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'
Seeing the determination in Layla's eyes, Hayden simply said, "Good luck."Meanwhile, Cole stood in front of the office window and watched as the neon lights lit up the city. The bustling night view outside signaled the start of the night life.Had it been any time before, he would have left the office and headed out to enjoy the night life; but today, he was not in the mood.He had been forced into bankruptcy by his own uncle and would be bearing a tremendous amount of debt.He did regret what he had done, but mostly, he resented it all.He had been leading a comfortable life as Elliot's nephew, and yet, it was as easy as killing a bug for Elliot to crush him.For the past few days, Cole watched his own father called Elliot countless times, begging for mercy in order to salvage the situation. His father had hoped that Elliot would forgive him for the sake of their kinship, but Elliot would either refuse the call or transfer the call to his assistant.'Elliot is merciless! My ow
Cole listened to his father as though he was listening to an intoxicating story. "So, is my uncle really mentally ill?"Henry frowned and sighed. "There are different levels of severity to mental illness. Even if your uncle was ill, he had not had another episode since then. How else did he succeed afterward?""His business took off, but his love life did not. Avery divorced him and refused to hand over the custody of her children. Do you really think it's because they don't love each other? Maybe she's known about his illness the entire time and decided not to be with him!" Cole guessed.Henry considered his words thoughtfully."Dad, we already have nothing. We have nothing else to lose. Even if we side with Charlie, what exactly can Elliot do to us? I don't have any more money that he can take anymore!" Cole found his determination in desperation. "I have to work with Charlie."Henry took his glass and drank all the wine in it."Tell Charlie about this, and then what?" Henry scowled.
She felt like there could be some sort of connection between Adrian, his father, Shea and Elliot; not social connection, but biological connection.Avery was startled by her own thought.Had she been too tired lately, to come up with such a senseless idea? Aryadelle and Bridgedale were so far apart that even if Adrian's father was from Aryadelle, there was no way that he was related to the Fosters.The Fosters were so wealthy that they were untouchable in Aryadelle; though their family relations were a mess, if something did happen, Avery would have at least heard of it throughout the time she spent by Elliot's side. However, she had not heard of any rumors apart from matters concerning Shea.The car stopped in front of the mansion and she got out of the car.As soon as her feet touched the ground, she spotted an elegant figure standing by the door."Avery!" The person spotted her as well and immediately greeted.A smile appeared on Avery's face at the familiar voice.It was Ta
He had never publicized their relationship when Shea was still alive. It was a decision he made to keep her from the interference of the outside world; not even Avery understood him and thought that he hid Shea away from others' knowledge because he was ashamed of her intellectual disability.He had never once been ashamed of Shea; she would have died long ago if he felt ashamed of her.With Shea gone, he no longer had to worry about someone bothering or hurting her. Upon deciding that he would hold Shea's funeral, he started making arrangements on his own.When news got out, Hayden told Mike that he wanted to attend Shea's funeral.Mike immediately called Chad to ask if they could go."Mr. Foster is the one who drew up the guest list, you and Hayden are not on the list," Chad said in a troubled tone.Mike lifted an eyebrow. "Is Avery on it? If her name is on it, then Hayden and I will attend the funeral as her representatives.""No," Chad said directly, "he only invited some of
"I didn't hear anything about the body. What's wrong? You can't possibly be thinking of reviving her from the dead, right?" Mike's mind ran wild.Avery's head started to hurt. "I was just asking, Mike. If I can revive the dead, then no one will truly die on this earth. Don't you think that's really scary?""Oh. I didn't hear that Wesley will be coming back, so there probably won't be a body. Elliot must have gotten news that Shea was dead, though; he wouldn't have arranged a funeral otherwise.""Yeah.""Are you really not coming back? Robert is still little. You can hand him over to the nanny and come back for a short trip."Mike wanted her to attend the funeral. No matter the nature of their relationships with Elliot, they had always been close to Shea."I've failed Shea," Avery spoke her mind in a hoarse voice. "If only I realized what she was thinking earlier on, I would not never have let her do what she's done. I feel like I'm going crazy. I met a patient that has the exact
"He said that he has something to hold against you, but he won't use it thoughtlessly because he needs to reserve it for the right timing," Wanda said hastily, "as for what's the right timing that he was talking about, I have no idea. Charlie is a sly man. I haven't known him for long, so he doesn't really trust me. But we are content with our partnership so just give me more time and I will find a way to get that box back to you.""You already know that the box contains something that would post a threat to me; why would you give it back to me should you ever get your hands on the box?" Elliot said sarcastically.Wanda froze. Her mind went blank as she dazedly tried to think back to what she had just said.Why did Elliot sound as though he had been provoked?"I just wanted to know if Charlie has the box. Now that it's confirmed that he does, you are useless to me," Elliot gritted out coldly, "Wanda Tate, whatever you are plotting, I know everything."Wanda was scared senseless at
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