A hint of worry flashed in Xander’s eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, but Michael beat him to it and said indifferently, “Let’s get this started.”Without a word, Ivanka disinfected her hands again and took out a bunch of medical equipment.Michael calmly walked up to Ivanka. He had witnessed the entire procedure earlier on, and he knew what she was up to. After a series of check-ups, it was finally time to start the treatment.Ivanka quietly waited for him to get ready.Michael took off his suit jacket and unbuttoned his sleeve cuff, then he rolled up his sleeve inch by inch. Soon enough, his sculpted, muscular forearm appeared before her eyes.Without a word or any reservations, Ivanka gave him the injection. Xander could tell how decisive she was. She did it so much quicker than when she treated the other patients. She did not even hesitate,Xander forced an awkward smile. Ivanka and Michael were like enemies. Regardless, Xander knew that Ivanka dared test the tr
Xander did not reply right away. Ivan stared right at him, but he immediately noticed the odd atmosphere. When he turned his head, he spotted Ivanka, who sat in a chair a short distance away.Ivanka greeted him with a nod.A hint of confusion flashed in Ivan’s eyes. Why was she here?But in the next moment, he turned his eyes on Xander again. He was at a loss and sensed that something was off, but he could not tell why he felt that way.Ivan assumed that Ivanka did not know about Michael’s condition. But when he entered the room earlier on, he had divulged this piece of information.He was genuinely anxious!At that point, Ivan could not care less about keeping the secret. He immediately shot Xander a look.He meant to signal Xander to leave the room with him so they could talk. But Xander did not move even after Ivan signaled him twice. Instead, Xander said calmly, “We still don’t know the exact condition, so we need to run another test later.”Ivan immediately gawked at Xande
Ivan was confused.He turned to Evan, who shook his head at him. This baffled Ivan even more. “What’s going on?” he said.A strange emotion flickered in Evan’s eyes. “I don’t know the specificities, but Ms. Lane has been the one leading the procedure. Mr. Quinn is only helping out.”Ivan blurted out, “What the heck?”His eyes widened as he looked at Ivanka and found her working with the equipment with a solemn expression. She was performing a series of tests, and the equipment started operating. While she spoke, she mentioned some professional terms. Xander stood beside her and wrote them down.Ivan was flabbergasted. What on earth was going on?What was with Ivanka?Evan rubbed his nose and felt rather pleased all of a sudden.Finally, he was not the only one who was dumbstruck.Ivan acted like a silly puppy. He took a few steps forward while gawking at Ivanka stupidly. He also occasionally glanced at Xander, as though he was ready to wag his tail if either of them looked his
These words made everyone feel uneasy.Michael, on the other hand, appeared calm and aloof. But only he knew that he felt a slight sense of relief. With Rosie’s condition improving, he had more time to complete his tasks.He did not dare to hope for a complete recovery, but he was very thankful for the additional time and considered it a blessing.“How long will it take? When can we proceed to the next step?” Ivan asked worriedly. This time, he looked directly at Michael to catch every expression. He had come to terms with the current situation and was waiting for Ivanka’s response.“One week,” Ivanka responded briefly.Ivan hurriedly said, “One week? Okay, we can afford to wait for one week.”Xander could not contain his excitement. He took a deep breath and said, “Absolutely! We can wait!” He meant it, because he could already foresee things going swimmingly.Ivan instantly felt energized. He approached Xander and asked, “Really? We can?”“Yes! Definitely! Vio—”Violet C
Ivan became even more confused. “What is Rosie’s...”He wanted to ask what kind of cancer Rosie was diagnosed with but could not bring himself to finish his question.Ivanka finally looked at him and said softly, “Lung cancer.”Lung cancer?!Lung cancer developed the fastest!He opened his mouth but did not know what to say. He already came in here feeling confused. The series of events that occurred earlier left him completely at a loss and dumbfounded.“So... what are you going to do next?” Ivan could barely ask out loud.Michael looked at Ivanka and asked in a serious tone, “How confident are you about this?”Ivanka tensed up. She paused and said, “About 85%”Xander instantly felt overjoyed!“85% from you is equivalent to 200% for anyone else!”He said this not out of worship for Violet Cress but because she was truly that skilled. Essentially, 85% for her was as good as certain success.Upon hearing this, Michael said, “We’ll start tomorrow, then. Let’s go home and re
The usually composed Evan lost his composure.Meanwhile, Ivan had yet to regain his senses after learning the shocking news.“What? Seriously, who the hell is she?! What the actual f*ck?!” Ivan swore profusely. He was on the verge of uttering a string of expletives.He never would have thought that Ivanka, who had just walked past him, was Violet Cress!“What’s going on? How did you guys find out she’s Violet Cress?!”Xander explained truthfully, “She’s the one who discovered Rosie’s illness. She admitted she was Violet Cress to treat Rosie.”Ivan nodded. “I see.”But after that, he scratched his head in confusion again. “I just can’t believe it! Is she even human? She’s Iris, Wisteria, Black-eyed Susan, and Violet Cress! How could she possibly have so many different identities? How can she know so much? Is she a witch? How can anyone learn so much in just a couple of decades? Even gods wouldn’t dare claim to be this capable!”Everyone present agreed with him. Evan could not he
