The person lifting Hayden was Elliot! Elliot was strangling Hayden! Avery must be dreaming! If not, why was Hayden there? This was not the first time she had had a nightmare like this.Five years ago, Elliot had declared that he would strangle any child of his that Avery gave birth to, and ever since then, Avery had often had nightmares of that moment.She had dreamt about how Elliot used an assortment of methods to torture her children to death. A scene was just like the one in front of her eyes, She had dreamt of this scene countless times! The only difference from the dream was that the scene in front of her was extremely real.As Hayden was struggling with all his might, his bag had fallen to the floor with a loud thud!Avery blinked. A switch in her body was activated. Her blood was boiling! It was not a dream! It was not a dream!"Elliot! Let go!" she yelled. She trembled and wanted to get up from the bed. Due to the injuries on her leg, she could not get down from
The red button was an alarm button. It was linked to Mike. If Hayden pressed the button, it would send Mike his location. Mike would also call the police if Hayden pressed the button. If Hayden had not been forced to act, he would not have gone up against Elliot! Elliot made him do it."Hayden…" Avery anxiously called out to him in her bed.Hayden came over to her bed and held her hand. "Mommy, don't be afraid, I'm here."Avery looked anxious and said to him, "Hayden, I can't really move right now. I'll return home once I'm better. When Elliot comes by later, I'll get him to arrange for a driver to send you home. You have to be good—"Hayden frowned. "Mommy, don't ask him for help! I want to go back home with you! I promised Layla that I would bring you home!""I can't move right now—""I've already called the police. They will bring us home."Avery's brows furrowed. She looked behind Hayden. Elliot was standing by the door!He had overheard what Hayden had said a moment ago.
The incident earlier today was a painful lesson! Avery could not let her son directly go up against Elliot anymore."But you wouldn't get injured for no reason. It must be him…" Hayden deduced, furrowing his brows."I wanted to see you and Layla badly last night, so I ran out alone. But I met with a wolf on the way," Avery explained. "Go tell Uncle Mike and Layla that I'm fine. I don't want them to worry about me, okay?"Hayden nodded, not fully convinced."Mommy, are you really not coming back with me? The police can take us home.""My leg hurts badly. I'll return home once it gets better.""Oh, Mommy, don't run around if it is so dangerous outside, just stay indoors. We'll get you out of here."Avery nodded in relief. "Hayden, I'm very happy that you came to look for me, but if this happens again, don't come. You're still a small kid. I can't let anything happen to you!"Hayden said stubbornly, "If something were to happen to you, who would take care of me and my sister in th
The only reason Avery asked Elliot about that was because he looked terrifying when he grabbed Hayden by the throat!Avery got afraid just by thinking about it.She did not ask Elliot the reason why he did that because no matter how much Hayden infuriated him, he should not attack a child!Who in their right mind would attack a five-year-old?!Elliot looked at Avery upon her asking the question."Not only that," he growled, his low voice was a low rumble. "Rape, murder, kidnap, robbery, I've done everything."Avery was speechless. His expression was stern, and he spoke in a serious tone. She was so shocked that she did not know what to say. "Avery, don't pretend as if you care for me. You don't care about the things that I've done in the past." He absent-mindedly flicked the ash off his cigarette into the ashtray. "You only care about your two children. I have long warned your son. Don't piss me off," he said, in a slow measured manner. "He'll never do that again!" Avery said
"Just get well. If he doesn't let you out in a week, I'll give the police another call," growled Mike. "I already know what happened." Avery asked, "How did you find out?""Chad told me about it. He didn't believe his boss was a jerk, so he investigated."Avery smiled bitterly.Mike asked, "Is it because his mother found out about the children's identity?""Mmm."He continued, "I knew this would be the case. You wouldn't tell him about it, so he lost it.""Mmm.""You silly woman! If I were you, I wouldn't have allowed myself to suffer such injustice! So what if you told him? What would he do to Layla and Hayden? I don't believe it! I don't think he would be as cruel as to kill his own children! The two children owe him nothing!"Avery said, "The current situation is bearable, and I don't want to risk it!" "Fine. You must call me once a day for the following days. If I don't hear from you, I'll call the police," Mike demanded. "I got it." Avery felt much more relaxed after
Avery raised her hand and switched on the lights. He was blinded by the sudden change in light. Annoyed, he slammed the door shut.Avery looked at him with fear.His eyes were red from the alcohol. After he slammed the door, his long, slender fingers unbuttoned his shirt impatiently.Avery realized what he intended to do. She was so frightened that she did not dare breathe. "Elliot! You've entered the wrong room!" She tried to snap him to his senses. "This is my room!"He glanced at her as he walked to the bed, removed his shirt, and tossed it to the floor. "I'm not drunk." He crawled up the bed and grabbed her injured leg. "Don't move this leg."Avery was rendered speechless. He did not appear drunk. He knew she was hurt; so why did he have to torment her?!His warm lips soon landed on her neck.Avery smelled the thick, cloying scent of a stranger's perfume on him. She instantly furrowed her brows.A few days ago, the nanny had said that there was a group of young and pr
Avery reached under the pillow and drew out a dagger!The dagger was given by Nick when she had made her escape. She had used it to protect herself.That was the very dagger that she had been holding when Elliot rescued her before. Elliot initially wanted to keep the dagger away from her because he was afraid that she might attempt suicide with it, but Avery demanded that he return it to her. She had always kept the dagger under the pillow after getting it back. As she had used the dagger to save herself, she wanted to take it with her when she got well enough to leave here because it was meaningful to her.However, never once did she think he would humiliate her in such a manner that night! He had crushed her dignity, and she completely lost it! At that moment, all she wanted to do was drag him down to hell with her.She would kill him, then kill herself! She was a doctor. She knew how to stab someone to ensure their quick death! Avery grabbed the dagger, and she began to wo
Avery's screams brought the bodyguard, who was standing guard outside, bursting into the room!The lights came on the moment the door to the room flew open.The scene on the bed left the bodyguard pale with fright."Quick, go get the doctor!" The bodyguard called out to the people outside before he sprinted to the bed.Avery cried, "Get his hands off! Quickly get his hands off!"The bodyguard thought Avery was the one who was trying to kill Elliot. However, it took him quite a bit of force to loosen Elliot's grip on Avery's hands.Avery might be holding the dagger, but it was clear that Elliot was trying to kill himself by gripping her hands and plunging the knife down on himself.In other words, Elliot was committing suicide.Once the bodyguard managed to pry away Elliot's blood-soaked hands, Avery immediately got off the bed.The doctor rushed over with his medical suitcase.Avery snatched his suitcase and ran over to the bed to stop Elliot's bleeding! The doctor was stun
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