Ivan was speechless.“I’m not getting out!” Ivan remained seated in the car. He showed no intention of unbuckling his seatbelt.Michael’s irritation flashed in his eyes as he said flatly, “Call Xander.”Ivan glanced at him silently. Xander answered almost immediately.“What’s up calling me at this late hour?”“Nothing. Let’s have a drink at our old haunt.”Ivan sounded casual, but Xander could sense the frustration in his tone and instinctively thought something might have happened between Ivan and Sandy again.Without probing further, Xander simply agreed. “Sure, I’ll head out now.”“Okay.”Ivan hung up. Michael drove toward their usual spot.Half an hour later, the group was seated in a private room. They started to drink.Xander, unaware of the situation, glanced at Ivan and Michael. Noticing their somber moods, he spoke up. “Are you having a problem with Sandy?”Ivan’s expression darkened. “What does Sandy have to do with this? It’s about Michael, okay?”Xander did not
Ivan was amused. “I think Xander has a point! Since you don’t want to pursue Ivanka, you should let go and stay away from her for good.”Michael’s grip on his glass tightened.Xander continued to twist the knife. “Back when you were engaged, even I could see how devoted she was to you. But after three years of torment, neglect, and even seeing you care for other women, Ivanka, with her proud nature, managed to tolerate you for three years. That’s quite incredible.”Michael’s expression grew colder, but Xander remained fearless. “In the end, she left completely shattered. You’ve given her three years of painful memories. Now, you’re treating her coldly again. Do you think anyone in their right mind would still want to be with you? It’s already amazing that she hasn’t sought revenge on you.”Ivan scoffed. “Exactly. You even talked to her so arrogantly when you called her, and then hung up abruptly. No gentleman would do that. You even did it right in front of Jonah. Now that he knows
Ivan was clearly caught off guard by Michael’s sudden question. His body momentarily stiffened.However, the next moment, he frowned and said, “I’m not like you, okay? You and Ivanka are meant for each other. You just didn’t realize it before and lost her. You still have a chance to win her back!”Xander was silent.Michael, seemingly uninterested in continuing the conversation, fell silent as well....Time passed, but Chiara still could not get in touch with the person behind the scenes. She had tried contacting them repeatedly, but the other party had run out of patience and was not answering her calls anymore. This made Chiara lose her temper several times, but there was nothing she could do.Lyla and Theodore also looked grim. They had disagreed with Chiara’s decision to tell that person about this from the beginning, but since Chiara was their only daughter, they could not bring themselves to get angry with her despite their frustration. They just could not bear it.Moreov
“Chiara, you should go to bed early tonight. You don’t have to come with us tomorrow. Your dad and I will handle this.”Theodore immediately glanced at Lyla. His eyes were filled with sympathy and conflicted emotions, but he could not say a thing in front of their daughter.At that moment, Chiara had a bad feeling and quickly looked at Lyla. Seeing her reddened eyes, Chiara said right away, “What are you up to? What are both of you planning to do?”Whatever they were doing, it might just be their last stand! At that moment, Chiara was genuinely panicking, but she did not know what to do.Theodore did not answer Chiara’s question directly. He merely said, “Alright, go to bed now. Stop throwing a tantrum. Just take this as a lesson learned. We’ll find a way to turn the tables in the future.”With that, he did not want to say more to Chiara. Even though Lyla was upset and still wanted to spend time with her daughter, she was afraid that she could not control her emotions. Hence, she
The voice paused for a bit and eventually said, “If you’re unaware, then you’ll find out tomorrow. I’ll help you out. After all, you’re very useful to me.”The mystery person sounded a little impatient, but she did not hang up immediately like she used to.Chiara noticed that too. She quickly said, “Do you need me to do anything? Please tell me what’s really going on!”At this point, she seriously suspected that her parents’ unusual behavior and this mystery person’s strange message were prompted by the same reason.But Chiara knew nothing!The voice said calmly, “If I fail this time, I’ll need to get you a new identity. It’ll give you an even higher status, which allows you to wield your power with ease. Are you ready for it?”Chiara’s face paled. No, she did not want to be somebody else. She was Chiara, and she only wanted to be Chiara!But she did not dare say no to the mystery individual. She was afraid that if she turned down the offer, this person would give up on her comp
Speaking of that, Lyla could not help but sigh. “We never thought this would happen. We must endure the hardship. Things will get better!”Theodore sighed as well. But he could not say a word, nor did he know what to say. He was completely helpless.Lyla inhaled slightly. “Now that it has come to this, we are unprepared. All we can do is face it. Alright, Theo, you must live your life the way you used to, even though I can’t stay with you anymore. Hire a housekeeper so that they can look after you.”Theodore nodded with tears in his eyes. “Don’t worry about us. You, on the other hand… It’s all my fault! I’m useless!”He was still lamenting, while Lyla already started weeping in his arms.“I’m sorry, Lyla. I’m sorry… Don’t you worry. I’ll find a way to get you out. I won’t let you suffer in there. I won’t let you die!”Lyla nodded. “I know, I know… But you must take care of our daughter. Don’t let anyone bully her. Keep her calm. She is in a really bad place right now. After I’m g
