"If you ever gamble again, I'll cut off both of your arms myself!" Henry snapped through gritted teeth."Why are you snapping at him? He just woke up! How could it be possible for him to lose all of that money by himself? I'm sure it was that brat, Cassandra Tate!" Olivia cried, then walked out of the room and called Cassandra over.Cassandra walked into the room, took one look at Cole on the hospital bed, and hung her head in guilt."Mom… Why are you blaming Cassandra? Someone deliberately set me up last night, or I wouldn't have lost that much money!"Cole's voice was weak, but he was more lucid now."It was Uncle Elliot… Nobody else could have done this! He found out that I used to date Avery Tate and hates me to death now!""I know it was your uncle! He doesn't care about you or your father!" Olivia cried hysterically. "There's something wrong with him. He's not normal. We shouldn't provoke him!"Henry shoved his wife aside and yelled, "What are you saying in front of an out
The admiration on Chelsea's face instantly vanished into thin air."I can't be one hundred percent sure about this, but I'm at least eighty to ninety percent sure of it," Charlie continued. "I never told you because I was on decent terms with him before. Besides, I figured that his merits could make me overlook this matter."Chelsea felt a chill run through her entire body. It felt like an eternity before her trembling hand managed to bring her glass of wine to her lips."He might be impressive, but he has a huge disadvantage. You shouldn't worship someone like him. If you were to marry him, I'd be worried for your safety," Charlie said indifferently as he cut into his steak."I'm sure he had a reason for doing it… I don't believe that he's a bad guy…" Chelsea mumbled after a moment's silence. "I would know if he was a lost cause. I spent all these years by his side, so I know him like the back of my hand."Charlie chuckled at his sister's gullibility."There was a serial killer
The first thing he had to do was make it past the first obstacle. Only then would the journey get smoother."In that case, don't ask her about it and just get her something," Ben suggested. "You should get her some jewelry. All women love jewelry.""She doesn't. I've never seen her wear any," Elliot said."How about beauty products? All women use that stuff, right?" Chad proposed."She doesn't use any. When I went into her room, I didn't find anything but a cleanser."He could not just give her a measly face cleanser as a gift, could he?Ben did not expect Avery to be so different from all the other women he had met.What was even more unexpected was the fact that the great president of Sterling Group, Elliot Foster, actually snuck into a girl's room to observe things like this!"Buy her that cleanser, then!" Ben said."It was covered in dust. It didn't look like she uses it much," Elliot responded.Ben and Chad were at a loss for words."Clothes, shoes, bags! She obviously
Avery froze in her tracks.When she realized that her phone had just been snatched away, she began to run in the direction that the thief had sped off.However, she stopped running when she remembered that she was pregnant and made her way back toward the house.Mrs. Cooper was on the phone with Elliot about an hour later."Master Elliot, Madam Avery's phone was stolen when she was out on a walk earlier. I took her to the station to file a report, but we were told that it was nearly impossible to get the phone back. Madam Avery's eyes were so red when we got home. She said that there was a lot of important information on her phone. She's crying by herself in her room right now." She could not allow things to remain as they are, and she thought that if Elliot knew about the matter, he might be able to use his connections to retrieve Elliot's phone. In truth, she had never confirmed if Avery was actually crying in her room, but she said it on purpose in hopes that Elliot might fe
"That's her," answered Elliot."Got it! I'll remember her name!" responded the captain.Back at the Foster mansion, Avery was sitting at her desk and using her laptop to sign into her social media accounts so she could post a status update about her stolen phone.She continued to sit at the desk in a daze after that.Maybe it was a good thing if the thief wiped out everything in her phone and sold it off.What she dreaded was a stranger invading her privacy and going through her phone.She placed her hand on her spinning head and sighed heavily.If she knew this was going to happen, she would never have left the neighborhood.She could have just taken her walk in the neighborhood itself!Avery got up from her desk and went into the bathroom.After her shower, she climbed into bed and lay down.She had to get a new phone and number the next day.She tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep.The sound of frantic footsteps came from the hallway outside, followed by a k
Holding back tears, Avery turned in anger and stormed out of the station.She did not sign the release papers, nor did she take her phone back from Elliot.Elliot signed the papers and left the station.On the car ride home, he passed her phone to her and said in a low voice, "I didn't go through it."Avery took her phone and her breathing was heavy as she said, "But you already know what's inside.""Are they important? Those photos…"Avery gritted her teeth and warned herself not to lose her temper with Elliot.He was the one who had helped get her phone back after all.Her hand clenched around her phone as she asked, "If I told you that the baby you had forced me to abort wasn't Cole's but yours… Would you feel guilty at all?" Elliot turned his head and glanced at her.Avery's expression was serious, and it did not seem like she was kidding.He gulped and responded in a hoarse voice, "From the IVF treatments?""Yes," Avery answered. She met his gaze and said, "You killed
At breakfast the next morning, Avery and Elliot sat at the dining table in silence.She was having eggs and toast, while he was eating cereal."Thanks for getting my phone back last night," Avery said, shattering the silence between them."I'm sorry about my mother," Elliot said, finally expressing the apology that had been bothering him.Avery's cheeks flushed as she said, "You weren't the one who hit me. Why are you apologizing?""She shouldn't have slapped your face," Elliot said in a stiff voice. "If anyone touched my face, I would—"Before he could finish his sentence, Avery lifted her hand and gently caressed his cheek.His skin was surprisingly smooth and felt good against her fingers.Elliot's eyes were smoldering as his Adam's apple rolled in his throat, while his hand around his glass of milk trembled slightly."Okay, we're even," Avery said as she withdrew her hand and lowered her head to have a sip of her tea.Her heart was thumping wildly in her chest, and the sk
If Ben had mentioned this when he arrived at the house, Avery never would have gotten into his car."Mr. Schaffer, I know that all of you want to get on Elliot's good side—" Avery began to say."What do you mean? Haven't you ever gotten presents for your friends?" Ben interjected with a smile. "He always gets us something for our birthdays.""So, you don't get him gifts just because he told you not to? That just shows that you don't see him as a friend at all, but as a boss," Avery said. "I don't think you should drag me into this. If I accept your gifts on his behalf, it would be the same as me accepting gifts from him. If that's the case, I won't be able to take pleasure in reprimanding him when he makes me angry in the future."Ben was bewildered.Took pleasure in reprimanding him?How exactly did Avery treat Elliot every day?Ben began to suspect that his boss had a masochistic side to him."You should think of something else! I'm leaving," Avery said, then turned and began
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