Ivanka: I’m not.Sandy: You’re not? Then what’s going on? Why are you two hanging out again? You even reserved the entire cinema for yourselves! I saw everything on Twitter! It’s just the two of you in that big cinema! Spill it, what are you guys up to?Ivanka: There’s a reason. I’ll explain everything when we meet in person.Being a hacker, Ivanka was well aware of the risks of discussing sensitive topics over text. While her phone was secure, she could not vouch for Sandy’s.Sandy was suspicious but understood the importance of discretion. Ivanka must have her reason for doing this. She replied to her message.Sandy: Okay, I’ll wait until you can explain. I won’t interrupt your date!Ivanka: …Sandy sent a playful emoji. Ivanka did not respond further.Ivanka refocused on the big screen just in time to see the male lead grabbing the hand of the angry female lead who was trying to leave.“Don’t go.”The female lead could not break free. At the next second, she snorted, “Don’
Time went on as the movie continued. The male and female leads were now attending a party together. At the party, they seemed particularly intimate. Michael and Ivanka could not help but think back to their own past.Ivanka found herself deeply resonating with the movie. She found it all too real.This was the reality of high society. For the sake of profit, people had to put on a show. Two people who detested each other had to act like they were deeply in love for the sake of “supreme” interests. At this moment, Ivanka’s eyes were filled with a sense of irony.The female lead’s smile had become rigid from overuse. She could no longer keep up the facade. She smiled at the man beside her and his business partners. “I need to use the restroom.”The male lead immediately released his grip on her waist and said gently, “Go ahead.”The female lead smiled and nodded. She turned around and walked toward the restroom.Once she closed the door behind her, the smile vanished from her face.
Ivanka’s eyes narrowed with a hint of cold mockery in her gaze. No matter what...What good would finding her do now?She suddenly lost interest in the movie.However, they were only halfway through. Rosie had probably caught wind that they had entered the cinema.Leaving now would only make Rosie suspicious.Ivanka frowned. She tried to control the irritation building inside her.The movie continued. The male lead finally found the female lead after much effort. However, she was now with another man. She appeared at the same event on the arm of this new suitor. That broke the male lead’s composure.He pulled her into a secluded room and forcefully pinned her against the wall. She struggled but could not break free. Her words grew harsher. Yet the male lead held her tightly and refused to let her go.He said, “I was too lenient with you before, which is why you thought you could just leave. From now on, you can only stay by my side.”Ivanka was taken aback. He had been despera
Evan’s expression gradually became more composed. He cleared his throat again and said softly, “About the movie you recently released, Mr. Barkworth booked a private screening. I assume you’ve heard about that, right?”Chad was taken aback. “I wasn’t aware. I’ve been out all day. I had a dinner meeting. So, you’re saying Mr. Barkworth watched the film?”“Yes.” Evan continued to ease into the conversation. He did not want to drop the bombshell too quickly as he feared Chad might have a heart attack from the shock.Chad was not a small-time figure. In fact, he was globally renowned, known for his sharp eye and every film he directed was a classic.His dedication was evident.However, Michael’s sudden order to change the ending of the movie could lead to widespread backlash and even affect the movie’s reception. Yet, Michael’s command could not be ignored.After all, no one dared to cross Michael.Of course, Michael’s demand to change the ending would not come without compensation.
At that point, Chad did not want to say another word. Everything had been perfectly set up, and now he had to gather all the actors and crew to reshoot the ending, then re-promote the movie. The current buzz was at its peak, but Michael wanted the ending to change.Who could accept such a demand?The director felt his blood pressure soaring.Taking a deep breath, he finally said, “Mr. Evan...”Knowing Chad might plead his case, Evan interrupted. “Mr. Kirby, I think I’ve made my point clear. What you should think about is if you readily agree to Mr. Barkworth’s request, don’t you think he’ll look out for you in the future?”Chad fell silent.He knew that cooperating with Michael this time would likely earn him Michael’s favor and ensure that his career would be well-supported in the future.However, he had poured his heart and soul into that movie. He had invested an enormous amount of effort into the preparation. Even the ending was carefully deliberated.When he discussed it w
After all, many actors had wealthy and powerful sponsors. Their acting was substandard, but the production team had to give them roles because of their sponsors. This would likely affect the reception and reputation of the film.Chad, the director, gave a sigh of resignation. “You’re right. If I give in this time, I’ll gain immense benefits in return. I should accept the offer.”Evan smiled. “You’re right to compromise for greater benefits.”“The way you put it makes me even more upset.” Chad rubbed his chest as he said this. He had some heart issues to begin with. At that moment, he genuinely felt a slight ache in his chest.After all, the film was the product of his blood, sweat, and tears.Evan smiled again. “In that case, when will you be free? Let’s meet up to sign the agreement. I’ll still need our lawyers to draft one before that.”“I’m free anytime. You can contact me whenever you’re available. I’m going to call in my actors and staff for a meeting.”“Okay. Thanks for yo
