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
"I can't hear what he is saying.""Layla, come sleep with me tonight," Ivy said. "Maybe we've misunderstood Dad.""But that baby...""He doesn't really look that much like Dad. Why don't we go have another look now?" Ivy said."Okay! Let's have another look."The two headed down the stairs.Meanwhile, in the master bedroom, Avery had calmed down after listening to what Elliot had had to say."A vasectomy can fail," she said."The doctor said that I wouldn't be able to impregnate anyone if the surgery was a success," Elliot said confidently. "Why don't we go to a hospital to check if the surgery failed?"Avery glanced at the clock and noticed that it was almost nine."We haven't taken any contraceptive measures over the years, and you didn't get pregnant, did you? What makes you think that I can impregnate another woman?" Elliot's tone grew more and more confident.He shifted Layla's pillow away and climbed into bed.Avery stared at him as his words echoed in her mind. For a
Hayden set the glass down and expressed that he wanted to see the baby, so Layla told the servant to carry the baby outside.The baby was in a deep sleep as an infant his age would spend most of his time sleeping or eating.The servant presented the baby to Hayden and said, "Hayden, don't be mad at your dad just yet. The baby is still too tiny for his features to have developed, so one simply can't tell who he resembles!" The servant was worried that Hayden would see a resemblance between the baby and Elliot as well.After caring for the baby the whole day, the servant realized that he did look like Elliot, but she dared not mention it.Hayden glanced at the baby, and his first impression of the baby was that he was tiny and hideous-looking.The child could possibly just be hideous, or it could be because his features had yet to develop.Layla spotted the disgust on Hayden's face and explained, "The baby has really big eyes. They are just closed right now.""What? Are you in lov
"I realized that I'm still young, so I don't have to rush into marriage," Hayden said."Why would you think that you are still young, Hayden? Just look at you. Your skin isn't as smooth as before, and you are aging. A human body's aging process speeds up once they are past twenty-five years old, so your body is just going to deteriorate more as the years go by.""Don't try to make me anxious about my age. If I'm growing old, so are you. We are the same age.""Damn, you are so stubborn." Layla turned to look at Avery. "Mom, help me out.""Hayden, do you think that all the girls we introduce you to are beneath you?" Avery asked.Hayden instantly fell silent."Hahaha! So that's what you really think, Hayden!" Layla burst out laughing."Mom, that's not what I think. I'm busy, and, even if I marry someone, I won't be able to spend time with her. I might as well wait until my business stabilizes...""Didn't it stabilize a long time ago?" Avery asked, confused. "You've been working fo
Elliot could hear every word they said, and, after a good night's sleep the night before, an idea had popped into his head.He strode into the dining room and said, "If you are saying that the baby looks like me, could it be that he really belongs to our family?"Avery instantly narrowed her eyes."Dad, what is wrong with you?!" Layla's heart raced."Don't get upset just yet! I can't tell how the baby looks like me, but if you two agree on it, then it has to be true. People can't just send babies here without a reason, so... There's a high chance that the baby belongs to us! But!" Elliot paused and said, "He is not mine."Hayden, Avery, and Layla fell into silence."Hayden and Robert both look like me... Could it be that the baby's father is one of them?" Elliot was impressed by his own sharp mind.He knew his actions so he was certain that the baby was not his. However, if the baby belonged to his family, then the father could only be Robert or Hayden.Hayden, Avery, and Layla
"If the baby is Robert's, it's not that big a deal." Elliot rubbed his nose to conceal the joy on his face. "It's good that we are great parents."Avery blushed at the thought of having grandchildren and being a grandmother.She felt conflicted as she had always thought of herself as being quite young whenever she looked in the mirror.Though she did wish that Hayden would get married, she had never imagined being a grandmother at her age."Don't blame Robert when he comes home." Elliot was overjoyed and did not see this turn of events as a negative one."Are you that desperate to be a grandfather?" Avery glared at him.Elliot blushed and said, "Don't you want to have grandkids? Will you hate the baby if you find out that he really is Robert's child?"Avery fell silent as she had never thought of Robert being a father.From her perspective, Robert was still a child himself, but she could not argue that she would love the baby if he was Robert's child.Layla tried calling Rober
"Could it be that you aren't a virgin?" Layla asked. "You've been to so many parties where you drink. You can't really hold your liquor, so could one of your female friends have taken advantage of you when you were drunk?""Ah! Stop it, Layla! I'm getting chills! We are all decent people so you are overthinking! That's illegal, and none of them would dare to do such a thing!""You are too naive, or, to put it simply, you are a little slow. You don't know how evil people can be because our parents have protected you well. It's a complicated world out there, and a university is a miniature planet of its own."Feeling devastated, Robert said, "I'm begging you to stop, Layla. I will get a paternity test done, all right?""Don't be too pessimistic. Our parents are quite happy about it. Even if the baby is yours, our parents will raise him so don't worry," Layla said gently.Robert felt extremely depressed as he was not worried if his parents would be upset with him; what troubled him w
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