On Friday afternoon, Avery received a call from Mrs. Cooper."Madam, Master Elliot will be back tonight. You should come back too!"Avery had been living at her mom's place ever since Elliot forced her to have an abortion."Alright. It's time that I end things between me and him." Avery hung up and went to Elliot's mansion.It was seven in the evening.Elliot's plane landed at the airport.He hopped into a black Rolls-Royce with the escort of his bodyguards.Once he was seated, he realized that Chelsea was in there."Elliot, how's my new hairstyle?" Chelsea wore a pink puffy dress. She tucked her hair behind her ear and seductively smiled at him.Chelsea wanted to surprise him in the car.Elliot quickly glanced at Chelsea and was no longer calm.He was tensed and his face was as cold as ice. Tension arose in the car.Chelsea noticed that. She felt anxious."What's wrong, Elliot? Don't you like my hairstyle? Or is it because this dress is ugly…?" Chelsea was nervous. Her vo
"It's the weekend tomorrow. Let's get the divorce settled on Monday!" Avery continued.Faced with her fervent impatience, Elliot nonchalantly pulled out a cigarette and lit it.Avery furrowed her brows. She could not figure out what he was thinking.Could it be that he did not want to go through with the divorce?Otherwise, he would not be so indifferent.Avery took a deep breath and said, "Can you really handle being cheated on? I wouldn't want to see the person who had cheated on me for the rest of my life if I were you. You have to divorce me! You'd be an idiot not to!"Elliot coolly exhaled a smoke ring as he followed her with his dark eyes, watching her performance. "Have you met with Chelsea? That must have p*ssed you off, right? That's good because it was all my idea! I did it just to mess with you!"Avery was adding fuel to the fire.Mrs. Cooper was in a corner. Her heart was pounding as she listened in.Why was Avery digging her own grave?Was she having a mental b
Avery met with Shaun at Tate Industries over the weekend."We need to open up the safe as soon as possible, Avery," Shaun said. "Mr. Hertz has been pestering us for a decision. I don't know if I should tell him the truth or lie to him… I'm stuck because I have nothing to show for it!"Avery nodded and said, "I wrote down some numbers on a piece of paper last night. I think my father's passcode would be a combination of these numbers."Shaun took the piece of paper out of Avery's hand, glanced at the numbers, then nodded and said, "Let's give it a try now!"They entered the secret chamber, approached the safe, and began trying out possible combinations.However, things did not go as smoothly as they had hoped.After countless failed attempts, Avery frowned and let out a heavy sigh."Would Wanda know what the code is?" she said. "The code to our front door is a combination of my dad and Wanda's birthdays. He was good to her before he got sick."Shaun shook his head and said, "If
Once Shaun sent the photo to Wanda, he decided to watch over the safe all day in hopes that she might surprise him.If Wanda could crack the safe's code, then he could kick Avery out of the picture without giving her a penny.Wanda called about half an hour later and said, "I can't think of anything else other than the combinations that you've already tried, but I noticed that the date of birth written here for Laura Jensen is the one on her ID. That's not her real birthdate. Let's try again with the real one.""Alright!" Shaun responded enthusiastically.Two hours later, they had finally managed to get the safe door open.Wanda was right. Jack had used Laura's real date of birth and not the one stated on her ID.Jack had used a combination of Laura's and Avery's birthdates as the safe's passcode. The correct passcode and the family portrait in the secret chamber complimented each other.It was Jack's homage to Laura and Avery.Wanda was on a video call with Shaun, and she bu
Just as Avery entered the living room of Elliot’s mansion, she was ushered by Mrs. Cooper to sit down on the couch."Master Elliot prepared a gift for you, Madam."Mrs. Cooper opened up a white gift box on the table, revealing an exquisite white gown."Are you sure he gave this to me?" Avery said as she looked at the gown in disbelief."Yes, Madam. There's a dinner tonight that you need to go to with Master Elliot. There are shoes, too!" Mrs. Cooper explained, then opened up another box carrying a pair of fine stilettos.Avery picked up one of the heels and stared at it with apprehension."Why is he taking me? I don't know any of his friends. Isn't he worried I'd embarrass him?""I'm sure he has his reasons," Mrs. Cooper replied. "Move on from the past, Madam, and just spend the rest of your days happily with Master Elliot."Avery looked up at Mrs. Cooper and then said, "Do you think he's moved on? We still don't know what his real intentions are for taking me out tonight!""M
Avery decided to play along."It's true. He's incredibly rich. He's just old, ugly, and his body is on the verge of collapse."The crowd was scratching their heads trying to figure out who this old, ugly, and unfit bigshot was.A waiter walked over to Avery and said, "Please proceed to the second floor, Miss Tate."Avery instantly looked up.The building had an open concept, and the second-floor railing could be seen from the living room on the first floor. Elliot's bodyguard was standing by the railing and looking down at her.When the waiter escorted her away, the faces of the people in the crowd changed from one of mockery to one of awe. Those in attendance at the banquet were the creme de la creme of high society. Even the wealthy had their own form of social hierarchy. That night, the more ordinary members of the upper class were mingling amongst themselves in the banquet hall on the first floor. Those with more power over society, on the other hand, were invited t
"Madam Avery hasn't come home yet," said Mrs. Cooper. "I've been waiting in the living room the whole time and I haven't seen her all night."Elliot's eyes turned dark.If she did not come home, where could she have gone?Did she lie to him about coming home to write her thesis?"I'll give her a call right now," Mrs. Cooper said as she rushed toward the living room.On the other hand, Avery had been abducted the moment she had set foot out of Forrance Villa. She had been dragged into a car, blindfolded, and her wrists were bound. The car drove on for about an hour before coming to a halt.She was taken into a room and thrown into a chair.When her blindfold was taken off, she heard the unfamiliar voice of a strange man."Apologies, Miss Tate. We're just doing our jobs. We won't hurt you as long as you cooperate with us."Avery glanced around the white room until her eyes fell on the stranger's face.He was wearing a mask, so she could not see his features, but his voice w
Unfortunately, Avery had to use Cole as a scapegoat this time.Since Shaun had found out about the missing contents, she had to divert his attention elsewhere before things got more difficult for her. Suddenly, Avery's phone rang.The man opened her bag and pulled out her phone.The words "Foster Mansion" flashed on the phone screen."You weren't kidding! Since you're close to the Fosters, I won't keep you any longer. Go on!"The man did not want to get in trouble with the Foster family. Besides, he already did what he was paid to do.Once Avery was free, she immediately called Mrs. Cooper back."Why did you hang up just now, Madam? It's late and you're not home yet. Did something happen?" Mrs. Cooper asked.Avery glanced around her surroundings.She was in the middle of nowhere. The road was dim, and it ran through a forest. At a glance, it looked like the bloody jaws of a wild beast that were ready to gobble her up. It was terrifying."Is the driver still on the clock, Mr
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