An hour later, Avery bought a few cakes from Shelly's cafe and left.As soon as she left, Courtney darted out from around a corner. "Shelly, Avery is so nice to you! She even gave her the access card to her house! Does that mean that you have full access to their house from now on? You are practically on your way to becoming a part of their family!" Courtney said enviously. "Next time you go to their house, can you take some photos to show me? I'm so curious as to what the house of the truly wealthy people looks like.""I need to take care of my daughter during the weekend, so I can't possibly go to his house every week," Shelly said."Just take photos when you do!""I can't! There are bound to be a lot of people in their house. All I can do is take photos of my son and not their house," Shelly said."I will give you a video call, then. That way, I get a tour around the house.""Sure, as long as you aren't embarrassed about it." Shelly was in a good mood and agreed to her request
"It's alright." Hayden had tasted other cakes in the past, and the cakes from Shelly's cafe were only average in terms of taste. "Mom, you just think everything she does is great.""You are too picky," Avery said before turning to leave.During the weekend, Avery called the owner of GD Patisserie to her house, and once the appointment was made, Avery informed Shelly about it.It was the first time Shelly had been to Elliot's mansion.Avery had informed her family about Shelly's visit, so everyone looked forward to meeting her.Shelly was nervous and even lost sleep the night before her visit.The next day, she brought a fruit basket, and when Avery saw the basket, she immediately grabbed it."Why would you bring a gift with you? You didn't have to! You don't have to come with a gift next time," Avery said as she handed Shelly a pair of slippers.Shelly could feel her heart racing and marveled at how big the mansion was."Shelly, allow me to introduce my children." Avery brough
"That's nice! Aiden... what a cute name!" Avery was satisfied with the name. "Is that a nickname?"Shelly shook her head. "It's not. That's his name. You can make one up if you want to.""Hahaha! I used to have so many ideas when I named my own children! I didn't feel pressured because they are my children, but naming a grandchild is entirely different," Avery said. "Why don't you give it more thought when you get home?""Sure."Avery introduced Shelly to the owner of GD Patisserie, and after a brief introduction, the owner started to teach Shelly how to bake."A new cafe usually only requires one or two signature cakes at first, and that ought to attract enough repeat customers. Of course, apart from taste, service is important as well. I will teach you two types of cakes today. One is a cupcake that has been really popular for the past twenty years, and one is the newest product that we've launched..."Shelly paid full attention, and time flew.Soon, it was noon, and since the
Elliot was the first to snap out of it. "When was this?" He asked."On the night when Layla got married," Shelly said.He scowled. "Are you sure?!""Yeah. I'm sure you would have figured it out sooner or later because that's roughly when the baby was conceived. I had a friend who was working at that hotel, and they helped me slip into Layla's wedding. That was when I overheard someone plotting to drug Hayden in the washroom... I wanted to inform him about it but didn't get a chance. So I waited for him outside his room instead... That's pretty much the whole story. What happened between me and him was an accident. He isn't in love with me or anything."Layla's expression darkened. "Shelly, do you know who it was that drugged my brother?" Layla desperately wanted to find the person who had done such a thing to Hayden.Shelly shook her head. "I don't know them, but I'm sure Hayden knows who they are.""Okay. Thank you, Shelly. We didn't even know that something like that had happen
"Sure! How did it go today? You can't even bake! It's a shame that you are the only one who can get into the Foster family's house." Courtney entered the baking area alongside Shelly."I can't bake, but I have a great memory! The teacher was attentive, so I remember every single step!" Shelly put on an apron and started washing her hands."I didn't expect the owner of such a successful business to be so open to teaching others how to bake!" Courtney said. "I envy the Fosters' lifestyle. Whatever they want, they can have it delivered to their doorsteps.""That's not true! We went outside for lunch today at a restaurant near their place." Shelly meant to express that even extremely wealthy people were ordinary in some way.Everyone, with the exception of Hayden, had been kind to her."Have you met Elliot Foster?" Courtney asked."I have. I met every member of the family," Shelly said. "They are all so good-looking and have a majestic air about them. They are the kind of people who
Since she was now a single mother, Shelly's relatives would look down on her if she returned to her hometown.Fortunately, her close family members understood her situation and offered to visit her instead.Shelly still lived in the same apartment as she had before, and ever since Courtney had returned home, she had had to bear the cost of rent entirely by herself.After she had given birth, her mother had moved in to help care for the baby, and the apartment of two rooms had just enough space for them.The apartment seemed a little crowded once her father and brother arrived.She had offered to get her younger brother a hotel room instead so that she could be in the same room as her baby while her parents shared a room, but he had declined.Her brother, Samuel, was currently in his first year of high school, and while most teenagers his age were in their rebellious phase, he was a rather understanding young man because of his family background.He knew that Shelly managed a caf
Ivy was the first one to spot Shelly and called out excitedly, "Shelly!"Shelly immediately turned around and was stunned when she saw Ivy and Robert.It was a big city filled with countless people so she could not fathom the odds of running into them."Ivy, Robert." Shelly instinctively hid the bag containing baby formula behind her. "Are you here to buy flowers?""Yeah!" Ivy's attention was drawn to Samuel. "Shelly, is this your family member?""Yes. This is my younger brother, Samuel," Shelly said. "Samuel, these two are Ivy and Robert. They are Hayden's younger siblings.""Hello," Samuel said politely."Hello, Samuel. What are you two looking for? I will buy it," Robert offered generously. "Pick anything you want. We are here to get plants as well.""It's fine. We were just walking by and came in to have a look, so we might not even buy anything," Shelly said."Since you are already here, just buy something!" Robert said before starting to pick plants for them. "I think th
Shelly nodded with a smile. "Yeah! I wanted to buy clothes for him, but I was worried that the ones I bought might not fit him. Besides, I found out that he has a lot of new clothes during my last visit.""Hahaha! Layla likes buying clothes for him, so you don't have to buy him any more clothes. He has more clothes than he needs. Just make sure you come over to see him more often." Ivy knew that Shelly was struggling financially and did not wish for her to spend unnecessarily."Yeah. You two should proceed with your shopping! My brother and I should get going now." Shelly smiled politely.After leaving her address with the owner and confirming the time for delivery, Shelly left with her brother.Robert walked over to the owner and took a picture of Shelly's address."Robert, why are you taking down Shelly's address?" Ivy asked."What if something happens, and we need it?" Robert said. "I think Shelly is nice and not a pretentious kind of woman. I like her.""I think so, too. She
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