“What is it?” Ivanka knew that he would only put away his pride and talk to Ivanka for Rosie’s sake.She also cared about Rosie, so she would certainly help if it was within her capacity.She would not waste time humming and hawing when it came to such matters.Michael said nothing. Before Ivanka even picked up the call, he had already turned off the car engine.Therefore, it was completely silent on their end of the line. Samuel did not know that Ivanka had put him on speaker.Soon enough, Samuel sighed and said with resignation, “I know you won’t be amused when you hear what I’m about to say later, but I genuinely regret it. I hope you’ll believe that I am sincere.”He was too embarrassed to be straightforward. All he could do was divulge his intention in a roundabout manner.Ivanka could guess that he wanted to talk about how he had mistreated her back then. She merely responded calmly.“It’s all in the past. Please don’t worry about it.”Throughout their conversation, Ivan
“I was quite embarrassed to say anything when I came to you. But at this point, Rosie’s condition is too worrying. I don’t want it to worsen whenever she gets upset. The previous incident really scared me.”“It’s alright. Tell me what you need.” Ivanka believed him. She had seen how concerned Samuel was that day. Besides, she also witnessed how close he and Rosie were all these years.Samuel gave a long sigh and said slowly, “I just hope that you and Michael will get back together.”Ivanka froze all of a sudden. Her eyes widened.Even Michael, who sat in the driver seat, reacted to this. His expression changed slightly.But he said nothing as his gaze fell on Ivanka’s phone.Before Ivanka said anything, Samuel’s voice rang out again.“Back then, I disapproved of your marriage. I was a fool for that. I even tried to get Chiara married into my family. Such foolish things I’d done! Please don’t resent an old fool like me. Iv, the first marriage is always the best one.”Ivanka slow
Margaret had always wanted a daughter-in-law. Besides, the girl had to come from a wealthy family. Jonah had done so according to her will and took Chiara home, but Margaret refused to accept her. “I want a genuine couple relationship. What are you guys doing now?” Margaret’s expression was dark and cool. She took a step toward Jonah and did not even glance at Chiara. Chiara knew it was better to fall silent at that moment. Jonah said calmly, “We’re in a genuine relationship. She needs a husband. I need a wife. Would our union cast any doubt?” Melanie had just reunited with her family. Her family did not favor her, and she had to be hidden behind the scenes all the time. As for Jonah, he was a cripple who was bound to a wheelchair. He believed no one would object to the two of them getting together. On top of that, he was just using Chiara. “Indeed, no one will doubt your relationship. But I know what you’re thinking. I don’t mind the fact that you’re using her to stop
Sandy pushed Ivan away. But she still held his flowers in her arms. It was a bouquet of pink roses. Pink was her favorite color. The bag he gave to her contained her favorite food. Ivan had put in extra effort. “Think about it carefully. I’ll come again tomorrow.” Right after Ivan finished his sentence, he turned around. Looking at his gifts, Sandy felt a surge of indescribable bitterness in her heart. She did not throw his gifts away. After all, Ivan gave them to her out of his kind gesture. Sandy carried the gifts back to the office. Anna instantly spotted her. Anna raised one of her eyebrows and chuckled. “Did Young Master Ivan give them to you?” Sandy only had Ivan as her male friend. She did not deny it. Nonetheless, Anna noticed Sandy’s dull expression. Anna hesitated first before asking, “Is there any problem between you and Ivan? You don’t look happy. Is your family objecting to your relationship with him?” Sandy and Ivan had always been a quarrelsome but lo
Sandy fell silent. She looked resigned and replied to Ivan honestly, “I can’t possibly allow you to pester me for the rest of my life. My family is urging me to get married soon. With you pestering me, I think I should marry somebody else to end all this once and for all.” “Do you think I would allow that to happen?” While saying this, Ivan took a step forward. His expression darkened. He exuded an intense sense of hostility like the most horrifying creature emerging from hell. Ivan’s murderous look seemed to state that he would go to the extent of stealing the bride at Sandy’s wedding ceremony if he was not the bridegroom that day. On top of that, he gave an impression as though Sandy would either be his bride or a ghost bride. Seeing Ivan in his current demeanor, Sandy did not know if she should laugh or cry. Prior to that, she was worried that Ivan was just using her. At that moment, she finally realized the disparity of status between them. Ivanka had always believed that m
