"I have a high threshold for pain. There might be some discomfort, but I haven't sensed anything.""Haha! Maybe. You aren't really afraid of pain." It's been a while since Avery had heard him joking and felt relieved that he did."I'm not afraid of dying, either," he said, taking advantage of the relaxing atmosphere. "Avery, you might be a genius, but you won't be able to recreate a device exactly like the one inside my head in such a short period of time."The smile on Avery's face froze as she was confused by why Elliot had brought up such a heavy subject."Elliot, have you seen me bringing people inside the house and saw them leave?" She tried to comprehend what he had meant by what he said."I did hear them," he admitted. However, he did not say what he had done earlier because of that, but because he had seen the messages Sebastian sent Avery the night before.He had been waiting for Avery to mention this to him since last night, but she had remained quiet about it. Judging
Once the car took off, Avery swiftly reeled in her emotions and turned to look at Elliot. "Don't be too pessimistic, Elliot. We can't give up unless there's no other option."Elliot saw Hayden just now and noticed how Hayden was looking more and more like him. Elliot knew that he was an introverted child because he grew up in a suffocating family, but what about Hayden?If Elliot truly died at such a young age, he would surely fail as a father. He would never have time to make up for what he owed his children."Elliot, I thought about it, and instead of just staying home doing nothing, why don't you find something to do?" Avery reflected on how cynical Elliot had been acting and said, "Maybe you won't be overthinking if you have something to do.""Yeah," he muttered."I'll buy you a laptop tomorrow. You can use it to work or just do anything you want.""Sure.""Can we just forget about the fight we had just now?" She looked straight into his eyes. "Elliot, you can't begin to ima
Wesley called Avery and asked her about the Marshall's Award. She went to look at the calendar and realized that the ceremony was right around the corner."I heard that Angela is going to be the winner of the award," Wesley said. "Are you going to the ceremony?"Avery had been locking herself inside the study to work for the past few days. She wanted to take a break and was curious about what would happen during the ceremony as well, so she said, "Um... I guess so!""I wanted to go, too, but I can't leave Shea and our daughter, just like how you can't come back because of Elliot. Avery, if you see Angela during the ceremony, you can try to liaise with her to see if she can explain the mechanism of the device to you...""It's not that easy. Angela cannot be persuaded by money." Avery massaged her temples. "If only it's that simple, I would have paid her as much as she wanted.""If you don't talk to her, you will never know. We only know Angela through the words of others," said Wes
After Mike thought about it for a while, he called Avery back."He said he is here for business.""Business? Does the Sterling Group have a branch office in Bridgedale? They don't, do they?" Avery said while feeling puzzled."It seems like they don't… I'm not sure either, but I haven't heard of them opening an office here. However, isn't Tate Industries under the Sterling Group? If Tate Industries has a branch office in Bridgedale, that means their…" Mike explained, "Maybe he is here to handle the matters of Tate Industries?""Isn't Tate Industries fully under Natalie's management now?" Avery was even more confused. "Could it be that they intend to go against Natalie?"Mike said, "I don't know. Chad is pissed at me. He said that we didn't tell him anything when we started Dream Maker, so now, he won't tell us anything either."Avery could not help but laugh. "If Chad truly came over to handle business matters, then he indeed could not tell you.""Hmph. He is deliberately saying
"I didn't ask you out for the sake of discussing when she would succeed," Elliot said very seriously. "After Dean and Angela are married, help me take this special device out of my brain."Amelia was stunned.After a moment, she asked, "Do you know what you are talking about?""I do.""Does Avery know?""This is my business. There's no need for me to discuss it with her." Elliot had already made up his mind.He would rather die than let anyone use him to threaten Avery."Did both of you get into a fight or did something happen? Why did you make such a decision?" Amelia wrecked her brains but she still could not figure it out. Elliot was such an outstanding businessman. Should he not be thinking about how to continue living? Why did he want to commit suicide?"There's no need for me to tell you the reason. Name your price. I can pay you right now." Elliot's voice was cool and calm. "You can't tell Avery about this.""I don't want money. It's fine as long as you give me the devi
Chad looked at them chatting fervently with each other. He did not know what they were talking about.If it were not for Elliot telling Mike not to say anything to anyone, especially to Mike or Avery, Chad would have taken a snapshot and sent it to Mike to see if he could identify the woman or not. About 20 minutes later, Amelia picked up a call and ended the meeting with Elliot.After Amelia left, Chad immediately brought his cup of coffee over to Elliot's table."Mr. Foster, who is she?"Elliot said, "Chad if Mike ever asks you what you were doing, you know what you can say and what you can't say, right?"Chad was stunned by Elliot's gaze. He immediately nodded. "Mr. Foster, I won't say anything to Mike. I told him I was coming over for work. As for the lady you met just now, I won't tell anyone.""Hmm, stay in Bridgedale for a while!" Elliot said distractedly. "Head back to Aryadelle after a while.""Okay, I really wanted to see you, and Ben is here, too. But after some con
Only by agreeing will she have enough time to solve Angela's technology.As long as she could solve it, Elliot and she will not be threatened by anyone else anymore! However, Avery had not thought about how she was going to break the news to Elliot.The latest she had was Angela and Dean's wedding, and she had to come clean to Elliot by then. She had already thought about whether Elliot would agree with her doing that or not, she had to do it.Arriving at the airport, she met Mike.Mike had previously told her that he would help her find the best neurologists around the world to help her. Since the price Mike offered was tempting enough, he soon found five neurologists to help her.They have all arrived.Mike had located the four neurologists in the mansion he bought for them. At that moment, they were picking up the fifth neurologist. This neurologist was the most influential specialist among the five of them.After picking that neurologist up, Avery would head to the mansi
"Bloody hell! Angela did not use this to threaten you all. How dare Dean, that old scum, do that?!" Mike scolded."I'll attend the Marshall's Award tomorrow. If I can meet Angela, I would properly talk to her." Avery opened her eyes. "This is my last chance.""Avery, I don't want you to suffer like that! That idiot Sebastian is not good enough for you! Even if it's a fake marriage, his name is not worthy to be put next to yours!" Mike was so furious he was dizzy. "I'm going to find someone to kill Dean!"Avery saw how Mike was so furious his face was flushed and his veins protruding, she immediately stopped him. "I also want Dean to die! But whether or not the assassination succeeds or fails, Angela could tie us to Dean's death. I can't bet on this.""What the hell does Angela see in Dean? I don't understand at all! We have already exposed Dean's scandalous videos. Did she not see it?" Mike huffed."It's hard to say when it comes to feelings. Angela has mentioned to me that as lon
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