Lucas' face was still flushed from the alcohol. "What did you think would happen between us?" He paused and glanced at Ivy. "Where's Caspian?" "He's probably sleeping in your office. Your face is quite red. Do you want to go home and rest?" Ivy asked. "I'm not drunk," Lucas retorted. "I can drive you home, you know! I drove Caspian's car today, and I realized I'm not too bad at driving." Ivy followed behind him as he walked on. "Where's Ms. Feake? Did you drop her off at the hotel?" she asked as they entered the office. "No, we just chatted briefly and went our separate ways," Lucas replied. "What did you talk about? I feel like Ms. Feake has a thing for you. Did she confess her feelings or do something to you?" Ivy inquired. "You seem to know everything. Are you assuming that or did she tell you about it?" Lucas asked. "It's just a guess! Her behavior was quite obvious." Ivy followed Lucas into the office. "What did you two actually talk about?" Lucas frowned. "Are you
Ivy noticed that he was hesitating and took the form back. "Why don't I send it to her? I have her number." "Ivy, why are you helping me?" "Because I'm your employee, of course!" Lucas was more casual and bold after drinking and said, "Why won't you tell me the truth? I have my own judgment. Don't take me for a fool!" Ivy batted her eyes innocently. "Mr. Woods, are you drunk? Should I go make you some tea?" Lucas pinched the bridge of his nose. His senses were intact, but he did feel slightly dizzy so he did not stop her from making tea. Carrying the form, Ivy picked up Lucas' teacup and made her way to the refreshment area. She brewed a cup of herbal tea and then took out her phone to snap photos of the form, sending them directly to her brother. Hayden was familiar with her handwriting, so, even if she sent the pictures to Missy, her brother would eventually realize that it had been her who had filled out the form. Thinking that her brother's actions were going too fa
Staring intently at him, Ivy murmured, "Lucas, it's me, Irene! Can't you recognize me? Is it really that hard? Even though my face has changed, my personality hasn't! Who else would be so nice to you?" Ivy sighed involuntarily. At the same time, a knock sounded from behind her. Ivy immediately turned and was startled to see Caspian standing at the door. Quickly, Ivy walked to the door, pulled Caspian outside, and closed it behind them. "Caspian, how did you sneak up on me like that?" "I wasn't sneaking up on you. You were just so engrossed with staring at Lucas that you didn't hear me." Caspian said with a laugh, "Ivy, is Lucas really that handsome? You are head over heels for him. I don't think he's much better than me. Why don't girls chase after me?" Ivy stared at Caspian for a moment, then teased, "Lucas is more handsome than you." "I'm taller than him!" "Are you? I feel like you two are about the same height!" "Being taller by one centimeter still counts as being
Ivy took out another piece of cake and took a bite out of it. "He knows that I like him. I made it quite obvious." Lucas' mother chuckled. "And how did he respond?" "I'm from Aryadelle. It's quite far from Taronia," Ivy said. Lucas' mother instantly froze as she understood the implications of Ivy's words. "Are you saying you wouldn't be able to marry and move here?" Ivy nodded. "My parents wouldn't let me marry here, and I don't want to leave them. They treat me really well." Lucas' mother nodded in understanding "I can see that. You're always smiling, have a good personality, and it's clear that you come from a happy family." Ivy affirmed her assumptions: "Yes. My parents weren't very keen on letting me come here, but I insisted. They didn't stop me, but they would absolutely not allow me to settle down here." "If you're doing well in Aryadelle, there's no point in settling down in Taronia. Even though I haven't been abroad, I know that Aryadelle is quite developed." Luc
"No need for you to come personally. I'll have it sent to your hotel. Just come down to pick it up when it arrives." Ivy was somewhat taken aback by his kindness. "Boss, you're suddenly being so nice to me. I'm a bit unused to it. It feels like a dream. You've only treated me this well in dreams." Lucas couldn't help but give a dry chuckle in response to her words. "I don't recall bullying you?" From Lucas' perspective, he had treated Ivy quite well. Ivy blushed as she explained, "You haven't bullied me, but you also haven't treated me so nicely. You're taking the initiative to give me a gift... I'm really moved." A faint flush crept up Lucas' cheeks. "Didn't you say you'd bring back mooncakes from your country for me?" He couldn't just accept a gift without giving one in return, right? Ivy responded, "I haven't brought the mooncakes yet!" Lucas said, "Since that's the case, when you bring me the mooncakes, I'll give you the gift." Ivy immediately countered, "No way! Sinc
Ivy glanced at the receptionist and said, "My friend's name is Lucas Woods." The receptionist immediately handed the package to Ivy. She took the box and walked toward the hotel entrance. "Has Lucas realized who I am? Why else would he give me my grandmother's bracelet?" she thought. Outside the hotel, rain poured steadily and cars rushed along the street, but Ivy's heart was peaceful. Holding the package, she headed for the elevator. Back in her room, Ivy opened the box and carefully examined the bracelet that contained all her childhood memories. Upon returning home, Lucas unlocked his phone but found no messages or calls from Ivy. She must have received the gift, and he wondered how she was feeling at the moment. He suspected that Ivy was Irene, but he lacked the courage to confront her directly. In fact, he had already asked Ivy this question before, and she had denied it. Lucas was a sensitive person. He knew Ivy had settled in Aryadelle with a loving and wealthy
This was the first time Archer had seen Ivy so angry, and he immediately apologized. "I'm sorry. I didn't know it was that important." Ivy calmed down and explained, "This bracelet was given to me by the old lady who raised me." "I see. Why would Lucas have your grandma's possession, though?" "I used to owe someone a big sum of money, and they took this bracelet from me as insurance. Lucas repurchased it from them." Realization dawned on Archer. "I see! It's no wonder you like him so much!" "I used to look hideous and had no friends at all. Not only was he not disgusted by me, but he was also kind. My parents and siblings all want to test him, but, to me, he passed all the tests when we first met." "That's in the past. You've been out of touch with him for the past three years, and you don't know if he's changed," Archer said. "Of course, he hasn't changed. If he had become a bad person, he wouldn't have managed to open his own firm." "Tell your parents that, then. In a
Layla could not help but chuckle. "You've praised him so much that there's nothing left for us to say. We haven't met him, so we don't know if he's really as nice as you say." "He really is a great guy. I wouldn't lie to you," Ivy said, blushing. "Sweetie, I know you're not lying, but when people are in love, they're prone to idealizing the person they are in love with; it's normal to think with your heart rather than your head," Avery explained. "Are you planning to return to Taronia later on?" Ivy nodded. "I promised to bring him a gift. I can't go back on my word." "When do you plan on telling him?" "Telling him how I feel, you mean?" Ivy asked. Avery clarified, "I mean, when are you going to tell him who you really are? You can't keep things this way forever, can you? I've noticed that the two of you haven't made much progress even after all these days in Taronia. Dragging it out like this isn't productive." "But Hayden is still testing him, right? I can't reveal my i
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