"If you call her now, she might just run away," Elliot joked.Chad could not help but chuckle. "You know her well.""If I still don't know her despite everything that has happened, I would be a fool.""What are you going to do, Mr. Foster? Dean has lost Angela and poses no threat to you, so we don't have to hold back.""I won't go easy on him, of course." The look in Elliot's eyes darkened. "Even if he is still a threat to me, I'm not afraid of him. I'd rather handle all these people before I die instead of just surviving."Chad frowned; his heart dropped from the word 'die'. "I thought Avery talked to you last night.""I talked to her, and she promised to not do anything that will enrage me again," Elliot said casually. "I will give her another chance."Chad had thought that Avery would lecture Elliot so that he would not throw away his life, but to his surprise, it was Avery who was lectured.In the mansion, Avery was supposed to meet with the five experts she had hired befor
"Alright. Go to work!""Yeah." Avery grabbed her purse and jacket and headed out.The temperature in Bridgedale had dropped drastically as though they had skipped autumn and went straight into winter.She went into the car and gave Wilson the address of her destination."Miss Tate, have you made peace with Hayden?""Not yet. I was out of line and if I was him, I would still be mad as well," Avery said casually. "He likes chestnuts so let's buy some on our way back in the evening.""Yeah. Last night, he was the one who said he wanted to go to the drug store," Wilson said. "I didn't realize it last night but after thinking about it, I realized that he went to the drug store not because his cheek hurt, but because he didn't want you to feel overly guilty if it gets swollen."Avery felt even worse when Wilson said."Miss Tate, I know you didn't mean to hit him. It's just too hard for you to be stuck between Elliot and Hayden. No one on earth can handle their career and family affai
"Elliot, you have my parents. One thing, or ten, or even a hundred things, so long as I'm capable of doing them, I will do anything for you. All I ask is that you let me live after I'm done. My mom has diabetes and my stepfather has an old injury on his back, so he can't work anymore. They are both living off of the money I make. If I die, they won't survive either." Natalie lowered her head and tears rolled down her cheeks.Chad watched her from a distance and felt nothing but the irony in the situation. He felt no sympathy for Natalie, and her tears just looked like crocodile tears to him. If they took pity on her and let her live, she would definitely seek revenge on Elliot in the future whenever she had the chance."I have ordered my lawyer to draft up a contract. Sign it first, and I will consider if I'm going to let you live," he looked at her while sitting in the office chair."What kind of contract?" Natalie asked nervously.Elliot took out his phone to check the time, but
"Hey! Who are you calling Chubby?" The expert who was referred to as 'Chubby' asked angrily."You, of course! You are the chubbiest among the five of us! Your real name is too long for any of us to remember! We are just going to call you Chubby from now on!" Peter said."Fine. Chubby it is, then. My name is quite difficult to remember," Chubby said in defeat."Avery, you live with Elliot so you should know if he's a robot," Peter continued. "Have there been any abnormalities in the way he talks or acts?""I can assure you all that he is no different from the person he used to be," Avery said without hesitation. "He has his own way of thinking, and even his subconscious habits remain exactly the same. He is not being controlled, so we can cross that theory out."Three of the researchers including Chubby appeared to be disappointed."Peter, have you read through Angela's research data? What do you think?" Avery asked."If that device is keeping Elliot alive, and Elliot's mind belo
"Wilson, let's head home," Avery said."Aren't we going to buy chestnuts?" Wilson asked. "What happened?""Both Elliot and Hayden are at home. I'm worried that they will fight." Avery's heart sank. "Hayden is still mad at me, so he has to be mad at Elliot as well!""Those two didn't fight last night when you were inside the room! Hayden only got mad after you came out," Wilson said.Avery's head started pounding. "I'm still worried.""Let's hurry back, then."In the mansion, the nanny served Elliot a bowl of soup, before she went up with Hayden's bowl. Setting the bowl before him, she told Hayden that Elliot was home. Hayden immediately stepped out of his room with the bowl of soup in hand.This was his and his mother's house, and Elliot, Avery's former husband, was an outsider. Hayden did not intend on hiding in his room.The nanny was surprised to see Hayden out and about, but she was still relieved. She went into the living room, and when she remembered that Elliot was hom
Hayden instantly blushed."You are getting old. It's foolish to commit suicide simply because an old man blackmailed you!" Hayden's stern tone eased slightly."People change when they grow older. When I first met your mom, I wronged her in many ways; but then again, I was quite frustrated as well, because my so-called mother liked Avery."Hayden did not know much about Elliot and Avery's past, so his interest was piqued, and did not interrupt Elliot.By the time Avery hurried back, the atmosphere in the living room was unexpectedly peaceful.The nanny approached her with a smile and whispered, "They didn't fight. Mr. Foster has been extremely tolerant with Hayden, so Hayden couldn't quite find the opportunity to get mad at him."Avery sighed a silent breath of relief."Miss Tate, should I go buy some chestnuts?" Wilson asked."Yeah," she said, before going to sit next to Hayden. "Hayden, let me see your face.""It's fine now." Hayden did not want her to see the bruise on his f
The smile on Avery's face instantly froze."I like it that you are dominating," he added. "Back then, I used to consider protecting you and the kids as my responsibility, but now that I can't and need you to protect me instead... It's a hard pill to swallow, so I was quite upset for a while.""And now you are okay?" Avery could sense that he was more relaxed from his tone."Hayden taught me a lesson today." He shrugged. "I feel like maybe I've really aged.""Don't think like that. Everyone ages, and like an old machine, anyone would experience difficulties." She served a piece of steak onto his plate. "Eat well and drink well. There’s always hope.""You went to meet with those experts today, right? Do you think you can rely on them?" Elliot couldn't help but feel hesitant about the people Mike had gathered.Avery bit down on a piece of vegetable and chewed slowly. "I don't know them enough to say anything just yet, but Peter is famous. I didn't think he would come to our aid.""
Dean scowled. "Natalie, do you really think I should spend that much money to get my hands on the shares of Tate Industries?""Dad, anyone else who has that much money would take this opportunity," Natalie argued. "Elliot is busy trying to survive, and Avery is caught up with looking into his condition. Neither of them has time to monitor Tate Industries, and that's why there's a chance. If you let this opportunity go, what would happen if Avery actually manages to save Elliot?"Dean could barely focus on the words in the contract from Natalie's blabbering."Natalie, are you sure what you said is true?" Dean had been busy arranging his wedding with Angela and planning to take over a bigger enterprise, so he had not paid much attention to Tate Industries."I'm certain. I wouldn't bring this up if I'm not." Worried that Dean would not believe her, she continued, "I'm quite close to the vice-president of Sterling Group. Had Elliot not ordered him to work against me, he would have neve
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