Sandy responded with a simple “okay” and said nothing else.Ivanka turned and headed toward the bedroom.Sandy took a deep breath and opened the door for Ivan.The moment Sandy saw Ivan’s face, her heart pounded.Ivan, too, suddenly felt a rush of emotions. He silently pursed his lips.Watching Sandy step aside, he walked straight in and changed his shoes.Neither of them spoke, but after closing the door, Sandy finally said, “Iv’s at my place. Come with me to the study.”Ivan remained silent and followed her.Soon, they were both in the study.For a moment, Ivan did not know what to say. On his way to Sandy’s place, Ivan had been thinking about how to resolve this situation and how to talk to Sandy about it.He did not know why, but upon seeing Sandy, his heartbeat seemed to quicken, especially seeing her calm expression. An inexplicable sense of panic arose within him.The door to the study was closed as well.Ivan found himself at a loss for words.Sandy glanced at hi
Sandy’s attitude was particularly harsh. It was mainly because she did not want to hear Ivan tell her not to have unrealistic hopes. She did not think she would be able to handle it. Rather than be humiliated by him, she would rather say it herself and preserve some dignity.Ivan’s brow furrowed even more as his irritation grew. However, remembering what Xander had said, he suppressed his anger.After a moment, he looked at Sandy and said in a serious tone, “That’s not what I meant. Since this happened, I don’t intend to run away from it. Sandy, I’ll take responsibility for you.”Sandy, who had been ready to lash out at Ivan for saying something hurtful, suddenly stunned.What did he say?Take responsibility for her?Did she really hear that right?For a moment, Sandy did not know what to say. She felt like she must have misheard him. If she gave a harsh response and he turned around and said she was being presumptuous, that he never said such a thing, what would she do then?A
Ivan’s brow furrowed tightly as he looked at Sandy in exasperation. “Is that really what you think of me?”Sandy laughed out of frustration. “What did you expect?”She really could not think of anything good about Ivan at the moment.“D*mn it!” Ivan felt like he was talking to a brick wall. This infuriating woman always managed to infuriate with just a few words!He had just spoken with such sincerity. What more did she want from him?Besides, what happened that day was not his choice. It was all just a coincidence! Was she taking it all out on him?Before Ivan could think further, Sandy said, “Forget it, I don’t want to argue with you anymore. It was just a membrane. I don’t care about it. You don’t need to say you’ll take responsibility for me. It’s one thing for me to be skeptical. Even if you were sincere this time, it’s just ridiculous to me. You’re such a womanizer, always surrounded by different women. Do I look like an idiot to go for a man like that? Can’t I find a good
However, as she tried to calm herself, tears began to flow uncontrollably. Sandy did not seem to notice that a tear had slipped to the corner of her mouth. She quickly sat up and wiped it away with a tissue.She sniffed. Her eyes filled with disbelief. Why was she crying?Why was she crying over a scumbag like Ivan?Oh, she must be feeling sorry for herself!She had kept her virginity for over twenty years, and now this happened. How could she not feel heartbroken?She told others she did not care, but how could she possibly not care?As she lowered her head and took a deep breath, she suddenly heard Ivanka’s steady voice. “In the end, it still hurts, doesn’t it?”Sandy’s body trembled violently. When she looked up and saw Ivanka standing beside her, her heart skipped a beat. When did she come in? How had she not heard a sound?“I...” Sandy started, but then suddenly did not know how to continue.Ivanka pulled up a chair and sat beside her. She took her hand. “We’re best frien
Ivanka gazed at her. She did not answer her immediately. It was as if she was giving Sandy some time to think.Previously, Ivanka might have been unsure, though she could sense that something was off with Sandy’s emotions. However, today, Ivanka could say she fully understood, though Sandy herself might not have realized it yet.In the past, Ivanka might have debated whether or not to bring this up, but now she found it necessary. Sandy needed to understand her complex emotions before she could make a clear decision.Sandy was still looking at Ivanka. Her voice did not sound entirely calm as she asked, “Iv, what did you mean by what you just said?”Ivanka sighed softly. “Let me ask you this, if what happened that day involved a stranger instead of Ivan, if it was a stranger you had no feelings for, how would you feel now?”Sandy was a little stunned. A stranger?“A stranger? I’d still feel awful. It was my first time, after all. I say it doesn’t matter, but I still need to proces
