"Is this Miss Avery Tate?"The low, deep voice on the other end was warm and polite."Yes, and you are?" Avery asked."Hello, I'm Charlie Tierney from Trust Capital. I got your number from your company's HR department. I'd like to propose a collaboration," said Charlie."Trust Capital?""That's right. Do you have time to meet up today? I'm near your office right now," Charlie said in an earnest and sincere tone.After a moment's consideration, Avery accepted his invitation.Once they decided on a meeting point, she called the HR manager at Tate Industries."Do you know Charlie Tierney from Trust Capital?""He's an impressive investor. Trust Capital is one of the country's top ten investment banks, which was why I didn't hesitate to give him your number when he asked for it earlier," answered the HR manager."Got it," said Avery."Do you need me to accompany you when you go to your meeting? I'm worried that you'll get overwhelmed if you go alone," asked the manager.Morale a
"I heard that you're not interested in selling, which is why I won't bring that up," Charlie said. He decided to cut to the chase and said, "I'd like to become a shareholder."Avery's eyes instantly lit up."Are you serious about this, Mr. Tierney?" she asked."Of course, I am. However, there are two things I need to discuss with you before we sign the contract," Charlie said as he took out a document. "This is a proposal that my team and I put together. Tate Industries won't make it for long if it continues on its current course. We're running a business, not a charity. Firstly, only profit can ensure a company's sustainability in the long run."Avery opened the document that Charlie had handed over to her and roughly sifted through it, and said, "Can I bring this proposal back and discuss it with my team, Mr. Tierney?""Of course.""Thank you," Avery said as she picked up her glass and took a sip of water.She then stared earnestly at Charlie and asked, "What is the other matt
"Is Avery worth that much?" Jun asked, slightly shocked."She's worth that much because she's my wife," Elliot said as an icy chill rose in his eyes. "If she were not married to me, Charlie Tierney wouldn't bother with any of this."Jun was even more confused than before."If he wants to give Avery the money, then let him! Isn't this just him throwing free money at her?""She's my wife!" Elliot snapped."Oh, okay… I get it. What do you plan on doing? Increase our offer? She will definitely go with Tierney's offer if we don't.""Not necessarily.""If that's the case, then why are you so upset?"Jun could tell from Elliot's tone that his emotions were all over the place.Elliot wanted to acquire Tate Industries so that Avery could be free of its debt and troubles.She was still in college, and she lacked the knowledge and experience when it came to running a company. It would be better for her to sell the company, pay off the debt, and make some money while she was at it. Tha
"Of course I know him! We used to go out for drinks together all the time! Did he tell you that he's really close to Chelsea?" Ben said as he deliberately mentioned the main point.A hint of shock appeared on Avery's face as she said, "He said they weren't close.""He lied to you, then," Ben said. "You have to really think about this. Why does he suddenly want to invest in Tate Industries? What's the catch?""Are you saying it could be a trap?" Avery asked.Ben shook his head and said, "I'm just saying that you need to look at this from every angle. There's no such thing as a free lunch, and gold doesn't just drop from the sky. You and Chelsea just had a falling out very recently, and now her brother is interested in investing in your company. Aren't you worried?""I am," Avery answered."You have to think about this carefully… Anyway, let's eat," Ben said, then hollered, "Elliot! I'm done talking to your wife. You can come out now."Avery almost choked at the sound of Ben calli
Could it be that they had spent all the embezzled money?!How was it possible for them to spend that huge sum of money this quickly?Avery took a deep breath and answered the phone.Before she could say a word, Cassandra screamed from the other end of the line, "Avery! Is the Super Brain program my dad developed with you? Give it to me now!"It sounded like she was crying, and she also sounded terrified. Something snapped inside of Avery."How dare you call me, Cassandra?! Your uncle embezzled Dad's money! Did you know that's a serious crime?! The police are investigating him right now!""What does that have to do with me?! I wasn't the one who took the money! I just want the Super Brain program! Bring it to me right now! You have to get it to me tonight!"Cassandra's voice got louder and more hysterical.Avery's brows furrowed at the sound of the background noise on the phone."Where are you right now, Cassandra?!"Cassandra burst into tears and wailed, "Help, Avery! I'm a
Elliot knew everything that Avery had said while she was strapped to the lie detector!Was he truly the one behind everything?Did Elliot want to get his hands on Tate Industries' new program?Cold sweat dripped down Avery's back as she thought about all of this. She hung up on Cole and walked out of her room.Elliot and Ben were done with dinner and were smoking in the living room.Ben immediately killed his cigarette in the ashtray when he noticed Avery."Do you want to join us, Miss Tate?"Avery nodded and walked toward Ben.Once she was standing in front of him, she said, "I'd like to speak with Elliot alone."Ben was taken aback.Was this her way of kicking him out?Embarrassed, he stood up and said, "I'll leave now. You two have a good talk. You could take a walk outside, too. The weather's nice."He hurried out of the house right after.Avery sat down where Ben was sitting. She thought of how Cole was about to get his finger chopped off and that motivated her stra
Avery would not hand over what her father had left to her to anyone.She refused to let anybody take it from her.Her words were harsh, but not only was Elliot not scared, but he also found it hilarious."What are you smiling at?" Avery asked when she saw his smile."You," he mocked. "You're self-righteous, arrogant, and you're digging your own grave."Avery could force herself to accept the first two, but what did he mean by her digging her own grave?"Get back to your room! Just looking at you gives me a headache."Elliot's face suddenly darkened, and his voice was low and deep."I didn't do anything. You must have a headache because you're sick," Avery said indifferently. "Don't you have a family doctor? Should I call him?""F*ck off!" Elliot growled through gritted teeth.Avery returned to her room in a terrible mood.She shut her laptop, walked over to the bed, and lay down.She had fallen out of love with Cole a long time ago. If it were not for Cassandra's phone ca
Before Elliot reached the living room, Avery quickly ran back to her room.Rosalie was having trouble breathing, and she felt like she was about to suffocate, but the sight of Elliot immediately calmed her down."Elliot… My son…"Rosalie weakly reached out her arm to Elliot, who hurried over and held her."Divorce Avery Tate… Go tomorrow… Get a divorce…" Rosalie said with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry, my son… I was blind… I found you such a dirty woman…"Elliot lifted his hand to wipe the tears off of his mother's face, then said, "Don't meddle in my affairs with Avery, Mom. You also don't need to bother with Cole.""Cole got his finger chopped off… He must be in so much pain! He said you did it, but I know that isn't true… How could you do something so cruel to your own family? You're not that kind of person…""If you bring up this idiot in front of me again, I'll get the driver to send you home right now," Elliot said with a frightening expression on his face. "I w
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