"No!" She said, before running to the door to change her shoes. Before Isaac could respond, she left and slammed the door behind her.Meanwhile, in Elliot's mansion, Avery woke up and checked the time on her phone, only to find a message from Juliet.[President Tate, my father fell ill and I'm at the airport getting ready to go home. I don't know when I can come back. I'm sorry.]Avery read the message over a few times, before replying. [Go home and stay with your family. Don't worry about work. I will welcome you whenever you come back.]Avery set her phone down and muttered, "Elliot, I might have to hire a new assistant."Elliot walked out of the bathroom and asked, "what happened? Juliet quitted?""Her dad got sick and she went home." Avery frowned. "I have a strong feeling that she might not come back again.""Hire another one, then," he said, "if you don't want all that trouble, I will hire someone for you.""Let's see what happens after the end of this year! She might sti
"You went and became Avery's assistant. Do you have any idea how many eyes are watching you?" Mr. Sutton gritted out. "Someone found out that you are from Ylore and looked into your background, before eventually finding out that you were involved with Paul~""So what if I was?" Juliet sobbed. "Just because I knew him, I have to die as well?!""Haha! No one wants you dead, but you are definitely not going back to Aryadelle!" He roared. "I've arranged a marriage for you and you are getting married before the end of this year! If I can't keep you in check, someone will!""Dad! I don't want to get married! I won't go back to Aryadelle. I won't go anywhere. Just don't make me get married!" She pleaded."You will have to! Juliet, I'm warning you. You have brought us into this mess, so you have to fix it! Once you get married, you will no longer be a part of this family! If you cause any more trouble, your in-laws will take care of you!" Mr. Sutton said, before turning to leave.Mrs. Sut
He snatched Juliet's purse out of her hands and opened it to take her phone out, before returning the purse to her....During the weekends, Ben and Lilith's wedding was held in a hotel. They had decided to simplify the ceremony and canceled all the games they planned.Lilith was happy, because she had come to a certain realization.She had thought that she did not like children, but it was not true.When she got pregnant the first time, her situation with Ben was awkward and after everything that happened, she got rid of her own child, which had in turn left a trauma within her.After settling down with Ben, all her anxiety and depression about pregnancy and children faded, leaving nothing behind but joy.She had not anticipated this before getting pregnant. She would often fight with Ben over the smallest thing before, but she had decided to stop after she had gotten pregnant.Their child had acted as a bridge between them, strengthening their relationship and all her concern
Elliot was at the same table as them and everyone turned their attention to Lilith and Elliot at Tammy's question.Lilith took a deep breath and asked, "Elliot, can I tell them?"Avery spotted the blush on Elliot's face and said, "tell them if you want to. It's fine.""Oh..." Lilith turned back to Tammy. "He gave me a lot of money. I didn't want it, but Ben accepted them."Tammy stared at Ben in disbelief. "You don't hold back at all, huh, Ben?""We are going to be a family. Why should I?" Ben smiled at Avery and Elliot. "Right?""Of course. We are a family now," Avery said. "Marriage is like a journey. This is just the start of it. You will both have to work on your relationship and tend to it patiently from now on.""Avery, you sound so experienced. I guess it makes sense. You and Elliot have been through a lot in the past decade. Do you have any plans to write a book or something?""Have you started on your book, Tammy?" Avery asked. "How to Tame Your Husband."Tammy choked
After being locked inside the mansion for three days, Juliet had come to decided that she would obey her parents and get married."Have you really come to terms with it, Juliet?" Mrs. Sutton asked."Mom, if I can't fight my enemy, I can only give up," Juliet said calmly. "I said before that I've never meant to trouble my family. If I've done something wrong, I will accept the punishment on my own.""You haven't come to terms with it," Mrs. Sutton said. "I know you never will, because you think it's unfair. I think so as well, but there are plenty of people in Ylore who can't even make ends meet. It might be unfair, but we have to endure it.""You are right," Juliet agreed. "Is Jane back from school? It's been so long since I last saw her. I want to talk to her.""She's in her room. You can go ahead!"Juliet headed toward her younger sister's room and knocked on the door. Shortly after, the door was opened."Juliet?" Jane beamed at the sight of her older sister. "I thought they l
Juliet was freed.She had broken the chains on her in her own way.When Mrs. Sutton saw her daughter's lifeless body, she wailed and lost consciousness in that very moment.Chaos erupted inside the house, before returning to peace shortly after."It's good that she died! That ought to save me some trouble!" Mr. Sutton said coldly. "There's no need for a funeral. Do not say a word about this to outsiders. Just get her body cremated."He left his son in charge, before leaving.After Mr. Sutton left, the tears in Jane's eyes scrolled down her cheeks."Brother, can I keep Juliet's phone?" She pleaded. "I feel so horrible. She wouldn't have done this if I didn't give her that hairpin...""She will find a way to take her own life even if you didn't!" He returned to his room to retrieve Juliet's phone, before handing it to Jane. "I threw the sim card away, so you can just keep the phone!"Jane returned to her room in tears with Juliet's phone.Meanwhile, in Aryadelle.During the Ta
Elliot leaned over to listen as well."Do you know how I got into the Sterling Group? Elliot met me once and decided to hire me right away..."Isaac's voice came into their ears.Shocked, Avery handed her phone to Elliot. "It sounds like Isaac."Elliot heard Isaac's voice as well and turned up the volume."Is it because you have a great resume? Maybe because you have certain skills?" Juliet's voice appeared.Elliot turned to look at Avery. "Isn't this Juliet's voice? Your assistant is with my assistant?"Avery took her phone and dragged Elliot out of the audience stand. Once they exited the hall, they found a quiet corner and opened the audio file again."Do you know how I got into the Sterling Group? Elliot met me once and decided to hire me right away... I've done it this time!" Isaac said in the audio."Is it because you have a great resume? Maybe because you have certain skills? Isaac, can you teach me?""Not only do I have an excellent resume. I am talented as well. Why
"Can you sleep in peace not knowing what has happened?" Elliot asked. "You need to be here for the annual dinner, so go back to your seat! I will return once I have a handle on what has happened."Avery nodded. "Call Isaac and ask him out to a restaurant nearby. It's late, so don't wander too far.""Yeah. I'll go now," he said and shot his bodyguard a look.His bodyguard followed Elliot, and, once they left, Avery returned to her seat."Mom, where's Dad? Where did he go?" asked Layla, noticing that Elliot had not come back with her."Your dad needs to handle something.""What's wrong? Is it dangerous?" Layla asked worriedly."It's not dangerous. I wouldn't have let him go if it's not safe," Avery reassured her. "If all goes well, he should be back soon."As soon as Elliot walked out of the hall, he called Isaac.Not sensing the crisis awaiting him, Isaac answered the call and asked brusquely, "Do you need something, Mr. Foster?""Come out. There's something I need to talk to
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