Elliot looked down and saw Layla with adorable puffed-up cheeks. "You should not use my full name like that? It's not very polite," he said in gentle reprimand. Layla huffed, then said, "It's because you're a bad man.""Did your mother say that?" Elliot asked. He looked calm. He was not upset. Layla was just a child. What did she know?She was only aware of the things that she had been taught by the adults around her. "No way! Mommy wouldn't say bad things behind someone's back!" At this point, Layla was worried about snitching on her brother, so she cleverly changed the subject and asked, "What are you making?""Sweet barbecue ribs," Elliot replied as he showed her the marinated ribs. "It's your mother's favorite. What do you want to eat? I'll make it for you."Layla answered without hesitation, "I want chocolate! I also want meat! Could you hide some chocolate in the meat for me? Whatever you do, don't let Mommy find out!"Elliot thought about it, then said, "I can do that
Once Avery was out of the room, Tammy said, "Did I say something wrong?"Ben answered earnestly, "You knew that Elliot had given Zoe three hundred million dollars and yet, you chose to bring up the money anyway. He could have given Avery that much money as well, but the reason behind it would be different." "I would've already forgotten about Zoe Sanford if you didn't mention her.""She's the reason they fought this time," Ben said. "Don't underestimate the destructive power of an ex-girlfriend.""That's true! Besides, Avery's pregnant now, so mood swings are common to begin with… However, I think her allowing Elliot to cook for her is a sign that she is willing to have a relationship with him again!" Tammy could not really understand what Avery was thinking."They are the only ones who know if they are going to get back together," Ben said nonchalantly. "As their friends, all we have to do is sit back quietly and watch!"…Upstairs, Avery pushed open the door to the master b
Avery wanted to say something, but she was shocked by the glistening tears and undisguised vulnerability in Elliot's eyes."Elliot—"She could not help but speak, and it was his name that first escaped her lips. She had wanted to ask him what was wrong.However, Elliot wrapped his large hand around her arm and pulled her into his arms before she could say another word.Avery supported her weight with her arms as she blinked. He watched her eyes framed by long lashes. Their faces were only inches apart.She could see the brokenness in his eyes even more clearly now."What's wrong Elliot?" she asked in an unintentionally gentle voice as her heart clenched tightly in her chest."I dreamt that you left me." Elliot's Adam's apple bobbed in his throat, and his voice was hoarse. "You ran off with another man."Avery felt a lump in her throat. She could not speak.She would not tell him about the recurring nightmares she had back when he was dating Zoe. She had always had dreams a
"Okay… Yes, Sir! Let's go play with Shea!" Layla dragged Hayden and headed in Shea's direction. "She said she'll take us out to play! She's getting the bodyguard to drive us!"At five in the afternoon, Elliot helped Avery down the stairs.Everyone watched the couple walk down. They looked warm and harmonious. All kinds of thoughts began to fill the minds of the watchers. An hour was the average time for an afternoon nap. Two hours were normally considered rather long for a nap. However, Elliot and Avery had spent the entire afternoon resting upstairs.How was it possible for them to nap for that long?They were all adults, so everyone had an idea of what had happened without having to ask."Weren't you guys playing poker?" Avery blushed as realized that everyone was looking at them, and she tried to change the subject. "We stopped playing at four in the afternoon and started helping Chad with dinner! Were you two really sleeping so soundly upstairs that you couldn't hear any
After dinner, Layla held Avery's hand. She looked exhausted, "Mommy, I want to go to bed… Give me a bath…"The nanny immediately rushed over to help.Layla threw a tantrum because she was tired."I want Mommy to give me a bath!" she sobbed.Tammy walked over with a smile and said, "Layla, your Mommy's belly is going to grow even bigger soon. She won't be able to give you a bath by then!"Layla froze for a moment, then she stroked Avery's flat belly."Your Mommy's belly is going to grow this big," Tammy said as she gestured at Avery's abdomen.Layla's jaw dropped in shock as disbelief washed over her little face.Tammy carried Layla upstairs and said to Avery, "Go take a break!"Avery was a little worried and wanted to go up with them.Elliot grabbed her arm and said, "Come outside with me.""What is it?" Avery said as she walked ahead of him. "Shea should be tired too. You should head home.""The bodyguard will take her home." Elliot held her hand and led her outside. "Let'
Avery: [Maybe he figured I need to eat more because I'm eating for two now.]Tammy: [Hahaha! What did he buy for you? Send me photos!]Avery took a photo of that night's haul and sent it to Tammy.Tammy looked at the photo, then immediately called Avery."Why did he buy jewelry again? Haha! Do men like giving the women they love jewelry?" she laughed.Avery placed her head in her hands, "He had a motive."Tammy froze, then asked, "What motive?""It's because of an event next Monday."Avery truly experienced how petty a man could be that night.She had declined his offer to buy her clothes and jewelry, but Elliot had insisted on buying her both. When she asked for his reason, he gladly gave it.When Avery had attended the meet-and-greet at the hotel with Eric Santos, they had both worn cream sweaters and were mistaken as lovers. She had worn the necklace that Eric had given her and that too had caused quite a bit of controversy. It was all in the past, but Elliot had never
"Why aren't you saying anything, Avery?" Tammy asked. "Do you think there's a possibility that Cole was the father of the child Zoe was pregnant with? After all, the chances of getting knocked up after sleeping together once are really low! Besides, if Zoe would date a major sc*mbag like Cole, it's enough to prove that they're the same type of people!"Avery felt an ache in her heart, then croaked, "I'm not sure if they really are dating or not… I'm a little tired now, Tammy…""Okay. Hurry up and get some rest, then," Tammy said.Avery hung up and stared out into the night. Tears fell silently down her face.She had thought that Elliot and Zoe were just like other couples while they were together.He had thought that the child Zoe was carrying was the result of their many nights of loving passion."What a joke!"she thought. All the loathing she had felt for Elliot was because of his relationship with Zoe. She had despised and resented him to the point that she had wanted
Elliot, Chad, and Ben had not left since their arrival that morning.They had spent their time touring Tate Industries.At least, that was their excuse. Their true motive was to stay for lunch."Wanda Tate is a master of marketing," Ben said with his phone in his hand. "She hit a brick wall running into us though.""Even so, their sales aren't bad," Chad said. "There is still huge potential in the lower-income market.""They're selling their products for cheap, after all! They are sacrificing profit for reputation… Their original plan was to quickly take over the market and run Tate Industries out of business, and when they have a monopoly of the market they raise their prices," Ben said. "Now, they've realized that Tate Industries isn't as easy to take down as they'd thought. Which is why they're coming up with other ideas.""Are they cutting down costs? Or are they planning on conquering the lower and middle-income markets as they continue to make big promises to their investor
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