"Is Audrey alright? What did the doctor say?" Shelly's mother asked.Shelly held the prescribed medicine in her hand and started preparing it for her daughter. "It's a bacterial infection. The doctor said to give her the medicine first and see how she responds. Mom, don't worry too much. The doctor mentioned that children under six months rely on their mother's antibodies, but now that she doesn't have them, she's a bit more susceptible to getting sick.""Yes, I've heard about that. It might be because I took her out for a walk this afternoon, and she caught a chill," Shelly's mother replied."Mom, the doctor said we shouldn't overdress her when she has a fever. It hampers heat dissipation. From now on, we'll dress her according to how much we're wearing ourselves without adding too many layers." Shelly brought the medicine over to her daughter and fed it to her.Although Audrey's fever had subsided, her cheeks still had a rosy tint. However, she looked energetic and had a constant
After hanging up, Hayden delegated the task of organizing the gathering to his assistant.Eliam was a clever man and immediately understood Hayden's intentions."Mr. Tate, should we specifically remind Fergus from the Administration Department to participate?" Eliam asked.Hayden gave his assistant a cold stare, and Eliam shut his mouth."All single employees can participate in this gathering," Hayden stated."What if married employees want to join?" Eliam inquired."So that they can look for extramarital affairs?" Hayden countered. "Married employees cannot participate.""They might just want to join in on the fun," Eliam explained with a smile. "Imagine a gathering where all the outstanding single men and women from three major companies took part. Even if I was married, I would want to participate."Hayden pondered this for a moment and said, "Married attendees will have to cover their own meal expenses. They will also be given 'married' labels."Eliam thought Hayden's idea
"Sir, can I invite a friend to join?" Fergus thought of Shelly.Fergus was no fool and knew that Shelly was not interested in him, but since they were from the same hometown, he genuinely hoped she would find a good match someday."I'm not sure. Are you planning on inviting single friends or married ones?" the manager asked."A single friend. If it's not allowed, then forget it. My friend might not want to come anyway." Fergus did not want to complicate things."I'll ask Eliam."The manager called Eliam and relayed Fergus's question. Eliam asked in return, "Did he mention who he wanted to bring?""He didn't. I don't know any of his friends either!"Eliam guessed that Fergus wanted to bring Shelly and said, "Tell him that, if he wants to bring someone, it can only be one friend. And keep it low-key. Otherwise, everyone will want to bring a friend, and the hotel banquet hall might not be able to accommodate us all."The manager conveyed Eliam's response to Fergus, and Fergus imme
Shelly wanted no part of such an event, especially when the event was being organized by the Fosters.It was a gathering for the single employees employed by the Fosters' three companies. She was not an employee so it would be odd for her to date anyone who worked for the Fosters, given that she was Aiden's mother.It was for precisely that reason that she had not considered dating Fergus.She had struggled with that decision for some time.Fergus was a great person and had been wonderful to her and her family. However, the fact that he worked for Hayden made Shelly uncomfortable, and she realized she might feel better dating someone who had no connection to the Fosters."Fergus, if I go with you to the gathering, we are even. You can't call me along to events like this again," Shelly said."Are you really that reluctant to come? If that's the case, forget it." Fergus could sense her reluctance and did not want to push her too hard. After all, he had only asked her to join him so
She stopped thinking about anything other than work and her children.Life had gotten busier and more fulfilling.After lunch, Shelly took care of Audrey so that her mother could get some rest.Babies at Audrey's age were easy to care for, as they could not run around and had to remain where they had been set down.Shelly grabbed the books for her driving test and read the questions aloud to entertain her daughter.Some time later, Audrey grew bored and reached out to grab the book.Shelly immediately carried her daughter to the window to look at the scenery outside."Do you want to go out and play, my precious?" she asked.The little one made excited babbling sounds in response."You've just recovered from a cold! Let's play at home instead! How about watching Mommy put on makeup?" Shelly carried her daughter to her room.She placed Audrey in the stroller and sat down in front of the vanity to apply her makeup.She was going to a social event tonight, so it would be good to
Hayden had stayed home to be with Aiden that night because Aiden had caught a cold.After falling sick, Aiden had lost all his energy and had become clingier than usual.Though Hayden rarely dotted on his child, his heart still ached when he saw his son suffering.Avery knew that the three companies were having a gathering and asked, "Aren't you going to check it out? It's Aiden's bath time now."Hayden handed Aiden over to their servant. "There are too many people there. I don't feel like going.""Of course. There are a lot of single people in three companies. You are the one who planned the event, so I think it's best you show up." Avery glanced at the time. "Of course, it's fine if you don't want to go, either. After all, they may all be high from the food and drinks by now.""Mom, you can go if you are interested," Hayden said. "Aiden is going to sleep now, anyway, so you can take Dad with you.""I wanted to, but I think I'll pass. Aiden got sick, and your dad and I didn't g
"Shelly, whether you work in a big company, a small company, or have your own business, everyone's ultimate goal is to make money. You're earning just as much as they are, so you should be even more confident than them.""You're right," Shelly admitted, feeling much more confident because of his words.As Hayden walked in, he spotted Fergus and Shelly conversing enthusiastically."Boss, why did you come?" Eliam greeted Hayden as he walked over. "Tonight's event is a great success. Look at everyone. They're having so much fun!""Weren't you the one who messaged me to come?" Hayden retorted.Eliam blushed and said, "I thought that you might be interested in knowing about Shelly, so I took the liberty of informing you.""Why did you let her come to the company's event for single people?" Hayden questioned sharply."I noticed that you have a good relationship with Ms. Taylor, so I agreed to it. Besides, having one outsider wouldn't make much of a difference. She doesn't take up much
Shelly grew nervous. "Mr. Golan, what are you trying to say? You're making me anxious," she said."As you should be," Eliam said cheerfully. "I noticed that you added a guy's number.""Yeah! I'm not good at rejecting people face to face," Shelly confessed. "Usually, when someone adds me and tries to chat, as long as I'm not enthusiastic, they stop reaching out after a few attempts.""Oh, what do you think of my boss?" Eliam asked.Shelly's expression froze. "Mr. Golan, why are you suddenly asking this? Shall we talk outside?"Eliam burst into laughter and walked with her outside."Ms. Taylor, I won't beat around the bush. My boss seems to have a slight fondness for you. Just a bit! He's always dedicated to work, and he's never had much interest in the opposite sex or been in a relationship. But now, he seems to like you a bit. Do you understand what I mean?" Eliam said.Upon hearing this, Shelly's heart was thrown into turmoil, and she did not know what to say. "Did he ask you t
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