She had lost her heart to him?Sandy was completely stunned!In the past, she might have instinctively refuted such a statement as it was simply impossible.However, at the moment, she never expected that this could be the case!She had lost her heart to Ivan?She liked Ivan?She shook her head in disbelief. “How is that possible? Ivan and I have been rivals for so many years. We’ve both gone to great lengths to compete for that thing, and I’ve always been on guard around him. How could I possibly have lost my heart to him?”She shook her head incredulously. Her eyes were filled with a frustration that she had never felt before.However, she could not convince herself anymore. Something felt off.Ivanka remained silent. It was as if she was giving Sandy some time to think.Many things need to be understood gradually. Ivanka wanted Sandy to process her emotions step by step. If she said too much at once, it might be too overwhelming for Sandy to accept.Moreover, much of what
Ivanka looked at her for a moment. “No matter what you decide, I’ll support you. Just make sure you’ve thought it through.”Sandy nodded. “I’ve definitely thought it through!”Her voice was firm and was devoid of doubt. She only felt uncertain when she questioned whether she had feelings for Ivan.Now everything had become clear to her.Ivanka placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle pat. “I’m here for you.”Sandy felt a warm sensation in her heart and held Ivanka’s hand. “Iv, I’m so glad you’re here with me. I’m so grateful you’ve been by my side.”Ivanka sighed softly and said nothing.In such a situation, her presence could only do so much.The distress and suffering were Sandy’s alone to bear. No one else could go through it for her.Ivanka could only offer her some companionship. As for the rest…Thinking about this, Ivanka sighed inwardly, but ultimately said nothing.That night, Sandy did not sleep well. In fact, she had not slept well for several nights. Iv
Knowing that Michael was able to stay tough despite learning about his own condition, Ivanka was rather impressed. But since he was a patient, she would not neglect to comfort him. Of course, what she was about to tell him next was also the truth.Ivanka dealt with the used needle and said to Michael flatly, “Your condition is rather good. If you cooperate with my treatment plan for a period of time, you’ll recover.”A strange emotion flickered in Michael’s eyes. “How’s Grandma’s condition?”“I still need to observe for a day and see how she fares. Then, I’ll think about the prescription based on her physical condition.”The medicine she injected into Rosie’s body was very effective. Without it, Rosie would have to receive chemotherapy in a hospital and would have found out about her illness.Michael said nothing. He seemed calm and composed.But he did not plan to leave either. Ivanka contemplated for a while and eventually looked at him. “You must be cautious with food intake f
By the time Ivanka and Michael got off the plane at Mirvania, it was already 9 p.m. Before boarding the plane, Ivanka had WhatsApped Vincent. Therefore, the moment they got off the plane, Vincent had Njord to pick them up. They saw Njord immediately after getting off the plane. The moment Njord spotted Michael behind Ivanka, his expression instantly turned black. Njord recalled how Michael had schemed him before this. “Why are you coming with Ms. Lane? Ms. Lane, have you hired him as your bodyguard?” Njord cussed at Michael before asking Ivanka. Ivanka was aware of the grudges between Njord and Michael. But since Njord came with a group of people, Ivanka looked solemn and rebuked him, “He’s my friend. Njord, you can’t say that to him.” “Ms. Lane, if he’s truly your friend, I’ll naturally show him my respect. But the truth is, after being with you for such a long time at the casino, how can a person like him be considered your friend?” Njord said without hesitation when ment
“Got it.” Chiara behaved submissively in front of Jonah. Jonah swept her a cool glance and did not reply to her. Their meeting with Margaret had ended up unhappily. Little did they know that right after Chiara left, Laura came. Compared to Chiara, Laura, at least, genuinely loved Jonah, and Margaret knew it. In the past, Margaret did not entertain her. This time, she allowed Laura to enter the house. This gave Laura false hope. She asked, “Aunt Margaret, are you willing to accept me?” “To be frank with you, if not for the fact of Jonah’s current condition, I wouldn’t have accepted you. I’ve only allowed you to enter the house because I’ve some questions for you.” Margaret spoke without hesitation. Her tone was cold. Laura looked at Margaret in puzzlement. “Aunt Margaret, what do you want to ask me?” Laura’s gaze was filled with expectancy. Margaret pursed her lips. Then she said coolly, “You’ve fallen head over heels for Jonah, haven’t you? Since you love him, could
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