It had been years, but Elliot and Avery had never quite been able to give up on Ivy.They had searched for Ivy for years but had not been able to find her. Though Wesley wanted to help them, his ability to help them was limited.Seeing Irene had given him hope that she might be Ivy.It was possible that two unrelated people could look similar, but the chances were rather slim.Meanwhile, Rose showed Irene everything that she owned to Irene, including the accessories, jewelry, and daily necessities she received as gifts from her parents or other relatives. Since they showered her with gifts, she never had to buy anything for herself."I know I'm not related to my parents by blood, and I was really scared when I first got here. I thought that they would abandon me," said Rose who was sitting on her bed. "I'm sure you understand that feeling. I didn't dare to make mistakes or act wilfully. Luckily, everyone has been really kind to me throughout the years...""I know, Rose. I can see
Wesley had not expected her to cooperate and froze."Dad, why didn't you tell me you needed grey hair? I have a head full of it. Just take mine!" Rose said."Rose, I don't need yours because your gray hair isn't formed the same way as other people's grey hair.""Alright, then!" Rose said sheepishly."Dad! What about mine?" Kiara came over.Rendered helpless, Wesley said, "I didn't remember the research until I saw the gray hair on Irene's head... I don't need that many!"Shea knew what Wesley was trying to do and immediately dragged Kiara away.Wesley untied Irene's ponytail and her hair fell to her shoulders. Despite his efforts, he could not find one. Taking a deep breath, Wesley plucked a black strand of Irene's hair. "Dad, let me see," Rose asked, curious as to how her hair would be different from Irene's.Wesley had never had such a huge panic attack before as he had never told such a blatant lie in his life. "I need it, so I will be putting away… If you want to see wh
Wesley was her senior, and even if he needed something, he would often reach out to Avery or Elliot instead.After a brief moment of silence, Wesley said, "I'll tell you once you are here.""Alright! I'm already on the way. I'll probably arrive in about twenty minutes," she said, feeling slightly hungry. "Uncle, do you have any food left at home? I'm starving.""There are some leftovers ... I will get the chef to cook for you.""It's fine. Leftovers are fine by me. I'm not picky," she said before hanging up.Twenty minutes later, Layla appeared at Wesley's door with a bouquet and a bag of fruits."Huh? Where are the girls?" Layla thought that she would be able to see Irene. "They went out." Shea took the bouquet and the bag of fruits. "You said you were hungry, so eat first!""Yeah... I prefer to know why I'm here first. Are you trying to set me up with someone?" Her eyes darted from Shea to Wesley."Of course, not. Even if we wanted to, we don't know anyone worthy of you! We
Rose shot her mother a shocked look. "Mom, can Dad edit photos?"Shea had not known that Wesley was able to edit photos as well, but she played along. "Your dad knows everything. Even if he doesn't, he is a quick learner."Rose nodded. "That's true. Dad is so talented. I know how to edit photos, too, so I could have done it myself, though. Dad needs to work, and he's busy...""Rose, if he wants to do it, just let him! Your friend is here so you should spend more time with her," Shea said as she turned to look at Irene. "It's late and you are probably tired. Go shower and rest!"Rose took Irene back to the room while Kiara ran toward the study room to look for her father.Shea entered just as Welsely was uploading the photos. Both Shea and Kiara stood next to him and studied the photos on the laptop. "They all turned out great! Kiara, did you take all these?" Shea asked.Wesley had been too focused on the screen to notice their presence and was shocked by the sound of Shea's voi
Robert nodded. "I... After I graduate, I want to work at Hayden's company..."Avery was stunned and so was Elliot.Robert's heart raced as he slowly started to inch closer to his older brother."I see!" Avery said. "Here I thought it was going to be something big! If you want to work at your brother’s company, go ahead! You haven't graduated, though, so you might change your mind once you graduate. There is no need to decide things now."Elliot felt differently and was slightly upset. "Why don't you want to work at my company?" he asked sharply.Robert immediately sat down next to Hayden, hoping to get his brother's support; to his bewilderment, Hayden stood up, refusing to have any part in this."I only got him to apprentice as a mechanic so that he would give up the idea. I don't want him working in my company after he graduates. Of course, I can't turn him down as an older brother if he begs to work for me either," Hayden said.Robert had been groomed to inherit Sterling Grou
In the living room, Robert took the seat next to Elliot. "Dad, it's not that I don't want to work alongside you. I just wanted to get some experience with Hayden...""Can't you do that with me?" Elliot asked.Robert considered the proposition for a moment, before saying, "I want to work for Hayden first before coming to work for you... Dad, I love you and I love Mom...""I know that you love your mom," Elliot said, hinting that he doubted Robert's love for him. "Have you considered how I would feel when you told your brother that you want to work for him behind my back?""I didn't tell Mom either.""Which means you don't love us at all.""It's not like that, Dad. I wanted to get this past Hayden first before telling you, but Hayden made me work as a mechanic… It took me a while to get the hang of it, and Hayden still won't let me work there. He insisted that I talk to you two first." Had Robert known that this would happen, he would have told his father his plans long ago."You
Robert nodded obediently as he watched his mother walk away dazedly.Elliot shot up from the couch and hurried after Avery."Avery, why are we going back all of a sudden?" Elliot caught up to her and grabbed her arm.Robert wanted to know what was happening as well, so he ran over to eavesdrop."Look at this." Avery showed Elliot the photo Wesley sent her.Robert stood by the stairway and watched as his parents stared at the phone. Unfortunately, he was too far away to see anything."What are you looking at? Can I see?" He wanted to follow them up the stairs.To his bewilderment, his parents, who had spoiled him rotten since birth, completely ignored him and went to the second floor.Shaken to the core, Robert immediately dialed Hayden's number. "Hayden, our parents are going home today and asked me to drop them off at the airport later. Do you know anything about this?""Do you know something about this that I don't?"Robert froze at his answer and said, "Did Mom tell you?"
In the living room on the first floor, Robert's phone rang. It was a call from Hayden. "I forgot to tell you that I'm going back to Aryadelle as well. I will leave latest by tomorrow. You love my company, right? You can have my office for a while."Robert felt even more confused. "Why are you all going back? What happened? No one is telling me anything!""Because it isn't confirmed yet.""Oh... But if that's the case, why are you all in such a hurry to go back? What exactly is going on, Hayden?" Robert did not want to be kept in the dark. "I will call you Big Brother if you tell me...""Even if you don't call me that, I'm still your big brother." Hayden did not waver."If you refuse to tell me the truth, I am going to kiss you the next time I see you!" Robert threatened, knowing that Hayden hated to be touched....Shortly after, Elliot headed down the stairs holding the bags in one hand and Avery's hand in the other. Robert immediately went over to take the bags from him. "
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