"Why are you shouting at me?! Of course, Mommy taught me to knock before going into someone's house, but she never said anything about knocking before entering a dirtbag's house!" Layla yelled in a voice louder than Elliot's as she glared at him with her brilliant eyes.It was as if she was competing with him to see whose voice was louder and more powerful.Elliot gritted his teeth.Dirtbag?Who had taught her to say that?"I didn't want to come here anyway! I'm leaving right now!" Layla huffed angrily, then jumped off the couch and walked toward the front door with her doll in her arms.At the hospital, after going through a series of routine tests, Avery asked Mike for his phone so she could call Laura.Her phone was dead, and she needed to let her mother know she was safe.Mike pulled out his phone and handed it to her.Laura answered the call soon after it began ringing."It's Avery, Mom," Avery said with a smile. "I'm fine. I was too tired yesterday and fell asleep. You

"What have you been so busy with?" Elliot asked as he looked at Avery emotionally.Avery finished tending to his wound, then turned and packed the first aid kit."I've been busy with work," she answered casually."You're lying. If it's work, then why aren't you going to the office?"Elliot sat up straight, then grabbed onto Avery's arm and continued, "You've been behaving weirdly recently. I can't read you at all.""What's there to read?" Avery said. "Listen, Elliot. I'm thankful that you saved me last night and I can buy you dinner… Or I could give you a medal."Elliot was taken by surprise, and he released Avery's arm and said, "I didn't save you for your thanks. Take your daughter and go! Also, that bratty son of yours messed with my home's power and the internet today. If you won't discipline him, then don't mind if I do so myself!""I'm sorry," Avery apologized awkwardly. "I'll teach him a lesson when I get back. I promise this won't happen again."Avery put the first aid

If Avery had an ounce of dignity left, she would end the call immediately.As expected, Avery suddenly became aware when she heard Zoe's voice."I'm sorry for interrupting your date. I'll accept the gift, but I won't give you anything in return. Please don't give me anything ever again."She hung up the phone before Elliot could respond.The sound of the call being terminated made Elliot feel as if his heart had been pierced. He felt a dull ache in his chest. "I heard that Avery locked herself in her car last night. Is she alright now?" Zoe asked."She's fine." Elliot was disinterested and did not want to discuss Avery. "You mentioned there was a doctor you wanted to recommend. Who is it?"Zoe pulled out a business card from her bag and handed it over to Elliot."I heard that this is Aryadelle's top psychiatrist. Her appointments are booked up until next year. I used my connections and managed to get you a slot for next Wednesday morning. You can take Shea to see her, then."

If Layla had known about the contents in the box, she would not have gone through all the trouble to bring it home.However, it would be difficult for her to return it now without anyone finding out.She probably would never be able to go to her dirtbag dad's house ever again.Forget it! She would just keep the box hidden under the bed.It was nothing but a CD and a piece of paper, so it definitely was not anything important.By the time Hayden entered the bedroom after returning the laptop, Layla had already fallen into a deep slumber.In the other room, Avery was wide awake.Perhaps it was because she had overslept that day that she was now wide awake.When wide awake, one's mind would wander when one had nothing else to do.At this moment, for example, Avery's mind was obsessing over Elliot.Her head was filled with images of his handsome face, while every breath she took reminded her of his.She could even remember the touch and temperature of his skin.If he had not fo

Elliot took out a couple of pieces of candy from his pocket and placed them in Shea's hand.Shea finally let go of Elliot's hand when she saw the candy.After watching Shea enter the treatment center, Elliot's heart filled with unease.This was the first time he had taken her to see a psychiatrist.Moreover, she was with one of the country's leading psychologists. He wondered if Shea would be able to overcome her mental and emotional obstacles.The doors to the treatment center opened about half an hour later.Shea hurried out and ran straight into Elliot's embrace.Her emotions were relatively stable.She was not crying, but she was just a little scared and nervous.Elliot wrapped his arms around Shea and patted her back."It's alright, Shea. I've been waiting here the entire time."The doctor offered Elliot a seat on the couch next to them."Mr. Foster, I took a look at the information you sent over last night. From my interaction with Shea just now, I don't think she's