Layla said, "Dad, we haven't spoken about marriage yet! I just find him interesting. I want to get to know him better. Even if we don't end up together, being friends isn't too bad either. You all wanted me to get to know more boys, right?"Avery said, "I support you. Nothing bad could come out of getting to know more motivated friends."Elliot said, "Layla, you have to make sure to stay safe. Make sure you keep your bodyguards with you when you leave to meet him. You cannot go alone, let alone meet with him at night. Before you see him, let me know."Avery was speechless.Layla said, "Dad, I know. I'll get Robert to accompany me!"Elliot said, "Robert is slightly weaker. If anything were to happen to you. I don't think he can protect you. It's better that you take the bodyguards along."Layla was speechless. After having her meal, she left.When Avery saw that Layla had left, she said to Elliot, "Eric is preparing to go to a university to be a music professor. Before he started
"Go and ask around. Ask your classmates. Those who have goals. They would have long taken exams for various certificates, preparing for their future studies or to start working. You're the only one without any thoughts and who does not want to improve yourself."At that, Robert exited the game."Layla, I won't play games at home anymore in the future.""I'm not forbidding you to play games. It's only that you are always playing games after dinner every day. Don't you have anything better to do?""I'll go study," Robert said timidly and was about to return to his room when Layla stopped him."Hold up. I've eaten too much. Why don't you come with me on a walk." Layla walked to the door and put on her coat.Robert's eyes immediately lit up and followed her.Their dynamics had not changed much since their childhood. No matter what happened, as long as Layla treated Robert a little better, Robert would immediately stick to Layla, following her.After they left, Avery and Elliot, who
Was it Sam? He had told her a few times that he would pay her debts…Irene's heart was beating fast. She sent a message with trembling hands, [Who paid my debt? I didn't know about this!][I didn't ask! As long as my money has been returned, I don't care who does it!]Irene panicked. She immediately exited the classroom with her phone and called Mr. Swen."Mr. Swen, please help me find out who transferred the money to you! I beg you, please!" Irene pleaded."Okay, okay! I'll have a look." Mr. Swen opened his bank app and looked at the transfer details before tutting. "It's someone from the Woods family! Irene, I never thought that you would be that amazing! You're so ugly, yet you managed to get someone from the Woods family to repay your debt!"Irene's suspended heart finally landed.She had never thought that Sam would have really repaid her debts. She did not know how he had found out that she owed Mr. Swen money.Irene's mind was spinning. She said, "Mr. Swen, when was
"Sure, I'll give you my contact!" Sam said and took his phone.Lucas saw how close they were. His expression darkened, and he strode into the South Block."By the way, Mr. Sam, did Mr. Swen return your grandmother's bracelet back to you? He had taken it from me. He said that he would return it to me once I repaid my debts. I sent him a message today, but he ignored me," Irene said.Sam had not paid off her debts, therefore he knew nothing about the bracelet. "Nope!" He returned to his car. "I'll drive the car inside, if not, Noah and my father won't be able to park their cars."Irene saw Sam drive into the courtyard of the Main Block.She had already asked all her questions and had gotten her answers. On top of that, she had also gotten Sam's contact. In the future, all she needed to do was earn enough money and give it to him.At that thought, she carried the fruits back to the South Block.When she entered the South Block, she saw Lucas at the dining hall eating. She looked su
He had received this package when he had paid Irene's debt.The day he had paid Irene's debts, he had gotten Mr. Swen to send him Irene's grandmother's bracelet. He told them to send it to the place where he was studying foreign languages.When he received her grandmother's bracelet, he was planning to find a good time to return the bracelet to Irene. He never thought that he would return home to see Irene and Sam talking together.Knock! Knock! There was a knock on the door. "Mr. Lucas, I've cut some fruits for you! Have some!" Irene stood outside the door of his room with a plate in her hand. It was the fruits that she had just cut.Lucas placed the bracelet back into his bag. He walked to the door but did not open it. "I'm not eating." He knew that those fruits were meant for Sam. Irene had expected this answer from Lucas, but she still felt a little sad. She wanted to repair her relationship with Lucas, but Lucas was like a prickly porcupine. Although she knew that he
When Avery saw her daughter and the young, tall, and handsome man next to her, she instantly understood what was going to happen.Elliot also realized what was happening.Their daughter still had not let go of Eric! She had specifically brought a man to show Eric what he had lost. Elliot hoped that he was overthinking things, if not this matter was going to be much more troublesome."Oh, what a coincidence!" Layla said shamelessly. She got the prince of Creolia to sit next to Eric while she sat next to her mother. "I was just looking for a place to eat when I noticed your car outside the hotel, so I came in."Layla made it seem like she had bumped into them. Eric looked at the blonde guy next to him. When Eric noticed that the blond man was the prince whose picture Layla had posted on her social media account, he immediately greeted him politely, "Hello."The prince also offered a polite greeting in return, "Hello. You must be Eric Santos. I know you.""Andrew, my parents sti
"Layla, don't forget what I told you. Be back home by six," said Elliot. "Did you take the bodyguards with you?"Layla said, "Dad, can I be back home by seven? I have to buy Andrew dinner, after all. How can I be back in time?"Elliot hesitated.Eric said, "Six is indeed a little early. Seven isn't considered too late as well."Layla and Elliot looked at Eric at the same time. Eric was helping Layla.Layla furrowed her brows. "You sure are happy to see me going on dates with other men?"Eric said calmly, "If you can find a great partner, I'll be happy for you."When Andrew heard what Eric said, he replied without hesitation, "Thank you! Uncle Eric, I'll do well."Eric looked at Andrew. "You're only one among fifty-two candidates. If you want Layla to like you, sincerity is the most important thing."Andrew replied, "I understand. I really like Aryadelle. When I was young, my father came to Aryadelle to work. He had taken me along. Later, I returned to Aryadelle on my own. I re
"What does this have to do with Eric?" Avery took some food for Elliot. "Didn't you see how Eric reacted just now? Eric doesn't have those sorts of feelings for our daughter. It's her problem.""What problem does our daughter have?" Elliot was protective of his daughter. "She is a blank canvas, and we have to properly guide her.""Oh, then you do it! I can't do it." Avery had already patiently talked things over with Layla. If Layla was a little younger, she would still be guided. However, Layla was already 25 years old. She would not follow anybody's orders or guidance. Everyone has the right to choose their own life."I'll talk to her properly tonight," Elliot said confidently."Sure! Once you're done talking, she'll come to confide in me," Avery teased.Elliot said, "You don't trust me?"Avery replied, "I just understand our daughter too well."Eric listened to them going back and forth. He did not dare interrupt. He only buried his head and ate in silence."Eric. I'm goin
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