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
The Storm Series, which was manufactured in Aryadelle, had the same battery life as the product made abroad.However, its poor lens made it impossible to take professional photos!Even so, it was being sold at the same price as that of a drone for professionals!Tens of thousands of comments were rolling in under the video.[This is just rude! Did Avery Tate forget that she's from Aryadelle?! How could she trick her fellow citizens? Disgusting!][Down with Tate Industries!][Should we tag Sterling Group here? After all, their president Elliot Foster is Tate Industries' top customer!]…Avery sat down on the couch, picked up a glass of water, and took a sip."I've contacted Nycra. They said that they're willing to reimburse everything as per the contract," Mike said. "Also, they said they can't sell us their top-quality lenses.""Why not?" Avery asked in confusion as she put her glass down. "Is it the price?"Mike shook his head and said, "We pose a threat to the other drone
The next day, Elliot showed up at the intensive care unit first thing in the morning.Shea's mind turned cloudy after drinking the soup that Mrs. Scarlet made her the night before.She felt drained and fell asleep.When she woke up after a night of sleep, her eyes were lifeless.That was until Elliot appeared."How are you feeling today, Shea? Does your head hurt?"His gentle, familiar voice returned her emotions, and they gave her some facial expressions. "Why isn't Avery coming to see me, Big Brother?" she asked dejectedly.Elliot's brows furrowed slightly, and the tenderness in his eyes disappeared."She won't come see you. Don't think about her or her children anymore, Shea."She was even more upset now."None of you believe me… Avery spoke to me. She asked me a lot of questions…"Elliot's heart ached at the sight of his sister's sickly complexion."It's not that I don't believe you. Perhaps she really did speak to you, but it was only in your dreams.""Really?" Shea
Mike did not know where Avery was, but her phone was on her desk.He picked up the phone and quickly opened up the list of blocked phone numbers."Huh?!" he thought. Elliot's name was not on the list at all!Mike quickly placed the phone back on the desk and pretended as if nothing happened.At that moment, the doors to the office opened and Avery walked in."Has Sterling Group responded?" she asked as she walked over, picked up the glass on the desk, and took a sip of water."They won't return the goods," Mike reported. "You're not going to insist on them returning the products, are you?"Avery put down the glass of water, then lifted her gaze to Mike and said, "You really do understand me. However, I highly doubt that they will return the goods even at my insistence. There is no point in continuing to deal with them."Mike gave Avery a thumbs up."Wire over seven and a half million dollars to them!" Avery added.Mike was at a loss for words."Forget it," Avery said as sh
Elliot took his leave after dinner.He wanted to drop by the hospital to see Shea.The other Foster family members also left soon after.Once Rosalie retired to her room, Cole opened the door to Zoe's room.Zoe had been staying at the old mansion since her pregnancy became public."You're amazing, Dr. Sanford!" Cole exclaimed after he entered the room and shut the door behind him. "You actually managed to handle someone as difficult as my uncle! Should I start calling you Aunt Zoe soon?"The smile Zoe wore was elegant and calm as she said, "Of course. Once we're engaged, I will be his fiance. What's the difference between a fiance and a wife?""Congratulations! It's just…" Cole said as a look of concern appeared on his face. "Is there a way to make sure my uncle doesn't suspect the baby you're carrying? After all, we have to depend on the kid to get my uncle's inheritance!"Zoe's face changed as she said, "There's no way I'm letting this child live!"A wave of gloom washed ove
"Can't the bodyguard and nanny watch her? It's been so long since we've had a drink!" Ben said, then whispered in Elliot's ear, "Avery went abroad today."Elliot's eyes turned dark.He suddenly had the urge to drink.Ben booked a spot at a rooftop restaurant.The two men stood by the railing. They each had a bottle of wine in their hand as they looked out into the star-filled sky. They drank in silence. The spring breeze was cool and stuck to every inch of their skin.When they were done with their first bottle, Ben turned to Elliot and asked, "Did you agree to the engagement with Zoe as thanks for Shea's treatment?""My mother wanted me to marry her. Avery also told me to live a good life with her. Shea's treatment is just a minor reason."Elliot lifted his head slightly, revealing his long, sensual neck.His Adam's apple bobbed in his throat. He said hoarsely, "Avery wanted nothing but to draw a line between us, so I'm simply granting her wish."Avery should be happy now t
Avery in the master bedroom of Starry River Villa. Avery was suffering from jet lag ever since her return at six in the morning and had gone to sleep. Layla rushed to the bed, held her mother's hand in hers, then cried out in a baby-like voice, "Mommy! Wake up! I have something to tell you! Hurry and wake up!"Avery vaguely heard the sound of her daughter's voice and struggled to open her eyes."Shea said she's dying, Mommy! Please save her!" Layla pleaded when she saw her mother's eyes open.Avery instantly jolted awake.She sat up in bed and saw Shea standing next to Layla.She took a breath, wanting to refuse, but the words that ended up coming out of her mouth were, "Why do you think you're dying, Shea?"Mrs. Scarlet interjected before Shea could respond, "She's been exhausted ever since the surgery. She's always tired even after sleeping all night. She's just sluggish all day—""Has she gotten a checkup at the hospital?" Avery asked.Mrs. Scarlet shook her head and said,
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