If Nathan truly loved Adrian, then he would not call him an idiot.Elliot never called Shea such a thing, and he would get furious if anyone called Shea an idiot.This was the difference between loving someone and not loving someone."There's an old saying in Aryadelle that you never see a good person standing by the bed of someone with an old illness. I think Adrian's family probably does love him. Otherwise, they wouldn't have spent all that money and effort to treat his illness." Avery took a sip of water, then readjusted her mindset."I suppose that's true. Either way, his family still shouldn't be letting out their frustrations on you.""I was the one who didn't explain things to them well enough before the surgery. They were under the impression that I could help Adrian return to normal." Avery lowered her gaze and looked at Adrian. "Perhaps I said something that made them misunderstand.""Their expectations were too high. It would already be a great outcome if Adrian's con
"Adrian! My dear boy!" Nathan rushed into the room and shoved Avery aside.Avery did not feel any respect from this man at all.It was as if he wanted to kick her out of the room.She stared at the man's profile and wanted to say something, but her reason stopped her from doing so.She felt bad for Adrian, but she had no connection to him at all. Once she was finished with his surgery and his family was happy with the results, her job here was done."I was wrong about you earlier, Doctor Tate!" After Nathan got a response from Adrian, he immediately turned around and said emotionally, "Adrian understood when I called out to him. This is a huge improvement! I'll wire over the remaining payment to you in three days, Doctor Tate. As for the follow up… If Adrian doesn't have any other incurable diseases, then we don't bother you again."Avery was stunned.Nathan was saying that once they paid her off, whatever happens to Adrian in the future had nothing to do with her anymore. He al
Avery was just kidding around, but Mrs. Cooper's expression turned slightly unnatural after she heard what she said.Mrs. Cooper froze for a moment, then forced a smile and said, "Maybe you're not just missing Shea, but Master Elliot, too. Since your work here is done, can we go back to Aryadelle now?"Avery did not feel like returning so soon.There was not much to worry about after Hayden and Layla went back to school. Besides, she had spent too much energy on the surgery the past few days, so she was exhausted.She wanted to take a break, then think about returning to Aryadelle.Otherwise, if she rushed back now, she would only end up cooped up resting at home."You can take a break first if you're too tired. I'm not in a hurry to go back." Mrs. Cooper was especially talented at reading faces. "I'm just beginning to miss Hayden and Layla, that's all. My heart feels empty even when I don't see them for just a day.""I know. I miss them, too, but I've been too tired the past fe
The elite class for young prodigies that Hayden attends at Central University was unlike any other ordinary elementary school. No matter how much money Avery had, she would not be able to enroll Layla there.Besides, Layla did not want to join an elite class anyway.She could not understand anything that Hayden was learning about, nor did she have any interest in it.When Mike led Layla out of the house and saw Elliot's car, he immediately froze in his tracks.Elliot's driver opened up the trunk to the car and brought out Mrs. Cooper's suitcases.Mike held Layla's hand and walked over to check on the situation."These are Mrs. Cooper's things. She resigned from her job at the Foster mansion, so Mr. Foster asked me to bring her things here," said the driver."Your boss let you use the Rolls-Royce to send luggage over?" Mike's intuition told him that it was possible that Elliot was in the car.After a few seconds of awkwardness, the driver explained, "Mr. Foster is in the car. I
Mike was so shocked that he thought his soul was about to leave his body!"What the hell are you doing with my phone?!" he snapped furiously, then snatched his phone back.On the other end of the line, Avery was stunned.Who snatched Mike's phone away? Who would dare do such a thing?Elliot's face automatically appeared in her mind."Put it on speaker!" Elliot demanded through bloodshot eyes.Robert had a fever. He needed to know how he was doing.When Avery heard Elliot's voice, she drew a sharp breath.What were Elliot and Mike doing together?It should be past seven in the morning in Aryadelle. What was Elliot doing at her house?"Why should I do what you say? You're not the boss of me!" Mike could not hold back his bad temper.Elliot's expression instantly turned dark as his cold eyes emanated a murderous aura.Mike, however, was not afraid of him.Layla stood next to Mike and watched as the two men argued. She thought they were about to start a fight, and she burst in
Avery knew that Elliot would not try to take the children away or force them into doing anything, but she still felt uneasy."I'm hanging up, Avery. He's tailing me right now." Mike's tone made it sound like he wanted to shake off Elliot.Avery immediately snapped, "Don't speed, Mike! Safety comes first. Let him follow you if he wants to. It's not like he can just walk into Layla's school anyway.""Alright! Maybe he's just worried about Robert! His face looked terrible when he heard that Robert had a fever. I'm guessing his first reaction was the same as mine and he probably thought that Robert was in the same condition as before." Mike's emotions gradually calmed down."Explain it to him later, then! Drive safe. I'm hanging up.""Okay."After he hung up, Mike glanced at Layla.She was pouting and her eyes were red. She was not trying, but she looked especially devastated."Did we scare you earlier, sweetie? Don't be scared. He won't lay a finger on me. Even if we do fight, I m
When Avery saw the call from Elliot, she hung up without hesitation.With his pride, he definitely would not call back after she hung up on him.Elliot was taken aback when his call was declined within seconds.He understood why Avery would not take his calls. He had broken her heart, after all.Even so, did she really need to decline his call that quickly?!It caught him off guard and caused him to be filled with panic and grief.Avery was underestimating him if she thought that this was enough to make him retreat in defeat.Elliot found Mrs. Cooper's number and dialed it.He had already come up with an excuse before he called Avery. It was that he had heard about Robert's fever and wanted to call to check on things.If Mrs. Cooper answered the phone, he could use the same excuse.In the end, Mrs. Cooper also declined his call.Elliot's face was frozen still as he stared at the rejected call.It had barely been more than two weeks since Mrs. Cooper resigned from her job wi
"A series of events occurred in the Tierney family over the course of the past few days. I feel that there is a need for me to give the public an explanation." Chelsea faced the cameras and said nonchalantly, "After my father was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer five years ago, he has spent this entire time fighting the disease. His body had long since failed on him, and he had been depending on medication to continue his life. Unfortunately, on the day of my wedding, he passed away.""Miss Tierney, we're more interested in what happened at your wedding with Elliot Foster." One of the reporters brought up this sharp question.Very quickly, another reporter also asked, "Why didn't Elliot Foster show up on your wedding day, Miss Tierney? Will you be holding a makeup wedding after this?"Chelsea had already expected that these questions would pop up during the press conference."I will not. Elliot Foster and I will not be getting married," Chelsea said. "I'm thankful for his coop
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