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
At that moment, Chiara slowed down her breathing. She even held her breath for a while. She did not want to miss any of her mother’s words.Lyla had a microphone with her. So, everyone could hear what she was about to say.“Firstly, Fernando was already in poor health. You can check his medical records at the hospital. I’ve brought a copy for you to see, Your Honor.” As she said this, she opened her bag and took out a stack of medical reports.The judge’s assistant walked over, took the records, and handed them to the judge.As the judge reviewed the medical records, Lyla continued, “His health was deteriorating day by day. He didn’t have much time left and was suffering immensely every day. He begged us to help him end his life sooner, which was why I tampered with his food. Fernando was aware of this.”Ivanka’s expression darkened, but she knew this was not the time to interrupt.Everyone was surprised when they heard this. Lyla then added, “I used a slow-acting drug because
Ivanka was not the only one feeling upset; Suki and Sandy were also furious!Sandy, especially, could not hold back her anger and exclaimed, “Nonsense! That’s absolute cr*p! Did Lyla even consider her conscience before saying that?! They’ve been targeting Iv and her position for years! The recording is biased! Using that as evidence is ridiculous!”Suki quickly grabbed Sandy’s hand as Sandy grew louder and said, “Calm down.”Sandy realized her outburst, took a deep breath, and tried to control her emotions. However, on the inside, she could not help but curse at them!D*mn Theodore! D*mn Lyla! D*mn Chiara!The recording ended there.Lyla looked sorrowful as she said, “I never expected things to come to this. I understand if Ivanka misunderstood me. But I’m speaking the truth. I admit, I’m the one who killed Fernando. I know I’ve wronged him and Ivanka. I’m willing to accept legal consequences.”Her expression turned sadder as she continued, “I know I deserve to die. But I have
Sandy did not finish her sentence, but Suki understood what she was trying to say.Theodore recently spent two billion dollars to hire Ivanka to breach Barkworth Group’s secrets. They never donated anything, not even a cent!Where did that come from?!Sandy had no idea where the list of charities Lyla presented came from.Meanwhile, Lyla took a deep breath and said, “I’ve said all I needed to say, Your Honor.”After she finished, the entire courtroom fell silent.Everyone waited for the judge’s final verdict as the judge reviewed the documents.The judge spoke in a low voice, “Ms. Lyla, further investigation is needed regarding your statement. Regarding the shares, the court has ruled that all shares owned by Mr. Lane are to be returned to Ms. Iris, along with the profits from the past few years, totaling $175 million and 47% of the shares.”The amount of shares and income Theodore had was actually disproportionate. He had only recently acquired all the shares.Theodore, seate
Theodore took a deep breath to stay composed. He then said, “No objections, Your Honor.”The judge nodded and said indifferently, “Court is adjourned.”He stood up and left. Everyone else began to disperse as well.Since Lyla had become a suspect, she was to be detained.Two court security officers approached her to put handcuffs on her.Tears streamed down Chiara’s eyes. “Mom...”Before the security officers got hold of Lyla, she swiftly grabbed Chiara’s hand and said in a serious tone, “Chiara, don’t worry. It’s not like I got a death sentence. I’ll be fine. It’s just that I won’t be able to be by your side for a while. You’re not in the right state of mind and emotionally stable right now. You must talk to your father before contacting that person, okay? If things don’t work out, come find me. We’ll discuss it together. You must not act rashly.”Chiara nodded with teary eyes. She could not bear seeing Lyla being taken away. No one knew what the final verdict would be. Even
Tears streamed down Theodore’s face as he nodded and said, “Okay.”Lyla sniffled wordlessly. She just walked off with the officers.“Mom...” She heard Chiara’s heart-wrenching cries, but she did not turn back. She feared it would make her even more reluctant to leave.Turning away, she closed her eyes and held back tears.It was all that b*tch, Ivanka’s fault!Ivanka did not rush to leave. She observed Chiara, Lyla, and Theodore.Sandy and the others walked over to her.Sandy could not hold back and deliberately said, “Iv, what should we do now?”Ivanka turned to look at her. “We’ll talk once we’re out of here.”Sandy nodded silently.Ivanka noticed Theodore’s worn and guilty expression. She looked at him with a cold, mocking gaze before turning and walking out of the courtroom without giving him or Chiara another glance.Naturally, Sandy and the others followed her.Theodore approached Chiara. He sighed and hugged her when he saw her red and swollen eyes. “Let’s go home,
Sandy sounded extremely furious. Nonetheless, she could not make Lyla pay for the consequences. After seething silently for a moment, she said, “Clearly, the three of them are involved in it. But Theodore and Chiara could get away with it. Even Lyla is getting herself out without being punished!” Anna hissed, “I also didn’t expect things to turn out like this. Iv, what do you plan to do?”They had talked incessantly without giving Ivanka a chance to speak. Right after Anna asked the question, they turned to Ivanka, who was driving the car. Ivanka curled her lip. “It’s okay. I’m quite satisfied with how things turned out. After all, I don’t want Lyla to die instantly. If she dies, it’s not as satisfying as it would be.” Sandy felt puzzled. Anna realized something and asked, “Are you saying you expected this? Do you still have other ways?” Ivanka made a sound of acknowledgment. “Yes.” Hanson was puzzled. “Do you have any other plans?” Ivanka smirked. “Yes. I recently gain
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