Avery took her phone from Layla. She saw that it was from Wesley. She immediately answered it."Avery, happy new year!" Wesley's delighted voice came through.Avery chuckled. "Wesley, happy new year's eve! I'll save the new year greeting for tomorrow.""Hahaha! Have you all had your dinner? I initially wanted to call you later, but the hospital just passed on a piece of good news to me, so I can't wait to tell you about it," Wesley paused for a while before saying, "Eric can sit up! He is slowly gaining consciousness!"Avery said, "That's amazing!""Avery, he and his family wanted to thank you. They said that they want to visit you after the New Year's," Wesley said."There's no need to trouble them. I'll go see him after the New Year's. Right now, all he needs to focus on is his rehab. The others are unimportant.""How is it unimportant? They want to pay for his medical expenses. They asked me what would be an appropriate amount. I told him to discuss the matter with you." Av
There was a large crowd at the ski area."Where is the snow palace?" Avery asked Wesley. There were too many people there. She was afraid for her children's safety, so she wanted to head to the snow palace to have a look."Behind the ski area," Wesley pointed her in the direction of the palace.One of the tourists overheard their conversation and said kindly, "Are you heading to the snow palace? It's not open to the public today. I heard that someone has booked it for the day..""The huge snow palace has been booked?" Wesley was a little surprised."Yes! Death to the rich! Why did they have to book it during the New Year's! How terrible! The ski area is filled with people today because the snow palace has been booked," the tourist said angrily.Wesley said to Avery awkwardly, "Why don't we head over and have a look. I can try talking to the person who booked the area."The trip would have been in vain if they did not at least try. The journey had taken close to two hours, but th
Elliot lowered his gaze and saw Layla's face scrunched up in pain.His heart skipped a beat! Layla could not have come alone! Did that mean… Avery was here as well? He looked behind Layla and only saw Hayden quickly running over and pulling Layla into his arms. He looked at her clutching her face. He immediately took her hand away and checked if she was injured."Hayden, I'm fine. I bumped into someone, and my nose hurts a little." Layla's eyes were red. She looked pitiful.Hayden held her hand tightly and looked up to face Elliot's cold face. An inexplicable hostility sprang up between father and son.At that moment, Shea saw Hayden and Layla. She was delighted and surprised!"Hayden! Layla!" Shea quickly walked toward them. Hayden noticed and immediately pulled Layla to him. He turned and left.Layla kept looking back, reluctant to leave the beautiful ice kingdom. When her gaze finally fell on Elliot, she stuck her tongue out at him.Elliot ignored Layla's provocation. He im
Avery nodded.Just as she was about to re-enter the snow palace, she saw Zoe, who was not far away, go limp. She was about to fall. Elliot reacted quickly and picked her in his arms! When Avery saw this scene, her eyes fluttered. The air seemed to have frozen. Time seemed to have stopped."Dr. Sanford, are you alright?" Elliot lifted Zoe. His eyes were filled with worry.Zoe saw how worried he looked. She smiled gently and said, "Elliot, I'm sorry! I was so excited about going out with you today that I couldn't sleep last night. I felt a little dizzy just now. I'm fine."Elliot sighed in relief. Nothing could happen to Zoe! He still needed her to treat Shea!"Let's go home!" Elliot carried Zoe and headed to the parking lot.After the staff member consulted his manager, he said to Avery, "Miss, my boss has agreed to your solution, but we need you to give us your contact details. This is in case Mr. Foster asks us about the matter at a later time, then we have an explanation fo
Screech! Avery immediately slammed on the emergency brakes, stopping her car by the road.An accident? Death? An explosion went off in her brain, then tears quickly fell! "Mommy, why did you suddenly stop the car?" Layla exclaimed. Hayden got nervous too. "Mommy, why are you crying?""Mommy, what happened to you? Don't cry!" Layla said and started to choke up. She started to cry too.Avery heard her children's voices and suddenly drew a sharp breath.She wiped the tears off her face with both hands and said hoarsely, "I'll send you two home. Wait for me there. I have something I need to handle."The car was once again on the road. Layla and Hayden were still quite worried."Mommy, what happened? Why are you so sad?"Avery took a deep breath and lied, "Something… happened to Mommy's friend. When you go home, behave. I might be back late. If Uncle Mike is not home, I'll call him to come to take care of you two.""Oh, Mommy! Don't cry! Your friend will get better!" Layla
Under the streetlights, Avery saw her mother's bloody face. She raised her trembling fingers and placed them under her mother's nose.A breeze blew by. Avery wailed, "Mom, I know you're not dead! You promised to be with me for the rest of my life! I'm going to send you to the hospital now! Don't be afraid! I'll be with you! I'll always be with you!"…When Chad found out about Laura's accident, he hesitated for a while before calling Elliot. He would not have disturbed Elliot except he wanted to know that Avery at least had someone by her side. "Mr. Foster, Avery's mother, met an accident this evening. She died on the spot. Avery still can't accept this news. She sent her mother to the hospital. Mike is taking care of the kids at home. She'll be alone dealing with her mother's funeral. I feel it would be hard on her. Do you want to—""Which hospital?" Elliot swallowed. His voice sounded stern yet nervous. "Which hospital is she at right now?!"His terrifying expression and voi
Elliot has only slept with Zoe once, yet she got pregnant from that time? He released the handles to the door of the operation theater.Chad noticed the changes in his expression. His heart was beating wildly. What happened? Why was he not entering to see Avery?"Chad, stay here," Elliot said bitterly, "I have to go back."Chad nodded. He dared not ask any questions. After Elliot left, Chad pushed the door to the operation theater open and took a glance inside.Avery had taken her jacket off and placed it over Laura. She sat listlessly next to Laura. Avery grabbed Laura's hand tightly, crying, and muttering something.Chad's eyes reddened upon seeing this. He closed the door. He took his phone out, found Wesley's contact, and called him.Once he notified Wesley, he left the hospital and drove back to Starry River Villa. He could do nothing for Avery at the hospital, so he thought he might swap places with Mike. He would take care of her two kids while Mike went to take care of
Mike immediately took off his jacket and draped it over her."Go back!" Avery's eyes were filled with tears, but her voice was aloof and stern. "How could you let an outsider take care of the kids!"Her mother had passed away. She had decided that she could not let anything happen to her children. If anything were to happen to her children, she would not be able to live.Mike looked at how sad and angry she was. His mind was a mess."I'll go back now! Stop crying!" Mike reached out and wiped the tears from her face. "I won't bring him home in the future! Don't cry anymore!" Mike said frantically before leaving quickly.While all this was going on, Elliot was at another hospital. He pushed the door to the ward open. Zoe was on the bed, and when she saw him, she immediately squeezed two streams of tears out of her eyes.Rosalie strode to the door and pulled him in."Elliot, how could you two be so careless? The child is already so huge, yet none of you knew about it." Although Ros
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