Shea knew she could no longer hide it, yet she was afraid as her brother looked so serious and stern. So, she lowered her head and said nothing. At the Starry River Villa, Mike—who was in the living room of Avery's home—boasted about how great his alcohol tolerance was, and how easily he had gotten Chad drunk! He also paraded how easy it was to lie and fool Chad. "Avery, I'm great, right?" Mike was looking for praise. "Chad definitely reported it to his boss! Don't worry. Elliot will not suspect you."Avery was peeling an apple. She passed it to him. "You finally have some brains.""Hey! That was uncalled for! I always have brains, please!" Mike angrily accepted the apple and took a hard bite. "I just don't like to think. Once I do, even Sherlock Holmes is no match for me."At that moment, Layla brought an album over."Mommy, who is this man? He's so handsome! I like him very much!" Layla had come out of Avery's room. Avery looked at the album in Layla's hands. She immediat
Back then, Elliot had spent one hundred and fifty-five million dollars looking for Shea. The entire county knew of his search for her. He had not believed that Avery was in the dark over that fact. Avery's face flushed from Elliot's questions! The tone of his voice made it clear that he thought that Avery had abducted Shea and had taken Shea to her house. At that point in time, Avery had not even had the time to think. She had a high fever! If she had returned Shea to him while Shea still suffered from a fever, he would think that she had not even cared for her while Shea had been with her. "Yes!" Avery yelled, agitated. "I was extremely happy to see you go crazy!"Suddenly, everything went black! The lights in the house went out!"Ah!" Shea was so frightened she immediately found someone to hug.Mike jumped. "Why are you hugging me? Let go!""I'm scared! Scared!" Shea continued exclaiming in alarm. Mike gave in and exhaled. It was just a hug! He did not lose anything by it!
Avery slammed the door and locked it from within.Mike saw that the argument had ended. He immediately took Shea out of the children's room."Hey! Foster!" Mike had initially wanted to stand up for Avery.Elliot glared at him warningly, "Shut up!"Mike held his tongue. He saw Elliot walking over to Shea and taking her away. It was drizzling when they exited the villa. Elliot took off his jacket and draped it over Shea's head.When they entered the car, Shea was hugging his jacket. She looked at the villa. Elliot put on the safety belt for her and said hoarsely, "Shea, stop looking.""Big Brother, I'm sorry…" Shea said. Tears streamed down her face. "Shea, you did nothing wrong. You don't have to apologize to anyone." Elliot raised his hands and wiped the tears away from the corner of her eyes.Shea cried, "Big Brother, it was me. I was afraid of the surgery, so I ran away. I was the one who begged Hayden to take me away…" She had not dared to tell him the truth earlier o
Avery came out of her bedroom. Everyone looked at her at the same time. No one said anything. The atmosphere was extremely awkward."Did I cross a line just now?" Avery walked to the sofa and sat down. "I shouldn't have said that about Shea.""No! It was that jerk Elliot who yelled at your first. The moment you said anything he asked you to shut up. I feel like you should have really given it to him! If I were you, I would have yelled him to death! Not only would I have called Shea an idiot, but I would have said that their entire family was a family of idiots!" said Mike, hoping to comfort her. Avery was slightly stunned at Mike's comments. Laura also chimed in comfortingly, "Avery, you were angry. If he had any sense in him, he would know that you did not do it on purpose.""I don't care what he thinks of me. I'm afraid that Shea would be sad." Avery lowered her gaze and sighed.She did not care what Elliot thought. She was afraid that her words spoken out of spite would hurt
"Yes! Shea, you're an aunt!" The nanny chuckled, then sighed. "But I don't think your brother knows about it. I can't be sure that Hayden is your brother's son too.""He doesn't like Big Brother." Shea looked disappointed.The nanny said, "That's because your brother has a girlfriend right now. I should really stop talking about this. Their affairs are too complicated." Shea automatically filtered out the complicated matters and continued admiring the painting that Hayden had given her.That weekend, Tammy and Avery went out clothes shopping. "If everything goes right, I'm going to Jun's house to celebrate New Year's." Tammy sounded a little nervous. "I heard my father and his father discussing our marriage."Avery smiled and said, "Isn't that a good thing? You guys have been together for a long time. It's time you got married.""But we're both still young! We have not had enough fun yet!" Tammy pulled Avery into a men's clothing store.Avery said, "What's the difference betw
Avery continued to flip through the magazine. She did not react. Her magazine was suddenly taken away."Won't you feel uncomfortable staying here?" Tammy pulled her up from the sofa. "How unlucky! Meeting annoying people while out shopping."Tammy intentionally said it out loud so Zoe could hear.Avery said, "The shop is here, and anyone can enter.""Which is why I said we're unlucky! I'm not shopping here anymore! Let's leave." Tammy tugged Avery's hand. She wanted to pull her away.Avery said, "Why are you such a coward?"Tammy was stunned by this statement. Yes! Why was she being a coward? She was not afraid of Zoe, why did she have to leave?Tammy randomly took a few pieces of clothing and headed to the cashier, pulling Avery along."What's so great about swiping another person's card that you have to boast about it? It's like they're not afraid to let people know that they rely on others." Tammy mocked Zoe with a smile and said, "True power is the ability to spend one's ow
"I'll still be happy! My ex and I are still good friends!"Avery was speechless."Avery, who knows. Maybe they would get married," Tammy continued, "Rosalie likes Zoe a lot. Also, Elliot seemed to have finally decided on being with Zoe. Jun and I are speculating that if Shea's second operation is a success by New Year's, he will definitely marry Zoe."Avery said calmly, "I wish them all the best.""You have to look ahead too!" Tammy was worried for Avery. "You're still young. Your mom can help you take care of your two kids. Also, they are already in school, so you don't have to worry about them too much. You can start enjoying life.""I will enjoy it," Avery said with a smile. "Can you stop looking at me with pity? It's not illegal to be single, right?""I think you're unhappy," Tammy said solemnly."Don't overthink it. I think you just have too much time on your hands. Why don't you plan your wedding?!""Oh! Please be my bridesmaid.""I have two children, how am I going to b
Avery looked at the photo. Without knowing it, she fell into a daze. How could she not feel anything when it came to him? Her heart hurt a little. Would she give him her blessing? No."Avery, what are you daydreaming about? Your children are bullying me! Come and help me!" Mike walked over to the sofa and pulled Avery up, placing himself behind her.Avery immediately snapped back to reality. She looked normal. "Hayden, about changing schools after the New Year's. Have you thought about it?"This question instantly subdued the atmosphere in the living room."Mommy, are you letting Hayden go to the same preschool as me?" Layla asked excitedly."Hayden is not going to preschool; he is going to elementary school," Avery said. Hayden nodded.Although his relationship with Shea was not as bad as it was before, Shea was one of Elliot's people, and he did not like Elliot one bit. So, only by leaving Angela Special Needs Academy and Shea would he stay out of trouble."Woo, woo! I'm a
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