The butler and servants shielded Mrs. Woods while the bodyguards tried to pull Lucas away."You beast! Do you have a death wish?" Mrs. Woods shivered in anger. Lucas shoved the dog meat against her face, smearing her face with blood. The scent of iron filled her nose. Soon, the bodyguard managed to pull Lucas away, and she sighed with relief."Beat him! Beat him to death! I will take the responsibility if he dies!" yelled Mrs. Woods at the bodyguard.Irene watched as the bodyguards kicked Lucas. Her heart sank. "Don't hit him! Stop it!" She had never set foot in the living room of the main block. She had hidden in the kitchen the entire time. There was a back door that she would use to come and go. The bodyguards halted at her scream and turned to look at her."Why are you stopping? Keep hitting him! My husband is not home today, and I'm in charge!" Mrs. Woods was determined to beat Lucas to death, not wanting to know what other monstrosities he was capable of.The two bodygua
Lucas clenched the bread that was in his hand. "I think you want to see how he punishes me."She shook her head frantically. "No. What if I can serve as your witness? No one else would help you. They are all afraid of Mrs. Woods.""And you are not?""I am, but I can't let her kill you," she said righteously.Lucas felt slightly moved."Besides, if you die, I won't get paid twice the original amount anymore," she added.As soon as she finished her sentence, Lucas shooed her out of the house.Hayden had traveled back home from Bridgedale to celebrate Rose's birthday and to spend time with his family."Hayden, can you stay longer this time?" Robert clung to Hayden and complained, "Ever since you came back, Layla stopped yelling at me.""Do you not know why she was yelling at you?" Hayden shot his younger brother a look. "You are still young, so you are supposed to focus on your studies instead of girls. Once you graduate from college, your sister won't say a thing no matter what
Tammy laughed. "Avery, I thought you said you weren't in a hurry to see him date?""I'm not in a hurry. I'm just asking," Avery said. "He's in his twenties, and it's normal for him to date.""It's normal for him to get married as well! You already had kids when you were in your twenties," Tammy said with a smile before turning to look at Hayden. "Hayden, what kind of women do you like? Tell me. I have connections...""Aunt Tammy, my brother lives in Bridgedale! Even if he wants to date someone, he's going to look for a girl there. Why don't you worry about me instead? I'm in my twenties as well, so why aren't you guys urging me to date instead?" Layla asked. "Girls my age are all married with kids.""Do you think it's that easy to have children? It hurts a lot! The pain is a hundred, a thousand, even a million times worse than your period cramps!" Tammy wanted Layla to enjoy herself a little more before she went looking for a husband. She needed to mature a little more. "Tammy, y
"You don't know that for sure. Wasn't there a famous actor who didn't announce that he was married until he retired? Maybe Eric got married in secret and already has a kid!"Layla immediately found her phone and called Eric.Eric was not working that night and answered the call right away."Uncle Eric, are you married? Do you have kids?" Layla held her phone nervously. "Did you get married in secret? Don't worry, I won't tell anyone if you admit to it."Eric chuckled. "Why are you asking?""I'm just curious! I saw a famous actor who didn't announce that he was married until he retired, so I was wondering if you are doing the same," Layla said."I didn't get married in secret. Is your brother back? I saw your photos on social media.""I posted those the day before yesterday and you are only now seeing them?""I don't use my phone all that often.""You are living less and less like a young man. My parents still use their phones all the time. What do you do every day if you don't
"This is lamb shank and lamb stew. I cooked pork ribs as well, in case you don't like lamb." Irene laid the food out and took a tube of ointment out from the bag. "Mr. Lucas, I bought this from the drugstore. I didn't know what to get so I asked for a recommendation from the owner. Put this on later at night. Maybe it will work!"Mr. Woods had ordered Lucas to stay home and reflect upon his actions, and he had forbidden anyone from taking care of Lucas. Lucas had remained hungry for an entire day.His stomach rumbled at the enticing smell of the food, and at the same time, he was surprised that Irene would care for him so much."You must be starving, Mr. Lucas. Here." She pushed the lamb skank toward him, "Eating lamb during winter is the best."Lucas' pride caused him to hesitate, but his stomach rumbled in anticipation. "Eat while it's still hot, Mr. Lucas! It won't taste as good if it gets cold." She shoved the plate into his hands, before removing the lid of the pot that con
Not only had she borrowed money from the butler to treat her grandmother, but she had also borrowed from other people as well. She had not told anyone about that.Though she was struggling, Lucas was not doing any better than her.He leaned on the sink and gagged.Irene knew that he was trying to vomit."Mr. Lucas, your dog is dead, but you are still alive." She tried to console him.No one knew how long Mr. Woods intended on keeping Lucas in the South Block, and Lucas would starve to death if no one delivered food to him. Even if he starved to death, Mr. Woods still had other children, and Mrs. Woods would be pleased by his death. Everyone else would stand by and watch, without feeling a drop of sympathy for him.Before she could continue, Lucas roared furiously, "Scram! I never want to see you again!"He gritted his teeth and glared resentfully at her, causing her to fall to her knees in fear.She remembered the way Lucas had stormed into the main block to fight Mrs. Wood the
"They won't come here," Lucas said calmly. "You can go once they are inside the house.""I... I'm not scared." Irene shut the door and turned around, slightly calmer but still awkward. "Mr. Lucas, Mrs. Woods really didn't send me. Even if she wanted to do something to you, she wouldn't ask for my help. In her eyes, apart from my ugliness, the rest of me is insignificant." "No matter how hard you try to explain yourself, you still spent that money." Lucas still felt wary, but he was no longer as angry.While she had spent the money, he was the one who had eaten the food and used the medicine."I didn't spend all of it. There is around sixty dollars left." She took out the change from her purse. "I will throw it away.""What's the point of throwing it away now?" He shot her a cold look. "Don't cry."She froze, thinking that he regretted shouting at her. Just when she felt moved by his words and was about to forgive him, he continued, "You look horrible when you cry.""... Mr. Luc
"So they can just kill someone's pet and step on others' pride if they have money... What a great thing money is." Lucas clenched his fists."Just white knuckle through it, Mr. Lucas! You just need to focus on your study, and once you graduate, you may move out. Mrs. Woods won't be able to bully you anymore," Irene said as she cleaned the table."That's your plan? You can stop working for the Woods once you graduate from university." Lucas watched as she picked up the trash and changed the trash bag."That's right! Once I earn enough to pay for my tuition, I will go to college and study. After graduation, I will get a proper job." She fantasized about the future with a smile. "The future is definitely going to be better than the present."He stared at her frail frame, and his chest tightened at the thought of how helpless she was. "Did your parents die in that fire you mentioned?"Stunned, she wanted to nod, but she did not wish to lie to him."You're not eighteen yet, and with 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