"You guys have been to Ylore many times because of Ivy, right? You guys can't investigate this, could it be because the murderer has the power to cover it up?" Mike speculated. "If this were to happen in Aryadelle, the truth would have long been out.""Ylore is indeed much more complicated than Aryadelle. Without proof, it's hard to say who the murderer is. It could be anyone." When Avery said that, she could not help but shudder. "He insists on going. I can only let him go.""Don't worry. Doesn't he know people in Ylore? As long as he doesn't go up against the powerful people there, they would not hurt him too. No one would do anything without benefits."Mike's consolation made Avery nod. "You're right. He would surely know to act properly.""Then, don't pull such a long face. The children would worry if they see you like that.""Hmm."At ten at night, the annual dinner ended. Avery and the children were in the car on the way back home.Usually, at that time, Robert would alrea
Mrs. Sutton's nights after her daughter's death were filled with nightmares. The only one in the Sutton family that Mrs. Sutton could think of sacrificing had been her daughter, but that did not mean that she was not sad. Once they entered the room, Elliot said, "I don't have your daughter's belongings. I needed to talk to you alone because I want to know who killed your daughter. If you only forced her into marriage, I'm sure she would not have felt the need to die. I'm sure there must be some other reason.""Mr. Foster, do you think I, as a housewife, would know anything? We're an extremely ordinary family by Ylorean standards. We had been doing fine as a family of five, and then, this happened. We were initially doing alright as a family of five, yet this happened. Mr. Foster, you can't imagine how much pain I am in.""You're not the only family in pain. You just need to tell me who is behind it!""Are you going to give them hell once you know who it is? Do you think my famil
Once Mrs. Sutton got the phone, she pressed the home button and was immediately met with the password prompt."Do you know your sister's passcode?" Mrs. Sutton asked."Her birthday," Jane said.Mrs. Sutton successfully unlocked the phone and handed the phone to Elliot. "Mr. Foster, the passcode is zero four one six."Elliot accepted the phone."There isn't a sim card inside," Jane said timidly.Elliot looked at her and asked, "Where is it?""My brother gave it to me without the sim. I don't know where the sim card is," Jane said carefully. She knew that her brother had thrown the card away, but she could not tell Elliot that. Her sister was dead. She could not let anything happen to her brother, too.Elliot held the phone and thought for a moment before saying to Mrs. Sutton, "I would like to speak to your daughter alone."Mrs. Sutton's expression changed dramatically. "Mr. Foster, my daughter is still in high school. She goes to school every day. She knows nothing about the
Elliot saw Jane crying, and he pitied her."If you're not lying, you don't have to be afraid. I won't do anything to the innocent."Jane said, "I'm not lying…"Elliot turned around and walked toward the door. He opened the door. Jane's parents were standing by the door with anxious expressions."Walter, it's your turn." Elliot looked at Walter coldly.According to Mrs. Sutton's and Jane's statements, they did not know where Ivy was.Since he could not locate Ivy, he had to find Juliet's killer. Walter sighed. "Let's go to the living area and talk! I have nothing to hide from my wife and daughter.""You two go and talk! I'll stay with Jane for a while." Jane's face, streaked with tears, broke Mrs. Sutton's heart. She entered Jane's room. Elliot and Walter headed to the sofa and sat down in the living room. The servant served them tea and left."Mr. Foster, you have spent nearly the entire day here, and I'm guessing that you won't leave till you get something out of me," Walt
As Ted often allowed Edward to lead, he nodded along and said, "I think Edward is right. Rather than be sitting ducks, I would attack first. Elliot has clearly suspected us. This is our territory. If we join forces, we will easily be able to handle him and his bodyguard. It will be as easy as stepping on ants."Back then, us dealing with the Gould family was also an easy job, right?" Ted said.They had planted moles in the Gould family ahead of time, and that was how they had been successfully able to infiltrate the Gould family's defenses."That's because we were going up against Ruby and not Gary." Nick's eyes narrowed sharply. He exhaled a puff of smoke. "Elliot isn't Ruby. Even if we do manage to easily kill him, do you think we can sit back and relax as we did with Ruby? You are too naive!""Are you afraid that Elliot's men will seek revenge? Ylore and Aryadelle are so far away. No matter how many of Elliot's men come, we'll deal with them! The territory is our advantage. What
Nick sneered. "What do you think? You clearly know what time it is over here, yet you still called. How could you be so bold to ask such a thing?""I'm worried about Elliot," Avery said honestly. "Nick, have you seen Elliot yet?""Didn't you contact him?" Nick said. "He didn't come to see me. Didn't he tell you that?""No. He just said that he's quite tired, so I didn't ask much," Avery said. "Nick, can we talk?"Nick's temples throbbed. His eyelids started to twitch as well."Aren't we talking right now?""I mean talk honestly," Avery said. "Just like back then, before I operated on you. Before the operation, I also asked you a lot of questions, and you answered me honestly."Nick's head started to hurt. Avery was clearly playing the friendship card."Avery, you don't have to remind me that you operated on me. We both called it even a long time ago. Have you forgotten?" Nick got down from the bed to look for some water."I know we're even, but I have to remind you there is a
"What? Did I say something wrong?""I'm a bad person! Anybody who mixes with Gary Gould is a bad person!" Nick reiterated what he said. "Avery, no matter how much you praise me, this fact can't be denied.""But Elliot is not a bad person," Avery said."Elliot hasn't been in contact with us for a very long time. He doesn't care about joining us. He is the most capable among us, and it is we who contact him. And that is the truth. We are still in contact," Nick said. "I know you called me because you're worried for Elliot. If you want to do something for him, call him and remind him not to be reckless. At the same time, get him some backup. Do you understand me? It's pointless calling me."Avery thought about Nick's words for a moment before hanging up."Bloody hell! Not even a goodbye before hanging up." Nick looked at the disconnected call. He murmured, "What a heartless woman!"He paused for a while before saying, "I didn't say anything I shouldn't say, did I? What did I tell he
"You're going?" Mike said in surprise before Avery could react. "How are you planning on rescuing him? Don't you know it's very dangerous there? You've gone there once. Have you forgotten?"At that moment, Avery also said, "Hayden, we can send people there. You don't need to go there.""He has rescued me once. This time I will rescue him, and then I won't owe him anything anymore." Hayden had never forgotten the trouble he caused when he went to Ylore the last time had been solved by Elliot. "Hayden, he is your father. You don't have to be calculative when it comes to him. If you are in trouble, he will help you. You are his son. It is his responsibility to help his child. You two aren't the only ones to share this relationship, but all children share the same relationship with their fathers."Avery tried to get Hayden to understand the meaning of what it is to be father and son.Mike saw Hayden furrowing his brows. He knew that Hayden was a little uneasy at that moment. Mike had
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