Mrs. Cooper was going to Avery's room to get Elliot's suitcase to hand over to Mrs. Scarlet.She figured that Avery would not want to see Elliot's things. Instead of throwing it out, it would be better to let Mrs. Scarlet take them with her.Mrs. Cooper knocked on the door, then walked into the room."I already gave Master Elliot my resignation, Avery." She sat by the bed, saw that Avery's eyes were open, then continued, "I'm here to take his suitcase for Mrs. Scarlet to bring back with her."Avery's complexion was haggard, but her tone was certain as she said, "Since you've already resigned, don't contact him again from now on. Don't even send him any photos of Robert.""Alright.""I've already packed his things. The suitcase by the desk is his." Avery had a fever the night before and took some medication when she woke up. When she saw Elliot's suitcase, she stuffed all of his things inside of it."You don't look so good, Avery. You should get some more sleep," Mrs. Cooper said
"Did you meet her?" Elliot picked up a cigarette and held it between his fingers."I did." Ben saw that Elliot did not lose his temper, so the rage inside of him calmed down quite a bit.He even lit his cigarette for him when he saw that he didn't have a lighter."She was the one who called me." Ben took a seat next to Elliot, picked up a cigarette from the coffee table, and lit it. "Does she have something on you?"Elliot lowered his gaze slightly and then said bitterly, "Not her.""Oh. The Tierneys have something on you? I was thinking, the Chelsea I know wouldn't have the guts to show up in public with the way she looks right now. Even if she really wanted to marry you, she wouldn't want a big wedding."Elliot turned to Ben and asked, "What does she look like now?""It's hard to describe. I panic every time I think about her face," Ben said through gritted teeth as he snapped his cigarette in half. "All of the love and hate in the past have paled. I can't tell what she's feel
No matter how you looked at it, Elliot was in the wrong this time.Even if there was something he could not talk about, what did Avery do wrong to deserve this?Mike got into the passenger seat and fastened his seat belt, then remembered what Mrs. Cooper asked him to do.He pulled out his phone and called Tammy.Over in Bridgedale, Tammy immediately drove over to Avery's place after receiving Mike's call.Avery had taken medication for her fever the night before, but her fever only subsided temporarily. In the morning, her fever came back.She had planned on explaining the change in her relationship with Elliot to the children after she got up that morning.However, she was worried that she would pass her fever to the children, so she spent the entire time resting in her room.After Tammy entered the room, she shut the door behind her.Avery heard her and opened her eyes."Are you not feeling well, Avery?" Tammy approached the bed and touched Avery's forehead. "You're a littl
Tammy felt she was being too cruel.She could have waited until Avery had recovered and let her tell the children about the matter herself, but she could not bring herself to let the children stay in the dark."Hayden told me about it this morning, Aunt Tammy." The moment Layla spoke, her eyes reddened. "I won't trust Daddy anymore. He's a bad man!"Tammy pulled Layla into her arms and cooed, "Don't cry, Layla. Even without your father, you still have your Mommy, your brother, and me. We will always love you.""I'm mad at Daddy for lying to me." Layla rubbed her eyes, then said, "I'm also mad that he made Mommy sad. Mommy's so upset that she got sick. I can't cry… Mommy would be even sadder if I cried."Tears were streaming down her face as she said those words."I'll try to cry softer…" she sobbed.Tammy's heart was breaking. "Let's stop crying after this, sweetie. That dirtbag isn't worth your tears. He could be living his best life in Aryadelle right now!"Layla felt betraye
"Good.""I'm not the one who wants to marry you, Elliot." Chelsea thought about it, then decided to clear things up with Elliot. "Charlie wants to use me to humiliate you. I don't want to get married, let alone have a wedding.""It doesn't matter anymore," Elliot said casually.Chelsea froze for a moment, then stared at his cold expression and asked, "About Avery Tate…""Just do what you promised, Chelsea. You don't need to bother with my personal matters.""I can help you explain things to her!" Chelsea offered."There's no need for that!" Elliot snapped. "Don't bother her!"He knew very well how Avery was feeling at the moment.She would get mad if anyone mentioned him in front of her now. She would be even more furious if Chelsea was the one to do it.It was better not to bother her before everything was settled.Once things were handled, he would go to her and admit his mistakes himself.Two hours later, the news of Sterling Group's president, Elliot Foster, spending a f
"Don't look at your phone for a few days, Avery." Tammy could not help but remind her. "Elliot bought over the news in Bridgedale. It's disgusting."Avery did not respond.Her fever had subsided, but she was starving after not eating all day. Besides, her throat was dry and she could barely make a sound."Have something to eat first, Avery. I'm going to the airport to pick up Mike. He's about to arrive soon, so I'll head there now," Tammy said, then left the house.Mrs. Cooper brought out a bowl of soup and placed it on the table in front of Avery.After finishing the soup, Avery recovered some of her energy."Layla, Hayden… Why are you staring at me like that?" Avery forced a smile. "I just caught a cold. I'll be fine soon.""Were you crying in secret, Mommy?" Layla pouted when she saw her mother's reddened eyes. "Don't be sad. You still have me, Hayden, and Robert. We would never leave you.""I know that. Which is why my mood is better now that I've recovered." Avery reached
"I'm still going back to watch the show. You've seen Chelsea Tierney's messed-up face, right? It's terrifying. Elliot can't be marrying her for love! It must be chaos back in Aryadelle! I want to go back and find out why exactly he's marrying her. That's much more meaningful than furthering my studies!"They arrived at the house moments later. Mike opened the car door and strode into the living room.Avery was stacking blocks with Layla. Mike walked over to her side and examined her face."What are you doing?" Avery nudged him slightly. "Isn't work starting soon? Who told you to come here?"Mike tutted and said, "I wanted to come so I came. Don't tell me that the company can't function without me. I didn't know I was that important."Tammy laughed and said, "Don't blame him, Avery. He's still in his pajamas and didn't even bring a coat. He was obviously in a rush."Avery heard that then glanced at Mike and mocked plainly, "It's not like I died. Can you not be so dramatic?""I'm
Back in Aryadelle, once news broke on Elliot Foster and Chelsea Tierney's impending nuptials, details regarding their wedding also began to spread far and wide.Everything from the wedding venue and the number of guests, to the dinner menu, wedding favors, and the bride's jewelry were all made public online.This grand, upcoming wedding was the pride and joy of the Tierney family.Wanda, who had once mocked Charlie at the hospital, could not help but give him a call when she read about the shocking news."You sure are treacherous, Charlie Tierney!" She was slightly angry. "You were the one who took the box's contents, weren't you? That should've been mine!"If Charlie had not taken the box's contents away, the person threatening Elliot right now would be her!The seven hundred and seventy-five million dollars should also be in her pockets!"Would you like to attend my sister and Elliot Foster's wedding, Wanda? Let's talk face-to-face about the question you just asked!" Charlie 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