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
"It's just a minor cold. He'll be fine in a few days." Hayden casually brushed her off."It's because I haven't been caring for him. If I'd visited him every week, I wouldn't have been unaware of his illness." Shelly blamed herself."He just got sick recently. You don't have to blame yourself.""Yeah... Are you leaving now?" Shelly asked. "I've left the banquet hall. If you're leaving, I'll go home, too.""I haven't left yet." Hayden thought for a moment and offered, "I'll give you a ride home!"Shelly remembered what Eliam had said, so she agreed.Although Hayden had not directly told her he liked her, he had told Eliam, and Eliam had told her, so she considered this to be an indirect confession from Hayden.She could not contain her excitement and exhilaration, and that was when she realized why she had rejected Fergus and had not found other men appealing: it was because she liked Hayden.After knowing Hayden, how could she possibly be interested in other men?She strode ou
Shelly felt shamed by his words. "This residential area may look run-down, but it's actually quite safe. Many elderly people live here," she explained."Then go ahead by yourself!" Hayden no longer insisted.Shelly sensed that he might be a little upset, so she said, "Why don't you come in with me? At this time, our community is especially quiet, and most of the elderly residents are already asleep."Hayden did not refuse and followed her inside.The reason Hayden felt this place was unsafe was because there was not a security guard in sight. Although there was an access control system at the entrance, it was just an accessory."Isn't there a security booth? Why is no one inside?" Hayden asked.Shelly replied, "It seems that many people refused to pay the property fee before."Hayden fell silent.After entering the community, it did not take long for the two of them to reach the building where Shelly rented her apartment.Shelly noticed that Hayden showed no signs of leaving,
After the old man left, only the two of them remained in the elevator."You have a way with people." Hayden broke the silence.Shelly shook her head. "If you interact with the elderly more, you'll find that most of them are kind and tolerant. They have lived most of their lives, and they've experienced and seen many things. That's why they are very open-minded towards the people around them. I've only occasionally met that old man around the neighborhood, and we haven't really had a deep conversation. As long as you smile at them, they will think highly of you."As Shelly finished speaking, the elevator came to a stop.Shelly watched as the elevator doors slowly opened, and her heart pounded like a drum.If Hayden followed her home, he would discover Audrey, but Shelly had no viable reason to keep Hayden from entering her house.If she refused to let him in just to keep Audrey hidden, Hayden, being such a proud man, would be frustrated, and he might not want to have anything to d
Fergus was stunned by what she said."Fergus, I kind of like him," Shelly continued. "Which is why I want you to find a woman you love and who loves you back."Realization dawned on Fergus. "Why do you like my boss? Do you have any idea how wealthy his family is? Shelly, we are from the same hometown, and I won't lie to you. There are more women who love my boss than you can count.""I know that, Fergus. It's not that I can't see the gap between me and him, but I can't help it. Sometimes, feelings can be such a nuisance.""Does he know you have a kid?" he asked. "His family probably won't accept a single mother as a match for their son, right?""Who told you that I want to marry him?""All right! I see that you won't give up until the last moment!""That's not it. I just want things to run their course. I don't intend on doing anything.""So you are just going to wait? That's so silly!" he exclaimed.Shelly did not know what to say.She was not just waiting around like Fergus
"We feed him fish oil, as I mentioned before. It's recommended by the nutritionist. Aiden can take a little solid food now so we've been giving him mushed fruit and vegetables. He has a great appetite and eats a lot," Avery said with a smile. "His father keeps saying that we are making Aiden fat, but we really don't feed him anything extra. He just has a strong build.""I don't think he is fat, either. He's just big," Shelly said."Yeah! He is slightly taller and bigger than most babies his age, so he is naturally heavier, but his weight is within the normal range.""Thank you for taking care of him every day, Aunt Avery," Shelly said gratefully."Aiden is my grandson, so you don't have to thank me for taking care of him! Besides, with the nanny's help, I don't need to take care of him at night!"Avery did not think it was hard to care for a baby and had had a rather fulfilling six months. Once Aiden got older, she would be able to take him everywhere with her.Meanwhile, in Drea
Hayden glanced around the cafeteria.It was crowded and noisy, so it was not the ideal place to discuss private matters."Let's talk after we finish eating," Hayden suggested."Oh, okay," Fergus replied, having exhausted all his courage earlier; his cheeks were flushed, and he felt awkward and unsure of what to do.Eliam brought food for Hayden and placed it in front of him before discreetly moving to sit elsewhere."Do you have any suggestions for the company?" Hayden asked Fergus, breaking the silence.Fergus did not dare speak freely in front of his boss, so he turned to flattery; it was his only option. "I think the company is great. The benefits and compensation are better than other similar companies. I feel fortunate to work here."Hayden listened to Fergus's flattery with indifference. "That's hardly something that needs to be said.""Oh... but I'm telling the truth!" Fergus protested. Apart from meaningless flattery, he had nothing useful to say. If he could easily spo
Hayden listened silently without interrupting."Although Shelly has had a child, I think she is better than many women who haven't had children. So if you also have feelings for her, I hope you won't look down on her. And if you don't like her, I hope you can reject her quickly." Fergus did not want Shelly to be strung along by Hayden. "She told me she likes you. I don't know if she told you, though."Hayden contemplated Fergus's words for a moment and asked, "Is it possible that she's using me as an excuse to reject you?"Fergus was taken aback for a moment, then said, "I don't think so. She rejected me a long time ago. Actually, I'm not that bad of a catch. If she didn't have someone she liked, I don't think she would have turned me down. I believe she genuinely likes you."Hayden was not surprised by his answer."So, what do you think?" Fergus could not quite figure out Hayden's thoughts on the matter through his calm demeanor. "Shelly and I are from the same hometown, and even
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