"Shut up.""Okay! I'll stop talking about him. Let's take Hayden to the music festival tonight.""Sure! A place like that would be more fun if there were more people."…At five in the afternoon, Avery returned home to change her clothes."Avery, you have a parcel," The nanny immediately told her when she saw her return.Avery nodded but she did not take the parcel. She had to quickly change her clothes and rush to the music festival."It's a parcel from Aryadelle." The nanny noticed that Avery avoided looking at the parcel, and she added, "This morning, Mike wanted to open it, but I stopped him."Avery smiled. "Thank you! He likes to open my parcels.""I think this isn't good.""Hmm, such a habit isn't good, but I'm quite close to him, so even if he opens my parcels, I won't be angry." Avery walked toward the bedroom.The nanny said, "I stopped him from opening your parcel, you won't be angry, right?""Of course, not," Avery said, "You did well.""That's good." The nanny
"Dad!" Nadia suddenly noticed her father, so she quickly made her way over to him."Dad, why are you here?" Nadia was surprised. "If I knew you were coming over, I would have come with you!"Oliver looked around before saying in a soft voice, "Nadia, be quiet. I'm hiding from Dean Jennings' bodyguard.""Why are you hiding?" Nadia's voice decreased in volume as well."I'm here to see Avery. She gave your mother a bank card. I'm here to return it to her." Oliver pulled his daughter and headed to the side."Dad, why don't you give me the card? I'll return it to her, so you don't have to keep hiding. How tiring!""Sigh, I still have other things to talk to her about." Oliver asked, "Why are you here? Are you here to see your blind date? I remember that you don't like to be in crowded places.""Yes! He asked to meet here. Perhaps, he likes it here! I already said I'm not compatible with him, but Mom insists I come to meet him once more, so I'm here! But this is the last time," Nadia
Nadia was a little bewildered. She did not expect Avery to be so affectionate and proactive.She took her phone out and opened her social media app. Avery gave her the QR code for her to scan.Soon, they added each other on social media.When Avery saw that she had added Big N as a friend, she almost laughed out loud."Nadia, the good-looking hunk in your profile picture has a good body! Is he your boyfriend?" Avery did not expect that she would meet Eric's blind date more quickly than he would.Also, according to Avery's observation, Nadia was definitely a girl."No. This is my younger brother. He likes going to the gym," Nadia blushed and said."Miss Tate, my brother and I have split up. I'll go look for him first," Nadia said and quickly left. She called her brother's phone. The call went through, but no one picked up. She called twice but her brother did not pick up.She was suddenly a little panicked.At that moment, E sent a message to her, [Are you here?]She was busy
When Avery heard that, she had inexplicably mixed feelings."Miss Tate, Angela wanted to get the award, and Dean wanted to cheat people out of money. Their goal was never to help anyone," Oliver said, basically summarizing what he wanted to say."Mr. Raven, since you know that Dean is doing it to cheat people of money, why did you still join his team?" Avery found it pitiful.Oliver blushed. "We're not rich. After my wife resigned, I'm the only breadwinner. My son and daughter are still in school. I still have to pay for my parents every month…""Take the money." Avery forced the card back to Oliver. "I suggest that you find a way to leave Dean Jennings, or you just do nothing and just wait.""Wait for what?""Wait for his retribution."Oliver understood. "Miss Tate, I'll make a move. If there is anything, we'll contact each other by phone.""Okay."After Oliver left, Avery took her phone out. She initially wanted to call Hayden, but she changed her mind and called Eric first.
"Okay! Then you should rest early tonight. I plan to book the flight for tomorrow afternoon.""Okay."At that moment, a blast of music rang out from the speakers. Everyone was instantly attracted by it.…Fred bumped into Nico after he got split up with Eric.At that time, Nico had split up with his sister too.Perhaps due to some special destiny, they soon bumped into each other. After they met, Nico pulled Fred along to play some games.Fred was initially reluctant, but Nico was too affectionate. Fred thought that Eric did not want to meet him, so he reluctantly played some games with him.Time passed, minute by minute. Suddenly, a familiar song rang out from behind!"Damn! My boss!" Fred immediately looked toward the stage.On stage, Eric was holding the microphone and singing! It was really his boss! "What is going on?" Fred immediately ran toward the stage.Nico also saw the dazzling man on stage. The music festival did not state that Eric was performing!"Nico, you
Nadia was shaken by her mother's words."Which one is E?" Nico looked around the stage, but he did not find Fred anywhere."On stage! The one singing right now... That's E!" Mrs. Raven shouted, desperately hoping that she could be at the concert."Mom, E isn't on stage! That's Eric Santos!""E is Eric Santos! Oh my god! I was wondering why he looked so familiar the last time I met him! So he's the big star, Eric Santos!" Mrs. Raven said, her blood pressure rising as she thought about it. "I can't do it! I feel so dizzy... I need to go lie down..."She hung up and the siblings turned to look at each other in bewilderment."Sis, what's going on?!""How would I know?! Weren't you the one who met E?""Yeah! The E I met with was a slightly chubby guy and I was just playing games with him! He's not Eric Santos! I would know if it's Eric Santos!" Nico said.Just then, the music on stage stopped and another singer walked onto stage after Eric's song to throw his arm around Eric's shou
"Let's go home and sleep! You will have whatever you want in your dreams."…Eric stepped down from the stage and Fred hastily left with him."How can you act so willfully, Mr. Santos? We didn't take the bodyguards here with us!" Fred was terrified to death."There are security guards around.""It's still not safe enough! I saw Big N—""The one you met with is a fake. Avery met with the true Big N and I heard that she's a gentle young woman who looked exactly like her photo. She has a younger brother and used his photo for her profile picture on social media," Eric explained. "The person you saw was probably her younger brother. She was forced to go on a blind date by her family, too, and she's a victim just like me.""Victim? She's your blind date! I would be so happy I could die if I were her." Fred drove them out and left the noisy beach."Fred, not everyone wants the same thing.""I don't really understand, but I guess there's no need for me to understand. You won't cross
The package was small and light when she picked it up. She glanced at the details stated on the box and found out that it was from Aryadelle and the sender was 'W'.Realizing that it was from Wesley, she immediately tensed as she was overwhelmed by curiosity.She found a pocket knife and opened the package."What is it?" Mike stood next to her and tried to look inside the box, while Hayden stood on the other side, trying to do the same.There was a blue box inside and Mike immediately snatched it away out of Avery's hands. "Judging from the look on your face, you don't seem to know what it is. I will open it, just in case it's dangerous!" Mike said, before proceeding to open the blue box.He froze as soon as the box was open because he could not tell what it was and whether it was dangerous."Let me see." Concerned, Hayden took it from Mike before Avery could reach for it.Avery scowled as she watched Hayden take the item, and she could not help but feel a wave of familiarity wa
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