"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
"Ivy, you're such a good girl. Your big brother was worried you might be going through a rebellious phase. After all, you've only been home three years. Although you usually appear obedient, he's concerned that it might all be an act." Ivy could not help but burst into laughter. "I'm not that good of an actor. I was just as well-behaved before I came home. It's just my personality; it's in my genes." "If that's the case, then the guy you like, Lucas, is probably a decent young man." Frowning, Ivy considered Shelly's words. "His flaws are quite obvious. My parents and siblings don't think he's anything special. He's not good at communication, quite reserved, and even though he's started his own business, he hasn't achieved much." "Personality issues are manageable so long as they're not matters of character. Look at your big brother; he's not much of a talker either. If you want to be with Lucas, the main issue is his capability. Your family would probably find it hard to accept
Ivy gazed at Caspian's reply and immediately messaged back. [Caspian, how's Lucas doing lately? Is he okay?] [He's fine! The investment party sent a guy over recently, and he's been bugging him daily.] [Huh? Do you mean what I think you mean?] Ivy asked. [What are you thinking?] [Didn't you say that guy's been bothering Lucas every day? Does that guy like him?] [Haha! I don't think so! The guy isn't very familiar with our area, so he clings to Lucas wherever he goes. Lucas doesn't like going out, so I said I could accompany him, but he didn't want that.] [So, where have they been going?] Ivy typed. [Bars, nightclubs... Those places guys tend to like!] [...] [Haha, I feel like both the people sent by this investor aren't taking this very seriously. Ivy, I'll tell you everything when you return. Are you having fun being back home?] [Yeah, it's been fun!] [It's no wonder you've been away for so long. I thought you weren't planning on returning to Taronia!] Caspian co
"Hayden sent a pretty woman to seduce him, which didn't work, so now he's sent a guy to take Lucas to clubs and bars. I don't think that's going to work. Not all men like those places," Ivy said. Layla tapped her on the shoulder. "Don't worry. Hayden will come up with new ways." "Yeah. I trust him." Two days later, Ivy arrived at Taronia alone. Avery wanted Archer to follow her, but Ivy objected to it, and since Hayden had stationed his man by Lucas' side, Avery did not insist. As Ivy stepped out of the airport, she spotted Caspian and Lucas. Caspian was beaming, but Lucas seemed gloomy and looked as though he had been dragged there. Ivy was pleasantly surprised by their presence. "You two came to pick me up?" "Yes! Feel like a big shot, don't you?" Caspian said, taking her suitcase from her. Ivy smiled and asked Lucas, "Mr. Woods, aren't you working today?" "It's the weekend, Ivy! If he didn't come with me to pick you up, he'd have to accompany that man, Anson, so
When they arrived at the hotel, Caspian stayed inside the car. "Lucas, you go up with Ivy. I'll just drive around." Lucas recalled that Ivy had brought a large suitcase with her and obediently exited the car. Before getting out of the car, Ivy thanked Caspian. "Thank you, Caspian. I owe you one." "Sure. I look forward to being at your wedding with Lucas," Caspian teased. Ivy got out of the car, blushing, and Lucas took her luggage out of the trunk. The two entered the hotel Ivy had booked for the following month. Lucas watched as she checked with the receptionist about the discount and as the receptionist phoned the manager to confirm it before checking Ivy in. After making the payment, Ivy turned to look at Lucas. "Let's go!" Lucas dragged the luggage into the elevator with Ivy. "Mr. Woods, why aren't you saying anything?" Ivy asked as they entered the elevator, looking at Lucas. Lucas genuinely had no idea what to say. "What exactly am I supposed to say?" "I bro
Ivy sat down next to the bed and said, "Lucas, it's not that I wanted to hide things from you. It's just that my family situation is quite unique. Also, we haven't seen each other in three years, so I didn't know if you had changed." "I understand. You're now the young lady of a wealthy family. You can't casually reveal your identity to outsiders in case you get into trouble," he said. "It's not just that. My parents are concerned about my safety. I only brought one bodyguard the last time I was here." Lucas turned to look at Ivy and said, "If I'm not mistaken, your father is Elliot Foster." Ivy nodded. "During summer vacation three years ago, I went to Aryadelle, and I found my biological parents by accident. They wanted me to have a better life, so they faked my death in Taronia." "I understand. Finding your biological parents is a good thing. You don't have to work as a nanny for others anymore, and you don't have to cater to other people to make a living." "The scar I h
Ivy nodded. "If we were together, you would have to come with me to Aryadelle." Lucas shook his head. "Don't reject me now. My family isn't that difficult to get along with. They are very nice and are very respectful of my wishes. They wouldn't have allowed me to come here to see you if they didn't respect me." Lucas nodded. "It's great to see that you are doing well, but I won't leave this country." This place was his home; his mother was still here, so he would never leave. In truth, his attachment to this land was not as deep as others' love for their countries, but even so, he was unwilling to leave his country for a woman. Lucas had always been a prideful man, and even if Ivy's family was wealthy, he could not possibly trade his dignity for money. "Let's not talk about this for now. After being apart for so long, let's just treat each other as friends!" Ivy was extremely optimistic, and her smile was radiant and bright. Lucas nodded in agreement. Ivy leaned closer
"I didn't mean it that way. I do feel like doing chores from time to time. You don't know how delicious the meals that our family's chefs make are. Sometimes, I want to cook something myself, but I am too embarrassed. It's different here with you. I know you will definitely eat what I cook." Lucas blushed awkwardly. "Have you finished tidying up?" Ivy nodded. "Take a rest for a while! I'll leave now," Lucas said. "It's still too early for dinner. When you get hungry later, we'll go eat." "Sure. I'll call you later then." "All right." Lucas got up and left. Leaving the hotel, Lucas called Caspian to pick him up. "You are leaving already? Didn't you two have a proper conversation?" "We are done talking." Caspian was excited. "Okay. I'm on my way to pick you up now. You better spill all the juicy details when we meet! I'm dying to know everything." Before long, Caspian arrived in his car. Once Lucas entered the car, Caspian started talking incessantly. "Lucas, did sh
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