"He didn't look for me, but I'm running out of time! Do you have any clues, Tierney?" Wanda said. "We're on the same boat right now. If you can't save me, then I will definitely drag you down into the waters with me.""Are you not afraid that I might kill you, Wanda Tate? Where did you find the gall to threaten me?" Charlie said."I didn't depend on this old face to get to where I am today!" Wanda's voice turned eerie. "I have plenty of ways to get away from this, but I refuse to hide like a rat! I want to work with you and bring Elliot Foster down! Only then would I be able to focus on dealing with Avery Tate!"Charlie was silent for a few seconds.He also wanted to bring Elliot down, so what he needed to do right now was not fall out with Wanda."I got a clue about that box."He wanted to talk about this only after he found the box, but since Wanda was pestering him, he had to bring it up earlier."What clue?" Wanda asked nervously."I'll tell you about it once I find the box. If I g
The way Chelsea saw it, Hayden Tate was young, but he was smarter than a typical adult.On the other hand, Avery's daughter was just an average innocent little child.It would be easier to handle Layla.Charlie went into deep thought after hearing Chelsea's suggestion.This was a risky move. He did not dare make that move easily without absolute certainty.At 7 a.m. the next morning, Avery walked into the nursery.The baby was still asleep, but Mrs. Cooper had already woken up."Thanks for last night, Mrs. Cooper. You can go and rest now. I'll watch him during the day," Avery said."Alright. He had milk three times last night. He's got a good appetite, and he's quite strong," Mrs. Cooper said with a chuckle. "He's a good baby. He only cries when he's hungry, and falls asleep right after he has his milk.""Hayden was like that at his age, too. Layla was a little noisier, though," Avery said.Mrs. Cooper froze for a moment, then said, "Avery, Layla and Hayden are Master Elliot'
Suddenly, the wailing sounds of a baby's cry brought her back to reality.Robert was probably crying because of the noise outside.Avery quickly picked him out of the cradle.The moment he was in his mother's arms, Robert instantly stopped crying."You big brother and sister are playing in the snow outside, Robert. You'll play with them once you grow bigger, okay?" Avery stood by the window as she carried her son and looked at the scenery outside.Robert could not be held upright yet, so his twinkling black eyes were fixed on Avery's face in fascination."Are you hungry, sweetie? I think it's been two hours since your last feeding… I'll go make you some milk." Avery carried him to the crib and placed him inside.The nanny wanted to help, but she found that Avery was an expert at both handling the baby and making milk. There was no room for anyone else to interfere."You're amazing, Miss Tate. You're so good at everything," praised the nanny.Avery accepted the praise, then ask
In truth, Avery felt uneasy. Her senses told her that so long as Elliot's issue wasn't resolved, bringing the child over to pressure him would only make things worse.She regretted it as soon as she stepped foot into the living room of Elliot's mansion, but Mrs. Scarlet was extremely pleased to see Robert.Mrs. Scarlet accepted Robert from Avery's arms and played with him for a while, before passing him back to Avery."Avery, Mr. Foster is upstairs. He's only had some soup tonight. That can't possibly be enough, but he won't even take another bite of food. I'm not sure if he's resting or in the study room right now," Mrs. Scarlet said as she led the way, "watch your steps while you are carrying the child.""Mrs. Scarlet, maybe it's best that I don't disturb him," Avery said hesitantly, "I'm worried that it would only increase his burden if he sees Robert."Mrs. Scarlet was slightly stunned at her words, but then proceeded to say, "but what if he finds relief in seeing Robert? He i
Avery turned around with Robert in her arms and was about to leave, when she heard Elliot coughing.She immediately stopped on her track.Elliot didn't cough all that often and would only do so when he was ill.She strode to the stairs where Mrs. Scarlet was waiting and handed Robert to her, before turning around to head back into the study room. She strolled towards him and studied his flushed cheeks resulting from the constant coughing.There was a strong emotion in the air that no one could label, but it felt like something would explode at the softest touch."Are you sick?" Avery asked and reached up to touch his forehead to test his temperature.Elliot took a few steps back. "It's just a cold. I don't have a fever."Avery closed in on him and asked, "did you ask me to take Robert away because you are sick and don't want him to catch it, not because you don't want to see him?"He stared at her with dark, brooding eyes and answered honestly, "both. Who asked you here?""No
After she left, Elliot called the family doctor once again and said, "I'm fine. You don't have to come now."The doctor was slightly confused. "Mr. Foster, I'm already on the way there. Why don't I come and have a look?"Elliot hung up. He reached up to touch his forehead and noticed that his skin was slightly hot to the touch.He did not realize that he had a fever before Avery arrived. Though he did feel unwell, it did not affect his work; after Avery's visit, however, he felt as though all strength had been drained from him.He lied down on the bed and tried to empty out his emotions, but no matter how many times he tried, his effort ended in failure.Whenever he tried to forget about what happened earlier, Robert's face would appear in his mind.Robert's adorable, little face, and his bright, curious eyes were like a blinding ray of light that pierced through the darkness.By the time the doctor arrived at Elliot's mansion, Elliot's had already drifted off to sleep.The doc
Because Robert was identical to Elliot. If Shea was still alive and saw Robert, she would have spoiled the boy senseless.A young woman as kind as Shea would never want to see Elliot keeping a distance from his son because of her.Mrs. Scarlet left the dining room after saying what she had to say.The spoon in Elliot's hand dropped into the bowl at the news that Avery had taken Robert to Bridgedale.'She must be really mad to leave in such a hurry,' he thought.Avery told him that she would raise Robert on her own; she took the boy away with her to Bridgedale so that he wouldn't have to see him. Elliot felt like he was supposed to be relieved, but he simply couldn't feel the slightest joy.The thought of rushing to Bridgedale to find her even came across his mind, but was soon rejected.'It's a good thing that she took him away,' he thought, 'that way, I will have time to cool down and keep check of my emotions.'…It was a spontaneous decision for Avery to take Robert to Brid
Hayden was immediately alerted because he had been stalked before. He took out his phone and called Eric.His phone was a gift from Eric; it was a cell phone tailor-made for children and Eric even saved his personal number in the phone.Hayden told Eric about being followed and Eric immediately arranged a few bodyguards to wait for Hayden where he got out of the taxi.The black car that was following Hayden raced by him as soon as he got out of the car, as though to make a statement that it was not following him, but simply happened to be driving on the same road."Are you here alone? Why didn't you bring your bodyguard?" Eric took Hayden's hand and took him into the building, where Eric and Layla trained for the entertainment company."It's new year soon and I told my bodyguard to go on leave," Hayden said."Your mom is going to be worried if she finds out." Eric remained thoughtful for a moment, before suggesting, "that person who was following you must have known that you don'
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