Elio smiled faintly. He intended to prevent Ivanka from pursuing this matter. But at that point, she would not possibly back down. He could only help her unconditionally.He said nothing, while Ivanka stared at him and said, “I hope you won’t intervene in this matter again. I can take care of the rest myself. Thank you, and let’s avoid contacting each other for the time being.”A while ago, she reached out to learn some secrets from him. But as her enemies increased in number, she did not want to drag an innocent man into this mess.Elio glanced at her expressionlessly. “I’m not interested in your affairs to begin with. You may leave now.”That was all he said. He did not bother to speak to her again.Ivanka gazed at the man before her. Even though he did not say anything else, she knew what he was thinking.After a long moment, she thanked him again and got up to leave.Elio stared after her. As she closed the door, he took out a cigarette and lit it.He took a puff and let ou
The judge’s verdict was like a bolt from the blue. Chiara’s face turned pale instantly.“How could this be?” She thought.How could it be a death sentence?It could have been life imprisonment or even ten years of imprisonment. Why would the judge sentence her mother to death? Chiara refused to accept it!But before she said anything, Lyla said, “Objection, your honor.”The law was fair. If someone had an objection, they must present their case so that it could be solved. Even defendants could appeal against the court’s decision.Therefore, no one snapped at Lyla for what she said. Everyone turned their eyes on her as she slowly rose from her seat.“You may speak,” said the judge.Lyla simply said, “This matter has nothing to do with my husband. I planned and executed it myself.”Everyone was flabbergasted.Were she and her husband fighting over the chance to take the blame?They all were rather astonished but thought that it was normal. Lyla and Theodore must have loved eac
Egbert stormed off in fury, but Sandy’s rage had not cooled in the slightest. She even lashed out at Ivan. “You shouldn’t have stopped me just now! If I’d given him a good scolding, or even a beating, maybe it would’ve finally knocked some sense into him. Otherwise, he’ll keep coming back. He’s always trying to use me for his own purposes!”She was so angry she was practically grinding her teeth. Ivan pressed his lips together and let out a long sigh. “With the way you looked like you were ready to kill someone, what did you expect me to do? Just stand there and watch you commit murder?”He was really worried when he saw how Sandy was losing control. “What’s the point of that old b*stard still being alive anyway?” Sandy said coldly. If she could really get rid of that old man, she would do it so she could avenge her mother and let go of that grudge she had been holding on.Ivan shook his head and said in a low voice, “Then think about it, how hard did you work to get to where yo
Sandy exploded. “Eighty million? Why don’t you go rob a bank? Or better yet, see if that wrinkled old face of yours is worth anything as collateral!”Sandy was fuming.Egbert had not expected Sandy to be so vulgar. He turned back, enraged.His black eyes shot daggers like he could rip her apart on the spot. Sandy did not flinch. Instead, she lifted her chin and gave him a cold, mocking smile. “What? Are you so mad that you’re thinking about hitting me? Do you want me to remind you of the law? We have no legal ties anymore. If you so much as touch me, that’s assault. And let’s not forget, you barged into my workplace to cause a scene.”“Sandy, I don’t know what kind of twisted morals your birth mother and adoptive mother taught you, but just look at yourself now! Do you even resemble a proper human being?”Egbert was extremely disappointed in Sandy. The one thing Sandy hated most was when people brought up her birth mother and adoptive mother. Those two women were the most import
Egbert snapped at Sandy coldly. His gaze was pressing.However, that had no effect on Sandy. Her lips even curled into a mocking smile as she said, “I’m not one of your McNeil pets. That look, your words, they cannot intimidate me at all.”At the mention of “pets,” Egbert was so furious that he slammed his cane against the floor with a loud crack. “Listen to yourself! Is that any way for a lawyer to speak? Do you even understand the meaning of respect, decency, and manners? Is that how your mother raised you?”Sandy had been mean and harsh on purpose to kill whatever sliver of hope he held onto.Just as she wished, he was angered.Watching him lose his composure, Sandy even felt a flicker of satisfaction rise within her. Her mother and herself were thrown out and lived a tough life while her father stood by uselessly. Who else was to blame, if not this old man standing before her?“My mother raised me to be a decent person. She taught me never to push away what’s rightfully mine,
