"My! Hayden is already so big!" Edward looked at Hayden with a wide smile. "Hayden, you're almost as tall as your father!""You sure are growing up fast!" Nick lamented. "The last time I saw you, you were much smaller."Ted said, "Elliot, is your daughter that tall too? He is taller than me!""My daughter is a little shorter," Elliot said, "but she is still taller than you.""Hahaha! What good genes! Elliot is tall, Avery is not short either," Nick said with a smile, welcoming them into his place. "Did you buy these gifts in the afternoon when you went shopping?"Nick had called Elliot that afternoon, asking him to come over, Elliot had told him that he was out shopping."Hmm. Hayden isn't too familiar with this place, so I took him around." Elliot and Hayden entered Nick's place together.After changing their shoes, they headed to the dining area."You all should spend a few more days here since you're here! Come over to my place tomorrow. I'll treat you all to a meal," Edward
Elliot did not expect Hayden to be so direct. He did not give them a chance to breathe or think.They were at Nick's place. They were in their territory, yet he had completely torn off the pretense of friendliness. Was he not afraid that they would do something extreme?"Hayden, we don't have any evidence yet right now," Elliot said to Hayden in a voice filled with suppressed worry.However, the others heard him clearly.Hehe! They never imagined that father and son would dare to say such a thing without proof."Didn't that man say that he is a man just now?" Hayden was talking about Edward. "He dares to commit the crime but he does not dare admit to it. What sort of man is that? A man that is as timid as a rat is generally called a coward."Slam! Edward was furious. He slammed the table and glared at Hayden. He barked, "You brat! Who are you talking about!"Hayden calmly said, "I'm talking about you three."Edward and Nick, who were watching the scene unfold, were speechless
"Go on, then!" Hayden interrupted Nick and pulled out a small remote control from his pocket, before showing it to them. "We can all die together! At least I won't be lonely."Edward's eyes widened as he stared at Hayden's hand.Nick's and Ted's eyes grew wide, and they stared at Hayden."Wh- What is that?!" Ted had a bad feeling about it."What does that control?" Nick asked.Elliot, too, could not help but ask, "Hayden, what is that?"The other three turned to stare at Elliot when they heard his question. Elliot did not seem to know what Hayden was holding despite the two of them being on the same side."This controls surface-to-surface missiles. I bought three missiles," Hayden said.Nick, Edward, and Ted all remained quiet."You bought it from the Ylore military force?" Elliot asked thoughtfully."Yes! They sold them to me because I paid them enough," Hayden said confidently before turning to look at Edward. "Your house is on Locust Road, right? I've looked into it and yo
Hayden's hand, which had been resting on the table, twitched, and everyone admitted defeat. "Alright! I'll donate it! It's good to do some charity from time to time!" Edward flushed angrily and said reluctantly."Since Edward agrees, I will donate my portion as well," Ted said."Are you disappointed in me, Elliot?" Nick asked."I can't be bothered to feel disappointed. I just want to find my daughter." Elliot had chosen not to spend New Year's with his family and hurry to Ylore because he wanted to settle this as soon as possible."Why are you so stubborn? You still have Layla, right? If Ivy's gone for good, just let it be! If you want another daughter, you and your wife can make another! Is it really worth exhausting yourself to this extent over her?" Edward said. "Sons are the most important children. Your son is talented, and I would be over the moon if I were you!""Sons and daughters are equally important!" Elliot said. "Had I known that Ivy was my daughter, I would not ha
Shocked, Ted went after Edward without hesitation. "Don't get mad, Edward! Wait for me!"Once the two left, the tension in the dining room eased, and Elliot placed a scoop of mashed potato on Hayden's plate."Eat up.""I don't need you to serve me." Hayden did not want to be treated like a child."Alright. Serve yourself, then. Eat more," Elliot said before turning to look at Nick. "Is there anything you want to say?""I really don't know where Ivy is." Nick shrugged. "Edward was the one who reached out to Walter, intending to control Juliet's actions and prevent her from saying the wrong things. No one expected her to take her own life."Elliot frowned.When dinner was coming to an end, a thought emerged in his mind. "I want to go to the Goulds' mansion. Is there anyone there?""Probably not at this time. The place is locked most of the time," Nick said. "Whenever I pass by, it looks locked up. I think there are servants who clean the place every once in a while! You can ask t
Shortly after, Nick returned with an old cell phone."Luckily, it's still charged. I checked and found the video I took of Ivy."Before Nick could continue, Elliot snatched the phone out of his hands.Hayden leaned closer to Elliot, trying to get a glance at his sister.Elliot opened the video and a chubby little girl appeared on the screen.Ivy looked well-fed and happy in the video, and anyone would be able to tell how well she was treated. She laughed while shaking the toy in her hand. She was sitting on a carpet. She smiled at the camera, and her bright eyes blinded Hayden. Elliot instantly burst into tears.Nick had not expected Elliot to cry and immediately handed a box of tissue to Hayden, hinting for Hayden to hand it to Elliot."Don't cry." Hayden shoved the tissue paper in Elliot's hands. "Ivy might still be alive."Elliot wiped his tears dry and said, "She's so adorable... She is so adorable... I shouldn't have been so mean to her.""What are you talking about?" H
"He didn't even drink tonight. How is he acting drunk?" Hayden said with a blush on his face before hurrying back to his room."Hey! Why are you blushing?! He is your daddy! Didn't you come all the way to Ylore to help him?" Mike chased after him.Mike heard a loud bang. It was Hayden slamming the door shut, keeping Mike out of his room. Two days later, the three returned home from Ylore, and Avery went to pick them up from the airport.She sighed a breath of relief after seeing them with her eyes, all safe and sound."Mike, thanks for looking after them," said Avery."You're welcome," Mike said before leaning closer to Avery and whispering, "Talk to your husband! He has been really depressed lately."Avery could tell that Elliot had gotten thinner; his face was pale, and he seemed exhausted. He looked ill. "You and Hayden should go home. I'll take him out for a walk before heading home," Avery said."Alright. We'll get going!" Mike grabbed Hayden by the shoulders and left.
Twelve years had passed, and Taronia was experiencing an exceptionally harsh and unforgiving winter. The doctor had come to give the old woman an injection, but her skin no longer allowed him to find her veins. He shook his head at Irene before leaving.Tears rolled down Irene's face as she watched the doctor leave."Irene..." murmured the old woman weakly.Irene swiftly wiped her tears away and calmed herself before turning around and heading back to bed."Don't be afraid, Grandma. The doctor forgot to bring the medicine. He is heading back to the clinic to take it." Irene did not want the old woman to worry.The old woman had been bedridden and ill ever since she had tripped and fallen a year ago. Had Irene not tended to her carefully, she would have passed away a long time ago. After a year of fighting to survive, the old lady felt weak and weary. She had no energy left to continue the fight. She had been unable to eat for three months and had wasted away. She had become 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