Hayden stilled and turned to look at Shelly. "Is there any ice water?"He felt as though his entire body was on fire and desperately wanted a glass of ice water."O- of course!" Shelly immediately went to bring him a glass of ice water, and on her way, she spotted a slim woman coming her way.Alarmed, she instantly realized that this was the woman who plotted to sleep with Hayden.Shelly added a few pieces of ice into a glass of water and immediately hurried back to Hayden."Lola, why are you here?" When Hayden spotted Lola, he realized what had happened.He started feeling hot after drinking the juice, which was given to him by Eric's aunt.He had managed to keep a leveled head despite all the alcoholic drinks he had consumed, so it became clear that something was wrong with the juice."Hayden, you seem ill. I was worried, so I came over to see if I can take care of you," Lola said gently as she approached Hayden.Shelly stood behind Lola with the glass of water, not daring t
The bodyguard immediately scowled. "You know what's wrong with Mr. Tate? How?" He grabbed Shelly by the collar and dragged her into the room."Be gentle! I didn't do this to your boss! I just..." Shelly wanted to tell the truth but was worried that they might not believe her.Hayden heard the noise from inside the bathroom and came out of the shower wearing his bathrobe."What's going on?" He did not bother drying his hair, and there was still water dripping from his hair."Mr. Tate, your bodyguard has a misunderstanding with me! He thinks that I drugged your drink... but I didn't... I saw how flushed you were and figured that you drank something that you shouldn't... I work in this hotel... and you'd be surprised how frequently this sort of thing happens... I just thought I would warn you. I don't know anything else." Shelly clarified the situation and made sure to exclude her involvement in the matter.If Hayden was as smart as he was described to be in rumors, he would understa
In the event hall, the dinner had ended, and after saying goodbye to the guests, Layla was about to leave with Eric.Eric had not rested throughout the day, and though he did not seem tired, Layla had to make sure that he lay down."I will go check on Hayden first." Worried about Hayden, she decided to drop by Hayden's room."Yeah. He doesn't usually drink, right? He drank quite a lot today." Eric was grateful for Hayden's help with the guests."I don't live with him, so I don't know how good his tolerance for alcohol is. He doesn't really drink when he is around us." Layla recalled how flushed Hayden looked when he left the hall."Yeah. Let's keep him away from any alcohol tomorrow," Eric said."I'm just worried that he might throw up at night, and no one is there to look after him." Layla hurried toward the VIP rooms, and when they arrived before Hayden's room, Hayden's bodyguard immediately bowed respectfully to them."Why are you standing outside the door? Did my brother tel
In the end, everyone claimed to have steered clear of Hayden's room."Mr. Tate, you heard everything on the speaker. None of them entered your room," the receptionist said. "Did you lose something?""No," Hayden said. He thought to himself, 'Is that woman not coming forward out of fear that I might punish her for what happened? If that's the case, it's best that I don't disturb her.'Hayden arrived at the dining hall where the breakfast buffet was being served."Hayden." Avery spotted him and hurried over. "How are you doing? If you feel sick, you should rest in your room.""I'm fine, Mom.""Did you sleep well last night, Hayden? I was worried that you might throw up." Layla handed him a glass of juice.He shook his head. "I just need water.""Hayden, the gift bags for the guests at my wedding have become the talk of the town now," Layla said as she set her glass of juice down. "There are no photos, but everyone now knows that I was giving out gold bars and cars to my guests."
Shelly collapsed on her bed dazedly when she returned to her apartment with memories of the night before replaying in her mind.It had been a preposterous night.Hayden was a gentleman, and Shelly was the one who had taken the initiative.When she had seen that Hayden had completely submerged his body in the cold water, including his head, she had been worried that he might suffocate.If Hayden had died, the police would arrest her as the first suspect as she had been alone in the room with Hayden.Considering all these factors, she had dragged Hayden out of the water, and everything had swiftly spiraled out of control.She admitted that she had been enthralled by Hayden’s looks as she would have ran if she had been in the same situation with a horrendous-looking man; but because she had been with Hayden, she had done something unexpected.Other than a tinge of embarrassment, she felt nothing else afterward.Had Hayden not been drugged, she would have never had the chance to be
Ever since Courtney left home, she had been living a privileged life and had not seen any hardship, so her resume was rather empty with only a description of her educational history and a remark at the end that stated she had no bad habits."I don't really know what to put in it. I didn't get any certificates during my time at university because my parents said I didn't need to worry about that. They told me to work for our family business after I graduated so I wouldn't have to suffer out there. I thought they meant it, but they turned around to set me up for an arranged marriage as soon as I graduate!" Courtney sighed."Why don't we swap places, then?" Shelly stood from the bed.Courtney shook her head. "Forget it! I will go home once I have spent all the money I have left.""Have you thought things through?""After seeing how little you end up with despite how hard you try, I've realized it's best for me to go home."Courtney's words left Shelly feeling conflicted. "You are ri
A week later, Hayden's holiday in Aryadelle ended, and Avery and Elliot sent him off to the airport."Hayden, if you want a girlfriend, try your best to look around you when you are back in Bridgedale. Be more proactive," Avery reminded him. "Love doesn't just fall into your lap. You need to look for it.""Are you really not going to move your company to Aryadelle? At least open a branch here," Elliot said.Avery wanted Hayden to find a partner, while Elliot wanted him to stay by their sides."I will consider what you two have said. Go home! I will call you when I arrive," Hayden said."Yeah. If you can't really hold your liquor, don't drink so much next time," Avery added thoughtfully.Hayden's mind was instantly brought back to how he had been tricked at Layla's wedding.Though it was now in the past, he would never forget what had happened that night when he had given his first time to a stranger.At this point, he could no longer remember what the woman had looked like beca
Shea lay in bed, expressionless.She was drifting off to sleep more frequently, and as it became harder to wake her, her memories slipped through her fingers.She could sense that she was about to leave the world.She thought back to how she had begged Wesley to take her away years ago out of fear that Elliot would be devastated.This time, she was braver and wanted to bid her farewell to her family.By the time Elliot and Avery arrived at the hospital, Shea had drifted off to sleep again.She had tried her best to wait for them, but she could not control her brain.Wesley handed Shea's medical record to Avery. "Her situation is severe, and all possible treatments have been used, but there's been little to no effect. The treatment process can be painful, and she wants to stop." Wesley sat down next to the bed. "The doctors don't recommend that we keep up with the treatment either."Avery glanced through the medical record and said, "If she doesn't intend to get any further trea
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