Thomas stated his purpose.Sandy’s reaction, however, was full of repulsion. She frowned. Even her tone was curt. “Uncle, I made it very clear about seeing him the last time we spoke. He never once considered me part of the McNeil family. If it weren’t for my mother taking me in, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Now that I’ve grown up and suddenly seem useful, he wants to claim me back? I was abandoned by the McNeil family the moment I was born. I’m not stupid enough to become a pawn for your family!”Sandy was furious.She had always treated Thomas with a certain courtesy, but at the moment, that line had clearly been crossed.Thomas, though only the messenger, could feel the weight of her resentment. “It may not be as bad as you think. If you won’t go, Dad will come find you himself.”That was the truth. Yet Sandy did not spare the old man a shred of respect. She scoffed. “He might be your dad, your head of the family, but he’s nothing to me. From the moment I was abandoned, th
Sandy was really surprised to see Ivanka. “When did you get back?”“Today,” Ivanka answered honestly.“You have quite a packed schedule for just one day.” Sandy teased her.When they had planned to take down Coco last time, Ivanka was not around. Then Michael returned. From what Sandy could tell, they were always either together or closely following each other.Ivanka did not respond to her teasing. “I’ll only be here for a day or two, then I would have to leave again.”Sandy was speechless. She rolled her eyes at Ivanka. “Are you going to become a full-time jet setter?”“She can’t help it,” Anna answered for Ivanka. Just as she finished saying that, Anna’s phone rang. It was another case to follow up on. She had to step away to take the call.Only Ivanka and Sandy remained in the office. “You look exhausted. If you keep going like this, I’m worried you’ll wear yourself out!” Sandy shook her head and expressed her concern for Ivanka. Ivanka chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that fa
When she heard what Anna said, Ivanka immediately teased. “Why, can’t I even come to the firm?”“Well, of course, you can come. You are an important partner; why can’t you come?” Anna laughed and looked at Ivanka, annoyed. Immediately after, she made a cup of tea for Ivanka.The tea was also of fine quality. She had bought it.Ivanka also remembered how she, Anna, and Sandy, the three of them, used to work hard together in the firm after she divorced Michael. Originally, she wanted to live on her own. However, one thing happened after another, and her plans got delayed. “I don’t see Sandy. Has she gone to handle cases?” Ivanka sipped a mouthful of tea, and immediately after, she asked Anna about Sandy’s whereabouts.Anna told Ivanka truthfully. “Sandy recently took over a very tricky case. She wants to make a not-guilty defense for that person. But the father of the deceased is the Groethe family, a rather prestigious family in Bostone. How could a commoner fight with a rich ki
But as time went on, things happened one after another. While they were in contact with each other, she also slowly understood Jonah’s personality.The most important thing was that Jonah was also honest with her later on.When Jonah mentioned this again, Ivanka could not help but scrutinize Jonah again.He was starting to become unhinged!“Jonah, you need to stabilize your emotions. Sometimes, when you feel impatient, you should just close your eyes and take a good rest. You should not have such emotions.”Ivanka spoke solemnly toward Jonah and advised him. When he saw Ivanka’s serious expression, Jonah instantly also realized that he had lost himself.Ivanka was not like Chiara, who could accept him losing control. If he lost control in front of Ivanka, it would affect Ivanka’s mood. That would make him courting death too! This would put a halt to all his opportunities!Jonah also realized this problem. He was very distressed. He could not even explain why his emotions had
When Ivanka said this, she pressed her hand on Jonah’s shoulder. There was no other meaning, she wanted Jonah to calm down.But this instead gave Jonah an opportunity. He grabbed Ivanka’s wrist. Then he tugged forward forcefully… Ivanka was caught off guard, and her whole body fell on top of him.He then took advantage of the situation and held Ivanka in his arms.The faint scent entered his nose, Jonah was intoxicated for a moment.But at that moment, he felt like he was waking up from a dream.Ivanka could not be so intimate with him. The sensations of touch and warmth in front of him were so real again. It was not an illusion, it was his compulsion!After realizing this, Jonah hurriedly pushed Ivanka away. He even more quickly apologized to Ivanka. “Iv, I’m sorry. I lost control. I didn’t mean to…”“I know.”Ivanka uttered softly, but her tone was cold.She knew. Neither did she blame him. But why was she using that tone, with that look on her face?“No, Iv. you’re blami
“Jonah, I don’t like you. I told you, I only see you as a friend. When I’m unwilling to do something, no amount of moral coercion would work on me.”Ivanka spoke up bluntly. She did not want Jonah to cling to something impossible.Jonah was silent.This was where Jonah and Michael were different.“Look, you still have so many things to do. By the time you remember me, we have already missed the best time. This time when you leave, did Michael go with you?” Jonah raised his eyes to meet Ivanka’s. He wanted to hear Ivanka’s answer from her mouth.Ivanka did not reply. But the look in her eyes already said it all.Her silence confirmed it all.Jonah felt that his heart grow incredibly heavy at the moment. He had a crazy thought: Was it true that if Michael died, Ivanka would be able to focus all her attention on him?However, he was an invalid and did not even have a chance to get close!“The way you treat Michael and the way you treat me has always been so different. I know. A