"The baby's fine, Mike," Avery said, embarrassed."Really?"Avery grabbed Mike's arm and walked toward the elevator."Let's head to the office!""Is the baby really okay?" Mike asked in disbelief. "Did the doctor say you can go back to work?""Yes, it's fine."The baby was safe and her condition improved, going to work should not be a problem.Chad stood next to Elliot and said, "Congratulations, Sir! The baby will be three months old soon. Once it's stable, a miscarriage is unlikely."Elliot's emotions were a mess.He had a nightmare last night that the baby was gone.It was a good thing that it was all nothing but a scare.When Avery arrived at Tate Industries, the vice president immediately came up to give her his report.The heads of each department regularly sent her emails on the company's various affairs.Although she was not in the office, she was up to date with everything that was happening in the company.While the vice president gave her his report, Avery pick
Elliot stood in silence for a moment, then called Chad on the office intercom and asked who sent the magazine over."One of the employees from Tate Industries delivered it. They sent a total of twenty copies to us. I've asked the secretary to distribute a copy to each department head.""Have you seen it?" Elliot asked with a frown."Not yet. I was going to buy myself a copy after work today.""You can take mine!"Moments later, Chad entered Elliot's office.When he saw the grim expression on his boss's face, he instantly had a feeling that there was something wrong with the magazine.He had only glanced at the magazine's cover.The photo of Avery was beautiful, so that could not be the problem.The issue must have something to do with the contents of the interview."Should I take the magazine, Sir?" Chad asked."Take it away!" Elliot snapped.His expression was icy, and his voice was even colder.Chad picked up the magazine from the desk and then walked out of the room.H
"Don't even think about beating her if you can't stop her from having the child!" Zoe said. She used her words to aggravate Wanda. "You can also forget about getting any investments from me after this!"Wanda's eyes lit up, and she said, "How much more money can you get from Elliot Foster?"Zoe lifted her chin, then said confidently, "At least another one hundred and fifty-five million dollars.""Don't worry!" Wanda said. "I won't let the child she's carrying see the light of day!"…When Avery returned home from work that evening, she noticed a car parked at the front gate."Is there a guest?" she wondered.She parked her car, opened the door, and got out.The two children and Shea walked out of the villa's front door together."Mommy!" Layla called out.Mike picked Layla up when she ran up to Avery."What's Shea doing here?" Mike asked.Shea approached them with a soft smile on her face."I'm going home, Avery!" she said, then left.Avery glanced at Layla and asked, "Wh
Elliot was at the Sterling Group when he took the call. "Mr. Foster, Shea has taken Hayden to the National Youth Programming Championships today. She has managed to convince him to participate in the finals," said the bodyguard on the other end of the line.Elliot's brows furrowed, and he was dumbfounded as he said, "What are you talking about?"The bodyguard repeated himself, then explained, "Miss Shea asked me not to tell you about it.""Why are you telling me now, then?"Elliot massaged the space between his brows as a sense of foreboding rose inside him."When Hayden Tate won the competition, Miss Shea ran up on stage. Someone recognized her and things turned chaotic. Miss Shea's isn't hurt, but she is a little shaken up."Elliot listened to the bizarre story and thought that the bodyguard was having a go at him."Why would Shea take Hayden to the Youth Programming Championships?" he wondered.Hayden was a loner who disliked meeting strangers. Logically, he would unwillin
The moment Hayden's eyes met Elliot's, he froze!His mother had told him to stay far away from him.Hayden immediately walked away."Hayden Tate!" yelled Elliot when he saw Hayden walking away, avoiding him like the plague. Hayden's footsteps slowed down, but he did not stop.Elliot had to lengthen his stride and run after him.He blocked Hayden's path, then demanded, "What are you doing here alone? Where's Shea?""Stay away from me!" Hayden did not want to speak to him, nor did he want to see his face. "Don't you owe me a wish? I want you to grant it right now. Stay away from me! Never come close to me ever again!"A peculiar sense of frustration surged inside of Elliot as he watched the conflicted emotions on Hayden's face.He did not want his relationship with Avery's son to be this horrible!Breaking ties with Hayden would have a severe impact on his own relationship with Avery.If he had not messed up and almost strangle Hayden to death, Avery would not have forbidden
Avery arrived home about half an hour later.She rushed into the house and charged toward Elliot without even changing into her house slippers."Where's Hayden? Why are you here alone?"Elliot was about to speak, but Avery interrupted him when she noticed his disheveled clothes."What happened to your clothes?"Elliot's shirt was completely wrinkled. She followed the wrinkled lines to his back and saw a piece of his shirt that had been ripped off.She saw the bloody bite mark under the ripped fabric.The bleeding had stopped, but she could imagine how painful it must have been.Avery faced them, then asked, "Did Hayden bite you?""I brought it onto myself," Elliot said nonchalantly. "He's in his room.""I see. I'll go take a look. Wait here for me," Avery said, then walked up the stairs.Mike sauntered behind Elliot, took a good look at his wound, then sighed and said, "Big H really did you in! You look like you were bitten by a dog!"Elliot turned around and stared grimly
Avery finished tending to Elliot's wound, then said coldly, "Put your clothes on."Elliot put on the t-shirt she gave him, then looked up at her and asked, "Can I ask my question now?""What is it?" Avery's expression and tone were icy. "Hayden doesn't like you. Don't touch him again. If something like this ever happens again, just give me a call."Elliot's mind went blank.He really did bring all of this onto himself.He picked up his torn shirt, stood up, and prepared to leave.Avery suddenly felt anxious.She took an involuntary step forward as she said, "What did you want to ask me?"Elliot turned to look at her, then said, "Do you think Shea needs to continue her treatment? I'm worried it would end up taking a toll on her health if we keep going.""Isn't Zoe Sanford Shea's doctor?" The moment Avery mentioned Zoe's name, her reason began to crumble. "Since you went to her and even paid her an exorbitant medical fee, you should just listen to her advice."Elliot did not ex
The next day, someone rang the doorbell of Starry River Villa at seven in the morning.Avery walked out of her bedroom in her pajamas and made her way to the front door.When she saw Tammy through the front door's camera, she opened the door.After Tammy married Jun, she had gone abroad for her honeymoon.She had told Avery before that she would take a month-long holiday abroad."Why is she back only after two weeks?" thought Avery. "How are you feeling, Avery?" Tammy asked as she entered the house with bags of souvenirs."I'm fine. I already started going back to work," Avery said. "Why are you back so soon?"Tammy pulled a long face and said, "I didn't have fun at all! We were supposed to spend our honeymoon relaxing, but Jun gets over twenty calls from work every day. Honestly, I feel like getting a divorce."Avery poured her a drink, then said, "Don't be reckless. He just took over his family's business. Give him some time.""Hmph, it's not like I'm not giving him time.
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