"That's right! Her father did give her the technology that he'd been studying. At the same time, he also gave her millions of dollars worth of debt. Would you want this inheritance if it was given to you?" Mike burst out laughing.Everybody fell silent once again.In Aryadelle, Elliot was dreaming.It was hard to say if this dream was a sweet dream or a nightmare.That was because he was dreaming that he was climbing a mountain.His brain injuries had yet to fully recover, so, when he was halfway up the mountain, he began to feel dizzy, and he could not see the path under his feet.To keep from falling down, he held the handrail by the side of the mountain road and stopped to catch his breath.Then, he raised his head and looked in the direction of the Hightide Chapel.In his dream, he was the only one climbing the mountain. He might have carried Avery down on his back earlier on.A voice was guiding him and asking him to look at the mountaintop because his daughter, Ivy, was
Avery suddenly woke up.She was woken up by Elliot.Elliot had suddenly let out a sound that was halfway between an angry bellow and a desperate sob.She heard it even clearer when she woke up."Elliot… Did you have a nightmare?" Avery sat up and raised her hand to switch on the lights in the room.All she saw was Elliot, covered in sweat, and with a frightful expression on his face."Elliot!" Avery's voice grew even louder as she tried to wake him from his nightmare. "Elliot, wake up!"Her voice pulled Elliot back to reality from the dream.Elliot opened his eyes, tears clearly forming at their corners."Elliot, did you have a nightmare? What did you dream of?" Avery reached out her hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead. "Do you want some water? I'll go get you water."Elliot immediately grabbed her arm and did not let her get out of bed."Avery, I dreamed that I went to Hightide Chapel. It wasn't a nightmare… It was just a little bizarre." He looked at Avery's face, his
Avery said, "Is it that serious? Why don't I get you a psychiatrist?"Elliot said, "Avery, do you really not understand what I said?""I don't understand! I feel like you're quite normal. Why would you say that you're useless?" Avery hugged his waist and suddenly figured it out. "I got it! You want to do that!"Elliot was confused.Avery said, "Brain injuries are no small matter and not to be taken lightly. You still haven't gone for your follow-up checkup! Let's wait and see what the results are after your next checkup. You shouldn't think about those kinds of messy things for now. Just rest properly. After you've recovered, you can do whatever you want, and I won't hold you back.""No… Didn't you say that you wanted to encourage me when you came back yesterday morning?""Oh, that's what you're talking about!" Avery did not expect him to have such a good memory. "I would have forgotten if you hadn't brought it up. Hahaha!"She smiled, tip-toed, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
At breakfast, Elliot brought up the dream he had had the night before."Avery, I think I should make a trip there." Elliot wanted to go up the hill to confirm his dream."Elliot, I have seen all the children there. Ivy is not there. I’m sure of it. There is not a child that looks like me or you." Avery carefully thought back to the children’s faces as she said that. "If you don’t believe me, when Layla returns, you can go through the photos in her phone once more."Elliot has seen the group photo the night before. However, at that time, he had only glanced at it. He had not looked at it carefully."Maybe it’s because I didn’t take you along up the hill the last two times, so you feel left out, which is why you had that dream," Avery proposed. "The next time, when the weather is better, I'll take you there to have a look. If I don't, I'm afraid that you'll keep thinking about it.""Hmm, maybe it is like what you said. If Ivy is on that hill, how would we not have found her after so
"Layla, give her a money jar next time, then! She can save her own money and buy whatever she wants in the future," Shea said dotingly."Okay, Aunt Shea. I'll bring it next week." Then, Layla asked curiously, "Aunt Shea, will you send Rose to school today?""On Monday, we'll take her to the kindergarten to have a look and see if she wants to go to school or not. If she wants to, she'll go to school with Kiara. If not, she'll stay at home, and I'll care for her." Shea could accept anything, as long as Rose was healthy."I want to go to school with Kiara, but I'm afraid that I don't know anything," Rose said."When I was young, I didn't properly go to a kindergarten! Hayden didn't go to a kindergarten either. He found it too childish. Rose, don't worry about not knowing anything! You can go and try it out first. If you're not happy with it, you don't have to go," Layla said encouragingly."Hmm!"After the four children played together for a while, Layla took Rose and Kiara to anoth
"Yes! Irene looks like your Daddy when he is young! Hehe!" After Rose made this discovery, she looked at Layla's phone closely.Layla also looked at her screen. "Are you for real? Do you have Irene's photo? Oh, right, you don't have a phone…""I don't have a photo. We have never taken a photo before," Rose explained. "The Sister never allowed others to take photos of us. She has never taken photos of us either.""Oh… It's a pity I have never seen your friend. If not, I would know whether she looks like my Daddy or not," Layla said and pondered on this for a few seconds. She continued, "Actually, I do not know if my Daddy looked like this when he was young. I was just having some fun. I'll go ask him later when I go home. See if he really looked like this when he was young.""Hmm." Rose nodded obediently."Rose, haven't you seen my Daddy before? When you saw him, didn't you feel that he looked like your friend?" Layla asked with a smile."Uncle Elliot doesn't look like her right n
"Mommy, look at Uncle Elliot… Layla has a photo where she turned Uncle Elliot young. Tap on it. I don't know how to do it." Kiara pointed at the phone.Robert was looking at them intently by the side. He placed his new toy down and took Layla's phone from Shea's hand. He skillfully opened the photo album and found the photo of his father.When he saw the photo of his father as a young child, he snickered, "Hehe! Daddy is so cute!"Then, Robert kissed the screen without any warning."Robert, you naughty boy! That's disgusting! You made my screen dirty!"Layla flew over and rescued her phone from Robert. At the same time, she shoved Robert to the side.Robert pouted, looking aggrieved. "You don't want to play with me, and you pushed me away. I'm going to tell Mommy when we get home.""If you dare to tell Mommy, I won't play with you ever!" Layla threatened Robert, completely unperturbed.She was confident in her control over Robert.Sure enough, Robert caved. He was so frightene
The old woman saw Irene crying. She could not bear to watch."Then, eat up first. After your meal, I'll take you around the neighborhood to walk. Irene. It is a thousand times better here. You will surely like living in the city," the old woman said. "Rose is lucky, too! She has been adopted by Avery Tate. She won't have to worry in the future.""Grandma, didn't you say that Aunt Avery is a bad person? Since she is a bad person, why do you say that Rose will have a good life?""A bad person might not treat everyone badly. She might treat Rose well.""Then how do you know that she will treat Rose well? What if she bullies Rose? Unless she isn't as bad as you say," Irene said logically.Ever since leaving the chapel, she had been thinking about Avery and Rose.The Avery Tate she had met was such a gentle person. She did not look like a bad person. A person's eyes, tone, and impression that they had left on another person would not lie.Of course, Irene was still young. She could n
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