Leah had never suspected that Elliot would be the type of person who could lie so naturally, without any break in their expression. He did it so smoothly!George continued sending messages to Leah, coming clean about his finances.[I did, indeed, put some money with Mr. Foster. But, before we got registered, I got the money back from him. That money is all in the card that I gave you.][Hmm… Your boss is only saying this so my parents won't look down on you. He is quite nice for doing this. We'll listen to him and not expose him.][I know. I have to listen to him first before listening to you.]Leah could not help but smile. She had felt so strongly about marrying George because she liked his straightforward and open character. Sometimes, he was so direct that it made him seem a little naive.Before she had met him, she had never seen a person who would express everything they felt on their face. Being with George meant that she never had to guess what he was thinking. She was re
"George!" Elliot realized what the situation was and immediately called out to him.When George heard Elliot calling him, he instantly looked up. "Mr. Foster, what happened?"Elliot said, "Come out with me for a while."George immediately got up and followed Elliot out.When they left, Mrs. Kennedy immediately questioned her daughter, "Leah, George is unwilling to let us stay at his place, right? If he has any difficulties, he can tell us. He doesn't need to lower his head all the way to the floor. How awkward! Your father and I can't afford to be shamed by this."Leah was almost in tears, yet she could not tell them that Elliot was lying to them."George is not that sort of person. Mom, why don't you two stay in his mansion? He has renovated it quite nicely. He hires someone to clean it every week. It's clean…" Leah continued fervently, "His mansion isn't too far off, either. It's at the Third Ring. It's less than an hour's drive from the hotel you two are staying at!""I'm not
"She won't listen to me, but she'll listen to you. Could you bear to watch our daughter leave us? You wouldn't want to and you're not willing to either, so you have to instill this idea in her. When she looks for a boyfriend in the future, she should not look for people abroad. Not even people from a different city.""Honey, don't overthink this." Avery patted Elliot on the shoulder. "She is still young. Marriage is still a long way off.""Honey, you give me peace of mind." Elliot felt much better."Haha! Being worried about this is pointless. Sometimes, the more you're afraid of something, the more likely it'll happen. So, before things happen, it's best not to think about them.""Hmm…"In the neighboring city, after the old woman brought Irene home, Irene took a candy out of her bag and passed it to her."The teacher gave it to me."The old woman accepted the candy and asked, "Why did she give you candy? Did she give some to the other children as well?""Because no one played
[Hahaha! That is quite good for George. You've helped us in the past. George is very diligent in his work as well. We feel especially assured that he is the one protecting Layla. If you have any problems in the future, just let us know. There's no need to be too polite with us.][Alright, Avery. Go to rest early.][Hmm. You too.]Avery was prepared to go to bed after she was done texting.Elliot's voice echoed behind her."You're still awake?" Elliot was not asleep yet. Even with his eyes closed, he could see the glare from the light coming from her side, so he opened his eyes."Leah sent me a text. She said that her mother told her that Natalie has come to Avonsville." Avery turned her body to face Elliot. "Even though Natalie has no power now, we still have to be careful. Since she missed her chance the last time, who knows how twisted she has become?""I'll send somebody to keep an eye on her tomorrow." Elliot dispelled her concerns easily. "She was in Aryadelle, and she coul
"Yeah. I don't like anything related to the art of tea. My family forced me to learn it and that's why I traveled overseas to complete my education. I don't want to listen to them anymore," Juliet chatted with Avery, all the while focusing on her true intention.Avery was unlike anything she had imagined before. From the looks of it, Avery did not appear to be a horrible person."Juliet, would it be okay for me to ask about the scars on your wrist?" Avery had taken a few glanced at her wrists and realized that they were marks of attempted suicide.Juliet had not expected Avery to pay attention to her wrist and felt uncomfortable at the question. "I got into a huge fight with my family when I decided to come to Aryadelle to study. My father didn't want me to study abroad," she said calmly. "Sometimes, there's a price to pay when you want something. These were my prices in exchange for my freedom."Avery nodded, imagining the scene of Juliet cutting her own wrist."I sympathize with
"Hahaha! Have you tried looking for other jobs after graduation?" Avery asked with amusement."No. I was still thinking if I wanted to keep studying, but recently decided against it," Juliet explained. "I don't intend on getting married. I probably never will, so I'm definitely not getting a child. I can accept working overtime and highly intensive schedules..."The smile on Avery's face froze. "Juliet, why won't you consider getting married? If you work here, we would never deduct your salary or fire you simply because you are getting married or because you want a child. We have a lot of women working here. If you don't believe me, you can ask them in person."Juliet shook her head. "I'm not getting married because the person I love is dead."Avery was instantly rendered speechless. "I'm sorry!""It's fine. He wouldn't have married me even if he was alive anyway." Juliet’s lips curled into a bitter smile. "He likes someone else.""..."Avery felt a lump in her throat as she str
"Sure! Thank you for giving me this chance, Miss. Tate. I will work hard.""Yeah. Contact me if you need anything."The two exchanged contacts and Juliet took her leave.Avery walked toward her desk and picked up her glass to take a sip of water, when she suddenly remembered Elliot asking her to share her impression on Juliet after the interview, so she made a call to Elliot, who picked up right away."Are you goofing off? Why did you answer the phone so quickly?" She teased."Let's make a video call instead!" He hung up and made a video call to her, to which she answered with a smile.Elliot's face popped up on the screen and she couldn't tell that he was in the office, but he wasn't alone; there were a few other managers standing in his office.Elliot was using his front camera so Avery could see all of their faces. Though the managers couldn't see her, she still blushed in embarrassment. "Fine. I get that you are not goofing off. I'm hanging up now if you are working. Just ca
"Miss. Tate already asked me about that. I said that I didn't have any expectation in particular so you can just offer with the lowest wage you have.""The minimum salary for this position would be three to four thousand, so we are going to offer you three thousand at first. Once you pass the probation, you will get a raise. We do an appraisal every half a year depending on your performance.""Thank you! That salary is considered quite high already. I'm happy with it. I'll work hard." Juliet was overwhelmed by different emotions. She was happy that the interview went so smoothly, surprised because Avery accepted her despite her lack of experience, concerned because she didn't know if she could fulfill her duty well, and worried if she could find the truth of the Goulds Family's downfall....In the afternoon, Natalie walked out of her apartment with a bag of trash on her way to a salon for a haircut.Two minutes later, she noticed that she was being followed.It was during the da
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