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
"Mr. Woods, I will be the person in charge of all communication from now on," the man said. "You can call me Anson." "You are older than me, right?" Lucas asked. "I'm twenty-five this year." "I'm twenty-three," Lucas said. Anson chuckled. "All right. You can call me Mr. Orpwood, then. I'll stay here for half a year and leave after that." "I'm sorry, but I haven't decided if I want to accept this investment." Anson froze. "This is a lot of money, and you are unsure if you want it?" He had never met anyone who would refuse money. "I never thought your boss would invest so much in my company." Lucas put down the contract. "I haven't met your boss in person, so I don't understand why he trusts me so much." Anson smiled. "To ordinary people, this is indeed a significant amount of money, but this is nothing from my boss's perspective. Don't overthink it." "There are other shareholders in my company, so it's not just up to me," Lucas countered. "You mean Caspian? When he
"Her family might, indeed, oppose, but she'll probably insist on being with you. Can't you see that she's quite determined? She came all the way here just to find you. That alone proves she's no ordinary girl," Caspian said. "She's definitely not an ordinary girl, but I'm quite ordinary." Caspian clicked his tongue. "What's wrong? Are you feeling inferior now? Lucas, from what I remember, you're not that kind of person. Besides, we have a major investment now, so we're not poor anymore! Once this investment comes through, you'll be a rather accomplished entrepreneur. Even if Ivy's family is wealthy, they won't look down on you." Lucas picked up the contract. "This investment has something to do with Ivy." Caspian was stunned. "What are you talking about? That's impossible!" "Why? Do you really think we're impressive enough to attract this big foreign investment?" Caspian's expression changed drastically. "What makes you think Ivy's family is that wealthy? She seems pretty d
Ivy was at a loss for words and protested, "Mom, you may not know this, but Hayden arranged for a gorgeous woman to seduce Lucas. Luckily, Lucas didn't fall for it." Avery flashed her a faint smile. "I was the one who picked that woman." Ivy was utterly stunned. "You did?" "Your brother gave me some women's photos and asked me to help him choose one. So I chose Missy. She is truly very attractive! Her features seem innocent, but her gaze is quite captivating..." Ivy countered, "Mom, Lucas might prefer someone more down-to-earth. Extremely beautiful women might be too intimidating." "I think you are even more attractive than Missy! I suspect he might have lost all interest in other women after seeing you," Avery said. "... Mom, you're exaggerating. I might be moderately attractive, but Missy is still more beautiful." "You two aren't even the same type. You are not only beautiful but also intelligent and vibrant. Missy doesn't possess your vitality," Avery said. "All righ
Ivy followed her parents into the room where the dresses were placed and chose a pink gown. "Mom, I think I'll wear this one for the event!" Ivy was quite fond of the dress. "You can choose a few more outfits! The wedding will last two days, so you can wear a few different dresses each day!" Avery enjoyed dressing her daughter. Ivy laughed. "That's too much! It's not my wedding, so I'm just going to stick to one dress per day!" She did not want to steal the spotlight from the bride. Ivy picked up a light blue outfit. "This one will be great for the second day." "All right! Do you want to look at the room where your brother will spend his wedding night?" Ivy could not help but chuckle. "Of course! I'm curious about how you've decorated the room." "We didn't decorate their bedroom. That was Shelly's mother," Avery explained. Avery respected her in-laws; though Shelly's family tended to tiptoe around the Fosters and allowed the Fosters to make most of the decisions, the ro
"Darling, I'm not talking about you." "Lucas is someone's baby, too. If his mom learns that someone is looking down on him, she'll be devastated." "I'm sorry for being so prejudiced," Avery said guiltily. "I don't blame you for it, Mom. You guys haven't met Lucas in person yet, so being prejudiced is normal. If some guy came along one day wanting to take my daughter away from me, I would also be on guard." Ivy swiftly regained her composure. Avery smiled. "Indeed. It's quite hard for me to be fair with him." "If he refuses to come to Aryadelle with me, I won't be with him," Ivy promised. "Don't worry. I will never leave you and Dad." Avery nodded with a beaming smile. After checking the room, she took Ivy's hand and said, "Let me show you where we store the gifts." "Gifts?" "The gifts for guests," Avery explained. "The gifts this time are quite creative." "I saw the pictures. There's a picture of my brother, Shelly, and their two kids in the souvenir box. The design
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