"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
At that moment, the door to the room next door opened, and the woman sauntered sultrily into the room!Avery's eyes widened.She could not believe that Elliot was just flirting with her half an hour later and was now messing around with another woman!She instantly felt like the world was spinning around her. She could understand what was playing out in front of her.Their rooms were right next to each other, but Elliot had the audacity to openly fool around with a woman in his room. "Does he really think that the rooms are soundproofed and that I would not be able to hear him having fun?" thought Avery. Avery was so disgusted that she completely lost her appetite.She turned back into her room and slammed the door behind her!"What a joke! How could I have not seen Elliot to be the man he truly is?" thought Avery. She was too gullible and had thought him to be a man of integrity, who would keep his personal life in check!Avery was so furious that her cheeks flushed. She st
The doorbell to Avery's room rang a while later.Avery heard it, but she did not feel like opening the door nor did she want to know who was on the other side.She felt hollow. It was as if she was floating on the surface of a body of water but could not drown no matter how much she wanted to.She wondered for a moment why she felt this hopeless. She wondered if she still harbored delusions about Elliot. Despite all the times he had lied to her, she had never really learned her lesson.Otherwise, she could have immediately left after he revealed his plan.The doorbell continued to ring and it gave Avery a splitting headache.She had a feeling that whoever was ringing the doorbell would not cease until she opened the door.She held onto the edge of the bed for support, got to her feet, then dragged herself toward the door.When she opened the door, a tall, familiar silhouette appeared before her.The moment Avery saw Elliot, she took a step back on reflex."Avery! You got it
Avery opened up her contacts and found her mother's contact card.She sent a text to the number.[Elliot and I are back together, Mom. This time, we cleared up all of our misunderstandings. I believe that we won't ever be apart again after this. I hope you're doing well up in heaven. I'll live a good life and raise the kids well.]After Avery sent the message, she put down her phone and prepared to go back to sleep.At that moment, something suddenly lit up in the room.She glanced over to the source of light and saw Elliot's phone screen flashing on the nightstand.She could vaguely make out that he had received a text message, but she could not see who it was from or what it was about.He had never kept his phone from her. He would not get mad even if she looked through it.If his phone was by his pillow, she might have taken a look out of curiosity. However, she did not feel like getting out of bed and waking up, so she abandoned the thought of checking it out.She closed h
"Mr. Foster asked me to take you to the airport." Once the elevator doors opened, the bodyguard entered with Avery."I don't need you to take me there!""What are you raising your voice at me for?" snapped the bodyguard. "I'm just following my boss's orders and doing my job!"As Avery looked at the dark expression on the bodyguard's face, she swallowed the words she wanted to say before they could escape her lips.This entire thing was strange and absurd. She had a hunch that something was not right."Did he say anything else when he told you to take me to the airport?" she asked softly."First, wipe those tears away. Your crying is frustrating me."Avery lifted her hand to wipe the tears off her face. "Is he being threatened?""I don't know. He just told me to take you to the airport as soon as possible."Avery remained silent."From what I know about my boss, I'm guessing this place is most likely not safe anymore. He fought with you to protect you and get you to leave."T
"What does Roger Goldstein have against Elliot? Is there some kind of grudge between them? If so, then why did Elliot come here?"Avery found the entire thing slightly strange."They had some drinks together the last time they met." The bodyguard's expression was serious. "That's the world of the wealthy for you. They're friends one day, and possibly arch-nemeses the next. It's all about profit, not relationships."Avery gazed up at the mountain worriedly.She suddenly recalled how Elliot had received a text message in the middle of the night."Could this have something to do with that message?" she wondered.Back up on the mountain, Elliot was led to Roger Goldstein's room by Roger's niece.Roger narrowed his sly eyes as he stared at Elliot."I underestimated you, Elliot!" he exclaimed. "Who did you hear the news from?"Elliot picked up the cigarette case from the table and pulled out a cigarette."You sure are brave to send your bodyguard to take Avery Tate off the mountain
"I'm safe, Avery." Elliot's deep voice came through the phone. "About this morning—""Let's talk when we meet." Avery's voice was trembling uncontrollably. "It's a good thing you're alright. You almost scared me to death, Elliot."Elliot heard the hurt in her voice and said, "Everything's alright now. I'm coming to see you now."After the call ended, Avery lifted her hand and wiped her tears away.The bodyguard wanted to console her and calm her down, but ended up saying, "Mr. Foster isn't dead! I hate seeing women cry and whine."Avery looked up at him with teary eyes and asked, "Why weren't you worried that something would happen to him? You seemed really composed the entire time."The bodyguard chuckled bitterly and said, "This was nothing. There've been countless assassination attempts on Mr. Foster, and many of them were far more dangerous than this. Since you've decided to stay with him, then you'd better prepare yourself for assassination attempts, too."Avery was taken a
Elliot and Avery were supposed to work on their relationship while on vacation in Mount Sierra. In the end, they were faced with grave danger after only one night."Tammy called me first thing in the morning today and said that Avery texted her last night saying she decided to remarry Elliot." Less than half an hour after Mike got excited over the news, he heard about the danger they were facing on Mount Sierra. "Thank goodness it was a false alarm.""I have to get Ben back here to join in on the fun." Chad pulled out his phone and planned to call Ben, who was on a business trip abroad.Mike glanced at the time, then said, "I'm going to stop by Hayden's school. The news is too sudden. I'm afraid he won't be able to handle it when he gets home this evening if I don't give him a heads up."Chad grabbed his arm and said, "Hey… Please try and convince Hayden. Mr. Foster and Avery have been through a lot in the past years. Since they've decided to be together, we can't let them not rema
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