain, but everything else about him is normal.""Isn't that a good thing?" Mike seemed slightly surprised at the outcome. "Is Angela really that capable of miracles? That device literally brought the dead back to life.""What, "dead"? Mike, stop saying things like that in front of me!"This was th
Just as she was about to call Angela, she received a message from Sebastian.[Calm down, will you?! If you go to Angela now, you are going to expose me!]Sebastian had informed her about Dean's plan right away, and if Dean found out that Avery knew, he would surely doubt Sebastian's loyalty toward him because he had not told Angela about this. If Avery confronted Angela about this, Angela would definitely ask Dean about it.Avery slowly regained her composure while staring at the message.No one could stop Dean's ambition; not Sebastian, and not even Angela.Dean was plotting to take over Dream Maker because he was certain that Avery would be under Angela's control. The only way for Avery to escape the hold they had over her was to find a solution as soon as possible. If she failed to find a way before Dean made the threats, she would have no option but to obey.Her blood ran cold at the thought.If Dean intended to execute his plan after marrying Angela, Avery would not be able
"You win." Leah admitted defeat. "You are so good to me, George. Sometimes, I don't even know what to do about that."George cleared his throat in embarrassment and changed the subject. "Have you made up with your parents?""I guess! They've made a lot of changes for my sake, which means that they care about me after all. Besides, they promised that they won't make me marry someone I don't like."Leah had leaped into the river because she had been forced to do so, but she had benefited from it in the end. Had that not happened, her broken relationship with her parents would never have healed so quickly."So are you just going to work here for a while and go back to your parents?" George asked.Leah could not help but chuckle. "Why are you asking? You don't want me to leave?"George blushed and said, "No. That's not it. You can go if you want to...""Are you lying? Look at how flushed you are. It's not embarrassing that you like me."George had not expected her to be so forward
Ben hesitated. "I'm just worried about you.""What exactly are you worried about?" Elliot asked. "That I have nothing to eat or that I will catch a cold? Or are you worried that you won't get to see me one last time if I drop dead?"Ben was rendered completely speechless. "Elliot, that's not what I mean... I am just worried about you because it's been so long since I saw you, and I just wanted to talk to you more often...""You are just worried that we won't have time to talk again in the future!" Elliot said."Of course, not! I'm confident in Avery," Ben said sincerely. "Since you are getting a new phone today, I will go back tomorrow.""You knew about Natalie, didn't you?""You mean how she bribed Holly Blanche into tricking and trapping you two in Ylore?" Ben asked. "That woman is pure evil! One really wouldn't be able to tell that she's such a person from her appearance. She used to fawn over you, and I just thought of her as one of many women who pursued you. Who would have
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