Avery thought about it from another perspective. If Elliot had slapped her, she would resent him for life. She would have gone to the hospital and gotten an abortion out of spite. When she thought about it that way, she secretly thought that Elliot might never look for her ever again. A week had passed, and Tammy and Avery were in one of the most elite restaurants in the city. The bruise on Tammy's face was almost gone, and Tammy had asked Avery out for a meal. Tammy fully intended to buy Avery a meal.Initially, Tammy had invited the children, but Wesley had taken them and Shea out."Avery, Elliot did not go looking for you for the past few days, right?" said Tammy, worry tinting her voice."Hmm." Avery ordered a few dishes and passed the menu to Tammy."I heard that he has been at home for the past few days. He never left the house." When Tammy said that she could not help but laugh. "I don't really hate him anymore. For real. It really tickles me that now he is feeling wor
"Hah! As I thought!" Tammy sneered. "Chelsea brought that lady over to present her to Elliot."Avery looked away. Although she found the entire situation to be absurd, she did not have any control over the actions of others."How unlucky! We were having such a good time, and now, they are here," said Tammy. She took a sip of water and looked at Avery. "Avery, why don't we go somewhere else?" Avery shook her head. "We came here first.""Won't he upset you?""Even if he upsets me, we can't leave," said Avery calmly. "We have already placed our orders. We can't let the food go to waste." "Why don't we take it away. We can eat at home!" Avery said, "Tammy, I don't remember you being such a coward? If that lady has truly altered her face to look more like me, it is she who should be nervous about running into me. I don't have to avoid her." "Of course, I'm not a coward! Even if Elliot approaches me right now, I won't be afraid!" Tammy might say that she was not afraid, but she s
After Avery finished her meal, she placed down her utensils.Tammy followed suit. "Let's go! Do you want to do some shopping? If you want to shop, I'll accompany you."Avery shook her head. "I had too much food. I'm a little sleepy." "I'll send you back," Tammy grabbed her bag and walked over to Avery, helping her up.Avery suppressed her laughter, "You don’t have to be so cautious. I can walk on my own.""I just want to hold onto you!" Tammy touched Avery's tummy. "It sure does look quite big. You're wearing baggy clothes, so it doesn't look like it, but when I touch it, it's obvious. It's like a huge watermelon.""It's clearly a small watermelon," replied Avery."Have you ever seen such a huge small watermelon? Sigh. We should be able to see the child's face already, right?" Tammy asked."Hmm. I saw the baby on the ultrasound scan when I was in Bridgedale." "Who does the baby look like?"Avery was silent for a few seconds before saying, "It looks like itself.""Is the ba
Tammy took the report downstairs. Elliot heard footsteps and looked up at the staircase. Their eyes met. The awkwardness filled the entire living room "Mr. Foster, what brings you here?" Although Tammy was a little afraid of him, she was in Avery's house. She had strong backup.Elliot ignored Tammy's sarcastic tone. His gaze fell on the report in her hands. "Is Avery still asleep?""Oh, are you here to take Avery to the hospital?" said Tammy, and she flung the report at him. "She has already gotten the report." "Give it to me." Elliot took two steps forward and stretched his hand out.Tammy hid the report behind her back and took a jab at him, "Has your face healed? And here I thought you wouldn't come looking for Avery. I never thought that your child would be more important than your so-called ego!"Elliot's expressions darkened immediately when he heard Tammy mocking him."You really care about that child. Do you have a throne that he needs to inherit?" Tammy would not le
Avery had been trying to get back to sleep, but the commotion between Elliot and Tammy over the results affected her, and she no longer felt the urge to sleep."Let's do it now then!" Avery headed upstairs to grab her bag.A moment later, she returned with her bag in hand.Elliot's gaze fell on her tummy. "Avery, do you not have a lift at home?""No." She knew what Elliot was thinking. He was worried that the pregnancy might be affected if she exhausted herself climbing up and down the stairs. She, however, did not feel exhausted at all. Even if her tummy got bigger during the later stages of her pregnancy, she could still carry herself up and down the stairs. "Either you move downstairs, or you install a lift. Your choice," said Elliot in a tone that brooked no argument."How am I going to install a lift? Are you asking me to tear down my house?" Avery glared at him. "If I can't climb the stairs anymore, naturally, I'll move downstairs."Avery strode out of the house with El
"Congratulations! It's a boy." The head of the department pointed at the child's body on the screen.Elliot swallowed and said hoarsely, "Let me have a look at his face."The head of the department immediately moved the scanner up. It was a pity the child had already turned around. At that moment, they could only see the side of his face."I have saved the photo of his front face." The department head tapped the screen and showed Elliot the child's photo. "Mr. Foster, your son looks just like you! It's already so obvious."Elliot looked at the child's photo. His heart softened. This was his first time perceiving the child as a human being. He suddenly understood why Avery had been so angry with him. She had seen the child as a human being faster than he had. "I'll print the photo out for you later," said the head of the department. "Let me have a look at how this child is developing."Elliot nodded.A moment later, the head of the department said, "The child is on the smaller s
Chelsea picked the ultrasound scan up. She saw the child that looked like Elliot and her heart filled with disgust."The baby looks like you! It's a boy, right?" Chelsea asked with a smile.Elliot responded in the affirmative and stored the ultrasound scan. "Why are you here?""It's my cousin's first day at the office, and I thought I'd let you know." Chelsea smiled gently. "Elliot, congratulations! You're going to be a father! The baby looks so much like you. I'm sure he'll be as amazing as you are."Elliot slowly relaxed, and he looked less severe. That child was his only hope now.Chelsea walked out of his office. She maintained the smile on his face as she walked back to her office. The moment she entered her office, her expression immediately changed! She was furious! 'The child is fine! How could God be so cruel!' she thought.Nora entered her office and saw the documents scattered on the floor. She immediately asked, "Chelsea, what happened?""Hehe, what happened? I'm
Avery was shocked! She could not believe it! 'How could Elliot do that! Why did he boycott Eric? Why?!' she thought.Eric's manager recounted the incident painfully, "Elliot's assistant contacted me yesterday She told me that Elliot wanted to meet Eric, so I brought him to the Sterling Group. As for what they spoke about, I don't know, but when Eric left his office, he looked glum. They must have fought. I never thought that Eric would be boycotted…"Avery said, "How is Eric right now?"His manager replied, "He is still alright. After all, even if he quits the entertainment industry, he can still take over the family business. But, I don't want him to quit! He was born a celebrity! Miss Tate, you have to help Eric!"Avery said, "Don't worry, I'll go look for Elliot right now."His manager sighed in relief. "Thank you!"After the call, Avery went through her contacts and found Elliot's number. Elliot and Eric did not have any personal contact with each other. If they had met, it m
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