He wanted to see what Shelly's daughter looked like, and he wanted to know how old she was. "Damn, that woman! She appears so calm and composed, but who would have thought she had such audacity?! It's no wonder that she was willing to let us have Aiden in the first place; it must have been because she has been keeping the other child to herself! Otherwise, as a mother, how could she bear to give her child to someone else?" Hayden thought furiously. "Mr. Tate!" Fergus chased after Hayden. "What's wrong?!"Fergus had no idea what he had done to provoke such anger from Hayden."Don't follow me!" Hayden angrily shouted.Fergus immediately stopped and began to reflect on which words might have upset Hayden. No matter how much Fergus thought about it, he could not figure it out.He had told Hayden about Shelly having a child right from the beginning, and Hayden had not reacted with surprise or curiosity back then, which further confirmed that Hayden already knew about Shelly's child.
Hayden had already left the company, and he called because he needed to know where Shelly was. She took a deep breath and answered the call."Shelly, are you still at my parents' house?" Hayden said in a distant tone."I'm outside your parents' house.""Good. Head back home! I'll wait for you there," Hayden said and hung up.Shelly tightened her grip on her phone and hesitated for a moment before calling her mother to inform her about the situation.Her mother was not particularly alarmed."It wouldn't have stayed hidden for long anyway. It's better that he knows, so we don't have to hide and be so afraid of taking Audrey out," Mrs. Taylor said."I'm afraid he wants our daughter," Shelly pessimistically replied. "I will talk to him and fight for custody of our daughter.""Well, you always said their family is kind. They should understand our situation. After all, you didn't ask for anything in return when you gave birth to Aiden," her mother said."Mom, it's not the same now
When Shelly arrived home, she spotted Hayden's car outside her building, but Hayden was nowhere to be seen."Has he already gone inside?" she thought as she rushed inside.She stepped out of the elevator and spotted Hayden's shoes outside her apartment door.The door was wide open, but there was no sound coming from within.Shelly had not expected Hayden to arrive before she did and realized that Hayden was here to see Audrey.She darted toward the door and changed into her slippers.Mrs. Taylor immediately walked up to Shelly and said, "You two talk. I'll go buy groceries."Mrs. Taylor had already said everything that needed to be said to Hayden, but it did not have much effect. In the end, it was up to her daughter and Hayden to have a private conversation.After Shelly acknowledged her mother's words, she entered the house.Hayden stood in the living room, holding Audrey in his arms.At her age, Audrey was not shy around strangers and liked anyone who held her.Shelly gaz
Shelly's heart raced at his soft voice.She never wanted her children to grow up in a single-parent household and would love for them to be loved by their father as well if that were possible."Shelly, if you don't want me to take our daughter away, you must move out of this apartment today," Hayden said.He had not thought of a way to handle the situation. He knew that Shelly would have a breakdown if he took their daughter away, and he did not want to do such a thing, but he did not wish to part with his daughter either.Shelly responded positively to his demand. "Alright. As long as you don't take Audrey away, I can find a better house," she said."What kind of better house can you find?" Hayden did not believe her. "I'll provide the house. Pack your bags now," he said.Shelly immediately got up from the couch and obediently started packing.Once inside her room, she called her mother and asked her not to buy groceries, but to come home immediately and help her pack their bel
When Mrs. Taylor returned, Hayden was holding Audrey in the living room while Shelly was busy packing their belongings.Mrs. Taylor smiled and spoke to Hayden, "You've been carrying her all this time, aren't you tired? You can put her in the crib, it'll be easier for you.""I'm not tired," Hayden replied honestly. "Aiden's heavier than her, and I have to carry him around every day.""Taking care of a child will be really tiring if you spoil him like that, you know?" Mrs. Taylor said. "You spoil Aiden too much. It's not good to indulge a child too much."Shelly chimed in, poking her head out, "Mom, it's not as exaggerated as you think. Aunty Avery is a sensible person. She won't spoil Aiden."Mrs. Taylor responded, "Oh, that's good then.""Why would you even worry about that? Look at Aunty Avery's four children, they are all exceptional," Shelly continued. "They will definitely take good care of Aiden."Mrs. Taylor started packing as well, but she felt somewhat restless and uneas
Avery and Elliot could not snatch Audrey from Shelly's arms by force and would be tormented to know that they had a granddaughter but could not see her all the time."Do we have to tell them?" Shelly felt the same as Hayden. "If we tell them, do you think they would be glad or troubled? Let's keep this a secret for now.""They will find out soon enough," Hayden said."Just calm down and see what happens in a few days." Shelly felt confused as well. "I don't have any answers for you right now. I'm still in shock.""Go ahead and slice up some fruits, then," Hayden said, feeling the same as he did when he suddenly learned that he had a son.With the addition of a daughter, his burdens as a father increased.He walked over to the couch and took a seat before lifting Audrey up so that she was standing on his lap."Audrey, I'm your daddy. Remember what daddy looks like, okay?"It was Hayden's first time meeting his daughter, and from the moment he laid eyes on her, he fell deeply in
Shelly could not help but chuckle. "Didn't you send someone to find servants? When that time comes, you'll have people watching the child around the clock. I won't be able to make her suffer even if I try to.""I will arrange for several bodyguards to live with us and protect you as well.""If you think it's necessary, go ahead! After all, living in a mansion and having a status will increase the possibilities of attracting evil people." Shelly did not intend to mock Hayden, but as soon as the words left her mouth, they took on a different meaning. "Bad people don't bother us while we live here," she added."You seem quite pleased with yourself," Hayden said."No, I'm not pleased. I'm just stating a fact. I know you have money, so as long as it doesn't affect you financially, I won't stop you from hiring servants or bodyguards."Hayden remarked, "That's because you can't stop me even if you wanted to."After a brief argument with Hayden, Shelly's anxious mood was partially reliev
"She will like anything you give her that isn't scary."' Shelly thought.Just then, Audrey glanced at a store selling bags, Hayden carried her and walked in."That store sells purses," Shelly informed him."I don't need you to tell me that. I have eyes," he said.The salesperson spotted them and immediately approached with enthusiasm, "Sir, are you looking for purses for men or women? We received a new batch yesterday...""Do you have bags suitable for my daughter's age?" Hayden asked the salesperson earnestly.The salesperson glanced at the infant in his arms, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes while thinking to herself, "Is a half-year-old baby already buying bags?""Yes, we do, sir!" The salesperson was enchanted by Hayden's extraordinary demeanor and promptly led him to the section with children's bags. "These are our children's collection."Shelly commented, "Children's bags are this big? It feels like you can stuff the child inside!""These children's bags are des
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