"Don't you mean that I should stop talking?" Elliot retorted."Was that what I meant?" Avery asked."It was," Elliot said without question."I think you came over just to pick a fight with me." Avery lifted her leg and kicked his side. "Don't stick so close to me.""I'm about to fall off the bed," Elliot protested in a muffled voice.Avery sat up and reached out to feel around the space next to him.Elliot pulled her into his arms and said, "I'll give you everything you want, Avery. What else do you want? Tell me…""I don't want anything else." Avery felt the heat from his body. She struggled to escape his clutches, but Elliot hugged her tightly and refused to let go."I want to hug you to sleep." He gently lay her down on the bed, then said, "Avery, as long as you and the baby are healthy, I won't ask for anything else.""Is that so?" Avery's body heated up as her heart began to race. "Did you become more thick-skinned after you turned the lights off?"Elliot turned the ligh
Chelsea felt like someone had rammed a rod into her heart and was in the process of shattering it to pieces. "I know that it has been proven that Avery is innocent, but how could they get together in just one night?" thought Tammy. "Did Elliot go looking for Avery? Is it because he cares about the baby, or is it because he cares about her?"Chelsea was too afraid to guess.She felt ridiculed and hurt. She looked back upon the last three years and knew that she had been living the life of an idiot. She no longer held out the hope of being with Elliot, but she did not want any other woman to have him either.She found Wanda's number and dialed it."Did you find the people you were supposed to help me find?""Do you want to act now?" Wanda asked. "Do you have a plan?""Just find the people I need. You don't have to care about anything else," Chelsea responded. "I can't take this for another second!""Okay, let me make some calls. I'll get back to you later," Wanda said, then wa
"I haven't. Did you have anything in mind?" Elliot asked.Avery's heart tightened in her chest, and she hesitantly said, "Rowan Tate."Elliot put down the menu. His hawk-like eyes bore into her as he said, "Are you serious?""Both Hayden and Layla have my last name. The child would be confused if he had a different last name." Avery's cheeks flushed as she shared her thoughts. "Of course, I would respect your opinion.""If you're worried that the baby would be confused, then you could just change Hayden and Layla's last names. I don't mind them taking my last name."Elliot's response was so casual that it almost felt like he was joking.He ordered his food, then handed the menu to the waiter.The waiter confirmed their order and walked away."Since you don't agree, then let's just name him Rowan Foster!" said Avery, compromising. She was happy enough with the custody of the baby."I'm not disagreeing." Elliot raised his brows and looked at her with fascination. "Let the baby
Avery was sorting the baby's clothes in the master bedroom of Starry River Villa.Tammy was sitting leisurely next to her and watching her tidy away all the clothes."Do you seriously plan to raise the baby yourself, Avery? That would be exhausting!"Avery folded each piece of clothing, one by one, and said gently, "That's true. My mother was the one who helped me with the kids before. I've never really had to go through that kind of exhaustion.""That's right. Your mother's gone, and I bet you wouldn't feel secure leaving the baby with the nanny," Tammy said. "You said Elliot is moving in. Is that for real?""That's what he said." Avery placed the clothes in the closet, then said, "I'll let him do what he wants.""If that's the case, then how would that be any different from a normal married couple?!" Tammy exclaimed, then teased, "Oh, I guess there is a difference. The difference is that he's moving into your house and not the other way around."The mention of Elliot made Aver
Cole could clearly see that the areas on Nora's face that the liquid had touched were turning red, and they began festering.He took a few steps back in fear, then stammered, "Don't be scared, Nora! I'll… I'll call an ambulance right away!"The other customers in the restaurant scurried away in horror, and the restaurant's staff hurried over to check on the situation.Their faces turned pale with terror when they saw Nora's face.Nora's face was covered with tears. Through her blurred vision, she saw the fear in the eyes of the people that stared at her. She removed her trembling hands from her face and looked at them…There was blood… There were also what looked like pieces of flesh…As if she had gone insane, she let out a blood-curdling scream.…Avery was eating ice cream when she got Cole's phone call.The restaurant's food was great, and their ice cream was even better.Avery always watched what she ate, but the ice cream was so good that she could not help but take a f
When Avery glanced at her phone, her heart skipped a beat. Then, she answered the call."Avery!" Elliot's roar rang through the phone.Avery was taken aback, then asked, "What's wrong?""You're alright?" He sounded surprised to hear her voice. "You're alright, Avery!""I'm fine. Were you hoping something happened to me?" Avery teased. "Who told you I wasn't alright?""Someone saw you at a restaurant and said you were in trouble." Elliot's voice returned to its usual calm. "It's a good thing it wasn't you.""Oh. If that's the case, the woman must look a lot like me… Could she have been Nora?" Avery had deliberately said this.Elliot was not interested in this at all. "I don't care who it was, as long as it wasn't you."Avery hummed in response. "Where are you right now?" Elliot asked after two seconds of silence."I'm eating with Tammy.""Did you bring your bodyguard?" he asked."I did," Avery said as she glanced at the bodyguard standing nearby."Go home once you're done
After hearing Chelsea's accusation, Elliot glanced at Avery.She was in the middle of telling the hair stylist the length she wanted cut off."I suggest you file a police report immediately and let them handle it." He walked out of the salon with his phone and said in a low and ominous voice, "So what if Avery actually did it? If I were her, I'd be a lot crueler."Chelsea felt lightheaded.She did not expect this kind of answer from Elliot."For now, I don't have evidence to prove that the person who impersonated Avery was your cousin, but that doesn't mean I don't know who was behind it," growled Elliot. "I won't show you mercy once I have proof, Chelsea."Forget disfigurement, he would not feel bad even if Nora was dead!The way he saw it, even if Nora had died a hundred deaths, it would still not be enough!Chelsea hung up out of fear.She might have really messed up this time!She recalled Ben's warning.She actually was gullible enough to think that she understood Ellio
Elliot felt that Avery was overreacting, so he sat down next to her.When the nanny came over with the bowl of soup, she saw that their eyes were glued to each other. She quickly placed the soup on the table and left."If he really is tired, then he can rest at home for as long as he wants. I have no opinion." Elliot was worried that Hayden might hear him, so he lowered his voice and said, "It's been a month since school started. Hasn't he had enough rest after staying home for a month?""I'll go talk to him later." Avery picked up her bowl of soup and ate a spoonful of it."He might not be tired, but he might be hiding something from you." Elliot took the spoon out of her hand and continued, "Your son is more complicated than you think.Avery wanted to snatch the spoon back, but Elliot had already picked up a spoonful of soup and held it near her lips."I don't want you to feed me." She got the spoon back with reddened cheeks. "I called his teacher and spoke to her about it. She
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