The baby had stopped crying and was behaving because someone was holding him.The servant felt anxious as Elliot and Avery had always been a loving couple who had not had a fight in years."What if the results aren't ideal?" the servant thought.She set the baby onto the bed and took out her phone, wondering whether she should call Layla in case Layla could help calm her parents down.Half an hour later, Layla hurried home. However, it had nothing to do with the servant's phone call. The finance manager of her company had informed her that Avery was requesting a legal separation agreement where Elliot would be left with nothing.Terrified, Layla immediately set all her work aside and hurried home."Dad, what's going on? Are you and Mom fighting?" Layla darted into the living room without even taking her shoes off.Elliot sat on the couch alone in the living room.The servant heard Layla's voice and ran outside. "Layla, why are you here?" The servant was still contemplating whet
Tears rolled down Layla's face when she heard Hayden's voice, and she felt like the world was ending.Her harmonious family was on the brink of falling apart.Though she had married Eric, she had never once stopped considering herself a part of her family and thought that she had matured after getting married; however, this sudden event had made her realize that she was not strong enough.After ending her call with Hayden, Layla accepted a piece of tissue paper from the servant."Layla, I know that you are upset, but your dad says that this baby isn't his. I don't think he is lying," the servant reiterated. "Why don't we wait for the DNA test results, hm?"Layla dried her tears and turned her attention back to the baby.Woken by the noise Layla had been making on the phone, the baby was looking around dazedly."But I think he looks just like Dad!" Layla felt increasingly upset as she studied the baby.With there being so much resemblance between him and the baby, it was obvious
At first glance, he thought that the baby looked hideous.He was certain that the baby was not his, and since the baby had brought a crisis into his marriage, he would not have bothered looking at it had he not needed a paternity test done."I just don't understand! Why would you break our family apart? Do you think that you will be free if you get a divorce?" Layla shouted. "You don't have to sneak around like that if you want freedom! Even if Mom forgives you, I will never forgive you!"Elliot was rendered speechless."Once the lawyer gets here, sign the agreement." Layla sat down on the couch gloomily. "If Mom wants to divorce you, you will leave without a penny to your name. If you try to resist, my siblings and I will all work together to make your life a living hell."Elliot remained silent."Your best option is to take your illegitimate child and leave after the divorce. Don't show your face to us again. You aren't that old and are quite strong physically, so you can inves
The legal specialist and Elliot were left alone in the living room.The specialist glanced at Elliot, wanting to say something but not knowing where to start."Just say it," Elliot said."Mr. Foster, I used to look up to you because I think you manage your business and family extremely well. You must be extremely talented to achieve that...""Just skip the compliments, and get to the point." Elliot's head was pounding.His wife was giving him the cold shoulder — and so would all of his children, once they found out.If the paternity test proved that the child was his, his family would abandon him, and that was one of the biggest fears of any man."You're a smart man, so why did you make such a foolish mistake?" the legal specialist sighed. "Your wife is a brilliant woman, and so are your children. Why did you have to go looking for excitement out there?""I didn't! Why won't any of you believe me?""Well... Why would your wife be upset with you if you didn't do anything?""Th
"If something is wrong with his brain, let him rot," Avery said."Okay! Mom, why are you locking yourself in your room? Why don't I get Dad to move out for now after he signs the agreement? This is his mistake, so you shouldn't suffer for it!" Layla wanted Avery to get some fresh air."Let's wait until your brothers and sister come home. He needs to explain himself to them," Avery said."I know, but Dad doesn’t say anything other than the baby isn't his." Layla recalled her conversation with Elliot and said, "By the way, I called Hayden, and he should be back soon."Avery nodded. "I didn't really want something like this to be known, but since Elliot wants to act shamelessly, I shouldn't have to work to preserve his pride.""Yeah. Even if we keep quiet about this, rumors will start to fly." Layla picked up the agreement. "I will go downstairs and get him to sign the agreement. If the baby turns out to be his, we need to make sure that he doesn't get anything."At four in the afte
This was her first time facing such a scenario since she had returned to her family.She could sense that something horrible had happened from the way her family was behaving."Ivy, come here," Layla said."Okay." Ivy set her bag aside and walked over to Layla obediently."I will tell her!" Elliot did not want Ivy to misunderstand the situation and wanted to explain everything in his own words in the hopes that that would stop Ivy from bursting out crying like Robert did.Elliot felt extremely guilty for causing his children pain."All right! Go on, then," Layla said coldly.Ivy took note of Layla's tone and realized that Elliot had done something wrong."Ivy, someone delivered a baby here today claiming that it's my baby. I can swear that I've not seen another woman apart from your mother, so that baby can't be mine," Elliot said.Ivy was shaken by all the information and did not know what to do for a moment.Elliot sounded sincere, but she did not know what the truth was.
Ivy's heart melted, but she instantly stopped herself from feeling sorry for the baby once she remembered that he might be Elliot's illegitimate child."He has big eyes," Ivy commented."So does Dad," Layla said.Ivy was at a loss for words.The baby looked adorable, and she could not help but wonder how wonderful it would be if he was not Elliot's child."Don't you think he looks like Dad? At least a little?" Layla asked."Maybe a little... We will still have to wait for the results, though." Ivy did not want to make assumptions simply based on the fact that the baby resembled Elliot in some way.During dinner, Avery and her three children dined in the dining room, while the servant brought Elliot his portion to eat alone in the living room.Layla was the one to arrange this—not because she was venting her anger, but because she did not want Avery to lose her appetite.Elliot understood why Layla had made such an arrangement and did not want to upset Avery any further. Nevert
At night, Elliot went to sleep in the guest room on the first floor, but he could not fall asleep.After taking a shower, he received a call from Ben.Somehow, all his friends had found out about the baby."I really didn't betray Avery! It's bad enough that my own family won't believe me. How can you, of all people, doubt me as well?" Elliot paced back and forth inside the room."How am I supposed to believe you when your wife doesn't? I'm sure Avery can tell if it's really your child with just one look, right?""I can't see any resemblance! That's not my child! This is ridiculous! Why won't any of you believe me?! Am I that untrustworthy to you all?""If the baby isn't yours, you should just wait for the DNA test results. You don't have to get all riled up.""I'm furious right now! You have no idea what I've suffered today! Avery won't talk to me, and neither will my kids. Layla's words are so hurtful, and she even said that Hayden might beat me up when he comes home!"Ben wa
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