Hayden began to wonder if he should scam Zoe out of all her money when he received her message. Zoe had broken up with Elliot and had lost her child, so the video would not hurt Elliot."How can you two do that?" Avery took a sip of water and went to the children's room to lecture them. "No matter the grudge that she and I hold against each other, she is in her seventies. What would have happened had she gotten startled and fallen sick?"Layla batted her eyelashes innocently. "You can cure her if she falls sick, Mommy.""I am not a miracle-worker! I can't cure all the illnesses in the world!" "But she didn't fall sick! She was yelling at you!" Layla muttered, "Mom, we can't just let others bully you!"Avery's heart softened at her daughter's words. "They weren't bullying me. I'm not that easy to bully," she said in an attempt to reassure her children. "But you didn't come home last night… Hayden and I waited so long… Uncle Mike said that the dirtbag took you away…" Layla po
The nail salon was located inside a luxury brand boutique, Avery had only known that it was a brand that sold handbags and clothing, and it was amazing to see that the company had entered into the nail salon business. "Avery! Jun and I are going to get married in May!" exclaimed Tammy. "And you are going to be my maid of honor! Your two kids will be my ring bearer!""My kids can be your ring bearer," Avery said with resignation, "but forget about me being your maid of honor… You should find someone else!"She was divorced with children. Therefore, technically she could not be someone's maid of honor. "I've already talked to my parents and Jun! They all say it's okay." Tammy dragged Avery and made her sit next to her. "Let's get matching nails!""Matching nails are fine, but I really can't be your maid of honor. Unlike me, I want you and Jun to be happy, Tammy," said Avery as she lowered her gaze. "I am as happy as I can be right now, but I want you to be even happier." The smi
They had broken up before, but the man had returned to Wanda after she had sold all her overseas properties for four hundred and fifty million. "Sanford, I heard that Elliot gave your daughter one hundred and fifty-five million dollars, is that right?" Wanda raised her voice on purpose. Zoe's father spotted Avery as well and responded proudly, "Yeah! He did, yesterday.""Why don't you tell your daughter to invest with me? I can multiply her one hundred and fifty-five million in folds," Wanda said with a smile. "Sure, I will discuss it with her when I get home! She admires you and is very supportive of us being together."Wanda looked at Avery, who was walking over, with a smug expression. "I'm back, Avery."Avery stopped and stared coldly at her. "Good. I would have gone looking for you even if you hadn't returned.""Oh… I came back for you as well. Your mother's life isn't compensation enough for the lives of my daughter and brother!" Wanda said and lifted an eyebrow. "You l
He stood under the warm street lights. He was wearing a light brown trench coat. It was refreshing to see him in a new style, as he was usually seen dressed in darker colors. The atmosphere in the yard shifted drastically with his appearance. Tammy gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. She looked like she was going to punch Elliot in the face. It was clear that Jun had brought Elliot over. Avery looked away hastily after spotting Elliot. Everything that happened the night before was still in her mind, but she knew that he would not do anything with so many people in her house. Elliot had thought of himself as the one who owed Avery, but now Avery was the one who owed him. It was why he had dared show up at her house uninvited.As the two men walked through the yard, Tammy reached out to pinch Jun on the arm. Jun shrugged in resignation as if he was saying, 'Not my fault! I didn't bring him here!'Tammy shoved him toward Avery so that he might explain and apologize to her
Chad took a skewer with cooked meat and shoved it into Mike's mouth to make sure that he stayed quiet, before walking up to Tammy and Jun, who came back with a few bottles of wine. "These are great vintages! Did you steal it from your dad's wine cellar?""What do you mean, steal? How can you call it stealing if I'm taking something from my own house?" Jun opened the bottles with an opener. Chad brought one of the bottles to Mike and poured a glass for Elliot as well. Even Wesley, who could not quite drink, took a glass. "It's a fun night, so I should drink a bit as well.""Are you in a good mood, Mr. Brook?" Tammy poured wine into his glass and looked over at Avery. "Avery, you want some?"Avery shook her head. "I need to take care of the kids. You guys go ahead!""Alright! I will deal with this unwelcome guest of yours!" said Tammy, before sitting down next to Elliot. "Mr. Foster, why aren't you staying with your fiancé at the hospital? You can't possibly be thinking of dump
Hayden turned around and glanced at Elliot. Coincidentally, Elliot happened to be looking at them. The father and son stared daggers at one another. Hayden glared at him and looked away. "Layla, he won't eat anything we give him.""Sigh… Hayden, why do you think he is here?" Layla hated Elliot from the bottom of her heart, but she could not stop herself from sneaking glances at him."I don't know. Are you done eating?"Layla shook her head. "I'm waiting for Mom to bring the tomato sauce."Just then, Avery stepped out of the house with a bottle of ketchup in her hand Tammy went toward Avery and whispered, "Avery, you don't have laxatives in your house, do you?"Avery shook her head. "Why?"Tammy told her everything that had happened earlier. "I came so close to laughing myself to death. You should have seen the look on Elliot's face, hahaha! He wanted to explode but couldn't… Our Layla is so cute! After all, who would have the heart to be angry with her?"Avery was speechle
"Are you?" He grabbed her slim wrist and pulled her toward the bed. "You have to be in a good mood to ask your friends over for a barbeque. Are you tired because I am here?"His fingers began working on the buttons of her jacket. She grabbed his hand and said, "Elliot! Don't do this in my house!""Why not?" He did not give her a chance to answer and said sternly, "Why can't we do it in your house? Is it because you had other men in your bed before?"Avery shoved his chest. "Because you are dirty!"He froze at her words. She thought that he was dirty because he had slept with Zoe. She raced to the door, unlocked it, and told him to get out. He stared at the open door, walked toward it, and shut it."And you are not? You were pregnant with another man's baby." He locked the door and grabbed her by the waist, before lifting her up. She had a C-section, and there was a scar across her abdomen. The last time they had been intimate he had frozen at the sight of the scar. He had
"Mom!""Mom!"The shouts of the two children echoed inside the mansion. Inside the master bedroom, Avery heard her children shouting and tensed. She tried to escape from Elliot— who was on top of her. She could not break free. "Elliot Foster! Let me go!" Tears began to well up in her eyes as she grew anxious.He grabbed onto her wrists tightly. He had no intention of releasing her."I'm not done!" His voice was low and tinted with annoyance. "Do you really believe that they need something from you?""It doesn't matter when or why they are looking for me, all that matters is they need me!" She struggled to fight him off. Her eyes grew red with tears as she struggled against him.He simply tightened his grip. There was no way she could escape if he was determined to keep her there. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and her eyes slowly filled with resentment. Outside the door, Layla was about to burst into tears, and Tammy immediately lifted her up. "Don't cry, Layla! I just h
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