Elliot suppressed his laughter. "Avery, what happened to raising them strong? It's just a tumble. Let him get up on his own."She flushed. "This is not the same thing." "The floor is carpeted, and he won't get a bruise even if he tries. He won't even break his bones or anything like that." Elliot eliminated all possible excuses Avery could come up with. "Do you understand that I'm not spoiling him on purpose? Sometimes, knowing something and actually doing it are two different things."Avery glared at him, and Elliot pulled her toward him. "Let's not disturb Robert and Rose. They are having fun."Robert had completely shifted his attention from his parents to Rose. He took Rose's hand and took her to the gaming area. "Rose, let me show you my toys! I have loads of them!"He left with Rose and Elliot said, "See? He doesn't need us at all. When he gets a girlfriend in the future, you will understand that nothing is up to you anymore."Half an hour later, Layla returned home from sc
"Oh... Mommy, where did you find her?" Layla asked curiously."Mommy went to the Hightide Church, and I met Rose there," Avery said. "There are over thirty girls there! They have all been taken in by the church. I will take you there next time, okay?"Avery wanted her daughter to experience the diverse nature of life so that Layla could see what life was like for different people."Sure!" Layla agreed without hesitation. "Mommy, I will go find Rose and Robert now. I don't want Robert to mess my room up.""Avery, let's go eat! I don't think the kids are hungry right now." Elliot dragged Avery to the dining room."I'm not really that hungry as well. I shared some snacks with Rose in the afternoon." Avery followed him into the dining room regardless. "I am going to tell Wesley about Rose's condition to see if he has any idea.""Go ahead! I can't help much apart from paying, anyways." Elliot knew his own limits very well.In Wesley's mansion, Wesley received the photo of Rose from A
Sebastian was shocked they found Dean's body, but he quickly regained his composure when the doctor handed the DNA test results to him, proving that the body indeed was Dean.Dean and Natalie had been engaged in a battle to the death, and no matter who would be defeated, it would end nastily.Since Dean's body had completely decomposed, they could not keep the body, and the Jennings family had him cremated immediately. They were only able to bring his ashes back home that night.Mr. Lycett followed the family and watched as Dean's decayed body burnt down to nothing.Though the body had already been cremated, the siblings still needed to discuss the details of his funeral."Mr. Lycett, announce our father's will now!" Violet looked at Mr. Lycett.Mr. Lycett immediately turned to look at Sebastian."Haha! Mr. Lycett, you didn't have to act so obviously. Have you informed Sebastian about what's written in the will?" Furious, Violet asked sharply, "Sebastian might be my father's c
"Don't be mad, Sis. Bobby didn't get anything as well. I pity you two! The two of you had made so many sacrifices for the family, and he didn't even leave you with anything. This is favoritism!""This will will be voided!" Violet's expression darkened as she gritted her teeth. "Just wait, Sebastian! I won't tolerate this!"Violet snatched the paper from the floor and stormed out of the mansion. The others followed her lead.The lawyer noticed the expression on Sebastian's face and tapped him on the shoulder. "Your father's will is protected by law, and even if they don't like it, they must accept reality. Sebastian, just make sure you focus on your father's funeral so the others won't think that the family is in a mess at the moment.""Thank you for the consolation. I knew that they would be furious and might even band together to file a lawsuit against me to get the money," Sebastian said. "I've hired a capable lawyer just in case, and if this really happens, I hope that I can hav
[I will handle that once my dad's funeral is over. Natalie still hasn't shown her face or contacted me.] Sebastian replied.[Leave her be. You can always think of a way to deal with her once she acts. She might be forming a plan.][She's probably the one who killed Dean. I'm a little afraid of her. I wanted to work with her before, but she ignored my offer.][There's no limit to how low she would sink, and she is no different than other criminals. People like her might be scary, but only the just will prevail. Just be careful, but don't be afraid.][When are you coming back to Bridgedale?][I won't be going back anytime soon. I will let you know if I'm visiting.][Okay.]Avery felt slightly concerned after chatting with Sebastian.Sebastian grew up with his mother, and children who grew up in a single-parent family would often lack a sense of security and would be more sensitive than others.She knew that Sebastian had to be worried to message her about Natalie. After a few th
She was terrified and was left with no option but to leave with her grandmother.After the morning prayer, the old woman took Irene into one of the church rooms. "Where will you go now?" one of the nuns asked."I have a relative that I can rely on. I only took Irene here because she was frail, and maybe it's because of the fresh air here, but she has indeed grown much healthier after staying here for over a year. I beg that you don't expose our whereabouts to others."The old woman compensated the church for looking after Irene, and she had stayed in the church to help them with their chores, and the nuns had great respect for her.When the old woman was bidding farewell to the nuns, Irene looked around. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence, and she had an air that drew people to her. "Grandma, I want to pee," she looked up and said, before running off.The old woman did not give it much thought and continued to talk to the nuns."Ever since Rose left, Irene's been depressed.
"Probably Avery Tate," the old woman drawled. "You should have lived a life like a princess, but someone ruined it."Tears welled up in her eyes again, and Irene shook her head frantically. "Could you have been mistaken, Grandma? Aunt Avery seems like a nice person. Why else would the sisters let her take Rose with her?""Do you really think that I would lie to you? Irene, why would I take you into hiding if you can live a normal life? The bad people had killed all your family members."Irene burst into tears."If only Madam didn't buy you off those traffickers, you would have died a long time ago. Irene, we must obey Madam to live." The old woman placed Irene on her lap and wiped away her tears."Who is Madam?""She is a silly and innocent woman who had nothing to do with all this, but she had come to Aryadelle years ago to look into those murders for the sake of the man she loves… She thinks that Avery was behind the murders... She is now gathering proof..."The old woman's wo
"Yeah. Earlier this morning, Shea even said that she wants to dye her hair white... I think she's probably going to do that if we really get to adopt Rose."Avery could not help but chuckle. "Let her do whatever she wants! Shea will look good in any color.""I told her to calm down and consider the matter for a few days," Wesley said. "Dying her hair isn't good for her hair and her scalp after all.""It's not really that bad as long as she doesn't do it frequently, or maybe you can get her a wig," Avery suggested. "She wore wigs all the time before.""I can't believe that I didn't think of that. I will talk to Shea once Rose's body check is done.""Yeah. Layla and Robert fell in love with Rose the moment they saw her last night. They thought that she was Ivy," Avery said with a smile, but the smile soon faded. "I hope that Ivy found someone who's kind to her as well.""She definitely did. You and Elliot are good people, and the gods would definitely shower Ivy with mercy. Even if
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