Elliot's pace quickened as he made his way up to the master bedroom.When he opened the door, the lamp on the nightstand was turned on. Avery was sitting with her eyes wide open. They were blank globes of emptiness as if someone had taken her soul away."We found the blood, Avery," Elliot said as he walked into the room.This news was more useful than any of his consolation.Avery immediately sat up when he heard his words.Elliot quickly rushed over and held her."Stay home and rest, Avery. I'll go to the hospital right now and see." He saw the light gradually return to her face and comforted, "Robert will be better.""Have they started the blood transfusion?" Avery grabbed Elliot's arm and gazed at him with an expression of anticipation."The doctor is testing the blood right now. Wesley brought it over, so there shouldn't be any issues," he said hoarsely. "You don't look too good. Get some rest. I'll let you know right away if I get any news from the hospital."Avery let ou
WIth furrowed brows, Elliot pulled out his phone and dialed Wesley's number.A few seconds after the call was made, he heard Wesley's exhausted voice."How's Robert doing?""Where did you get the blood, Wesley?" Elliot walked over to a secluded corner, then raised his voice and demanded, "You should know what I'm asking about!"Shea spent every single day with Wesley.There was a high possibility that the blood that he brought belonged to Shea.Wesley did not want to lie, nor did he want to tell him the truth right away."I don't think we have a trusting relationship, Elliot Foster," Wesley said calmly. "Would you trust what I say? Did you ever believe me back when I explained that there was nothing going on between Avery and me?""This is a separate matter entirely.""I've had a long day." Wesley did not want to continue speaking to him. "If you want to know if the blood was Shea's, then you can ask her directly. I'm sure she will answer your question.""You don't think I'll
Elliot walked over to the intensive care unit and sat on a bench outside.Mike sat down next to him."Go home and get some rest," Elliot said."I'm used to staying up at night. I won't be able to sleep if I went back now." Mike leaned back against the chair and scrolled through his phone. "I'm looking for sources in Bridgedale… It's not like people who have this rare blood type don't exist. Why do you think nobody's donating? Are we not offering enough money?""Not everyone knows their blood type, and not everyone knows about our needs." Elliot's eyes were cold as he said, "The world's bigger than we think it is. Plenty of people live in areas with no electricity or water. They don't even know what the internet is."Mike stared at him carefully and said, "That makes sense. I think I know why all those women fall for you. You're capable, but you also sometimes drive people mad.""Please elaborate." Perhaps it was because of the silence of the night, but Elliot felt calmer."Do yo
Avery pulled out her phone, found Shea's number, and dialed it.The call went through, but nobody answered.After the call was ended automatically, she called Wesley.Wesley very quickly answered the phone and said, "How are you doing, Avery? How's Robert's condition?""I'm doing well. Robert's also doing well right now… The doctor said that Shea came to the hospital this morning and that she looked very pale. I tried calling her but there was no answer. I'm a little worried about her."Alarm bells began to ring in Wesley's mind."I'll go see her right now.""Okay. Let me know once you've seen her. She usually looks just fine, why would she suddenly look pale? If her complexion looks really bad, take her to the hospital for a check-up.""Got it."Wesley hung up the phone, then immediately called Shea's bodyguard.When the bodyguard picked up the phone, Wesley asked anxiously, "Where's Shea right now? Is she okay?""She fell asleep in the car. We're almost home," responded th
At the Foster mansion, Wesley entered Shea's room.He stood by the room and watched her face as she slept.Mrs. Scarlet stood aside and said, "She woke up at six this morning and kept going on about wanting to go see Robert at the hospital. She doesn't usually wake up that early. I'm guessing her complexion looks worse than usual because she woke up too early.""Did she say anything this morning?" Wesley had a bitter feeling in his heart.He had a pact with Shea to keep the fact that she donated blood to Robert a secret.It was not that he was afraid of Elliot's fury, but Shea did not want to worry her brother."She said she was hungry and wanted to quickly eat breakfast so she could go to the hospital," said Mrs. Scarlet. "Master Elliot hasn't been home lately. She said she wanted to see Robert, but I'm guessing she probably wanted to see Master Elliot more."Wesley nodded and said, "Let's let her sleep for now. We'll talk about it once she wakes up."He walked out of the room and int
Elliot's words left a deep impression on Avery's heart.He thought that Robert's sickness was life's punishment for him.As a doctor, Avery could not agree.Robert's illness was due to both the premature birth and the fact that his body was weak.Her entire pregnancy was a rollercoaster ride. She was sick multiple times and had to take all kinds of drugs. She was also partially responsible for Robert's condition."I'll try to rush back in the next two hours, Avery."Elliot decided to book an entire plane once he arrived at the airport."Drive safe," Avery croaked."I will. The signal here is pretty bad. I'm hanging up.""Okay."Perhaps neither of them realized that, before Robert was born, they had fought over the matter with Chelsea, and broke things off completely.Now, all Avery wanted was for Robert's condition to quickly stabilize. Nothing else was more important than that.Moments later, Chad arrived with dinner for her."Eat something, Avery!" he said. "The police f
Avery stared at Chad and waited for him to continue."He has some stomach problems. When he gets busy and nobody is there to remind him, he'll forget to eat which triggers his stomach issues. He's got medication in his office and in his car. Other than that, he's also got mild depression. I heard about that from Ben. You can't really tell he's got depression from your usual interactions with him.""I could tell. His mood is unpredictable, which gives people a sense of oppression."I'm used to it, so I don't think it's that bad," Chad said awkwardly."Does he have any other illnesses?" Avery continued to ask.Chad thought about it and said, "I don't think there's anything serious.""Anything psychological, for example?""Wouldn't depression count for that?""Medically speaking, depression is considered a mental illness," Avery responded."Oh… Are the psychological issues you're talking about referring to people in mental hospitals with psychological disorders?" Chad frowned."
The moment the bodyguard said those words, everyone in the room was stunned.People would believe it if someone said that Elliot Foster had killed someone, but saying that he got down on his knees must be a joke!He was a formidable force in Aryadelle. With his status, there would never be the need for him to bow down to anyone!However, at this moment, Elliot was hanging his head. His silence was his confession.Avery suddenly recalled what he had said on the phone earlier.He said that he did not use force, and that he was going to try his best to be a good person so that their son did not have to pay for his mistakes.Avery felt a tingling sensation in her nose. She pulled his arm and dragged him away from the crowd."What happened?" Chad asked the bodyguard once Avery and Elliot were out of sight."The person whose blood was a match was a lady in her fifties. She lives in the mountains, so her mindset is relatively ignorant. She thought that donating blood would shorten her
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