Ivanka’s lips twitched, but she said nothing. She walked back to her seat and continued to scroll through Twitter on her phone.Time went by.Since Ivanka had returned, Xander did not continue to discuss the matter further. Occasionally, Ivan could not help but call Ivanka a freak, but then he fell silent.Soon, an hour passed. Everyone busied themselves with another check-up.They discovered that the data was even better than before. Ivanka finally breathed a sigh of relief. She looked at Xander and asked, “So... Can I leave Grandma to you tomorrow?”Xander naturally understood what she meant and nodded instantly, “Yes, sure.”“I’m heading back now,” Ivanka said without further explanation. She was really tired. She decided not to return Michael’s car keys.However, it was getting late. Michael said, “Give me the keys.”Ivanka looked at him in confusion but thought that he might want to drive. Without saying anything, she handed him the keys. She could always call for a
Michael remained silent and ignored Ivanka.Ivanka frowned. She realized he wanted to send her home because it would not be safe for her to return alone late at night. If something happened to her, it would affect Rosie.She pursed her lips and stopped asking questions.Neither of them spoke during the drive. The silence lasted until they reached Ivanka’s house. The car finally stopped at the destination.Ivanka looked at him and opened the passenger door silently.Before she closed the door, Michael said, “Open the gate.”Ivanka froze. She looked at him, puzzled. For a moment, she had no idea what he meant.When Michael noticed Ivanka not responding, he turned and looked at her with a cold gaze before repeating, “Open the gate.”Ivanka frowned. “Are you planning on staying?”“Didn’t you say you didn’t want me to tire myself out?” Ivanka stared at him in silence. Her frown deepened, and she was annoyed.She had said she did not want him to tire himself out driving her home,
Ivanka did not pay him any mind and got into the car. If Michael dared to chase after her again, she would most definitely kick him out of the car! She would do what she said she would!Michael did not catch up, but he blocked her with his arms wide open. His stance was clear: You can leave. But over my dead body! Ivanka could not possibly drive over Michael. But it was not a problem for Michael to keep blocking her way. Plus, she had just politely rejected his parents. So, it was even more impossible for her to turn back. Ivanka ran out of patience. She held her forehead and frowned. Michael had already drained her last bit of patience. She never imagined that Michael would actually cling to her to such an extent! How would she put it? All her positivity had been drained clean! “Michael, your parents are still at home. Aren’t you afraid they’ll see and laugh at you? I know Grandpa and Grandma are standing by our side now. It’s not like you and I haven’t been in
Ivanka would neither accept the carrot nor the stick approach. Michael had no choice but to persuade her with reason and win her over with affection. Ivanka snorted. “Have you ever given me a chance to have a meal with you before this? As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time for things to come to this state. Things might have passed for you but not for me!” Ivanka’s gaze was razor-sharp. Michael felt his heart clench up. At that moment, his throat was in so much pain that he did not know what else to say to her. Ivanka did not wait for his response. She pushed away his hand and headed out without hesitation. Michael did not stop her. Nonetheless, he went after her and followed behind her. Meanwhile, they heard the sound from the kitchen. Mindy prepared dinner in the kitchen, and Jay helped her out. They had heard their conversation. Out of courtesy, Ivanka went to the kitchen and greeted them. She said with a smile, “Uncle Jay, Aunt Mindy, I’m
Ivanka clenched her fists. Her gaze was filled with ferocity. She looked like she was really going to punch Michael. Michael noticed the anger in her eyes. But since the person was none other than Ivanka, he was willing to take the beating. He even took a step forward and held his head high. “Strike me if you want.” “You!” Ivanka glared at Michael. He truly annoyed her. She reminded herself to keep her composure. She sucked in a deep breath before saying, “Michael, I’ve treated you with respect. You’d better behave yourself.” Right after she finished the sentence, Ivanka left. Before she even took a step forward, Michael grabbed her. “My mom is preparing the dishes inside the kitchen. If you leave now, you’re not showing me any respect. Please stay around to have dinner. Even though we’re already divorced, and it’s impossible for us to get back together again, we’re still friends,” said Michael. Haha! He had been adamant. He was using the same approach to draw close
