Avery was overjoyed at the compliments she received. Upon arriving at her office, she spotted a bouquet of red roses on her table and the smile on her face instantly froze.It was not an ordinary bouquet; it contained at least ninety-nine roses and had taken up the space of over half of her desk.Only a man would send a woman ninety-nine roses when he was trying to pursue her.She placed her purse on the table and ran her fingers through the petals to find a hand-written note, which said: 'you are forever my goddess'.Elliot's face instantly appeared in her mind when she saw the note.Who else would send her such an enormous bouquet along with such a cheesy note? She could tolerate him fawning over her in private, but doing so in her office would affect her mood to work.In Sterling Group, it was time for the weekly meeting on Monday.The managers entered the meeting room once Elliot arrived into the office.After having too much to drink the night before, ELliot woke up with a
Elliot's heart sank as he stared at his phone after Avery hung up. It wasn't that he was upset over being scolded by Avery, but the fact that someone had sent her roses.If the bouquet was from Mike or Eric, they would have signed the card; so who was it? Who was trying to pursue Avery in secret?"The rest of you go on!" Elliot said, before storming out of the meeting room.He told the managers to carry on and leave, when the scheduled meetings on Monday were meant for the others to report to him; who else were they supposed to report to with Elliot gone?Elliot went straight into his office and closed the door behind him after exiting the meeting room.His secretary stood outside the door, red-eyed and terrified. It was the first time she had made such a horrible mistake for the years she had worked there. Though the coffee was not boiling hot, it had spilled all over her boss's phone, hand and clothes. Even if Elliot did not blame her for what happened yet, she felt like he woul
Chad hung up and handed the phone back to Elliot." Avery's Vice-president got her the flowers."Elliot instantly calmed down."Go back and take a shower, Mr. Foster." Chad stared at the coffee stain on Elliot's clothes. "Your secretary wanted to apologize to you, but I sent her back to work seeing how pale she looked."Elliot didn't blame his secretary for what happened. He grabbed onto his phone and left the office.Meanwhile, in Tate Industries.When Avery found out that it was the vice-president who sent her the flowers, she shoved the card to his face and said, "if you are representing all employees when you got me the flowers, you should have written you are forever our goddess, not you are forever my goddess. Did you even pass your English test back in school?"Shaun lowered his head and apologized. "I just didn't see that big a difference between those two ways of saying it, President Tate. Everyone sees you as their goddess...""You are still arguing? Why didn't you tell
"No way! I abandoned him!" Hayden glared at Daniel, before grabbing his plate to leave because he didn't want to have lunch with him any longer.Daniel immediately grabbed onto Hayden's jacket. "I'm sorry, Hayden. I- There's a little girl in my neighborhood and her father abandoned her, so now she stays with her mother."One could tell if someone had good or bad intentions from expressions alone; Daniel was insensitive, but not a bad person, so Hayden sat back down."I've made you mad again, Hayden." Daniel took the drumstick on his plate and placed it onto Hayden's. "I didn't do that on purpose. My dad is really nice to me, so I just wanted you to have a dad who takes care of you as well.""I don't need it!" Hayden stared at the chicken drumstick coldly."Why don't you need your dad? Isn't it a good thing to have one more person to look after you?" Daniel looked at him in confusion."I don't need your drumstick!" Hayden held onto his plate and moved it away. "It's insanitary!"
Layla was in her pajamas and had her hair down as she leaped around the living, dancing like a bird that had been set free while humming some unknown tone.Mrs. Cooper held Robert and watched her performance; Robert stared unblinkingly and chuckled from time to time.Avery couldn't help but smile at the sight. She turned around and headed into the master bedroom and took new pajamas, before going into the bathroom.After a shower, she managed to wash out all the exhaustion she felt and what happened earlier that day came to mind.She had yet to apologize to Elliot for the misunderstanding concerning the roses. Though he had made other mistakes before, she had to set them apart.She unlocked her phone and saw a message Elliot sent ten minutes ago.'Are you going to Jun's wedding?'She remained thoughtful for a few moments, before replying, 'he didn't invite me.'Two minutes later, Jun called.Avery picked up and heard Jun's flustered voice coming from the phone. "Avery, are you
Perhaps people do become more sentimental at night. Just as she was contemplating how she should reply to his message, his call came in.Seeing that she didn't reply, Elliot figured that there was a fifty percent chance she might pick up and went ahead to call.Avery's heart throbbed at his call; after struggling with the choice of either answering the call or leaving it, she picked up."Avery, Jun isn't as hateful as you think he is," Elliot said, hoping to keep her interested by leading with the matters concerning Jun. He knew that Avery felt like she owed Tammy and had taken an interest in Jun's wedding. "He just wants to give Tammy a push with the wedding."Avery immediately understood what he was trying to say. "But what if Tammy doesn't realize that's what he is trying to do?""That means it's really over for them," Elliot's voice was both calm and careful, "If you are set on marrying another man, I am definitely not going to let that wedding happen."Avery retorted furious
Shea usually stayed out and would only return home on certain occasions.Elliot was happy to see his sister that day, but his father seemed to be in a bad mood. After having a few glasses to drink, his father suddenly started beating Shea.All the joy and fantasies were shattered at that very moment.The servants in the house ran off and Shea was wailing from being beaten; his mother was pulling his father back in an attempt to stop him, but his father shoved her aside forcefully. In the end, his elder brother helped his mother back into her room while his father dragged Shea outside.The moonlight shone through the night, but all Elliot saw was darkness. He wanted to end the misery and the source of it was his father. If he killed his father, his family would not suffer any longer.That night, he put an end to his father's life with his own hands."Avery, it's not what you think... Shea is my closest family, how could I..." Elliot tried to explain.Just then, the door to Avery'
Avery woke up from the nightmare.It was dawn outside the window, and she sat up to switch on the lights.The room brightened instantly and the fear within her slowly faded as she looked around her familiar surroundings.She picked up her phone to check the time; it was half-past six in the morning.Her body felt like it was both freezing and burning at the same time, and when she raised her hand to touch her chin, she came into contact with a thick layer of sweat.Her heart was still throbbing from the dream and she knew that her phone conversation with Elliot triggered the nightmare. She had somehow filled in the blanks of what Elliot had not managed to finish.It was not a random dream; Charlie had indeed said something similar to her in the past. The only difference was that he had not gone into the details at the time because he had only heard rumors.In her dream, not only was Elliot a murderer, he was going after her life as well.Avery felt as though there was a stone p
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