Everyone's gaze landed on Elliot. He took his phone out and saw who was calling."It's Chelsea," said Elliot as he looked at Avery. He took the call. On the other end of the line, Chelsea hesitated for two seconds before saying, "Elliot, I heard that Avery has given birth. I thought about it and felt that I should visit her. I'm at the entrance of the inpatient unit. Do you know which ward she is in?"Elliot strode away. Mike hissed, "How dare Chelsea call him. Don't tell me she wants to visit you?"Avery's expressions turned extremely cold. She did not want to see Chelsea; she only wanted her to die."Layla, Hayden, stay in the room. I'll go have a look." Mike's curiosity was piqued. Other than prying, Mike wanted to put pressure on Elliot.Chelsea and Elliot have known each other for more than ten years. They were exceptionally close. If it were not for their relationship, Chelsea would not dare be this brazen. Avery suffered premature labor. Thankfully, it was only prematur
Although Chelsea deserved to die, it was still shocking to see how cruel Elliot could be. If the hospital guards had not stopped him, Mike knew that Elliot would surely have beaten Chelsea to death. This was the man that Avery loved deeply. This was why she could not fall in love with other men. If other men were as ferocious as Elliot, she would have stayed far away from them.The guards had taken Chelsea away, disappearing into the rain. Mike walked over to Elliot's back and tapped him on the shoulders. "Today is the birth of your son. You don't need to get so angry."If Chelsea had not come looking for him, he would not have lost his temper. If Chelsea were honest about what she had done, he would not have been so angry either. He was furious because Chelsea lied through her teeth and tried to convince him into believing her lies.Elliot hated being lied to the most. "How dare she lie to me!" he thought."Don't tell Avery about the incident just now." Elliot looked less host
The baby was in an incubator in the intensive care unit, and he had a dedicated nurse looking after him.The intensive care unit was a sterile environment. Under normal circumstances, premature babies were not allowed visitors.However, Elliot's was special. Once he entered the neonatal unit, the nurse disinfected him, helped him into a sterile suit, and led him into the intensive care unit."Your son is stable, Mr. Foster. He just has some respiratory issues… It is normal for babies born prematurely to suffer from respiratory issues. You don't have to worry about it," explained the nurse.Elliot had already found out about the baby's condition from the doctor earlier that afternoon, so he was not too worried.He watched his son through the incubator.The baby was swaddled in a cotton wrap. He had an oxygen tube connected to his nose. His eyes were closed and he did not move a muscle; he was asleep. Elliot's eyes instantly filled with tears.The baby would not have to suffer i
"I got hit," said Chelsea as her sobs turned into loud wails. "I see. Was it Elliot?""Who else would dare lay a finger on me besides him?" Chelsea lifted her head up slightly. She refused to let her tears fall. "Are you going to call me stupid? If I hadn't returned to his side, I wouldn't be suffering this kind of humiliation today.""What's the point of regretting it? People would just look down on you if you do." Charlie checked the time, then said, "Go home now. If you don't feel like going home, then stay at a hotel. I'll book a flight home.""Charlie, I'm giving up," sighed Chelsea in defeated exhaustion. "He almost killed me tonight. I don't want to give him anything, not even a single tear… He is not worthy!" Charlie laughed, "How many times have you said that before? You won't give up till you he is in your hands." "It's for real this time… He's got a son now. He doesn't need me anymore.""Get some rest, Chelsea." Charlie sounded utterly calm. "I recently came across
Avery also noticed the rash on the baby's face, but she was not particularly shocked."Babies have delicate skin, so they get rashes easily." She imparted her experience to Elliot. "Hayden and Layla used to get rashes all the time before they turned one. Applying ointment usually does the trick."Elliot was relieved."Premature babies get little setbacks like this easier."There was self-blame in Avery's voice."It's fine as long as it's nothing serious." Elliot comforted her. "He was sound asleep when I went to see him last night. He might think he's still inside you!""He's sleeping well because of the lack of oxygen from the premature birth." Avery looked up at him with her wet eyes and said, "I won't let Chelsea Tierney get away with this, Elliot."Elliot said, "She pushed the blame onto her cousin. Nora's already fled the country.""How would Nora have the guts to do anything without Chelsea's help?!""I know, Avery." He held her hand and said, "I've already sent people
Avery took a sip of soup. It was delicious.Shea was the one who made it, and that meant more to Avery than how the soup tasted. Avery had been the one to operate on Shea, and she had never expected Shea to make such an extensive recovery. "The fish chowder is pretty good, Elliot. You should give it a try," Avery said.Elliot walked over to the table and poured himself a bowl of soup.He took a sip. The chowder was light and not oily. It indeed tasted good.His eyes landed on Shea.She had improved significantly since spending time with Wesley.Perhaps he should let her try out the things she wanted to do, including learning to drive.Meanwhile, at Starry River Villa, Mike had taken a few days off work.He could not get rid of Avery's pain from childbirth, but he could look after the house for her.During the day, while the kids were at school, he worked at home.Chad came over for lunch at noon."Let's go see Avery at the hospital after we eat!" he suggested."Sure. El
Chelsea suffered a huge blow.She could not accept this."Did I actually lose my head for a wackjob? I'll be the laughing stock of the world if this got out!" thought Chelsea.She would look crazier than a person suffering from a mental illness!"Even so, he's not the kind of nut case you find in mental hospitals!" Chelsea forcibly defended Elliot. "His illness didn't stop him from becoming the richest man! It also didn't stop him from having a child! So what if he's sick in the head?!"Charlie chuckled coldly at his sister's faraway look, then said, "Call me the next time he picks on you, Chelsea. It's not a crime when someone with a mental disability commits murder. Even if you end up dying by his hands, you had it coming!""You say such horrible things!""It's hard to accept the truth!" Charlie adjusted his collar, then said lightly, "Haven't you ever wondered why this mental illness of his is not public knowledge? If he didn't care, then why can't you find anything about thi
"That's between them, so I'm not too sure," Ben said. "If they do get married, I bet they'll host a grand wedding. You'll all find out about it then.""Avery Tate really hit the jackpot in life! She gave our boss a child, and it's a son, too!" someone said enviously."Exactly! I bet the boss will help her out if Tate Industries ever gets in trouble in the future."Ben said, "Your boss might be rich and handsome, but Avery isn't a powerless woman who would use her children to earn respect. Do you really think your boss would fall in love with an average woman? Stop watching too many soap operas.""Huh? Isn't the boss only with Avery Tate because she got pregnant?""What are you thinking?! How could a mere child tie him down? There are plenty of women in the world. If he only wanted a child, he could've picked any woman to have a child with."Ben's words enlightened everyone.Simply put, a woman who was able to stay by Elliot Foster's side was definitely not a gullible idiot.Eve
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