Avery did not expect the fight to be about such a trivial matter."Of course, I wouldn't be mad, but it's true that it's not a very polite thing to do," she said patiently. "You should wait for me to come home and get my permission first. If I give you my permission, then only may you open it." "Okay, Mommy. Can I open it now?""Sure!" As Avery picked up the package, worry marred her features. "Layla, I don't know who sent this package or what's inside. I think it's better if I open it."Avery worried that the contents inside would be something inappropriate, and it would be bad if the children got shocked by it."Okay…" Layla was even more curious now.Avery picked up a small pair of scissors and cut through the tape on the package.The nanny walked over and asked, "Is Mike coming home for dinner tonight Avery?""He's got a business meeting tonight, so he won't be joining us," Avery answered."Alright. I'll serve dinner now then.""Okay."Avery placed the scissors down aft
Judging by the way she looked, it was impossible to tell that Avery was fine.Even the children could feel that something was wrong, and it was something serious."Take your sister and have dinner on the table, Hayden. I'll bring dinner upstairs to your mother," said the nanny.Hayden took Layla's hand and led her to the dining room.The nanny prepared a tray of food and brought it upstairs.In the master bedroom on the second floor, Avery's fingers trembled as she pulled the tape recorder out of the box.Without a hint of hesitation, she hit play."Rumor has it that Professor James Hough had a pupil whose skills surpassed his! Tell me who it is!""I don't know. The professor never told me."The familiar voice on the recording caused Avery to tremble more!It was Wesley's voice!"I see. Then I'll cut your finger off and send it to the candidate whom we think most likely is… Let's see if we can get her to come here."His ominous voice sent chills down her spine.What follow
The nanny and the bodyguard were also dumbfounded."Where are you going, Miss Tate? It is rather late."Avery was rigid. She could not pretend that everything was fine, nor could she bring herself to fake a smile for the children.She looked at Hayden with her red eyes and said, "Take care of your sister Hayden."Hayden had always been strong, but his mother's face startled him.No matter how mature he was, he was still just a five-year-old boy.He reached out to grab onto Avery's sleeve and said in a voice filled with fear and worry. "Where are you going, Mommy?"In the past, Avery would patiently explain things to the children. Even if she had to tell a white lie, she would still make sure to comfort them.Presently though, all she could feel was the cold, and she could not think straight. The only thing on her mind was that she had to go to Bridgedale and save Wesley, no matter the danger or the price she had to pay!Wesley had been abducted because of her. He would not b
Avery checked the time after ending the call. She wondered where Elliot was.The airport was located in a secluded area outside the city. If he was in the city, it would take him at least an hour to get here.There were only forty minutes left until Avery had to board the plane.There was no way she would wait for him.If she missed her flight, she would not be able to leave the city till the next morning, when the next flight was scheduled to leave. Time was not on her side.Mike noticed Avery's dejected expression, so he reached out and held her cold hand."Don't be scared, Avery. Whoever's behind this probably needs your medical skills," he said, consoling her. "Drag things on for as long as you can. I will definitely find a way to save you.""We have to save Wesley first," Avery mumbled."Of course.""Of all the years I've known Wesley, he has never once refused my plea for help, no matter how many times I had asked him for help. He always shared good things with me. H
She did not know what she was going to say even if she were to go to him. She had to go to Bridgedale right now.She would not change her mind even if he were to disagree with her. Besides, she did not want to drag him into this mess.She took a deep breath and continued walking…There was a bend a few feet away.Once she disappeared around the bend, he would no longer be able to see her. "Avery Tate!"Elliot's blood boiled when he saw Avery walking away without even a backward glance. With reddened eyes, he charged toward the counter! The security guards immediately held him back."Avery! Turn around!" Elliot had completely abandoned his pride. He desperately yelled at her despite the numerous people in the airport. "Turn around! Look at me!"Avery's feet felt heavy.It had taken all her energy to make her way to the bend. Once she was out of Elliot's line of sight, she leaned against the glass wall and sobbed."Make him leave, Mike!" Avery cried as she buried her f
Chad deeply understood Elliot's feelings.He was on Elliot's side in the same way that Mike was on Avery's side. They would support the people they cared for no matter what happened. It was two in the morning when the black Rolls-Royce pulled up at the Elliot's mansion.The living room lights were still on.When Elliot got out of the car, Mrs. Cooper immediately emerged from the house."Did something happen over at Avery's, Master Elliot? Hayden called Shea at around 10 p.m. and asked her to go over to their house."The moment Elliot heard Hayden's name, his frigid heart began to ache once again.Avery did not only abandon him, but she had also left her two children behind."It's late, Master Elliot. You should get some rest!" Mrs. Cooper saw the darkness on Elliot's face and did not say more.Elliot dragged his heavy body into the bedroom. He shuffled about like a zombie. When his tired eyes landed on the bed, the memory of Avery cruelly walking away from him entered his m
Elliot and Shea emerged from the mansion the moment Hayden finished his sentence.Father and son met, but Hayden averted his gaze in disgust.He was a minor and could not get on a plane without a guardian.If he could he would not be standing here!All he wanted was to get to Bridgedale as fast as possible so that he could be with his mother. "Hayden! Layla! Big Brother agreed to take us to Bridgedale!" Shea ran over to the children and chirped, "We'll see Avery soon!"…In Bridgedale, Avery was approached by two men the moment she stepped out of the airport.They were dressed in black suits and drove a black Buick.Mike took a photo of the car's license plate from afar. They could not act rashly and startle the enemy before they had rescued Wesley.The black Buick quickly disappeared into traffic.Mike saw the countless messages from Chad on his phone.Chad answered soon after Mike dialed his number."My boss took Shea and the kids on his private jet. They are going to B
A man with white hair which stood in sharp contrast to his child-like face stepped in front of Avery. "Are you the one who abducted Wesley?!" Avery demanded with clenched fists.The man simply smiled softly, then said to the two women next to him, "Help Miss Tate change.""Don't touch me!" Avery snapped, raising her guard. "Why do I need to change?!""What if you're hiding some kind of weapon or drugs in your clothes, Miss Tate?" said one of the women with a smile. "Don't worry. We will wash your clothes and return them to you."Avery snatched the clothes from the woman and said, "I'll change myself!""Please change right here, Miss Tate," said the woman as she maintained her friendly smile."How am I supposed to change here?!"Avery stared in shock at the bodyguards that surrounded her and the white-haired man.How was she supposed to change her clothes in front of all these men?…The news of a Gulfstream G650 private jet leaving the airport of the country's capital that
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