"Alright. Are you getting off work now?" Melvin checked the time and asked.Avery hummed in response.Elliot had just texted her, reminding her to go home."Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" She asked."Nothing much. Maybe just a chat... If you are in a hurry, you should go! It's not important..." Melvin smiled.Curious, she asked, "what is it? Go ahead! Elliot's isn't coming to pick me up today so I'm in no hurry!""Oh. Why isn't he coming? Busy?""I told him not to." She studied Melvin's face and guessed, "is that something you want from me? Money, or something else...""Pfftt!" He let a laugh escape. "It's really nothing important... I'm just curious as to why you chose Juliet Sutton to be your assistant. I've seen her resume and there isn't anything special about her. I met her in person this morning as well and she seemed pretty shy. Can someone like that handle the job?"Relieved, Avery said, "so that's what this is all about! SHe's not as shy as you think. Af
"I'll see what she can do first. As long as she has the right mindset, she should be able to get used to the job soon. Everyone was fresh and green when they first graduated." Avery came to a decision. "Let's eat!""I'm already done." He set his spoon down and glanced at her plate. "You were chewing on a bite of pasta for over a few minutes.""That bad?" She blushed and changed the subject. "What about your assistant? I suppose a lot of people have submitted their resume to your end, right? Should be easy enough to hire one.""Human resources has started interviewing them," he said. "Once they are done with filtering the candidate, I'll interview them myself.""You really don't care, huh? How could you not when they are hiring your assistant?""It's just an assistant. Anyone who fulfills all my requirements couldn't be too bad," he said calmly."Talent is one thing, but isn't it important to know if they are a good match to your personality as well? Just look at you and Chad!" Av
"Leave me alone! I haven't finished my homework!"Robert stood pathetically next to her, not daring to move or speak.Seeing how upset he seemed, she patted his head like she was petting a puppy. "I haven't finished my homework! Go find Mom and Dad!""They went into their room to talk. I don't know what they are talking about, but they closed the door." Robert pouted. "No one wants to play with me.""What about Mrs. Cooper?""I don't want to play with Mrs. Cooper. I want to play with you, with Mom and Dad," he demanded."I already told you that I'm not done with my homework. If I play with you, I will fail my exam and I won't be able to go outside to play," she said impatiently.Robert couldn't possibly understand why his sister was anxious. "You can stay home and play with me if you can't go outside! I love playing with you, Layla!" He took her hand and begged.All patience Layla had for her little brother was drained from her at that moment, replaced by anger. "Go away! If I
A few minutes later, Avery's face was filled with disbelief and shock. She immediately found Melvin's number and made a call to him."Is there something you need, President Tate?" Melvin was slightly surprised to receive a call from her. "Have you eaten?""Melvin, I just saw your proposal and saw that you want to hire a spokesperson, which is fine by me, but why do you have to choose Eric out of all people? Don't you know he's my friend? If we reach out to him, he's definitely not going to take any money from us."A few years ago, there had been a crisis in the Tate Industries and Eric had chosen to resume his job as an idol to support Tate Industries; not only did he write a song over the Tate Industries' drones, he even reviewed the drones on a video he posted on social media.After that, Tate Industries had collaborated with Eric and Eric refused to accept any payment.Avery knew how much Eric's effort was worth, and she refused to take advantage of him."President Tate, I kno
"Sure." Avery hung up and felt extremely energetic.There was only twenty percent of battery left for her phone, so she got out of bed to search for the charging cable. Once she charged her phone, she stepped out of her room.It was quiet in the mansion and when she walked past Layla's room, she took a glance inside.Layla heard footsteps and turned around immediately. When she saw that it was Avery, she immediately explained what happened earlier, "Mom, I made Robert cry because he keeps badgering me to play with him."Avery walked into the room with a smile. "I know. I don't blame you for it.""I know you won't," Layla said smugly. "Robert said that you and Dad were talking inside the room. What were you talking about?"Avery pursed her lips in embarrassment for a few moments, before clearing her throat. "It's New Year's soon, so we were debating if we should all go to Bridgedale to see Hayden, or should we ask Hayden to come home. After all, Hayden doesn't have any holidays fo
"What is it?" Elliot asked while removing his clothes."Melvin wants to hire Eric as our spokesperson because he thinks that Eric is popular and that this will increase our sales," Avery said."And what do you think?""What do I think? Don't you know me?" She sighed. "If I go to Eric, he won't turn me down. I just feel awkward because Eric would never accept payment, at least not in accordance with his normal rates... That's just as bad as asking him to do it for free.""If this troubles you that much, just reject your vice president's proposal." Elliot was supportive. "There are plenty of popular idols that you can choose from.""But Melvin is dead set on Eric because Eric is more popular than most.""That's just what you think. You might think that he's the most popular guy in the whole universe, but are you sure that's what everyone else thinks?" He retorted. "There are countless idols out there and all their fans all think that their idols are the most popular.""That makes
The next morning, Juliet arrived at the office just in time to find Avery talking to Melvin about hiring a spokesperson."Let me ask him when he will be free! I'll ask him out and talk to him in person," Avery said to Melvin. "There's no hurry. It's going to be New Year's soon so we can wait until next year.""President Tate, the end of a year is the best opportunity to up-sales! Other firms are working hard toward it so we can't fall behind!" Melvin was focused on their sales. "Why don't you give me his contact number and I'll reach out to him. I promise not to disturb him while he's working.""Let me think about it! You should get back to work for now! I need to talk to Juliet."Melvin glanced at Juliet, before walking out.Juliet closed the door behind him and walked toward Avery, before asking respectfully, "President Tate, what do you need to speak to me about?""Um... Nothing much, actually. I just made up an excuse to send him away." Avery took her thermal flask out from h
She raised her arm and said, "yeah! I was injured on my wrist before, so the doctor asks me to wear this at all times.""Oh! So that means you can't do any heavy-lifting as well, right?"Juliet smiled and was about to answer, when another secretary interrupted her. "Juliet doesn't need to do any heavy-lifting at her position! If you really need to, just ask us for help, Juliet!"Juliet had not expected for her colleagues to be so friendly and did not quite know how to respond. "President Tate has asked me to work with the admin department on matters regarding the annual dinner for now, so I don't think there's any heavy-lifting involved. Thank you, everyone. You are all so nice. When I get my salary, I will buy coffee for everyone.""Sure! I'm on a diet, but I will take whatever you buy!""You are so pretty, Juliet. Do you have a boyfriend? I heard that you are from Ylore. Are you planning to stay here or will you go home after working here for a while?"Juliet went to sit down a
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