When Evan saw Michael, he quickly said, “Mr. Barkworth, Ms. Lane is here. She’s waiting for you. “Ms. Lane?” Michael wondered.He subconsciously looked at Evan, and Evan immediately understood what he meant. “It’s Ms. Chiara Lane,” he said. There was a tinge of displeasure in Michael’s dark and bright eyes. “Tell her I’m not around.” At that moment, he was already at the office entrance. Evan’s expression changed slightly. When Chiara heard the sounds of their conversation, she stood up in excitement, but she did not expect to hear Michael’s cold reply. Her smile froze, and she thought, “I must have misheard him. Mic is probably rejecting his business partners who are here to meet him.” Chiara comforted herself. Suddenly, she heard Evan’s voice again. “Mr. Barkworth, Ms. Lane is waiting for you inside the office.” Chiara’s heart sank as if her hopes had been dashed. She even felt a chilly air fill the room, which made her shiver. Chiara panicked and thought, “Am I t
“Get in here!” Chiara froze. It was obvious that Michael was angry based on his tone. She wondered, “Is he on the phone with someone?” She hesitated for a while and decided to observe from a corner. It did not take long before Evan showed up in front of Michael’s office and knocked on the door. “Come in.” Chiara saw Evan walk into the office nervously. She took a deep breath and somehow felt frustrated as she crept toward Michael’s office. She was clever enough not to get too close. “Mr. Barkworth, I’m sorry.” Before Michael said anything, Evan already realized his error. Michael stared at him sternly. “Evan, do this again, and I’ll fire you.” Evan drew in a deep breath. “Noted. I won’t let anyone enter your office again in the future.” Chiara was taken aback! True enough, she was the cause of his anger! Her expression turned sour. She took a deep breath and clutched her bag as her fingers turned pale. She wondered, “Why is Mic treating me this way?!” Pr
Chiara’s expression darkened even further. Even so, she composed herself and made sure that her mind was still clear before she gloomily said, “Mom, things could be different from what I thought.” “What’s the matter?” Lyla frowned. She looked worried. In her resignation, Chiara pulled Lyla to her room and told her everything. Lyla frowned. “That can’t be. Even if Barkworth’s Group has its own confidential documents, you’re both bound to be together. He can’t possibly be unhappy about your visit.” Chiara took a deep breath. “At first, I thought he was angry with me because I entered his office, but it seems like he has begun to hate me.” “Why do you say so?!” Lyla looked surprised. After all, Lyla was never around when the two of them went on dates. It was only normal for her to not know the real situation. Chiara pursed her lips. “There have been too many coincidences recently. I wonder if Ivanka’s been deliberately showing up every time I have my meals with Michael. On t
“What is it?” Chiara looked at Lyla in bewilderment. “I’ve already gotten someone to spread the word that Ivanka isn’t Iris. I’m sure that some people are already checking her out, and they’ll uncover certain things. I believe that Michael will investigate her too.” Chiara’s eyes lit up with excitement, but she frowned at the next moment. “Is your idea going to work?” “It will definitely work. No one’s going to see the flaws in my plan. Even if people figure out that someone’s been spreading rumors about Ivanka, they won’t figure out that it’s us.” Chiara continued frowning. Lyla raised her hand and smoothed her eyebrows. “Think about it. If Michael learns that Ivanka’s just pretending to be Iris, he’ll assume that Ivanka is doing this just to grab his attention. He’ll only find her even more despicable as a result.” Chiara heaved a sigh. “I hope so.” Lyla patted her on the shoulder. “Don’t overthink it. Michael’s mood might have been soured by the meeting today, so he used
Ivanka froze up for a brief second. “Okay! Ask him over. Iv, I’ll treat you guys to dinner tonight. Let’s have fun! The theme for tonight is ‘drinking my love-related sorrows away,’” Anna said with a chuckle. Ivanka was speechless, while Sandy broke into laughter. “Great idea! The Wood family’s the one that caused the mess. They deserve to deal with the consequences!” Anna laughed. “I’m going to call my parents and cry to them about it. Wait for me!” “You’re putting on a show again?” Sandy laughed. “Putting on a show? No, no, I’m just being a troll!” Anna pouted and called her parents. As Anna cried like a banshee, her father, Brendon, acquiesced to her wishes. “Enough. Stop giving me a headache. With such a scandal coming from the Wood family, I can’t possibly allow you to marry Peter. You can stop trying to test the waters with me!” Right after Brendon said this, he hung up. Anna was not pissed off. Instead, she felt very happy! She knew that her father was busy han
“If you want to upload the photos, let me handle it,” Hanson said in disagreement. Ivanka pulled her hand out of his grasp and replied with a smile, “Can’t you see that I only do things when I feel confident?” Anna’s expression turned gloomy. Even though Hanson had shown some concern for Anna, he had only done so because it was required of him as a friend. Meanwhile, he decided to take the risk after realizing that Ivanka was going to upload the photos. He did not want the Wood family to target her. Anna sighed to herself. “It’s only normal for him to do so. After all, he likes Iv…” The atmosphere turned awkward, and Hanson added, “Marrying ‘him’ was the thing you were least confident with.” Ivanka’s calmness cracked a little, but she soon replied with a self-deprecating statement, “That won’t happen again. You don’t have to worry about me this time.” Anna frowned slightly. “Iv, don’t upload the photos. After all, we’ve turned the tide. It doesn’t matter even if we don’t
“It belonged to my mom, so of course I’m getting it back! Why should I give it to an outsider?!” Xander frowned slightly. “Still, Sandy was the one who stayed with your mother till her final moments.” “I don’t care! It was my mom’s, so it can only be mine!” Ivan said angrily. Xander smiled. “I have a way to help you get it back.” Ivan’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Really? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?!” The corners of Xander’s lips curled up slightly. “If you marry her, it’ll belong to both of you. Your mom might have even wanted to see that happen.” “What in the world?! Why should I marry that tomboy?! Are you kidding me?! You’re just going to make me suffer for the rest of my life!” Ivan felt goosebumps all over his body. Xander ignored him. He took out his phone and browsed through the entertainment news. However, when he saw one of the articles, he looked up and cast a glance at Michael. “Your ex-wife is seriously something.”That sentence carried an underlying
Soon, Michael saw Anna’s Twitter post and her caption.In the photo, Hanson was staring at Ivanka with concern and affection while holding her wrist. Meanwhile, Ivanka had a smile as she looked at him. They seemed really close together. Ivan was amused. “Are they together?”Xander turned to Michael, who looked like he was going to kill someone. “You’re probably really angry now, aren’t you?”Michael turned his head around and snorted. “Why should I be angry?”Ivan cackled. “Are you sure you’re not angry? You look pissed off. Anyway, you divorced her, so she can live her life. Do you have to be this angry? See how generous I am. I let my exes do whatever they want. I don’t mind even if they become a rich man’s mistress, get pregnant, or go for an abortion.”The corners of Xander’s lips twitched. “No one else can achieve your past glory.”“Tsk!” Ivan clicked his tongue. “Michael, I’m trying to say that since you’ve ended things with Ivanka, how she lives her life has nothing to d
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