No one forced Elliot to drink.Once he finished the bottle, Ben looked at him and asked, "Have you recovered from your injury? Didn't the doctor tell you to stay away from alcohol for three months? It hasn't been three months yet, right?"Jun heard them and hastily brought a bottle of fruit juice."Elliot, drink some juice!" Jun cleared all the wine bottles in front of Elliot. "There's still food left in the kitchen, do you guys want some?"Ben finished his own bottle and dragged Elliot toward the kitchen. As soon as the two left, the mood in the living room lightened up instantly.Ben poured a glass of juice and passed it to Elliot."If only I knew that it's going to be this awkward, I wouldn't have brought you here," Ben said with a bitter smile, "Why don't I send you back?"Jun stood beside them and said, "You both drank, so neither of you can drive. I booked an ambulance today, so maybe you guys can go back by ambulance?"Both Ben and Elliot were rendered speechless by the
"I'm going to find Avery."Jun was flabbergasted. 'So scary! This is terrifying!' Jun thought. He had not been there the last time they fought, but he had seen Elliot in the ICU ward, and he remembered how long Elliot had to remain in the ward. Yet, Elliot was now looking for Avery, despite failing to resolve their last conflict. 'Is Elliot going to make the same mistake?' he wondered.Jun was terrified. Unable to stop Elliot, he dashed off in search of Ben and Tammy."He had only had one bottle," Ben analyzed the situation calmly. "He can't be that drunk.""But Avery doesn't want to see him!" Tammy retorted anxiously. "Avery told me this herself! No way! I need to stop him!"With that, Tammy tried to head upstairs to stop Elliot. Jun latched onto her arm whilst Ben held her another arm to stop her."Relax, Tammy. I'll go up to check on them." Ben was worried that if he allowed Tammy to go, everyone would be made aware of what was going on. Elliot had embarrassed himself once,
Avery stared at Elliot's handsome, yet expressionless face. She was too angry to speak. Prior to her pregnancy, she would have argued with him, but her pregnancy had weakened her, and she found that she no longer wanted to fight and argue with him. If Elliot shamelessly insisted on staying in her room, there was nothing she could do. After all, he had let go of his pride entirely.Perhaps it was because Elliot's words had not provoked Avery like he thought it would that confused him.'Was I not straightforward enough, or has she already spoken to Eric about this?' he thought."Avery Tate, I won't let you go no matter who you end up with in the future. You are not marrying someone else as long as I'm still breathing," he said, further threatening her.Avery felt nothing. She had not thought of marrying again, so his threats meant nothing to her."Do you want to be the 'mistress' that badly?" She stared directly into his eyes as she mocked him.Embarrassment flashed briefly in El
Avery called after him, "Elliot, can you stay away from me from now on, if I give you a child like we agreed on?"She did not want to be involved with him any longer.Elliot stopped and responded coldly, "Give me the child first, and then we can negotiate." With that, he opened the door and stepped out of the room.Ben was waiting outside the door and asked, "Elliot, are you okay?"Avery heard him. She felt irritated, and she could not seem to suppress or avoid the emotion she felt.She collapsed onto the bed once the footsteps outside the door disappeared into the distance. After a few minutes, she picked up her phone and video-called Mike.Mike picked up immediately. "Avery, have you eaten?"Mike was playing with Hayden and Layla.Avery spotted a faint figure moving in the kitchen from her screen, but Mike adjusted the camera right away to focus on the children."I have…" Avery relaxed at the sight of her children. "Hayden, Layla, what are you two playing with?""We are p
"Avery!" Tammy stormed inside the room. "Do you know what Elliot just told Jun?"Avery tensed and sat up from the bed, thinking, 'Why did he go to Jun? Could it be that—'"He told us that he was not going to attend our wedding, but just now he told Jun that he is attending the wedding!" roared Tammy. "How can he change his mind so quickly?"Avery sighed a breath of relief."By the way, why did he come looking for you? What did you two talk about?" Tammy sat down by the bed and stared intently at Avery's face. "He didn't bully you, did he? I wanted to come help, but Ben said he will come up instead—""He didn't," Avery said calmly, "There are far too many guests around for him to lose his mind.""Good. Do you want to go out for a bit? The breeze out there is so cool tonight! It's not cold!" said Tammy. "You probably can't sleep this early."Without hesitation, Avery nodded. "I don't have extra clothes though. Is my sleeping gown okay?""Hahaha! They are all in the pool right now
"I didn't respond directly," Avery said carelessly."That's so mean! Are you trying to keep him on the hook? You know that he likes you, but you refuse to tell him the truth."Avery shook her head. "I just didn't bother because he was being unreasonable.""Oh, that's true. The two of you aren't back together… Hey, is there a chance that you will get back with him?" Tammy grabbed Avery's arm and stared at Avery whose hair fluttered in the wind."How could we?" Avery tucked her hair behind her ears. "He hasn't even explained to me what is going on with Shea. Besides, I feel disgusted every time I am reminded that he had been in a relationship with Zoe. I would rather stay single for the rest of my life than get back together with him.""It makes sense that you would feel disgusted… He shouldn't have gotten Zoe pregnant if he didn't like her!" Tammy commented. "Why else do you think I call him a dirtbag all the time? How dare he act all loyal and in love with you right now? Ugh!"Av
Hayden's question had Shea thinking. "What kind of proof does he want?"To Shea, there was no need to prove her relationship with Elliot. Elliot was her brother, and she was his sister. It always had been that way. Hayden advanced his position. "You say that you are Elliot's sister, so why isn't your name in the Foster family register? Do you have your identification card? Show it to me."Shea was not sure if she even had an identification card, but she could always ask her brother whether she had one. "I will show you proof!" she assured Hayden. "I am your aunt."Shea believed every word Mrs. White had said because when Mrs. White told her that her brother and her shared the same mother, her brother had admitted to it as well.If they were from the same mother, they were siblings."I won't acknowledge it until you show me the proof!" Hayden said coldly, before leaving with the plate in his hand.Shea watched as he left, and she felt both impatient and frustrated. It was a sh
It was Elliot who had almost choked him to death, and it was also Elliot who bullied his mother. Shea had never done anything to harm them. Mike came back with his laptop. He greeted Shea with a smile when he saw her, "Hi, Shea!"Shea felt slightly awkward as she looked at Mike.Mike smiled gently at her. "Are you here alone?""My brother will be here later," she said."Oh. How's your wound recovering?" Does your head still hurt?" Mike studied her beautiful wig and reached out to touch it.Shea shook her head. "It doesn't hurt as long as I don't touch it."Mike leaned toward her before parting his hair to show her the wound on his head. "See, we have matching wounds."Shea was taken by surprise at first, but soon, she nodded with a smile. "Is there something wrong with your head as well?""Yeah! But I'm better now, so you should work hard to recover as well!""Yep! I have something important to do once I recover!""Oh? What's that?"Shea froze, and she immediately ran back
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