[...][I feel like I can just retire now.][How is your son this talented, for crying out loud! My son is almost ten now and all he does is chase after little girls.][Congratulations, then. You might get a grandchild in another ten years' time.][Is there enough time for me to have a daughter so that she can get married to your son?][Of course. My youngest son just turned four this year.][But I want your eldest to be my son-in-law! I truly admire him!][And how do you know that my youngest wouldn't be more successful?]Elliot's friend widened his eyes in excitement and typed, [I am going to get me a daughter right away!][Good luck.][If I were you, I would just retire, Elliot. Your son is so capable that you can simply hand over your company to him.][He doesn't want it.][So you are passing it down to your daughter and your youngest son?][My daughter probably doesn't want it either. She wants to be a star.][Oh! That leaves you with your youngest son, then.][He i
"Isn't that a good thing? You can rest for a while.""Stop messing around! I'm still young! My mom would be worried sick if I didn't have a job," Chad said without hesitation. "And I would be bored as well.""I'm just kidding! I know you can't stand not having a job, just like your boss. If Avery wasn't home to keep an eye on Elliot, he would probably be working right now," Mike teased."Yeah. Avery needs some rest as well, so you should go back to Bridgedale. You can bring Hayden over for their wedding. Don't tell Hayden about this just yet. It's a surprise and we will wait till Christmas eve.""Alright, I get it. I'll leave tomorrow."...Meanwhile, in Bridgedale, Dean had agreed to meet with Holly that morning. Excited, he woke up at five and headed out at six.The sky was still dark, and the headlights of his car split the darkness in half.The people who had been waiting near Dean's house spotted his car and immediately took out their walkie-talkies. They sent their collea
Dean met Holly inside the club.As he studied the woman's face, he realized that she did not look anything like what he had imagined.Dean had dated countless women in his life, and he prided himself on his expertise in women, so he was not a stranger to plastic surgery. There were even times when he would accompany the women he dated to their appointments for plastic surgery.A person's natural face determined the limits of plastic surgery. No matter how far they took it, the procedure was only meant to make modifications to the foundation of one's face.Dean knew what Holly had looked like before. He had found her photos from the time Natalie had paid her to trap Elliot and Avery.Last night, he had spent a decent amount of time staring at Holly's photo.Sebastian had informed him that Holly had undergone plastic surgery, so he was not wholly unprepared, but Holly's new face was beyond anything he could have conceived. He stared at the woman before him and could not reconcile
"Holly, I have never been a stingy man. Help me find Ivy, and I can pay you ten or even a hundred times more. Once I have Ivy in my grasp, I can proceed with my new project. Do you know anything about my latest project? Once it succeeds, I will be richer than Elliot and Avery combined!""Good! I love working with straightforward people like you! Your daughter Natalie was the same.""Don't bring her up! She's a traitor!""Okay, I won't. So long as you pay me, I guarantee you will find Ivy," Holly said before unlocking her phone album to show him a photo of a little girl. "Look. This is Ivy."Dean adjusted his glasses to better focus on the screen.The girl in the photo was beautiful in a way that would win the hearts of many at first sight. He tried to take a closer look to see if the girl looked more like Elliot or Avery, but Holly drew her phone back toward her."This is Elliot and Avery's daughter, Ivy. She was sold off to a wealthy family which had had three sons and was despe
Holly burst out laughing as though she had heard the funniest thing. "Hahaha! Mr. Jennings, everyone here in Bridgedale knows how fulfilling your love life is! My guess is that maybe one of your ex-girlfriends or ex-wives looks like me.""Yeah! That's what I mean to say." Dean started chuckling as well. "Why did you come to Bridgedale, Holly? Do you know someone here?""I don't know anyone here." She set her cup down and continued coldly, "Don't try to look into my background, Dean. I'm not interested in you."Dean kept silent. Though the woman before him was by no means ugly, she was not his type either. He preferred younger women, and it was obvious that Holly wasn't young anymore. "I just admire you for your ability and am confused about your actions." He glanced at her casually. "You said that you have Ivy, so why not just hand her over to Elliot? If you return Ivy to him, not only will he not retaliate, he will pay you handsomely.""Mr. Jennings, are you Elliot Foster? How can
"Dean Jennings has shown up!" The man with the binoculars had a clear view of Dean's face."Is the person with him Holly Blanche?" the other man asked."I can't see... I don't think so! Look!" The first man handed the binoculars to his teammate. "That's odd. I thought Dean and Holly were supposed to come out together."His teammate took the binoculars and saw Dean getting into his car with a woman. He managed to catch sight of her face. "Huh? That's not Holly Blanche. Is she still inside the club?""Yeah, I didn't think so! They are driving off now. Should we follow them?""Aren't we looking for Holly Blanche? Let's go inside the club first! We can locate Dean Jennings easily.""Okay!"The two set the binoculars down and exited the car to head toward the club.The back door to the club was left open, so they entered through there.Half an hour later, they exited the club. One of them called their employer to report the situation."Sir, we didn't find Holly. We followed Dean
Dean's bodyguards glanced inside the house.It had a simplistic interior with just a few pieces of furniture which made the house appear extremely empty. Listening carefully, they heard the faint sounds of a little girl crying. "Is that Ivy crying?" Dean asked. "Why is she crying?""If I captured you and locked you inside a room, you would cry, too," Holly said calmly.Dean's expression darkened. "Why did you lock her up? Can't you just raise her like you would a normal child?""That's funny. When have you become so charitable, Mr. Jennings? Both Elliot and Avery have been searching for her, and this little girl... Well, she is not easy to manage, and she keeps trying to escape. She would have run off if I didn't lock her up."Dean fell silent when he heard Holly's explanation."You guys can go upstairs! She's in a room on the second floor," Holly said as she walked toward the kitchen. "I'm thirsty so I'm going to pour myself a glass of water! You guys want anything to drink?"
Before Dean could respond, the little girl said again, "Grandpa, look at them..."She pointed at Dean's bodyguard and said, "They look like puppets!"Dean turned around to find his bodyguard being held at gunpoint, and another gun was pointed directly at him. Terrified, Dean instinctively raised his arms. "What... What are you doing... I paid... I paid Holly Blanche 1.5 million... Is that not enough? How much do you want? Just... name your price... I will pay you right away!" he stuttered.He did not want to die. He was going to make a lot more money and become the richest man in the world. He would surpass Avery, Elliot, and all of his friends.Everyone who spoke his name would refer to him as a legend."Dean Jennings, did you ever stop and think that I'm not after money?" said a woman who was standing at the door. 'Holly' stood outside the door wearing a cold smile.Dean sobered at the sight of her face.It was no wonder she looked familiar, he had seen that face before an
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