Avery pondered for a few seconds, then responded coldly, "I don't care."Tammy could feel Avery's resolution toward Elliot from her tone.She was right. Nothing that happened to Elliot right now was worth Avery's sympathy.All the gossip about Elliot completely disappeared from the internet overnight.People might not be able to discuss the matter online, but everyone was still talking about it in private."I think there's something abnormal about Mr. Foster too," said one of the employees at Sterling Group. "I think he might not even be from this world. He could be an alien from another planet. Nothing else would explain how he's so outstanding at such a young age."Everyone burst into laughter."I think that even if Mr. Foster had a psychological disorder, it's not something that would make him go on a killing frenzy. I've been working here for a long time and I've never heard any negative press about him. Our company has the highest yearly salary increment in the industry. Yo
"Then… What does Avery think?" Ben hesitated for a moment before asking this question because the answer was already clearly written on Elliot's face.Elliot took out a cigarette and lit it up."Don't smoke so much, Elliot." Ben noticed the new lighter in Elliot's hand and guessed that he had probably smoked a lot in the past few days."I didn't want to embarrass the children," Elliot said as his bloodshot eyes glistened with deep hatred. "I want Charlie Tierney to die a horrible death!"When he said that he did not want to embarrass the children, Ben instantly understood what he was feeling.Layla and Hayden were already attending school. They were no longer three-year-olds.They could find out about any of society's trending news from their classmates and teachers.If things got blown out of proportion, would their classmates view them differently? Would they also think that Layla and Hayden were abnormal?Over in Bridgedale, Eric took Avery and the twins out skiing.Avery d
Mike held Avery in his arms and comforted her in a low voice. "Men and women have different ways of thinking. He must have been afraid that this would affect you and the children. He was wrong to assume your ability to handle these things.""I don't want to know what he was thinking because he has never told me how he truly felt," Avery sobbed. "I would be a joke if I always had to depend on others, or the news, to find out what he was going through! I can't sympathize with him! Even if he died from a sickness right now, I still won't feel bad for him!""Don't cry, Avery." Mike had a mountain of things he wanted to say to console her, but they never escaped his lips.Love was not something that could be explained with a few sentences.Elliot was threatened into having to marry a disfigured Chelsea and become a laughing stock. He had spent the first half of his life in glory and never had to experience this type of humiliation.However, what did Avery ever do wrong?Avery got tire
Back in Aryadelle, it was the day of Elliot Foster and Chelsea Tierney's wedding.Charlie was welcoming guests at the hotel's entrance along with Chelsea's mother.Everything was going according to Charlie's plan without a hitch.The first reason Charlie wanted Elliot to marry Chelsea was to humiliate Elliot. The second reason was that he wanted the whole world to know that there was a marriage between the Tierneys and the Fosters, and that the Tierneys would have the Foster family's support in the future.As long as Charlie had his bargaining chip firmly in his grasp, nothing bad would happen.Tammy entered the banquet hall and immediately spotted Jun in the crowd.He was standing with Ben. They were chatting away happily in a relaxed manner.Tammy picked up a glass of champagne and found a noticeable spot to sit down.Very quickly, Ben saw her and informed Jun of her presence.Jun saw that she was sitting by herself, then walked in her direction.Tammy felt uncomfortable wh
Charlie called Elliot, but there was no answer on the phone.On the other hand, Chelsea picked up when he called her.However, her tone was nonchalant as she said, "Hey, Charlie. Have the guests arrived?""Chelsea Tierney! What the h*ll are you playing at?! Do you have any idea what time it is? Did Elliot not pick you up? I call him, but he's not answering! Is he regretting this now?!"Charlie spent the entire morning greeting and entertaining guests, so he was rather tired at the moment.When neither Elliot nor Chelsea showed up, he completely lost control of his emotions."Elliot didn't call me, so I'm not too sure what's happening right now." Chelsea's tone was soft and demure, which was different from her humble demeanor from before. "I'm still getting my hair done! I wasn't happy with the hair and makeup you chose, so I asked the stylist to redo everything."Charlie's lips twisted into a snarl as he snapped, "Don't think you're Mrs. Foster now and can act so insolently in f
While Charlie and Jeanette were busy welcoming guests at the hotel that morning, Elliot's personal team of bodyguards and manned helicopters surrounded the entire Tierney Villa.Charlie's subordinates had never in their lives encountered such a terrifying battle.All it took was the time for Elliot to finish one cigarette in the living room for his bodyguards to get back what was his!This top-secret plan was devised after Chelsea heard Charlie's phone conversation about how he had left his bargaining chip against Elliot with one of his subordinates.Once Elliot retrieved his belonging, he left.Chelsea knew that today was probably the last time they would ever meet again in their lives.He did not belong to her, not before, not now, and now ever.She never received love from Elliot, but she learned how to be ruthless and cruel!Over at the hotel, Ben received a phone call, then said to his comrades, "Elliot isn't coming. You can all leave now!""Huh? Can we at least stay for
Tammy: [I'm so mad, Avery! Jun actually brought his fiance over and showed her off in my face! What a b*st*rd! I never want to see him again for the rest of my life!]Tammy: [I must've lost my mind from rage! Why did I run out of the hall?! I wanted to stay and gag at Elliot and Chelsea… No way! I can't just leave! I'll wait outside the hotel!]Tammy: [It's almost noon, but the bride and groom aren't here yet… I wonder if there's traffic or if they're not coming! My legs are aching from standing around for so long! I'm going to have to find somewhere to sit for a bit!]Tammy: [What are you doing right now, Avery? You didn't reply to any of my texts. I know you're not crying in secret. You must be busy with something!]Mike: [Why is the surgery taking so long? I'm waiting for you at the hospital.]After Avery saw Mike's text message, she quickly walked out of the bathroom.Mike was sitting on a bench in the hallway playing a game on his phone.Avery strode over, then patted him o
Tammy: [I don't blame Elliot, Avery. What happened to me had nothing to do with him. Besides, he wouldn't have been able to retrieve his bargaining chip if it weren't for Chelsea's help this time. I can understand that.]Avery: [Sometimes, being too understanding makes it easier for you to be wronged.]Tammy: [Do you know why I've come around? It's not that I'm that forgiving, but it's because Chelsea's now disfigured. Her face will never recover. She has to spend the rest of her life with that hideous face. If I became like that, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to live for another second longer. She won't be any better off than we were before.]Avery: [He who is unjust is doomed to destruction.]Tammy: [That's right! Ben texted me just now and told me I must attend Jun's wedding. What do you think he meant by that?]Avery: [Do you want to go? Go if you do, don't go if you don't. Don't get influenced by him.]Tammy: [I wanted to go at first, but I got so mad today that I don't feel
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