She would be able to see him so long as he had not latched his windows. She tidied his room every day, so she knew that he did not have the habit of latching his windows.She walked out into the cold and pushed his window open, causing the freezing breeze to steal into the room.Lucas immediately wrapped himself in his blanket and strode toward the window to close it."Mr. Lucas, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that you rely on women... Actually, I didn't say it. It was Mr. Sam who did, and I just didn't argue with him." She placed her hands on the frame to stop him from closing the window.She no longer cared about her job; she just did not want to lose the friendship that she had with Lucas. Even if he was determined to ignore her for life, she had to apologize.Throughout the years she had worked for the Woods family, Lucas had been the only one who was kind to her."I saw the cake you bought for me. I took it out and ate it," she said gratefully. "I know that you won't eat
As the tutor explained the content, Irene spotted Lucas walking toward the kitchen from the corner of her eye. She immediately told the tutor to wait before running off to the kitchen."Mr. Lucas, are you hungry? I made pancakes for you. I think it's gone cold now. I will heat it up in the microwave." She knew that Lucas had come to the kitchen because he was starving and darted into the kitchen to get to work."I made some stew as well. You said you didn't want too much meat, so I didn't put much in. It's mostly vegetables. Have a taste." Irene placed the pancakes into the microwave before filling a bowl with stew from the pot."Mr. Lucas, there's pasta in that pot over there. Do you want some?""I'll do it myself." Lucas was facing the microwave and had his back toward Irene. Irene felt helpless when she could not see his face. "Mr. Lucas, I'm sorry! I know that I was wrong. Please don't be mad.""You are just a servant. Remember your place. Apart from cooking and cleaning, do
"He is just so unappreciative. It's rare enough that Kasey expresses interest in him, and he just ignores her. I would be over the moon if Kasey was interested in Noah." Mrs. Woods rolled her eyes. "Which university are you sending Lucas to? Turlington University?""I've contacted Turlington University, and it's not impossible to get Lucas in, but he will have to do so under a sports scholarship, and he might be reluctant to do so. After all, that means that he will need to go for training.""You sure care a lot about this son of yours!" Mrs. Woods said sarcastically. "Outside this family, he is a nobody, so I don't know why you are acting so carefully around him. Kasey Bennett is just having fun with the boy. I mean, she looks like the typical playgirl.""I'm not scared of him if that is what you are insinuating. He has recently been brought into this family and hasn't gotten used to everything..." Mr. Woods argued."He's been back for almost half a year and he still hasn't gotten
Lucas had run out of patience and did not want to continue the conversation. He thought that his father would just leave if he fell silent. To his bewilderment, Mr. Woods sat down on the couch and looked at him. "Come here. Let's talk.""What's there to talk about? Just say what you have to say." Lucas walked over in annoyance."Your mother called me." Mr. Woods watched as his son approached him. "Did you block your mother's number? She said she can't reach you, and when she tried to call you using a different number, you won't pick up.""Yeah, I blocked her number," Lucas admitted. "Is there anything else?"Mr. Woods took a few deep breaths and said, "Your mother was in tears when she called me. She told me that—""I don't want to hear it." Lucas interrupted him. "If that's all, I'm going back to my room.""Lucas!" Mr. Wood stood from the couch and hurried over to Lucas. "Your mother said a lot to me. She had told me that she had purposely not told you anything when she had me p
Irene had thought that he would remain in his room like he usually did, but he walked out carrying a black backpack."Mr. Lucas, are you going out?" She set the bowl down and walked toward Lucas.Lucas did not stop. He exited the front door. She had no clue as to where he was going.She stood by the door and watched as Lucas got into a car. The car drove off, vanishing into the distance, and she stared at it till it disappeared from sight. She felt that she and Lucas were heading down very different paths as she watched the car vanish from sight. She stood there, feeling the wind brush against her, then she returned to the kitchen, washed the dishes, and left for the Main Block's kitchen since she did not know if Lucas would come home for lunch.Lucas had completely shut her off, and their interaction was so limited that even normal employers would communicate with their servants more often."Mrs. Flores, let me help you with that!""Is Mr. Lucas out? I heard that he is traveli
There were quite a few countries between the two countries. Even if she took a flight, it would be a long flight."Irene, you don't have to help out in the kitchen anymore either. You can return home and rest. You can go to school, too. After all, you have to sit for your exams soon," the butler said. "If you can get into Turlington University, you don't have to return the money you owe me. I know that it was your grandmother's wish, while she was alive, for you to get into a good university.""Sir, thank you. No matter whether I get into Turlington University or not, I will surely repay you," Irene said gratefully before leaving the Woods' mansion.Just like the butler said, her exams were coming up. She needed to use the time she had and study.When she returned to school after her long break, a few of her classmates approached her while she was at her desk. "Irene, I heard that your grandmother passed away, and you have always been working."Naturally, it was the teacher who
Irene placed a basin of water before Lucas. "Mr. Lucas, the things I said to Mr. Sam… they were not true. You know how people say things they don't mean when they are angry. I think that as long as you work hard, you won't be worse than Mr. Noah or Mr. Sam."Lucas finished washing his hands. He said coolly, "I don't care about your opinions on any of us.""That's good. Mr. Lucas, you should be like that. Just focus on your studies. Don't care about what other people say." Irene placed the basin aside and spooned some soup into a bowl for Lucas. "Mr. Lucas, you have to eat more. If you don't, I'll be embarrassed to take my pay."Lucas was speechless.Cooking a single meal was indeed easy work. Lucas did not have a huge appetite. Usually, Irene only needed to cook up two dishes and a soup."Mr. Lucas, are you good in foreign languages?" Irene asked when he had finished his food and began drinking his soup. "If you're going to Edelweiss, you have to learn their language."Lucas
In Aryadelle, after the preliminary screening of the candidates was over, Layla grew busy. Every day, when she was tired of working, or during her lunch break, she would randomly pick a guy from her email list and start chatting with them via video call.She had still been a little uneasy when she had spoken to the first two men, but after that, she relaxed into the process. There was a famous trend on the internet where an algorithm would match you up with random people to talk to. As long as she treated this as some sort of a game, she would feel more relaxed.At night, Layla complained to her mother about the day's men."Mom, do you know how absurd the guy I was talking to this afternoon was?" At that, Layla chuckled. "I suspect he is just here for Hayden because when I was almost done chatting with him, he told me that he felt that we are not compatible, and he hoped that he could be friends with Hayden instead."Avery replied, "Hayden is indeed amazing. He did not rely on
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