"Sebastian, sometimes the mere concept of something is enough to earn you a fortune. I don't actually need them to replicate Angela's reach completely. As long as they manage to recreate a close-enough shell of what it actually is, we can sell it." Dean smiled triumphantly."So how did the meeting go with Angela's team, then? What did they say?" Sebastian's heart sank. If the team had comprehended Angela's research fully, Dean would have the power to blackmail Avery and Elliot; but if they weren't fully familiarized with how the device worked, Dean would not be able to control the two."Only one of them came today and I just had a brief talk with him." Dean leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. "He said that Angela had only exposed each of them to different parts of the whole research so we won't succeed unless we get everyone in that team on board.""I knew Angela would not let anyone near the core information of her research." Sebastian quietly sighed a breath of relief, k
If he was Natalie, he would be so devastated that he would wish to disappear from the world."I don't care if she is having a hard time. I am bringing her back here!" Dean narrowed his eyes dangerously. "If there's something I hate most in my life, it is to be duped! Natalie is afraid of Elliot, so she helped him trick me. She probably thinks that I won't kill her because I'm her father! Haha!"Based on what Dean had said, Sebastian already knew that once Natalie was caught, she would not live.In the evening, Oliver Raven was on the phone in the living room of his apartment.Oliver Raven was one of the members of Angela's research team. When the research was concluded, Angela paid each of the members a handsome amount of money before dismissing the team. Every member had signed a contract prior to entering the research, which stated that they were not to work in the same field within three years after the project had ended.One of the members, Liam West had attended Angela's fune
A message notification popped up on Eric's phone.[A message received from 'Big N'.]Eric came out of the shower and heard the notification while he was drying his hair. He reached out for his phone and his lips twitched when he saw the word 'Big N'.What kind of person would name themselves 'Big N' when they were being set up by relatives?His fingers glided on the screen of his phone and typed. [No.][No, what? You are not in Bridgedale?] She replied.[I'm in Bridgedale, but not for you.][Oh, why then? Work? Travel? What do you usually film on your vlog? What's your account name? I want to check it out. *Drooling*]When Eric saw the drooling emoji in the message, he immediately imagined a greasy old man before him. He took a deep breath and turned to pour himself a glass of water to calm down.He thought back to what Avery had said to him earlier that day and summoned up the courage to reply. [Are you a man or a woman? My parents said you are a girl, but I don't really feel
When Eric saw the words 'big muscles', it became increasingly difficult to view the person he was talking to as a woman. He captured the screen of their conversation and sent it to Avery, so that she could get a feeling of what their interaction was like.Avery finally understood Eric's confusion after seeing the screenshot and sent him a message. [Maybe she is a girl, but subconsciously feels like she's a boy.][Do women have 'big muscles'?] Eric replied.[They do! Go search online. People who go to the gym often have them.][Alright! She is asking me out. Should I meet with her?][Depends on you. But it's probably going to be quite difficult to explain it to your parents if you refuse to meet her, right?]Eric fell into silence thoughtfully and realized that he had to meet with this woman, or his life could never be normal again, so he immediately sent Nadia a message.[When are you free?]Nadia went through her schedule and replied after a while. [Afternoon. The day after to
Meanwhile, in Aryadelle, Elliot had rested for the whole night and sent both Robert and Layla off to school the next morning.When he arrived at Layla's school, he ran into Leah, who gasped when she saw him.Leah knew that Elliot was back but had thought that he was too weak to go outside, which was why she was surprised to see him out and about like a normal person."Mr. Foster, how are you doing? You look great," Leah said."Yeah. I feel alright so far," Elliot said, before changing the subject. "I heard that you were the one who told George that your cousin was behind what happened in Ylore. I haven't had the chance to thank you.""You are too kind, Mr. Foster. Even if it wasn't you but someone else who had fallen victim to such a trap, I would have told the truth as well. I didn't do it so you will thank me. I only did it because my conscience told me to, so you and Miss. Tate should really stop thanking me. She's already thanked me on messages multiple times," Leah said sheep
"I think you and Miss Tate are a perfect match. Even though you are divorced; it doesn't really feel like you were ever separated." George didn't have much experience in relationships, but he could still tell how much Elliot and Avery cared about each other.It wasn't hard for one to tell if two people loved one another."Avery and I are the minority. Most people cut all ties as soon as they get a divorce," Elliot reminded him. "Take this opportunity to observe her and see if she's the wife you are looking for.""Yes, Mr. Foster. I will do so.""Don't need to be too nervous. Just follow your feelings," Elliot added."Okay."Shortly after, the car stopped in front of Sterling Group.Elliot opened the car door and stepped outside.It had only been a few months since he was last here, but it felt as though it had been years. He felt both relieved and burdened at the strange yet familiar feeling.As soon as he stepped into the office, all the managers rushed into Elliot's office.
"This brings us back to the question we discuss on the very first day: whether reviving the dead is really possible." Peter was extremely excited when he talked about this. "Angela might have won the Marshall's Award and she seemed to have had it all, but there was only one successful case for her research and that is Elliot."Avery already knew what he was about to say."Avery, don't you think it's too much of a coincidence? All the past winners of Marshall's Award had countless successful cases for the medicine or medical methods they had invented. The high success rate is precisely what proved that they made great contributions to society, hence leading them to the Marshall's Award. Don't you think it's odd that Angela won the award when her experiment had only ever succeeded once?"Avery did not respond.She was rendered speechless, but at the same time, she had already learned that Angela won the award through unofficial means through Professor Greens."Marshall’s Award is th
[Oh? He was in the office today?] Avery typed.[Yeah! *Smiling*] The manager responded.Avery stared at the smiling emoji after every message the manager had sent and felt slightly embarrassed.[Okay. *Smiling*][I won't keep you from resting, then. *Smiling*][Sure. *Smiling*]After talking to the manager, a few others came and sent her messages. She took a deep breath and tapped on his contact. [You just can't wait to start working, huh? *Smiling*]Elliot looked at the emoji at the end of her message and felt chills down his spine.[I just went back to take a look.] He immediately replied.[Oh. I'm asking that you stop working. Just be careful not to exhaust yourself. Have you bought the ticket back to Bridgedale?][Not yet. I want to stay with the kids for a few more days. I will go back after this weekend.][Sure.][Why aren't you asleep? It's not bad for you to stay up this late every night.][I'm about to go to sleep. By the way, Eric is here in Bridgedale. He is on
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