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,
Elliot and Zoe were getting engaged in a week.As Elliot's ex-wife, Avery certainly did not have to get involved in any of his affairs.Mrs. Scarlet took Shea home at 3 p.m. after her checkup.Avery drove the car to the office.In the week that she was abroad, Tate Industries had issued refunds to every customer who had returned their products.Thanks to the quality scandal, all the orders that were made around the new year were canceled.Not only was the company suffering losses from the refunds, but they also had to face the danger of not having any new orders. This was a fatal blow to any business.A company with no stable funding might not last for long and would soon have to declare bankruptcy.Everyone at Tate Industries was living in constant fear of losing their jobs.When Avery arrived at the office, a few of the department heads immediately approached her."What do we do now, Miss Tate?""We have no new orders and the workshop downstairs is closed. Emotions are r
Elliot hung up the phone with an ominous look on his face and stormed out of his office.Not just anybody could get their hands on sleeping pills.Where did these ones come from?The moment the black Rolls-Royce pulled up into Elliot's front yard, Mrs. Cooper took Shea back to her room.When Elliot walked into the living room, Mrs. Scarlet handed him the test results."You took Shea to the hospital for a checkup?" Elliot asked as he glanced at Mrs. Scarlet.Mrs. Scarlet averted his gaze and did not dare meet his eyes.Avery had instructed her not to tell Elliot that it had been her who had taken Shea to the hospital if Elliot were ever to ask. "It was Miss Tate," Mrs. Scarlet said as she gave in under the pressure of Elliot's glare. "Shea insisted on going to see Miss Tate's children today—""Avery's back?" Elliot said, interrupting her."She got back this morning," said Mrs. Scarlet. "She didn't want anything to do with this, but I begged her to check on Shea because Shea's
Shea was tidying her desk with Mrs. Cooper's help.Elliot's Adam's apple bobbed in his throat as guilt overcame him.These past few days, he had told Shea to get more rest every time she complained of dizziness.He did not expect sleeping pills to be the cause of her discomfort.If Avery had not taken her to the hospital for the checkup, who knows how long she would have continued taking the pills.Elliot felt grateful toward Avery, but he did not know how to express his thanks.The first thing that Mrs. Cooper did the next day was to go to Avery's house. Avery was surprised and quickly invited Mrs. Cooper into her home."I'm sorry for showing up without notice, Avery," Mrs. Cooper said as she handed two food containers to her. "I made some of your favorite pickled vegetables, so I wanted to bring them to you.""Thank you! Why did you come by this early?" Avery said as she poured a glass of water for her guest."To be honest, Master Elliot was the one who asked me to come by
Five days later, Elliot showed up at the Sterling Group office at ten in the morning as usual."Your engagement is tomorrow, Sir. Don't you want to take the day off?" asked Chad as he greeted Elliot."I don't," Elliot said as he walked through his office doors.Chad followed him closely."Sir, I heard from Mike that they've successfully talked Bohmer Holdings into starting a new company here in Aryadelle to supply high-end lenses to them.""If I'm not mistaken, doesn't Bohmer Holdings work with Alpha Technologies?""That's right. It shows what a good relationship Miss Tate has with the owner of Bohmer Holdings. If not for her, they would not have set up a new company in Aryadelle," theorized Chad. "I looked into the head of Bohmer Holdings and found something interesting."What is it?" Elliot asked as his curiosity got the better of him."The current head of Bohmer Holdings is the son of Professor James Hough's cousin," said Chad, reporting the findings of his recent investigat
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