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?

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

"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

Chapter 3176