Hayden watched his sister's innocent little face, then shattered her fantasy."A dirtbag is called a dirtbag because he can love multiple women at once. Don't be fooled by Elliot Foster."Layla felt a little disappointed.She did not dare tell her brother that, even though Elliot was a dirtbag, she could not help but feel drawn to him.…After dinner, Avery called Hayden to her room for a private conversation."Do you know what I want to talk to you about, Hayden?"Hayden hung his head and said nothing."What did you promise me? You said that you would never mess with Elliot Foster again, but you broke your promise," Avery said as her heart filled with unease. "I know you did it for me today, but this isn't the way—""I'm sorry, Mommy," Hayden apologized as he looked up. "I won't do it again.""Hayden, Elliot is not as nice as you think he is. We're already divorced. If you anger him again one day, and he decides not to take our past relationship into account, he won't let us
If Avery had an ounce of dignity left, she would end the call immediately.As expected, Avery suddenly became aware when she heard Zoe's voice."I'm sorry for interrupting your date. I'll accept the gift, but I won't give you anything in return. Please don't give me anything ever again."She hung up the phone before Elliot could respond.The sound of the call being terminated made Elliot feel as if his heart had been pierced. He felt a dull ache in his chest. "I heard that Avery locked herself in her car last night. Is she alright now?" Zoe asked."She's fine." Elliot was disinterested and did not want to discuss Avery. "You mentioned there was a doctor you wanted to recommend. Who is it?"Zoe pulled out a business card from her bag and handed it over to Elliot."I heard that this is Aryadelle's top psychiatrist. Her appointments are booked up until next year. I used my connections and managed to get you a slot for next Wednesday morning. You can take Shea to see her, then."
Hayden turned up the brightness of the bedside lamp.There was a CD and a piece of paper.Layla unfolded the piece of paper and stared at the words on it.After inspecting it a few times, she cluelessly handed it over to Hayden and said, "What does it say, Hayden? I don't know how to read this."Hayden glanced at the piece of paper, then said indifferently, "I can't read it either."After all, he too was in preschool.The words on the piece of paper looked to be in a foreign language. The reason for that was that the paper was written using professional jargon. "What's this, then?" Layla asked as she picked up the CD and inspected it.There were no pictures or words on it.Hayden also felt curious about the CD.However, there was no way for him to check its contents without his laptop."Don't we need to put this in a computer to see what's inside, Hayden?" Layla asked, then something hit her. "We could borrow Uncle Mike's laptop!"Hayden saw the spark in his sister's eyes.
If Layla had known about the contents in the box, she would not have gone through all the trouble to bring it home.However, it would be difficult for her to return it now without anyone finding out.She probably would never be able to go to her dirtbag dad's house ever again.Forget it! She would just keep the box hidden under the bed.It was nothing but a CD and a piece of paper, so it definitely was not anything important.By the time Hayden entered the bedroom after returning the laptop, Layla had already fallen into a deep slumber.In the other room, Avery was wide awake.Perhaps it was because she had overslept that day that she was now wide awake.When wide awake, one's mind would wander when one had nothing else to do.At this moment, for example, Avery's mind was obsessing over Elliot.Her head was filled with images of his handsome face, while every breath she took reminded her of his.She could even remember the touch and temperature of his skin.If he had not fo
Ten minutes later, Cole appeared in front of Zoe.He was dressed in his pajamas and a pair of sandals.His hair was disheveled because he had rushed over right after the phone call.He wanted to throw a fit!That phone call from Zoe baffled him.How could Zoe be so rude to him?He had not planned the events that had taken place at the hotel. He was a victim, too!However, when he saw Zoe's eyes red with tears, the rage inside of him instantly vanished."What's wrong, Dr. Sanford?" Cole asked, then cleared his throat and said, "My uncle didn't dump you, did he?"Zoe laughed bitterly as she grabbed onto the tree that was next to her and got to her feet. "I'm pregnant, Cole Foster!" she hissed through gritted teeth as her mouth filled with the strong taste of blood. "You're the father!"The corners of Cole's lips twitched."No way… We only did it once…" he said in disbelief.Before he could cry out, Zoe picked up her bag and violently attacked him with it."You b*st*rd! You
Elliot took out a couple of pieces of candy from his pocket and placed them in Shea's hand.Shea finally let go of Elliot's hand when she saw the candy.After watching Shea enter the treatment center, Elliot's heart filled with unease.This was the first time he had taken her to see a psychiatrist.Moreover, she was with one of the country's leading psychologists. He wondered if Shea would be able to overcome her mental and emotional obstacles.The doors to the treatment center opened about half an hour later.Shea hurried out and ran straight into Elliot's embrace.Her emotions were relatively stable.She was not crying, but she was just a little scared and nervous.Elliot wrapped his arms around Shea and patted her back."It's alright, Shea. I've been waiting here the entire time."The doctor offered Elliot a seat on the couch next to them."Mr. Foster, I took a look at the information you sent over last night. From my interaction with Shea just now, I don't think she's
"Let's have lunch together," Elliot said. He was inviting Avery to lunch. Avery met his eyes and asked, "Have you been waiting out here this entire time?"In silent acquiescence, Elliot nodded lightly.If he had not been waiting for her, he would have left a long time ago. Avery looked up at the sun.It was early fall, so it was not as hot out, but the afternoon sun was still rather hot."Where's Shea?" she asked.Elliot shot a look over to the parking lot, then said, "She's in the car.""I see… You two go ahead! My mom cooked, so we're going home for lunch," Avery said, declining his offer without hesitation.She could not figure out what Elliot was thinking by asking her to eat at the same table as Shea.Did he not feel shame?Even if he wanted to two-time—No, three-time anyone, there was no need for him to be this obvious about it!"I made a reservation at that restaurant over there," Elliot said as if he was unfazed by Avery's rejection. "I need to send Shea to school
This was Elliot's chance to start a deep conversation with Avery."Shea and I—"He began to speak, but the photo on Avery's phone screen grabbed his attention."Who's this man?"He looked a little familiar.Elliot kept glancing back at the photo. He was sure that he had seen the man before, but could not recall anything about him.Avery snatched her phone back."You haven't changed at all. You're still just as controlling. Is this a common problem that older men face?"She shoved her phone into her bag, then said mockingly, "He's a celebrity I've been following recently. He's handsome, right? Not only that, but he's also very young. I've recently been into this type of man."Elliot gritted his teeth in rage.Was she calling him old?He planned on having a proper conversation with her, but it looked like there was no need for that!After all, she had no interest in older men and only liked young men!"What did you want to tell me just now?" Avery asked.The anger in Elli
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