"You must be exhausted, Avery!" said Mrs. Cooper. "I just wanted to tell you that I've put all of the gifts that Hayden and Layla received today in the storage room on the first floor.""Alright. I'll deal with them tomorrow." Avery caressed Robert's head, then said gently, "Did you have fun today, sweetie? I'll throw you a birthday party when you turn a year old, okay?"Mrs. Cooper sighed with a smile, "Time sure flies by. Our dear Robert is already turning six months old!""I know.""Take a shower and go to bed, Avery. You still have work tomorrow!" Mrs. Cooper said.Avery nodded, then headed toward her bedroom.She had planned to take a shower before she went to bed, but the bed seemed to be calling her name the moment she walked into the room.She walked over to the bed in a daze and lay down. She had planned to rest for a bit and take a shower once she recuperated some energy. She ended up falling into a deep slumber shortly after.Avery regularly had nightmares. They neve
Avery was in good spirits after a good night's sleep, but the phone call from the vice president made her frantic with anxiety.After the phone call, she received the address to Sierra University from the vice president.Next, she had to book a flight and rush over.Just as she opened up the airline app, the alarm on her phone went off. She was so startled that she almost dropped her phone.She held her chest and let out a long sigh."What is there to be anxious about?"It is just a training course. It would be fine even if I was late." thought Avery. She had not taken her tardiness seriously while she was a student, and she saw no reason to take it seriously now that she was no longer a student. Besides, she was not the one who signed up for the course. She was already doing the vice president a huge favor by agreeing to attend it in his place. There was no reason at all to be so nervous.At that thought, Avery fell back onto the bed and planned on getting some rest.She g
"Really? What a coincidence." Then, Tammy teased, "Could the both of you be going to the same place?"Avery had no idea.She had not asked Elliot where he was going on his business trip yesterday.She was curious now, but she refused to ask him about it.After all, what would it matter if they went to the same place?By the time Avery washed up in the bathroom, changed her clothes, and walked out of the room, the twins had already left for school.Robert was sleeping in the crib in the living room while Mrs. Cooper was busying away in the kitchen."I'm going on a trip tomorrow, Mrs. Cooper," Avery said when she arrived at the kitchen. "I'll be away for a week."Mrs. Cooper was stunned. "Why are you leaving so suddenly? The kids would miss you if they don't see you at home when they get back in the evening.""I'm going to attend a training course. I promised someone that I would go.""I see. The kids will understand since it's for work. Are you going alone or is someone going
Mike heard the meaning behind her words, and he brutally shattered her illusion, "No matter where he's going, it's impossible that he's going to Sierra University. Why would someone as high and mighty as him willingly share the secrets to his success with a bunch of strangers? Take a look online and you'll see that he's never accepted many interviews. Besides, he's a man of a few words. Do you really think that he could stand up on stage and give a lecture?"Mike's words woke Avery up from her dream."I know Elliot. Why the heck am I harboring such delusions?!" thought Avery. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and Mike did not continue to make fun of her."How about I give Chad a call and ask him about it? Maybe he really is going to Mount Sierra?" Mike stopped making fun of Avery, but he could not stop himself from making fun of Elliot. "Mount Sierra is a nice place. They've got beautiful mountains and fresh air. It's a great place to go on vacation. Maybe he's just saying he
"It's not like he takes me with him on every business trip." Chad put down his glass of water, then asked sharply, "Why is Avery suddenly asking about Mr. Foster? Can't she ask him herself?""She left for a trip today, too. It's also for a week. Which was why she asked if I knew where your boss was going." Mike let out a hearty guffaw. "She was wondering if he was going to the same place as she is. I told her it was impossible! Why would Elliot Foster ever attend some ridiculous professional training course? With that temper, the only thing he is suited for is being the king of hell. He is certainly not fit to be an instructor! I can't even imagine his stone-cold face eloquently giving a lecture in front of a crowd!"Chad furrowed his brows as he felt that something was off. "Where is Avery going?""Sierra University. What about your boss?""Ah! He's going to Mount Sierra too!" Chad was suddenly in high spirits. "Is Avery going to Sierra Univesity to give a lecture too?"Mike burs
"Welcome to Villa de Sierra, Miss Tate." The staff member handed over an entry pass to Avery, then said, "You may only enter and exit the villa with this pass. Please keep it on you at all times."Avery took the pass. Dragging her suitcase, she entered the modern villa that thrummed with the grandeur of modern technology. When she stepped into the foyer, she suddenly noticed that the villa was much more spacious than it looked from the outside.She felt like she had walked into a majestic maze.She pulled out her phone and found the course schedule that the vice president had sent her. She dragged her suitcase and began to search for the multipurpose training hall.Soon, she arrived at the hall's entrance, knocked on the door, then walked in.There were about twenty to thirty men and women seated in the hall.After Avery entered the hall, everyone's eyes turned toward her at the same time.Her cheeks suddenly flushed. Just as she was about to apologize for being late, she hear
The entire hall broke into pandemonium!Up on the podium, Elliot's ears turned red.He knew that Avery was speaking out of rage, but he still had a strange feeling in his heart.However, this was a public setting, and he could not turn her into the target for scrutiny."Come up here, Avery Tate," Elliot said, then stepped off the podium and asked the students at the front row to move back a row.He had Avery sitting in the front row all by herself. Without anyone next to her, there would not be any more arguments.After Avery took a seat in the front row, she shot a glare at Elliot. Then, she pulled out her phone and texted the vice president right in front of him.[Elliot Foster is here too. Why didn't you tell me beforehand?]The vice president: [You wouldn't have gone if I told you about it. I spent forty-five thousand on that course. I couldn't just let that money go to waste.]Avery: [Can I just send you the forty-five thousand dollars and leave tomorrow?]The vice presi
"Can you not try and give me a bad name, Elliot?" Avery was trying her best to remain clear-headed and not get dragged into Elliot's tempo. "If I really wanted to chase you a thousand miles away, I wouldn't have let you come to the birthday party yesterday."Elliot pursed his lips. He wanted to say something but ended up keeping it to himself."I'll take you to your room to get some rest." He picked up her suitcase and walked toward the door."You know my room number?" Avery watched as he led the way, then said, "Did you really bribe my vice president? Where do you find all your courage, Elliot?"Elliot stood waiting at the doorway for her, then said, "It's now what you think. Your vice president asked me for help at the hotel yesterday. His son really is sick. He wanted to get a refund on the enrollment fees, but the organizers didn't allow it, so I helped him out with that. When I asked him to ask you to come here, he refused at first, but he changed his mind after seeing how wel
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