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
Chad Rayner put dinner on the table while giving Mike a wink.Mike got the message and nodded."My dears, let's have some outdoor fun this weekend!" Mike announced after the twins were at the dining table.Layla was always an ardent supporter. "Sounds great! Uncle Mike, where would you be taking us?"Hayden said, "Uh, it's only Tuesday today."Mike replied, "Well, we can first make plans, can't we? Big H, you won't be free over the weekend right?"Hayden said, "Nope." His learning assignment for the semester was quite heavy. There was no time to spare for any kind of amusement."You're only in elementary school! That's so miserable! Once you have entered junior high, would you even have time for home?" With a long face, Mike said, "I wasn't as exhausted as you when I was a boy. Look at me now. I've still turned out great, haven't I?""I will overcome you in greatness," Hayden responded with conviction.Mike felt like he got shot in the knee by an arrow.If Hayden had said tha
"Layla, your dad won't know if you went to his amusement park! I won't tell him." Chad explained, "Let's check it out this weekend and if it's not fun, we shall leave immediately, okay?"Layla struggled for a few seconds before nodding with a smile."Remember dear, when you're on the video call with your mom later, don't spill this secret, okay? Otherwise, she won't let you go." Chad remembered, "That amusement park is full of fun yo! I took my niece there once. She had a blast."By now, Layla's heart had flown to the castle in the poster. Whatever Chad said, she nodded.In the blink of an eye, it was the weekend.A crowd of people was squeezing through Dream City's entrance.When Chad brought his niece here the other day, the weather wasn't as kind and there weren't that many tourists then. He had completely misjudged the situation."Well, it's a good thing that Hayden hasn't joined us." Mike sighed as he looked at the stream of moving heads.If Hayden had been amongst this c
Layla took Mike's hand and marched forward.Chad saw that the staff in front seemed fearful of the woman. To avoid blowing things up, he took out his phone and called the person in charge of the park.Layla walked up to the haughty woman and exclaimed, "Ma'am! It's not right to cut the queue! You are in the wrong and yet you act so condescendingly. Haven't you learned some manners from school?"Taken aback by Layla's lecture, Mike pursed his lips.The little girl had really improved after enrolling in primary school. Her skill in speaking was discernibly different from when she was three or four.Layla's words silenced the commotion for two seconds.The middle-aged lady glared at Layla and scolded, "You pipsqueak! How dare you lecture me?! Which stinky onion were you grown from?"Keeping her cool demeanor, Layla corrected the lady, "Are you blind? Can't tell the difference between a person and an onion? An onion is green and it's a plant. You haven't even learned the proper way
The park manager looked at Chad's serious expression, took a deep breath, and nodded furiously, indicating that he knew what to do.Miss Harper was taken away swiftly by the manager!While Miss Harper was being taken away, she yelled at the top of her voice, "You pipsqueak! You had better wait for what’s coming! I will be coming for you!"Layla made a silly face with her tongue out in Miss Harper's direction.After Miss Harper’s exit, the site quickly returned to order."Layla, that woman won't step foot here ever again. You don’t have to be angry with her no more, you know!" Chad cheered Layla up."I’m not mad at her! It's her who should be embarrassed here, not me," Layla answered, taking Mike's hand back to the previous position. They went on lining up.The little girl standing in front of Layla gave her the thumbs up. "You are so cool!"Layla gave a proud, bright smile.After sending Miss Harper away, the park manager gave Elliot Foster a call."Sir, your daughter has com
After arriving at the second park attraction, there was still a long line at the gates.Naturally, Layla queued up at the VIP lane.There was no way that Elliot Foster would let his daughter queue.Although the outdoor temperature was relatively cool and comfortable today, it was tiring to line up.He hated queueing!He marched forward, pulled Layla's arm, and said lovingly, "Dear, daddy will take you in directly."Layla frowned. "Are you saying we jump the queue?"Elliot nodded without thinking.Mike was gearing up, having anticipated what would happen next.At this time, Chad walked up to Elliot and reported the little episode that took place an hour ago."I hate queue jumping the most! A bad lady was cutting the queue just now so I drove her away! It wouldn't be fair if I did the same despicable thing myself." Though Layla didn't want to queue, she couldn't do what she hated with her conscience.Even with his daughter's mood, he still couldn't bear to see his daughter suf
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