Avery had asked someone out at noon.She could not sleep the night before and had stayed up the whole night thinking. Chelsea and Nora had been secretly going up against her. If she did not fight back, they would think that she could be bullied. They would do even worse things later. Avery did not want to stay passive any longer.Avery had not managed to find any evidence that proved her innocence, but she could attack them from a different angle!Avery went to a restaurant nearby Cole's office. The person she had asked out was Cole.She had once truly admired him. She had thought that he was perfect and satisfied all the Prince Charming fantasies she had.However, when that filter was destroyed, she suddenly realized that he could not be any more ordinary.Beneath his pretty face lay cowardice, timidness, selfishness, and greed, all consuming his soul.Avery was drinking water when Cole pushed the door open and entered. He strode toward her."Avery, why are you looking for me?
"I'm here to give you money," Avery said. "I need you to help me do something. If you do what I say, I'll pay you. You can name your price."Cole never thought that he would be useful to her."Money is a small matter. Actually, Nora and I are not even acquaintances. I only flirted with her because I thought she was you…"Although he had not explicitly given her an answer, his intentions were clear."How much money did your company make last year?" Avery asked nonchalantly.Cole scratched his head awkwardly. "A few hundred thousand! I know I'm not capable. What I earn in a year is less than what my uncle earns in a day.""Cole, I'll give you one and a half million." Avery interrupted. "If you can accept this price, we'll continue our discussion.""Avery, with how well we know each other, even if you don't pay me, I'll still help you!" Cole adjusted his glasses, hiding how delighted he was."One and a half million! Of course, I'll take it," he thought."I still haven't forgotten
The screen exploded with comments once again.[Goddess? Avery Tate? Layla's mother is Avery Tate?][F*ck me! What right does Avery Tate have? She does not deserve to be Layla's mother!][Whenever I see Avery Tate's name, I think of that video! It's nauseating!][Am I the only one who is wondering whether Eric still thinks of her as his goddess?]The host did not expect Eric to suddenly bring up Avery. The host panicked and was stunned."Eric, are you announcing a new goddess?"Eric shook his head a little. His tone was firm. "I only have one goddess. She is Layla's mother."He was avoiding explicitly saying that Layla's mother was Avery. Once Avery was brought up, Eric had no intention of backing down. Instead, he took the initiative to talk about her."All this while, my fans have been concerned about my love life. I can now share all with you." Eric smiled at the camera. His smile was gentle and dazzling. "I have confessed to Layla's mother before, but I was rejected. If y
"Sir, I watched the video again. I zoomed into the woman's belly button and printed it out!" Chad pulled out a photo and handed it to Elliot. "You must know what Avery's belly button looks like, right? Take a look and compare them."When they had first watched the video, they had only focused on the woman's looks, voice, and pregnant belly. None of them noticed the shape of her belly button.They had overlooked this point. Everyone's belly button was shaped differently.Whoever was impersonating Avery may be able to copy her looks, voice, and appearance, but since Avery had never exposed her body in public, that person had no way of copying her belly button.Chad had a newfound admiration for Layla.A child was able to notice certain things that adults would easily overlook.Elliot glanced at the photo Chad handed to him, then placed it down."What do you think, Sir?" Chad thought that Elliot had figured it out.However, Elliot's brows furrowed as he asked, "Why do you think I
Since that was how he viewed things, he often took action first, and discuss it with Avery second."Don't take Layla for an ignorant child," said Eric. "Even if she hadn't known about it, she would have found out about it sooner or later. Didn't notice that she is smarter than most children?""In my eyes, she will forever be a child that needs my protection," growled Avery, refusing to accept his reason. "I'm sorry," Eric apologized once again. "Avery, I just wanted to do my best. With Layla's current popularity, someone will definitely dig up who her family is. Instead of having her find out about the situation from an outsider, don't you think it is better that she finds out about it from us now?" Avery felt like a lump in her throat and could not say a word."The live stream is almost over. Let's talk when I send Layla home later," Eric said and hung up.Avery held onto her phone and sat on the couch.Layla's words during the live stream echoed in her mind.Ever since Layl
This was the decision that Avery came to after careful consideration.Tammy very quickly accepted her decision."I support you, Avery. If it were me, I don't think I'd be able to remove my clothes in front of a bunch of strangers as well. You didn't do anything wrong, so why did you need to prove anything?" she said. "You can make a police report though. Let the police prove innocence for you."Avery accepted Tammy's suggestion.That evening, the police issued an online statement. The post stated that the police had investigated the matter and confirmed that the woman in the video was not Avery Tate. They also stated that they would continue investigating the matter. Once the statement was released, Eric immediately reposted it on his own social media page with the caption: [The internet is within the regulation of law. The truth needs to be known!]His fans quickly reposted his post and spread the news.The pressure of public opinion that was weighing down on Avery instantly d
Ben's arrival put a stop to the warm and happy atmosphere that permeated the house. Tammy was upset with him before, and now, she was absolutely furious."What are you doing here?! Did you come to celebrate with us?" Tammy asked enigmatically.Seeing this, Jun immediately pulled her away and said, "I'm sure Ben is here to see Avery. Don't get in the way."He quickly dragged her away.Ben coughed awkwardly, then walked over to Avery."I'm sorry, Avery." He looked uneasy, but he sounded sincere. "I was wrong. I've never seen someone so perfectly imitate another person, and I insisted that you were the woman in the video. I should have kept my opinion to myself, but I even told Elliot to break up with you. I threatened him as well… You should be upset with me, but please don't blame him.""Did he ask you to come?" Avery raised her brows slightly."He doesn't know I came." Ben's cheeks flushed a crimson red. "This entire thing is pretty embarrassing. I don't know how to face him y
"Isn't that Elliot's car?" Tammy said when she saw the car outside the front gates. "Looks like your intel was wrong, Mike!"Mike sighed and said, "This man sure is elusive! He's so unpredictable!""Don't see him, Avery. You should leave him hanging. Let him be restless and stay up all night. Let him have a taste of pain!" Tammy said excitedly.Mike completely agreed with her, so he walked to the front door and made to shut it.Avery grabbed his arm and said, "Let him in."The baby was going to be born soon.There were still things that she needed to discuss with Elliot.She wanted to take this opportunity to settle things once and for all."Have you forgotten how you were wronged, Avery?" Mike was furious. "If you forgive him this easily, then he won't learn his lesson. He'll be even more ruthless in the future!""I know what I'm doing, Mike." Avery gazed at Mike with clear eyes. "Don't worry. I won't lose."Jun quickly tried to smooth things over and said, "Since Avery's de
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