Elliot shot up from his seat. Shea was at the hospital?!Who had sent her there?Why had he not been informed of the surgery?"Who sent Shea to the hospital? Which hospital is she at?!"Elliot's hand clenched tightly around his phone, and he stormed out of the surveillance center."I'm sorry, I'm not too clear on the details myself. We are at Elizabeth Hospital," the woman said, then hung up."Elizabeth Hospital!" thought Elliot in bewilderment. It was Elizabeth Hospital again!Zoe had planned to carry out Shea's surgery at Central Hospital.This meant that someone had told Zoe that Shea was at Elizabeth Hospital, and she had gone there.Who was the one who had sent Shea to Elizabeth Hospital?Was it Avery?However, Shea had not been at her house when Elliot had gone there the last night.Shea had a stubborn streak, but she was always well behaved in front of Elliot.It was impossible that she would not react if she had heard Elliot's voice.Elliot's mind was a mess!
Elliot dialed Avery's number once again but was still met with the bot's message.He could not believe his ears!How dare Avery not take his call? Or was her phone turned off?Elliot searched for Mike's number in his contacts and called him.They lived under the same roof and worked at the same company, so they were practically together 24/7.Mike was confused when he received Elliot's call.Why was he calling him?Were they that close?Mike glanced at Avery who was lying on the large bed, and he figured out why Elliot was calling him. He answered the call, but before he could say a word, Elliot's vicious voice came right at him."I'm looking for Avery!"Mike was dumbfounded.What was he being so aggressive about?!"Avery's asleep! What do you want with her?"Mike watched Avery's sleeping face. He did not raise his voice.She had arrived three hours ago and had fallen asleep without a word. Mike was thinking of leaving, but in the end, he had decided to stay once he
"Are you finally up?" Elliot asked mockingly.Avery laid back on the bed, massaged her aching temples, and said, "Weren't you the one who called and woke me up? Why did you call?""I saw you drive out of the neighborhood last night at 10.30 p.m., Avery. Where did you go that late at night?" Elliot asked.Avery gave Mike, who was sitting at the end of the bed, a little kick and shot him a look.Then, she answered Elliot's question."Mike had too much to drink last night. The bar called me. They wanted me to settle his bill. That's where I went. When I got there he was already in a drunken craze. I was worried that he would wake the kids if I brought him home, so we got a room at a hotel. What's up? What's up? Are you interested in going bar-hopping? Should I get him to invite you next time?"Elliot's brows furrowed.Why was Avery's answer different from what he had imagined?"Is there anything else?" Avery asked as she yawned. "Mike kept me up all night last night… I'm exhausted
When Mike realized he said something wrong, his hand shot up to cover his mouth."You've been infiltrated!" Avery sighed."No way! He hasn't been asking about us recently," Mike said as he rolled his pale blue eyes. "I'm sure! He's not as good a drinker as I am. I get him drunk every time we drink together. He isn't capable of getting anything out of me."Avery did not doubt the veracity of his words.She was just worried that he was hiding something from her, or that someone had managed to get plenty of information out of him. "If you fall for Chad's pillow talk—"A pained expression appeared on Mike's face.Then, he changed the subject and said, "Are you planning on continuing to help Shea unconditionally? It's a huge loss to not ask Elliot Foster for medical fees!"Avery shook her head and said, "There won't be a next time. It's not that I won't help her. It's just that her condition is too severe, and there are limits to my abilities. There's no telling what would happen t
The world began to spin around Elliot, and he almost passed out.Had Avery lied to him, or was Shea imagining things after the surgery?Elliot pulled out his phone, called Zoe, and told her to hurry back to the hospital.Zoe had a bad feeling when she heard the anxiety in Elliot's voice."Slow down, Elliot. Is there something wrong with Shea? She just woke up. She needs some time to slowly recover."The apprehension in Elliot's heart calmed down.However, Shea did not have this strange reaction after her last surgery.He hung up the phone, then returned to Shea's bedside."You just got out of surgery, Shea. Don't think too much. You'll get a headache," he said as he gazed tenderly at Shea and smiled. "I can feel that you're getting better.""My head hurts a little," Shea said as she took a breath."Dr. Sanford's on her way over. We'll see if she can prescribe some painkillers.""I don't want to see Doctor Sanford," Shea said wearily as she lowered her gaze.Elliot's Adam's
Zoe's performance was convincing, but Shea was not swayed.She could tell the difference between deception and sincerity by looking at a person's eyes.Shea could tell that Zoe was fawning over her brother, but she did not think that she truly cared about her."Big Brother asked me to thank you," Shea said angrily. "I won't."Zoe glanced at Mrs. Scarlet then said, "Would you mind stepping out for a moment? I'd like to speak to Shea alone."Mrs. Scarlet felt slightly troubled, but now that Zoe was the Foster family's savior, she did not dare offend her.Once Mrs. Scarlet was out of the room, Zoe said, "I don't know why you're always so hostile toward me, Shea. Did someone say something bad about me to you? Ever since I returned to the country, I've been painstakingly researching and coming up with your treatment plan. Why can't I get a simple word of thanks from you?"Shea went straight to the point and said, "I don't think you're the one who performed the surgeries."She could
Elliot had a nightmare.He dreamt that Avery blocked his number on her phone.Not only could he never see her again, but he also could not even call her.They were both completely cut off from each other forever!Elliot's heart throbbed with pain as if he had lost his most precious possession.He opened his eyes as his body was dripping with cold sweat.There was a mist over his deep-set eyes that were filled with unimaginable pain.He found his phone and dialed Avery's number.It was seven in the evening.She had slept all day, so she was probably at home and awake right now!"Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavailable. Please try later."The cold, monotonous voice of a bot rang in Elliot's ear.He clenched his phone tightly. It seemed like his nightmare had turned into reality!Avery had actually blocked his number!There was no other reason for why he had repeatedly failed to reach her. To verify his speculations, Elliot pulled off the covers and leaped out o
Mike and the children had their ears glued to the door of the master bedroom and were eavesdropping.Avery's loud roar earlier lured them over.Moments later, the door opened without warning.Mike almost fell into Avery's embrace.Avery stared at them in bewilderment and said, "What are you guys doing?""Who were you fighting with, Mommy?" Layla asked as she looked up at Avery. Her innocent eyes were filled with curiosity. "Was it Dirtbag Dad?""Your mother turns a little feral in front of him and her enemies," Mike teased. "Otherwise, she's a perfect lady.""Oh, so Dirtbag Dad's Mommy's enemy."Layla was on point.Avery felt a throbbing pain in her temples.She walked out of her room and went downstairs."There's dinner for you in the kitchen, Avery!" Mike said to her back. "Okay.""I'll help the kids wash up. Let's talk after you eat," Mike continued.With one hand on the banister, Avery turned her head and asked in confusion, "What's there to talk about? Why can't you
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