Mindy’s expression instantly darkened. “What’s with us being prejudiced against her? Had I ever targeted her when she married Michael from the beginning? “She knew how well Rosie had treated her. It’s her own fault for failing to bond with Mic. How could you blame us?” Mindy had always disliked Ivanka. She believed Samuel’s intervention had been the reason for their marriage. It was an arranged marriage. There was no need for the Barkworth’s family to have an arranged marriage. At the end of the day, it was all up to Samuel to choose the bride for Michael. Ever since Ivanka married Michael, aside from the deliberate arrangements, they had hardly shown up together as a couple in public. Mindy did not have any particularly hard feelings for Ivanka. She believed the two would live happily together after getting married. After they divorced, Mindy thought Michael could start all over again. But she did not expect to see their current relationship was no different from when they
It was Jay and Mindy. When Ivanka saw them, a thought came across her mind. She took out a syringe and inserted it into Michael’s arm to unmute him. Michael felt like he had been stung by a bee. It was as though he had been put in jail, only to be freed all of a sudden. Ivanka took away the syringe and gave him a glance with displeasure. “Get out of the car now. Your parents are here—” “Aren’t you entering the house?” Before Ivanka finished her sentence, Michael interrupted her. When he looked at her, his eyes were filled with sincerity and seriousness. But Ivanka rejected him coldly. “Quick! Get out of the car! I’m not joking with you. Get out now!” “Let’s go in together. After all, you’re already here. Are you worried about seeing them?” Michael was undaunted by her emotions and tone. Instead, he stretched out his hand to try to grab Ivanka. Nonetheless, she avoided him with ease. Meanwhile, Jay and Mindy saw them. They walked over to them. Mindy glanced at th
It was no wonder Jonah asked for so many details. All these were facts.Ivanka did not avoid answering his questions. She gave a light smile. “The longest will be half a year.”If the treatment was ineffective after half a year, she would go to Silvania with Vincent.After all, it was not just about her.Upon learning of Ivanka’s decision, Jonah smiled wryly. “Iv, I don’t think it’s an easy feat to treat my legs. How about you go and deal with your stuff first? You can always treat my legs afterward.”Ivanka initially planned to do it that way. But George, Florence, and Margaret had interrupted her plan.Since she had returned to Bostone, why was there a need to travel back and forth again?She might as well treat Jonah’s legs.Besides, Vincent had informed her that it would be highly uncertain whether they could still return to their home country after arriving at Silvania.Ivanka said, “No. I don’t want to make so many trips. I’ll treat your legs for half a year and see if i
It was not an overstatement to say Michael was crossing the line. Nonetheless, Ivanka could not just sit there and watch the two men get into a conflict. Hence, Ivanka pulled Michael to the side and glanced at him. “If you don’t want to be kicked out, you’d better wait here.” But Michael was undaunted by Jonah. Although Jonah had the power to rebuke him in his own territory, Michael refused to allow Jonah to get the upper hand. Ivanka saw the determination in Michael’s eyes. She was very worried that the two might get into a fight. She quickly pulled him back. “Stop making me worry about you. Just wait here! If you dare to come after me, I’ll…” Although she did not finish her sentence, her intention was clear enough. If Michael disobeyed her, she would make him a statue! Understanding this, Michael did not follow Ivanka. But when Jonah turned around and left, the provocation in his eyes was evident. Still, Michael listened to Ivanka. He did not want to offend her. He
Jonah narrowed his eyes while questioning Michael. Still, Michael did not respond to him. Ivanka pursed her lips. She looked displeased when she answered Jonah, “Jonah, there’s no need to speak so harshly. Do you still want me to treat your legs?” She had temporarily made Michael mute. She did that to stop Michael from talking endlessly about those things. Nonetheless, he had still insisted on coming along with her, only to end up being targeted by Jonah. Ivanka had no intention of making Michael mute in front of Jonah. Upon hearing Ivanka’s words, Jonah looked at where she currently stood. She stood in front of Michael. It looked like she was trying to protect him more. As the saying went, true love was portrayed in hard times. This saying was true indeed. It was true that Ivanka cared about Michael. Jonah said gently to Ivanka, “I want you to treat my legs, and I only speak harshly to specific people. I already showed him much respect when he barged into my terri
Michael remained resolute.Ivanka rolled her eyes. “Then stay stubborn. I’ll only fix it when you stop pushing me away.”After she was done speaking, she turned to leave.Michael followed.He even opened the passenger door and got in her car. He was determined to follow her.But Ivanka would not go easy on him.Once inside, she warned him coldly, “Not being able to speak is harder than you think. Follow if you want. Michael, are you sure about this?”Even after her warning, he kept staring straight ahead.She said nothing more and started the engine.Within half an hour, she arrived at Jonah’s mansion.Jonah came out to greet her personally. The moment Ivanka parked the car, Jonah immediately spotted Michael in the passenger seat.The sight of him stirred up bitterness in Jonah. Yet there was nothing he could do.Before Ivanka exited the car, she said to Michael, “Wait here.”Without glancing at him, she walked straight toward Jonah.Her attitude made Michael decide t