"Madam Avery hasn't come home yet," said Mrs. Cooper. "I've been waiting in the living room the whole time and I haven't seen her all night."Elliot's eyes turned dark.If she did not come home, where could she have gone?Did she lie to him about coming home to write her thesis?"I'll give her a call right now," Mrs. Cooper said as she rushed toward the living room.On the other hand, Avery had been abducted the moment she had set foot out of Forrance Villa. She had been dragged into a car, blindfolded, and her wrists were bound. The car drove on for about an hour before coming to a halt.She was taken into a room and thrown into a chair.When her blindfold was taken off, she heard the unfamiliar voice of a strange man."Apologies, Miss Tate. We're just doing our jobs. We won't hurt you as long as you cooperate with us."Avery glanced around the white room until her eyes fell on the stranger's face.He was wearing a mask, so she could not see his features, but his voice w
Unfortunately, Avery had to use Cole as a scapegoat this time.Since Shaun had found out about the missing contents, she had to divert his attention elsewhere before things got more difficult for her. Suddenly, Avery's phone rang.The man opened her bag and pulled out her phone.The words "Foster Mansion" flashed on the phone screen."You weren't kidding! Since you're close to the Fosters, I won't keep you any longer. Go on!"The man did not want to get in trouble with the Foster family. Besides, he already did what he was paid to do.Once Avery was free, she immediately called Mrs. Cooper back."Why did you hang up just now, Madam? It's late and you're not home yet. Did something happen?" Mrs. Cooper asked.Avery glanced around her surroundings.She was in the middle of nowhere. The road was dim, and it ran through a forest. At a glance, it looked like the bloody jaws of a wild beast that were ready to gobble her up. It was terrifying."Is the driver still on the clock, Mr
"What I meant was, how are you supposed to buy me designer dresses and shoes if you do not work harder and earn more money?"Avery had changed into her house slippers, walked over to Elliot, and added, "This is my first time wearing such expensive things.""Poor you," Elliot hissed, then walked into the elevator.Avery held her tongue as she watched the elevator doors close. She wanted to insult his excessively extravagant and wasteful lifestyle.When she entered her room, she took off her gown and walked into the shower.The warm water enveloped her entire body, numbing her senses.Avery arrived at Tate Industries first thing the next morning.At 10 a.m., there was not a seat left empty in the meeting room."Good morning, everyone. My name is Avery Tate. The reason I called for this meeting today is because I was abducted last night," Avery said, then glanced around at the faces in the room."Seriously?! Are you okay, Avery?" Someone exclaimed in shock."I'm fine. I wanted
"Yes, it's been hard," Avery answered. "I don't think it's plausible to introduce a self-driving program to the market right now. Even the most advanced program would not be able to beat the human mind. If I'm not confident in the program, why would the investors be?""Don't be so pessimistic about it. Many people invest in things that they find creative, not just because of practicality. There's a party tonight. Everyone there is an heir of a rich family. Do you want to come with me? You never know, you might just bump into someone who's interested in investing!""Forget it!" Avery scoffed. "I won't get anywhere with a bunch of rich brats. It's the first generation, self-made bigshots that I need.""They'll be there, too! You might as well try your luck," Tammy said as she tried to convince Avery. "I don't want to go either, but my dad's making me. He set up a blind date for me. Just come and give me some moral support, okay?""Fine," Avery said as she gave in.At 7 p.m. that eve
Avery's phone rang ten minutes later.She answered it, hung up, sent Tammy a text, then rushed toward the hotel exit.Jun watched Avery's back as she quickly made her way out. He smiled. How did she find a man to make a fool out of Elliot Foster behind his back? Could she not just stay quietly by his side?Where was she going to find a man who was better than Elliot Foster?Jun had no idea what she was thinking.Tammy's brows furrowed as she replied: [What's the rush? Is it that urgent?]Avery: [Extremely urgent! I'll see you again soon!]The one who had called Avery was Elliot's bodyguard.He had instructed her to wait for him at the hotel entrance.If she did not listen, he was going to break her legs.Avery still suffered from the past traumatic experience with the bodyguard. He was a cruel man.Although she knew that he was acting on Elliot's orders, it was better to be safe than sorry. A black car stopped on the street in front of her about fifteen minutes later.
Perhaps it was because Elliot had not shown favor to many people in his life so far that when he showed the slightest feeling for someone, everyone assumed that he was in love with that person. The kind of love that Avery dreamed of was one of mutual respect and not one where one party held all the control and power in the relationship.When the car arrived at the Foster mansion, the bodyguard got out and walked right up to Elliot."Miss Tate told me in the car that the things she said last night were simply to test out the lie detector," explained the bodyguard, probably in fear of Elliot losing his temper.Avery was taking her time changing into her house slippers at the front door. She was alert, listening in to the conversation. "She even said that she never meant to anger you," added the bodyguard."Does she not have a mouth? Why are you speaking for her?" snapped Elliot.The bodyguard immediately dismissed himself, but not before throwing a threatening glare at Avery, as
Avery wondered if she would be his mistress if that woman was still alive. If she was dead, then was she her replacement?Either way, it made her heart ache and left a bad taste in her mouth.While Avery was lost in thought, Elliot's thoughts also wandered."Tell me, what exactly do you like about Cole?" he asked as he pulled out his cigarette box. His face was the epitome of an enigma. "I don't like him anymore," Avery said coldly.If they had not talked things out earlier, she might have continued to use Cole to anger him.It was childish, but Elliot was always losing his temper over the smallest things.If she did not retaliate, she would lose her mind."Is it because you realized he was nothing but a penniless loser?" Elliot asked as he held the unlit cigarette between his fingers."Is money all you think about?" Avery retorted. "Back when Cole was pursuing me, he would write me love letters every day. On the weekends, he would take me to art galleries and music recital
Why was Elliot asking about art galleries and recitals?What led to his massive change in taste?"Pick something that a woman in her early twenties would like," Elliot said.Chad finally understood where all of this was going."Of course, sir. I'll send you the tickets once they're booked."Elliot was not in his office at Sterling Group the next morning.Ben and Chad seized the opportunity to gossip about their boss. "Mr. Foster might as well have told me straight up that he wanted to take Avery out," Chad said with a chuckle. "I wonder what happened between them. I didn't expect things to progress so quickly. I thought they were getting a divorce!"Ben was analyzing the situation, then said, "I'm guessing they slept together again. Elliot is a stone-cold b*st*rd, but after he slept with Avery, I bet he couldn't control his urges even if he hated her to death.""Chelsea would lose her mind if she found out," said Chad."Don't tell her. She's spent the past few nights getting
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