"I'm looking at photos of me and your father. Would you like to see them?" Avery asked.Hayden immediately turned to look out the window and said, "I don't.""I won't look at them either then." Avery put her phone down, then turned to her son and said, "Thank you for today, Hayden. I suggested taking family portraits because we haven't taken one since your grandmother passed away. There's also another reason."Hayden withdrew his gaze from the window.He was willing to listen to his mother. No matter what Avery said, he could take her seriously."Last night, your father told me that he's been depending on medication to fall asleep ever since Shea passed away. He didn't bring his pills, so I went out to get some for him last night. He isn't perfect, but neither am I. I've thought about it seriously, and I want to spend the rest of my life with him."Avery was informing Hayden that she would be living with Elliot in the future.This was something that Hayden had already expected.
The person texting Avery probably did not expect Elliot to be right next to her and was shocked for a moment.Avery composed herself, then texted: [You said you're Chelsea Tierney's cousin. Why should I believe you?][I really am her cousin! My name is Ruby Sullivan. Call and ask Chelsea if you don't believe me. You have her number, right?][I don't. Send me her number.]Avery had Chelsea's number. She said she did not so she could check if the person texting her was a liar.The person sent Avery a series of numbers.Avery checked it with Chelsea's number and then confirmed that the person did know Chelsea.Her heart instantly turned cold.If this person really was Chelsea's cousin, then could what she said be true?The world began to spin around Avery as her temples suddenly began to throb in pain.Elliot spent every single day with her and the children. He had absolutely no interaction with Chelsea. How was it possible that he was suddenly marrying her?If he was going to
Trust Capital was indeed wealthy, but Avery's company was not some lousy company!If Elliot truly was someone who cared about profits, then he would not have spent all of that money on her over the years.There would also be no reason to waste so much time on herAvery believed that, as long as Elliot was willing, he could find the richest woman in the world and marry her for the biggest profit.However, he never did anything like that. There was also no reason for him to betray himself for Trust Capital.Avery's intuition told her that there was something strange about the entire thing, so she wiped her tears away and decided to find a chance to talk to Elliot about it.The next morning, Elliot got up, then stood by the bed and watched Avery's sleeping face.He could not bring himself to wake her.He had to return to Aryadelle today.Charlie had sent him a text saying that the Tierneys have made all the arrangements for the wedding, and warned him that they would announce the
As Elliot gazed at Avery's determined face, he more or less confirmed that she knew about him and Chelsea.She was fine when they went out yesterday. If she had found out the day before, she would not have happily brought him out to take the family portraits.Someone must have told her about it after he fell asleep the night before."I'll leave tomorrow, then." Elliot did not know how to answer Avery's question. All he could do was go along with her.He would rather leave a day late than explain the real reason he was returning to Aryadelle.Avery let go of his hand, but her eyes continued to stay on him as she said coldly, "When did you and Chelsea make up, Elliot?""I haven't seen her in a long time," Elliot answered truthfully.What those words meant, was that he did not make up with her."I see… You didn't see her after she got hurt?""I didn't." Elliot hung his head slightly. Avery's gaze made him feel like he was enduring the most severe punishment."Do you like her, th
If Layla found out that her father was about to return to Aryadelle to marry another woman, she would be devastated!Once Hayden found out about this, he would definitely despise Elliot even more.Was Elliot really doing this for the sake of profit? If not, then why was he doing it?He had said himself that he did not love Chelsea.Was money more important than love and their three children?Avery could not understand Elliot's decision.He was more than capable of earning his own money, and a lot of it at that. Her company was also steadily making a profit. How much money did he need to finally be satisfied?Tears streamed down Avery's cheeks and soaked her pillow.When there were no longer any sounds coming from outside the door, she turned on her back and stared at the ceiling as she cried silently.Downstairs, once Elliot was done with breakfast, he picked Robert up in his arms.Robert's glistening black eyes were fixed on his father's face, and Elliot wondered what he was
Avery never believed in fate.Even if life wanted to stop her, she would never give in that easily.She opened the car door then stepped into the cold winter snow without hesitation.She ran frantically toward the airport.There was only one ending she wanted. She was not going to let Elliot go just like that!At the VIP waiting lounge at the airport, Elliot lifted his wrist and checked the time on his watch.His flight was one in the afternoon. There was another hour until the plane would take off.He stood by the giant windows and his heart felt as cold as the fluttering snowfall outside.If there was any other way, he would never do anything to hurt Avery and the children.Being cruel to her and the children was the same as being cruel to himself. He would be in more agony than them.Charlie had something on Elliot and was now forcing him to marry Chelsea. He had no other choice.If he did not act out this play, there would be no end to the torment he would have to endure
After Avery spoke, the security personnel reminded Elliot that it was time to board the plane."I need to head back to Aryadelle to settle some things, Avery. Please give me some time…""I won't! If I give you time, then you'll go and marry Chelsea! I won't accept you marrying another woman, Elliot! It doesn't matter if it's with Chelsea or anybody else! As long as I'm not the bride, I won't allow it!" Avery clenched her teeth, then said, "If you leave today, you can forget about ever seeing me or the kids ever again!"Since her begging did not work, she could only resort to threatening him.If the Tierneys were using something to threaten or lure him, then she could threaten him, too!She refused to believe that the Tierneys had a bigger bargaining chip than she did.Elliot's eyes were reddened and glistening with tears as he gazed at Avery with a pained expression on his face.He had gone from being forcibly calm to teary-eyed in a matter of seconds.Avery had pushed him to t
By the time Avery walked her way back home, it was already evening.The weather was not great today, and it had turned dark outside earlier.Mrs. Cooper was shocked to see her drenched and in a daze."What happened, Avery?" Mrs. Cooper held Avery's hand. "Did you not want Master Elliot to leave? Don't be like that. You can go back to Aryadelle whenever you want, right?"Avery shook her head, then croaked, "Where are the kids?""Robert is sleeping. Layla and Hayden are taking a shower. They were making a snowman in the front yard earlier and got soaked," said Mrs. Cooper. "You're drenched, Avery. Go and take a hot shower. Do you need my help?"Avery shook her head, then turned away and headed toward the bedroom.Mrs. Cooper was worried and followed behind her."By the way, don't mention Elliot Foster in front of the children ever again." Avery stopped in her tracks, then turned to Mrs. Cooper and continued, "We broke up. You and Mrs. Scarlet work for him…"She could not bring h
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