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
In the Bridgedale branch of Tate Industries, the president's secretary notified all management level employees to gather in the meeting room as soon as the office opened.Most of the employees in the branch were hired by Natalie, and she was the most powerful figure they had ever been in contact with, which was why everyone was shocked when Chad informed them that Natalie had resigned."Why would Ms. Jennings resign?""She was just fine two days ago. We even discussed the sales in the fourth quarter... This is so out of the blue."...Chad listened to everyone quietly, before proceeding to explain, "Due to personal reasons, Natalie Jennings has left Tate Industries. As for her future plans, you are welcome to ask her about it in private. From now on, she has nothing to do with Tate Industries.""Chad, that's not the real reason, right? You don't need to make excuses. If you won't tell us why she really left, she definitely won't dare to tell us anything.""You fired Natalie, did
This meant that this so-called relative was not someone they knew.Shortly after, Chad strode back in and informed Elliot, "Mr. Foster, this woman claims to be Peter White's wife. Do you remember Peter? He's your half-brother."Elliot's expression instantly darkened at the mention of that name.He knew that Peter had been in Bridgedale the entire time. Peter was hardly a capable man, yet he was more ambitious than anyone he knew."Why would his wife come looking for me?" Elliot didn't want to meet with the woman."To ask for money," Chad said. "She said that Peter had tried running a business and failed, and he is now in enormous debt. He is missing and the loan shark has come for her. She can't pay the debt, so she has come to ask you for help.""How much does she want?" Elliot stood up."I didn't ask. Should I go and ask her?""Bring her here. I'll ask her myself.""Okay." Chad left the meeting room and brought Peter's wife back, before leaving the room immediately after.P
"What are you talking about? What daughter?" Since the old man had an accent, the receptionist was even more impatient.At that moment, a guard walked over to check on the situation."I think he is most likely here to ask for blackmail money! He said that his daughter got him to come and look for Mr. Foster. How could our boss know such a person like him? He doesn't even know how to lie properly. I'm guessing he wants to kiss up to our boss!" The receptionist was in a bad mood. "This morning, there was also another lady that claims to be Mr. Foster's relative, so I already informed them about her. Turns out, that lady wanted to ask Mr. Foster for money!"The receptionist said with a sigh, "My manager privately gave me an earful! He said to not simply report anything in the future. If someone were to be truly Mr. Foster's relative, how could they not have his phone number?"The guard thought that what she said made sense. It was better to not create trouble. They were ordinary peopl
"Okay." The receptionist did not expect Chad to be so meticulous.Chad went to the surveillance room to check on the footage. He took a photo with his phone and sent it to Elliot.The old man looked extremely foreign to Chad. They most probably had not met each other before.Elliot received Chad's photo. After looking at it for a while. He replied with a question mark.Chad: [Mr. Foster, do you know this man? He came looking for you at the office just now.]Elliot tapped into the photo and zoomed in once more. Seeing the man's face, he replied, [I don't know him. Why is he looking for me?]Chad: [The receptionist said that he has a strong accent. He should be a foreigner. He said that his daughter has something to say to you.]Elliot: [I don't know him. I don't know his daughter either. I have no female friends in Bridgedale.]Chad: [Alright. I'll just ignore him.]At the hospital, Dean felt more alive after the drip. He got out of bed and paced around for a little while.Per
Dean's face darkened sinisterly! "Mary, previously, a shocking scandal about my family was released. You must have heard of it, right?" Dean intimidated her. "Do you really think that I don't dare to kill you?"Mary had just finished university. She had not witnessed the dangerous part of society before. How could she bear Dean's cruel tactics?It would be a lie to say that she was not afraid.However, she was not afraid of what Dean would do to her. She was afraid of death. She was, after all, different from Angela.Angela had lived for a long time. She had seen everything she had wanted to see. However, Mary's life was just beginning, yet it had to end already."Uncle Dean, before my mom died, she talked to me for a while." Mary was silent for a while before saying, "She said she had already achieved what she wanted to achieve. She had no regrets in this life. The importance of life is not in its length, but in how well you live it. She felt that if she were to continue living
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