In the past, Ivan did not understand the conflicts between his parents. He thought his mother had been so cruel that she cheated on his father and abandoned him. Later, Ivan learned his mother had not been the one at fault. So, a heartless sc*m like his father was not in the position to rebuke him. If not for his parents, Ivan would not have let himself go wild and had so many girlfriends. Reuben York sounded indifferent. He made himself clear by saying, “You should, at least, marry someone with a clean background and whose parents are still around so that they could assist you—” “Does that mean I need to accept an arranged marriage by you? I’m not your only child, you can instill your way of thinking on your other children!” Right after Ivan finished his sentence, he hung up. His expression turned dark. The next moment, he accelerated the speed of his car. He carried a bouquet of flowers and Sandy’s favorite food when he showed up in front of her. For a moment, Sandy was
Ivan had not lived with his mother for a long time. Meanwhile, Sandy was her adopted daughter and the direct heir to her estate. Legally, the necklace could be considered part of that inheritance.Following that logic, Ivan had no right to speak on the matter.But to him, Sandy was just an adopted daughter. He was the biological son. Their separation had been caused by a misunderstanding. Since the truth was out, it was only natural for him to take back his mother’s belongings.If things went to court, it would be a battle between them. Both had an equal claim.By blood, Ivan had an undeniable advantage.From the way he spoke, Sandy could hear his confidence and condescension. She knew exactly what he was implying. He was prepared to fight her for the inheritance. But things had not escalated to that point yet.Even if they did, she had no fear of going to court with him. In fact, she was ready to fight.“Ivan, Mom left it to me. She never said it was for you. Whatever happened
Sandy heard the same automated response as the one on Ivanka’s phone.Did that mean they had all left together?Realizing this, she did not press Candice further. Instead, she smiled casually. “It’s nothing. Get back to work. I’ll head out now.”As she turned to leave, she pulled out her phone and sent Ivanka a message.Sandy: Call me when you turn your phone back on. Just as she was about to get in her car, her uncle, Thomas, walked up to her.The moment he saw her, he frowned. “Still upset?”“Uncle, I don’t want to think or talk about it. If you’d been through what I have, you wouldn’t be trying to change my mind.”Addressing him as “Uncle” was Sandy’s way of maintaining politeness while creating emotional distance. She hoped Thomas would get the hint and back off.Thomas was caught off guard. He fell silent and was unsure how to respond.Before he could, Sandy got in her car.On her way out of the law firm, her phone rang. It was Ivan. “My baby, Sandy, where are you?”
Chiara’s tone was sharp. Her eyes darkened with determination.James noticed. So did Jonah.Jonah snapped out of his thoughts. Chiara was trying too hard to prove herself. It was clear she wanted to use him to elevate her own status.Fine. He would let her think she was winning only to watch her fall even harder.“They’re just regular people. They aren’t worth your energy,” Jonah said. “Let’s go home and see my mom first. Tomorrow, I’ll visit yours.” He had already made all the arrangements.Chiara had no objections.Even so, she sent Katiana a message.Katiana replied right away.Katiana: Since he’s coming, I’ll gather the whole family. You’ve finally brought some honor to us. Just do your part, and I’ll handle everything else.Chiara was not surprised that Katiana would invite the entire Levine family. As the second daughter of the Levine family, she had always been under scrutiny. Katiana had pinned all her hopes on her. Katiana wanted her to make a name for herself and sec
Eleanor narrowed her eyes coldly. Her patience was wearing thin. She never kept useless pawns. Until a job was done, no one slipped from her control.Chiara sensed the threat in her tone. Panic surged through her as she rushed to explain. “No, Boss. That’s not what I meant. I was just updating you on my progress. With Jonah, I can carry out your orders more efficiently. I would never betray you, I swear.”Her voice trembled. She was genuinely terrified.Her rewritten identity as the second daughter of the Levine family, along with her top-tier disguise skills, voice changer, and first-hand access to Ivanka’s plans, proved that the person backing her had serious influence.Crossing Eleanor meant sealing her fate.She had worked too hard to secure her new life. Even though she knew Jonah was using her, being connected to him still had value. If she died, everything she had done to secure her position would be for nothing.She refused to die.“Good. Get me results. Fast. I don’t ke
Michael’s piercing gaze stayed locked on Ivanka. He was determined to get an answer.Ivanka scoffed. “What’s on my mind? From the moment you divorced me for Chiara, I saw our relationship for what it really was. You never loved me. I had to force myself to let go. Why waste time holding on to something that was never mine? I refuse to wallow in bitterness and self-pity.”Michael looked like he wanted to speak, but Ivanka cut him off. “I told you, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Stop asking the same thing over and over. It’s pointless.”Without waiting for his response, she turned and called out, “Evan, is the food ready?”“Yes, it’s coming!”Evan had been listening the whole time. Even if Ivanka had not called for him, he had already planned to bring the food out to break the tension.Once the dishes were set on the table, Michael fell silent.Ivanka immediately noticed the meal had been tailored exactly to her tastes. From the private jet to the food, Michael had put t