Avery's heart tightened as she was filled with a sense of loss.She had just seen the doctor's text message before Mike called, but did not even have time to be happy before bad news came her way."It's alright," she muttered. "I'll give the hospital a call.""Okay. Did I wake you?""You didn't. I was already up. Thanks for working so hard the past few days." Avery threw back the covers and got out of bed. She planned to go to the hospital right away. "By the way, the blood bank sent over a little over half a pint of blood just now. I think that should be enough.""That's great! If that's the case, then I'll get ready to head back," Mike said."Alright. I'm going to the hospital to check things out now.""Okay. Please take care of yourself! Don't pass out before Robert gets better," Mike instructed. "I shouldn't call you at this time, but I wouldn't have been at ease unless I did.""I wasn't sleeping that well anyway."Avery said a few more words to him, then hung up the phone
Elliot could not accept his son leaving this world, because he was the one who forced Avery to have this child.From the moment of conception, to the countless check-ups and his eventual birth, Elliot had poured in all his affection to this child."If anything happens to Robert, even if you don't blame me, I still wouldn't bother you ever again.""Nor would I bother the kids," he thought to himself, but did not say these words.Hayden and Layla did not acknowledge him as their father.Even if there was nothing left but a piece of glass between them, Elliot had a feeling that the two children might never acknowledge him.His words made Avery feel peculiarly upset.Robert was still alive! They were talking as if he was already dead.Avery did not speak, so Elliot turned to glance at her.When he saw her haggard complexion and lack of energy, he quickly pulled her into his arms and rested her head on his shoulder."Get some sleep. Robert will be fine. There's no use in worrying
When the call went through, the blood bank's manager said, "The staff on duty were the ones who received it. I asked them about it and they said that the person who sent the blood didn't leave their contact information. I'm guessing it was a good samaritan that wanted to stay anonymous!"Where in the world were all of these anonymous good samaritans coming from?Once Elliot was done with the call, Avery said, "Let's go find that good samaritan!"Now that Robert's condition was stable, there was nothing they could do at the hospital."The donor didn't leave a name." Elliot's hawk-like eyes rested on Avery as he asked, "Don't you think it's strange?"Avery seemed to have something on her mind."When Wesley brought that bag of blood, he said that a good samaritan donated it anonymously.""Do you think that this half a pint of blood was also from Wesley?"Avery's lashes fluttered lightly. She shook her head and said, "I don't know. If it really was from Wesley, then why didn't he j
Both Wesley's and Shea's phones were turned off.It was clear that the good samaritan who donated their blood was Shea.Shea had given Robert close to an entire pint of blood.An adult could donate at most half a pint at a time. Shea should not be donating blood, to begin with, but ended up donating more than the usual amount expected from a regular person!How could her body possibly handle that?There was only one possible reason why both their phones were off, and it was that something happened to Shea. Wesley must not have been able to handle the consequences of his actions and decided to flee."I'll call Shea's bodyguard!" Mrs. Scarlet's eyes reddened as she fumbled with her phone with trembling hands.If Elliot were not exhausted from this entire ordeal with Robert, she would have called him last night to confirm.He had never allowed Shea to go somewhere far away with someone else.She should have been alert.However, Shea had never lied to her!Mrs. Scarlet was anxio
When Elliot saw Avery and Sandra arrive, the cold expression on his face did not change.There was nobody in Wesley's apartment.He had taken Shea away and nobody knew where they were!"What are you doing here, Mr. Foster?" asked Sandra. "Are you also here to ask Wesley about that half-pint of blood?"Avery saw Elliot almost lose control of his emotions, and quickly walked over to him."Calm down, Elliot!" she hissed under her breath. "Uncle William and Aunt Sandra don't know where Wesley went. I'll think of a way to get in touch with him. Give me some time!"Elliot's eyes were bloodshot and the coldness on his face was indifferent to the world.It was his meticulous and constant care that allowed Shea to live a peaceful and healthy life until now.Her condition finally took a turn for the better and she was beginning to live a life that was closer to that of a regular person, but Wesley ruined it all!How dare he draw Shea's blood?! Where did he find the guts to do that?!Wo
Wesley's actions this time were in complete contrast with his usual conduct!The snow was falling harder when Avery emerged from Wesley's house.Her car was covered in a thick layer of white snow.She loved the snow. If her head was not filled with worry, she would probably take a leisurely stroll in the snow or build a snowman like a happy child.However, when the snow fell upon her face now, all she could feel was a chill to the bone.Avery got into her car and drove to the hospital.At the neonatal unit, there was no sign of Elliot.She had no idea where he was, but she knew that he was in indescribable pain.He must be suffering even more than the night before!It was easier to get over a pain that one could release. It was the pain that one could not talk about that hurt to the depths of your soul.Outside the gates of Angela Academy was a black Rolls-Royce.The car was parked quietly as the wipers rhythmically swept off the snow on the windshield.Elliot was sitting i
As Elliot's tears fell onto his phone screen, he wiped them away with his fingers, but the video came to an end.He watched the video once again, and his heart ached even more!He immediately dialed Shea's number but was once again met by the monotonous sound of the system notification telling him that her phone was turned off.This was the first time in her life that she made an important decision behind his back.He would not forgive her, nor would he forgive himself!He should have realized that she was smarter than she used to be. Why did he not notice that at all?He should have been suspicious the moment Wesley arrived with the first bag of blood.There were indeed good people in the world who would ask for nothing in return for their good deeds, but they would not so coincidentally bump into him.At the same time, Avery also received a text message.She picked up her phone and saw that it was from Wesley.[I'm sorry.]The short message made Avery freeze in place.Wes
"Robert made it through the critical period."On the other side of the line, Mike was ecstatic. "That's wonderful! Let's have a party to celebrate once I'm back!""What's there to celebrate about?" Chad's voice was chilling. "Shea's dead. She sacrificed herself to save Robert."Mike thought he had heard wrongly."Hurry up and get back here, Mike! I can't leave Avery alone, but I need to find my boss," Chad said in a strained voice. "This is a huge blow to him!"…At the Foster mansion, Elliot locked himself inside Shea's room.Earlier, someone had sent over a package. Inside of it was Shea's phone.The phone was filled with selfies and videos of Shea.He looked through every photo and watched every video.Her lively smile made it seem like she was right in front of him, but she would never again appear before him.During the years that Elliot had taken care of her, Shea was his spiritual support.That was because he could only guarantee that nobody would pick on her if he l
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