"I'm sorry, but I placed it on a cabinet in the lounge because of the strong fragrance and I'm allergic to flowers," Andrea said. "There is a card, but I didn't look at it. You can bring it here now because I'm going home by taxi tonight as well."Ivy wondered who had sent her flowers and glanced at the time, noticing that there were a few minutes before the show started.The lounge was located right outside, and it would take no more than two minutes for her to go and come back."Thank you! I didn't know!" Ivy said."Maybe it's just a surprise," Andrea commented and swiftly changed out of the suit jacket she was wearing.She wore her white shirt underneath it, so she simply went home after putting on her jacket and taking off the wig she wore for the show. "I told my parents that your parents gave you the money so that you could grab a cab home, and they did the same for me." Andrea removed the wig while facing the mirror. "I can't get much sleep in the lounge. It smells funny."
Ivy glanced at the ending sentence of the last page and looked up to face the camera, before continuing.There were no words on the teleprompter at all, and she was reciting the script by heart.After reporting the third piece of news, the broadcast switched to the video corresponding to the video concerning the third piece of news, and Ivy immediately said to the director, "My script has been swapped."Ivy had not expected an accident to happen on her second day at work.She had memorized every word of her script but had been caught by surprise by the unexpected turn of events. People tended to lose coordination of their speech and body language when they were extremely nervous."Don't panic. After the video, I will enter an advertisement," the director consoled her. "I will get someone to print you another copy of the script right away.""Okay. Thank you." Ivy sighed a breath of relief.Inside the hotel, Andrea clenched her fists and scowled as she watched the news report on t
She had not expected someone to come and swap her script during a small window of chance.She realized that the person who did this bore the most malicious intent.The first two pages were normal, everything from the third page onwards had been swapped, so the person who did it intentionally wanted Ivy to make a mistake halfway through her broadcast, and Ivy was rendered speechless by how vicious this person was."Ivy, I didn't do it. I swear, it wasn't me," Anthony, who was one of the interns from the third year, spoke out.Anthony was an introvert and rarely interacted with others.Each person had their own cubicle, and Anthony's seat was located the furthest from the entrance. "Is there any surveillance in here?" Ivy asked the staff.Without proof, she dared not to make any accusations as she would destroy Andrea if Andrea was not the person who did it.The staff shook his head. "There are cameras in the corridor but not in here.""Without any surveillance footage, there's
After washing her face, she sat down on her bed, wanting to lie down but found herself sitting up stiffly as she stared at the phone on her nightstand.She desperately wanted to speak to someone but knew better than to tell her family about the incident because she knew that they would definitely try to punish whoever did it, and she did not wish to get her family involved when she had no proof of who swapped her script.She picked up her phone and texted Harry. After giving a brief explanation of what happened, she begged him to keep it a secret from her parents.After sending the message, she spotted Lucas's name on her contact list, and she stared at it contemplatively, wondering how he was. It had been over half a year since she last saw him, but it felt as though it had been years.She became someone else and learned so much that she was no longer the same person, so she wondered if Lucas felt like a brand-new person as well in his new environment.She took a deep breath an
[As a senior in the broadcasting industry, I think I have the expertise to comment on this. It's hardly an accident, and it's probably a minor mistake at worst, and it's normal for interns to make them. We shouldn't exaggerate it.][I think that something might be wrong with her script, or she wouldn't have paused.][I thought that broadcasters read from the teleprompter. Even singers have teleprompters at their concerts! Maybe something went wrong with the teleprompter?]..."Elliot, people are saying that maybe something went wrong with the teleprompter when Ivy was broadcasting." Avery was even more curious after reading the comments, but she could not simply ask Ivy about it because Ivy was still asleep."Maybe I can call Harry and ask him about it?" Elliot was not overly nervous about it. Though Ivy made a minor mistake, it did not affect the overall flow of the show. What concerned him was that they would pressure Ivy by placing too much attention on the matter.Avery shook
Ivy was starving, so she inhaled the pasta.Avery immediately served Ivy a bowl of soup and said, "Have some soup as well. Be careful not to choke.""Okay... Mom, I can eat a horse! I just get so hungry after work." Ivy took a sip of her soup and said, "Mom, I have two days off.""Let's go shopping for things we need for New Year's, then!" Avery had made plans.Ivy had been alone by herself. For over a decade, she had been away from her family, and considering how she lived in poverty, Avery knew that Ivy had not experienced a grand New Year's celebration."Sure! What do we need to buy?" Ivy decided to take a break from eating for a moment."We usually get plants, decorations, and lights... Oh, we need to get fireworks as well. We would play with fireworks every year during New Year's. We will have to change the time that we do it, though. You need to work at night, so we will release the firework before you go to work or after you come home."Ivy felt moved by her words. "Let's
Ivy replied. [Anthony, I've only left my post twice: once to use the bathroom and the other time to go to the lounge. Have you seen anyone at my desk?][My back was facing your post, and I had been focusing on reciting my script, so I didn't pay attention.][It's okay, then. Don't worry and just focus on work.][Ivy, there’s someone you suspect, isn't there?][I don't have any proof.][So, you aren't going to do anything?][What can I do when I have no proof?]The two were speaking in riddles. Anthony was trying to ask if Ivy suspected Andrea to be the culprit, but Ivy refused to tell him what she thought.Had it not been for the accident the night before, they would have never even spoken to one another and she saw no point in sharing her thoughts with a stranger.[Be careful from now on. I saw your show last night, and you are really quick on your feet. I should learn from you.] Anthony added.[Thank you.]After talking to Anthony, Ivy saw Layla's reply.[Of course, I'm c
Andrea sent another message. [Are you free to talk on the phone right now? I will give you a call!]Ivy did not want to hear Andrea's voice and replied. [I'm busy right now.][Okay! I don't know what happened to your script, Ivy, but I am certain that I didn't touch it.][The manager will look into it. Let's wait for the result!] Ivy replied.[Okay! Don't let what happened to get to you. I watched the replay of your show and you were brilliant!]Had Ivy received such a compliment from anyone else, she would have thanked them, but she could not bring herself to thank Andrea and simply ignored the message."Ivy, have you talked to your sister?" Avery asked when she saw Ivy walking down the stairs."I did. She said that she will be coming home with Eric this New Year's.""Oh, okay!" Avery beamed. "Don't you need some more rest, Ivy?""I can't go back to sleep, Mom." Ivy walked over. "Let's go shopping!""Okay.""I will get changed, then." Ivy hurried up the stairs, and Avery co
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