The moment Layla heard the cries of shock, she immediately returned to her earlier seat.The girl named Kiki was the one who was sitting next to her just now.She was focusing on eating her food earlier and did not notice Kiki's condition. How did Kiki suddenly fall asleep?"Kiki?" Layla reached out and lightly tapped Kiki, then asked in confusion, "Kiki! What's wrong, Kiki?"The teacher hurried over at that moment."Kiki's asleep! She won't wake up! Why is she sleeping so deeply?" wondered one of the students.The teacher saw that Kiki had not touched any of her food, but there were two containers in front of her.One of the containers was empty, while the other still had three cherries in it.The teacher patted Kiki's shoulder, then called out loudly, "Kiki! Wake up! This is the cafeteria! Let's go to the rest area to rest!""Is Kiki dead? She's not moving at all! It's so scary!" One of the more timid students burst into tears. "The dead people I saw on TV were just like thi
Elliot felt his chest tighten, then roared, "Avery! Stay right where you are! I'll send the bodyguards to go get you and the kids!"If Avery had not brought it up, Elliot would never have expected that Chelsea could have possibly escaped to Avonsville.Sometimes, the most dangerous places could end up being the safest refuge.Moreover, Chelsea might not be thinking about going into hiding right now, but to drag whoever she could down with her before she dies!Elliot was still unclear about what happened at Layla's school, but it must have been something serious for the teachers to ask the parents to take the children home!Avery's heart raced wildly after hearing his warning.The stop light in front of her turned green, and she was in a rush to pick Layla up from school, so she could not listen to Elliot."I should be fine. If Chelsea really does come looking for me, she might not be able to harm me." Avery had already made up her mind. "I'm about to reach Layla's school. I'll p
Avery froze in horror!"If I ate those cherries, I'd definitely be dead, too!" Layla burst into gut wrenching sobs.Avery immediately picked Layla out of the child safety seat and held her in her arms. "Don't cry sweetie. You're safe now! You'll always be safe! We won't eat at school again! I'll get the driver to send you food every day!"Layla sobbed breathlessly and said, "Kiki was my friend, Mommy. She died right next to me… I'm scared… I'm so scared!"Avery's eyes welled up as her emotions slowly crumbled and she burst into tears, too.According to Layla, if Kiki died from eating Layla's cherries, then Layla was the target all along!If Kiki had not eaten the cherries that were meant for Layla, then Layla would be the one who died today.Over at Rosacus City, after a few hours on an IV drip, Ben slowly awakened.He saw Elliot talking on the phone not too far away from him."How did a drug meant for euthanasia turn up in a school cafeteria?! How did it end up in my daughter
A large crowd had gathered outside the Sterling Group building.One could vaguely make out the red silhouette swaying up on the roof."I heard that the woman up there used to be the PR manager at Sterling Group! She was by Elliot Foster's side for over a decade but never got anything out of him. She was so hurt that she decided to die right here! What a stupid woman!""Is she one who was disfigured not long ago?""That's right! She used to be gorgeous, but she got disfigured in a fire. What a shame! She could not win Elliot Foster's heart before she was disfigured. After her disfigurement, he would want her even less!""There are plenty of women that Elliot Foster rejected, but did any of them want to jump off of a roof like this one? There must be something wrong with her, right?""Who knows what goes on in the private lives of the wealthy? I just think she's really pitiful and feel sorry for her right now!""There's a saying that pitiful people have hateful traits. If I wanted
As she listened to Elliot's deep voice, Avery's eyes suddenly began to well up.She did not say anything, but it was as if he could feel it."Do you feel like crying, Avery?" he asked hoarsely. "I'll come see you now! The office isn't important."Avery took a breath, then said, "I'm fine. I just feel awful thinking about how our daughter almost got poisoned to death. I can't imagine how painful it would be to lose her. I can't…""I know. I can't lose her either. She shouldn't eat at the school anymore after this.""I know. Go and deal with your company. I'll take a nap with Layla.""Alright. Call me if you need anything.""Okay."That evening, everyone showed up at the Starry River Villa to visit Layla.Layla was sitting on the couch dressed in a pretty nightgown and holding her favorite doll in her arms. The expression on her face was a gloominess way beyond her years.She was usually a bundle of joy. She would be warm and welcoming no matter who showed up at the house.Now
When Avery walked out of the bedroom and heard what Mrs. Cooper said, her back broke into a cold sweat!The DNA test results for Elliot and Cole were out.Avery had received a text message on her phone. She did not expect the test center to mail the test results to her house."Is that for me, Mrs. Cooper?"She walked over nonchalantly and took the package out of Mrs. Cooper's hand.She could feel Mrs. Cooper and Elliot's curious eyes on her, because the package had come from a paternity test center.Anybody would naturally wonder if she had gone to a paternity test center and taken a paternity test.Elliot got up from the couch and walked over to Avery."I got this test center to carry out a genetic test on one of my patients. He's got a very strange illness… It's complicated. Besides, the patient's pretty much recovered now," Avery said, then looked at Elliot and reminded, "We're going to Kiki's funeral today. Why haven't you changed yet?"Elliot lifted his wrist and checked
"Have you decided what to wear yet, Layla?" Avery asked instead of answering Layla's questions. "People usually wear black clothes to a funeral. How about you wear this black dress with these black tights?"Layla nodded her head. "You don't look happy, Mommy. What were you looking at just now?"Avery forced a smile and said, "It's about work.""You could ask Daddy to help you with that," Layla suggested. "He's staying at our house now. Could he refuse to help you with a thing or two?""I'll handle it myself. Let's get you changed!" Avery's heart was heavy, but she could not express it. She changed the subject and asked, "Are you sure you want to go back to school next week, Layla?""I am. I want to be braver. If the other kids are going back to school, then I can, too.""You're amazing, Layla. I'm so proud of you." Avery crouched down and planted a kiss on her daughter's forehead.In the living room, Elliot's phone was ringing.When Robert heard the ringtone, his obsidian black
"How many sheets of paper?" thought Elliot.Elliot Foster thought for a while and asked, "Are those papers she the one she took out of the delivery bag?"Layla nodded. "I guess so. Otherwise, I’ve got no idea where she got them from. Mommy must be in big trouble."The reason why Layla sounded so serious was because she was trying to get Elliot to help her mother. She could not bear to let her mother suffer alone.Elliot Foster took his daughter's words to heart. "Don't you worry. I will surely help her. After the funeral, I’ll have a chat with her.."Layla said, "Don't let her know that I'm the one who told you this. She said she wanted to do things herself."Elliot Foster patted his daughter's head and chuckled. "Your mother’s love for isn't in vain.""Of course! I love mommy the most.""Hmm… I thought I heard you say you loved your brother the most the other day." Elliot was teasing her. "Mommy and Hayden are both my favorites!" Layla responded without hesitation."What
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