Robert sent Ivy a text message, and Ivy replied right away.[Dad and Layla messaged me as well. I would have gone with them if I didn't have classes.][I could have taken some days off from school, but I guess I will pass! I want to stay home with you!] Robert replied.[Did Dad tell you to?][I'm staying because I want to and because it's my responsibility.][Haha. Thanks, Robert. You can go if you want to, though. I will be fine. I'm a grownup, and our driver drives me around every day, so I'm perfectly safe.][Nah. If I go, Hayden and our parents will chase me out.][Haha.][Do you have any classes today? If you are free, we can go out.]Ivy had no classes in the evening and was going to go home to practice her breathing and pronunciation, but she did not tell Robert that. Ever since she heard about the operation, she had been in a great mood. [Where are we going?][Where do you want to go? I can take you anywhere!]Ivy scratched her head, feeling lost.She had been wit
Robert thought about it and said, "Why don't we eat at the canteen in Dad's office? I heard the food there is great, but I've never been there before.""Sure! Will they let us in?"He chuckled. "I'm just going to let them have a good look at me." "Do they all know you?"He giggled. "Of course, not. I mean I'm going to use the face recognition system to get in. Dad's security system has face recognition, and Dad entered us all into the system.""Oh! I thought all of Dad's employees know you!" She sighed a breath of relief."Do you know how many employees work for him? Thousands!" he said. "Only a few of the managers have seen me because Dad is quite protective of us. Search online and you will only find that Hayden is listed as Dad's son. You can't find anything on Layla and I." "I tried." Ivy did so in Taronia and could only find Hayden. "But since Layla uploaded that advert, I'm pretty sure everyone knows who she is." "That’s because she's working, and it doesn’t matter if
The lights inside the building remained lit.Ivy had thought that the office would be empty as people often returned home right away after office hours ended at six."Robert, when does office hours end in Dad's company?" Ivy asked innocently. "Dad usually comes home at six, doesn't he?""Dad is the boss and he gets to get off work anytime he wants, but his employees can't do the same. There are two shifts here: from nine to five, and from ten to seven. The lights are still on inside because there are still a lot of employees working inside," Robert explained.Ivy followed Robert to the entrance of Sterling Group obediently.She had seen this building before when she was on a road trip with her family during her summer holidays.Ivy would have never dared to come here on her own without Robert as she did not want to let others know about her connection to Elliot, nor did she think that it would be appropriate for her to take a tour in a workplace; on top of that, Elliot did not wo
Dean knew that Elliot was on his way to Bridgedale, so he had not informed Elliot about it right away.He waited outside Elliot's office for a while and when Robert did not show up, he called Elliot's assistant."Do you have Robert's number? Give it to me if you do," Dean said. "I heard that Robert is in the office, but he's nowhere to be found. I have no clue as to why he is here."The assistant immediately located Robert’s number and sent it to Dean. "Are you sure that he is in the office?""The administration manager said so, so I suppose so!" Dean said. "I heard that he is here with his girlfriend, too. I haven't even heard that he was dating. Do you know about this?""No! The last time Mr. Foster talked about Robert, he was saying how Robert doesn't know how to handle his personal life. I heard that some girl went to Layla to get to Robert and Layla was really mad about it.""Robert is a gentleman, so it's natural that girls like him. I guess he is in a serious relationship
Robert froze when he saw the people approaching.Ivy was shocked as well and tugged at Robert's arm underneath the table to draw his attentionRobert took a deep breath and introduced the group to Ivy hastily, "that's the vice-president, Dean. That's Dad's assistant in the middle and the manager of the administration department on the right."Ivy nodded. "How should I address them?""Uncle! Just call them uncle."The three stopped in front of them and Dean said, "Robert, let's dine outside! I've reserved a table just now and we can head over there right now." He glanced at Ivy. "Is this your classmate?"Ivy appeared quite young, so Dean assumed that she was Robert's classmate.Just as Robert was about to answer, Ivy took off her mask and greeted them politely. "Hello. I'm Robert’s younger sister, Ivy."The three gasped and instantly recognized Ivy as soon as she removed her mask."Ivy, I've heard about you. It's a pleasure to see you today! It's a shame that I haven't prepared
Two hours later, Robert and Ivy returned home.Robert felt drained and so did Ivy, mainly because Dean and the others were far too talkative.Ivy had no knowledge about Sterling Group at the very beginning and after two hours' time, her head was filled with information about Sterling Group and their future development plans."Robert, they are quite nice, actually." Seeing how Robert was staring into the distance blankly, she sat down next to him on the couch."Sure, but I just can't take it when they keep trying to lecture us just because they are older, you know? Hayden's company isn't like that, though. I will take you to his office when I have the chance." Robert's eyes lit up when he talked about Hayden's company."I don't feel that way, Robert. I think that all the guys we met today are really nice and enthusiastic. It's a great thing that they are willing to share with us their experience and thoughts. I guess I just haven't received that much love growing up, so I don't see
He had been to the inside of the Intensive care units and the sight of all the machines sent chills down his spine.If he ever fell severely ill in the future, he did not want Avery to drive herself to the ground trying to save him; if there was no way to alter one's fate, they should all face it with composure.Knowing what Elliot was trying to say, Layla stilled.The surgery was scheduled a week away.The weather in Bridgedale grew colder and it would snow almost every day; whenever it was not snowing, there would still be extremely strong wind and the winter this year simply seemed so much harsher than the ones in the past.Layla and the others all remained inside their rooms with heaters, but as the date for the surgery approached, stress and fear began to weigh down on them.During dinner, Avery noticed that everyone was losing their appetite and said, "have you prepared any gifts for Eric?"Eric's parents were staying in Avery's mansion as well. They had wanted to stay in
"What about you?" Mike turned to look at Elliot. "You have a weak stomach. If you get sick later, your wife is going to worry."Layla immediately turned to look at them."I guess we should eat! She was worried that the others would refuse to eat like she did.She was young and could starve without feeling unwell, but her father had a weak stomach and Eric's parents were elders.After lunch, they continued to wait outside the operation room."Relax, it's all going to be fine." Mike leaned against the window and studied the dark looks on their faces. "This is the best private hospital in Bridgedale and the surgeon in there is the best in this country... Bridgedale is known for being really advanced in the medical field and if the surgery fails-"Layla interrupted him. "Uncle Mike, Mom used to call you a jinx.""???""So just stop. You are making me nervous."Mike scratched his head awkwardly. "Sure, I will stop. It's been so long since your mom called me that, though. How do you
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