Ivy blushed. "I don't think I have what it takes, Robert.""Let me know if you do want to be CEO of a company, and stop thinking about how qualified you are for a second. People aren't born leaders." Robert felt that a person as sensible and quiet as Ivy would be well suited for leadership.Ivy felt lost.Before summer, her only goal had been to find a job that would allow her to make ends meet. She had never considered studying a course that would not allow her to make ends meet, nor had she— in her wildest dreams— considered any leadership positions."You are hesitating." Robert placed a pork rib onto her plate. "Which means you want to. Unlike you, I definitely don't want to be in a leadership role.""What do you want, then?" Ivy asked."If I tell you that I just want to laze around for the rest of my life, will you laugh at me?" Robert blushed. "I guess I've been spoiled, and I want someone to care for me forever."Ivy thought that it was a beautiful dream, as no one would b
To Robert, any television studio should be glad to have his sister as an intern. Plus, to him, there were many stations and only one Ivy. ...Elliot received a call from Layla and went over to Mr. and Mrs. Santos' house.Layla called because something had happened.While they were having lunch, Mr. Santos had a few drinks and started pouring his heart out whilst he was under the influence of alcohol.He wanted to donate his heart to his son.Layla was scared out of her wits.There was not a country on earth that allowed people who were alive to donate their hearts, and the best they could do would be to become organ pledgers, which enabled them to donate their organs upon their death. Elliot hurried over, and it took some time before he finally convinced Mr. Santos to give up on the idea."They said that my son's lungs are failing, right? He can have mine!" Mr. Santos' face was flushed, but his eyes were determined. "My wife and I spoke to some doctors, and they told us that
"If Eric wakes up only to find out he has one of your hearts, do you think he could live with himself?" Elliot asked. "Believe in Avery. Eric will be fine."The two nodded."Don't pressure Avery. We are prepared for whatever might happen," Mr. Santos said."I understand your struggle. We will do our best to save him," Elliot said."Thank you."As they drove away, Layla rolled down the window.Elliot glanced at her. "Layla, wind up the window. You are going to catch a cold.""I'm feeling a bit warm, Dad.""Your mom told me that you are still weak, and you can't be out in the cold."Elliot glanced at the driver, who immediately wound up the window."Eric's parents have aged so much in this short period of time." Layla thought back to what happened earlier bitterly."Even if nothing had happened to Eric, they would still grow old. You didn’t cause this. Layla, you should go back to work tomorrow!" Elliot was worried that Layla might overthink things at home and wanted her to go
Ivy was slightly taken by surprise. "I'm kind of busy tonight, but... Happy birthday!"The girl seemed to have expected Ivy's answer and remained composed, but another girl protested, "Ivy, you've never shown up for any of the class activities, and you are turning Gloria down even when it's her birthday? You are being arrogant!""I'm sorry, but I really do have something to attend to tonight," Ivy said. "I would have come along if it was yesterday or tomorrow.""It's fine." Gloria smiled. "I believe that you are actually busy.""I'm sorry!" Ivy said before leaving.Once Ivy was gone, the girl who protested said sarcastically, "Is she working part-time or something? Why else would she be in such a hurry?""I don't know," Gloria said. "She never talks about herself.""I guess it's because she is ashamed! She was seen with some foreign guy in a cafe outside campus some time ago... I think she must live a rather 'colorful' life. After all, she is the only one who doesn't need to sta
"No. She doesn't talk about herself, but I just know that. Just don't badmouth her behind her back like the others. I think of her as my friend," Meredith said."Of course! I have no personal grudge against her, so I won't say anything. I hate backstabbers like that as well. By the way, how did you and Ivy get to know each other? She's always alone.""I went to talk to her.""Oh, but she's not in our class.""I know. We all major in the same thing.""Meredith, you said that she comes from a rich family. How rich is her family? Richer than yours?" the girl asked curiously."Honestly, I don't even know how rich my family is, so I'm completely clueless about Ivy. Forget about it. Let's just focus on our studies in the hopes of getting the internship in the future.""Has Ivy applied?""I think so! I gave her the application form!""I see!"...Ivy hurried out of campus and got into the car.Brian drove toward the hotel, and Ivy felt slightly nervous. She tried to text Robert to
"Yeah, that's why I reached out to him!" Robert tapped her on the shoulder. "Alright, let's go in! Don't worry, Dad and I are right here next to you! The lessons will be held on the weekends at our house as well."Ivy took a deep breath and followed him into the room."Dad." She greeted Elliot before turning to shake Harry's hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gardner."Harry did not seem as authoritative as he appeared on the news and smiled gently at her. "Hello, Ivy. You must have just finished classes! I graduated from Southern University as well." He grinned as he gave her a firm shake. "Yeah, I know. I looked you up because I saw your show and am very impressed by your skills," she said sheepishly.Elliot gestured at Ivy, wanting her to sit between him and Harry.Ivy immediately took her seat."I was just talking to Harry. He has worked at the television station for so long that he doesn’t host anything apart from Everyday's News because he also acts as the manager of the br
Ivy knew that her parents would not interfere with the choices she made. Unlike her other siblings, she had just returned to the family, so her parents were naturally more forgiving of her."I will try to be a TV host for now!" Ivy said. "I don't know what the future will hold after I graduate. So, I will face it when the time comes.""Of course. You are free to make mistakes. No matter what you want to do, I will always support you.""Thank you, Dad.""Don't thank me. I'm happy that there's something I can do for you." He studied Ivy endearingly. "Do you want to learn how to drive? It's fine if you don't want to, though.""I want to, but there's no time.""You can get our driver to teach you during the winter holidays, and once you know how to drive a car, you can get your license," Elliot said. "Robert learned how to drive when he was twelve. He was the one who begged our driver to teach him and even snuck out to drive without telling us.""Robert is really bold, driving witho
She was of the opinion that Hayden not marrying was not the worst thing in life. As long as that was what he wanted, she did not find any fault with his choice. "Dad, I don't understand why parents always want their kids to get married," Ivy said."I don't know about other parents, but I want you all to get married because marrying your mom gave me great happiness. I'm happier married to her than I ever was when I was single. My family has made my life so meaningful, so naturally, I want all of you to find a partner to support you, to listen to you when you need to vent, and to take care of you when you are sick. Humans are social creatures, after all."Ivy realized something. "Don't force Hayden to get married if he doesn't want to, though. I don't want you to fight." She could not imagine what would happen if Hayden and Elliot fought.Elliot smiled bitterly. "I'm just telling you what I think. I would never say these things to him.""Are you drunk as well, Dad?" Ivy could smell
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