After taking another deep breath, Ivanka tried her best to calm the annoyance in her heart and said calmly, “Michael, I don’t need any apology from you. Everything that happened in the past might have something to do with you, but I blame myself too. If I weren’t so obsessed with you, then I wouldn’t be hurt so thoroughly, either. I only have myself to blame, and I can’t fault you either. But just because I’m not blaming you, doesn’t mean I forgive you. I hope you know my boundaries. I remember every moment of what you’ve done to me. I will never be back together with you, much less will I look for trouble and repeat my past mistakes!” Michael was silent. Ivanka was really prickly. When he heard that she did not blame him, an unexplainable emotion welled within Michael. It felt like panic. Michael frowned but did not say a word. Ivanka tried to struggle again, but Michael still did not let go.Ivanka frowned. “What do I need to do for you to let go? I’m currently treating yo
Soon enough, the two finished their breakfast. Neither of them ate much. They were just making sure their stomachs were not empty. Ivanka had already set down her cutlery. Her expression was flat, nor did she look at Michael. Meanwhile, Michael’s gaze landed on Ivanka. As he stared at her, he asked with a calm expression, “Just what sort of prejudice do you have against me right now?” “Prejudice?” Ivanka looked at him calmly. “Do you think that all of the things you did to me can just be written off as me having prejudiced views about you?”Michael pursed his lips. It was as if he did not know what to say, yet he seemed to acknowledge Ivanka’s statement. Ivanka scoffed coldly. She did not bother to waste her breath on him and got up. “We have nothing to say to each other. So, let’s not dwell on the subject. So long as we are not together, anything is up for discussion.” After saying this, Ivanka got up to leave. Michael sat in place and did not move. He did not pester Iv
Jonah sighed deeply.Not making a move only made things harder for her.However, he had recently uncovered some information about Michael’s grandmother. It was why he had not been pressuring her.Once those matters were resolved, he planned to pursue her again. Since Ivanka had already separated from Michael, he would not give Michael another chance to win her back.That morning, everyone was busy with work. When noon came, Jonah did not go to pick up Ivanka.He knew that Ivanka would not want that.At the agreed location, Ivanka and her assistant had already arrived. They sat in a private room. When Jonah arrived, Ivanka nodded to him. “You’re here.”Jonah nodded back. Ivanka’s assistant stood up and greeted him respectfully. “Hello, Mr. Sadler.”Jonah nodded in acknowledgment.Jonah’s assistant, James, also nodded to Ivanka and her assistant.“Why did you get here so early?” Jonah looked at her and gently asked as he sat across from her.Ivanka answered truthfully, “There
Soon, they finished reviewing the plan. Both of them had a look of surprise in their eyes.“This proposal is very bold.” Ivanka remarked after reading it.Peachy remained silent as she was trying to process the shock. This was definitely a high-risk, high-reward move.“If such a publicity stunt doesn’t resonate with the fans, it could backfire. But if it does catch on, it could lead to unprecedented success, especially compared to Papaver’s previous launches.”Jonah smiled. “That’s the thrill of it, isn’t it? At our level, if we just keep playing it safe, the room for growth is practically zero.”Ivanka knew he had a point and did not refute him.Still, the plan was a little…The private room fell silent again.Jonah did not rush her. It was as if he was giving Ivanka time to think.Peachy, who sat beside her, dared not say a word. The stakes were just too high for her to comment. Only the chairwoman could make this decision.Even as the dishes were served, Ivanka remained si
Ivanka frowned. If Jonah had been digging around, even if Michael’s doctors kept things tightly under wraps, Jonah might have found some clues.How much did he know?Ivanka studied Jonah for a moment, but he remained as he had been. Finally, she looked away. She pursed her lips before saying softly, “I’ll be going now.”“Okay.”This time, Jonah did not offer to accompany her. He cooperated by letting her leave without any further insistence.Soon, everyone got into their respective cars.Ivanka sat in the passenger seat. She was still pondering the meaning behind Jonah’s gaze.However, before she could think further into it, her phone suddenly vibrated. She opened WhatsApp and saw a message from Jonah.Jonah: I know you have a lot on your plate right now. The health of the elderly is important, and I know you care about her, so I won’t interfere during this time. But Iv, not interfering doesn’t mean forgetting. Once things are better, I’ll find you again.Ivanka’s eyelashes tr
He was filled with hatred!If not for this wretched girl, how could he possibly be living such a miserable life now?If not for Ivanka, his family could have been living happily instead of living in the current state of utter despair.He was now genuinely grateful that he had bought a house under his mistress’s name back then. Otherwise, he would have been left with nothing!Taking a deep breath, Theodore suppressed the anger burning inside him. He forced a strained smile and reverted to his earlier humble demeanor. “Iv, you’ve seen how I’ve been doing. I’m living a lesser life than a dog. You’ve seen it yourself. Although we had some misunderstandings in the past, you know your aunt was only doing what she thought was best for your father. She was trying to fulfill his wishes. Iv, I know you’re still angry, but those who deserved punishment have already been punished. Can’t you give me a way out?”Ivanka suddenly smiled. “A way out?”Theodore quickly nodded. His face contorted i
She did not say anything and just raised an eyebrow. She seemingly waited for Theodore to continue.Theodore discreetly observed her. Even though he had anticipated her lack of response, he still felt a mix of annoyance and struggle.Why could he never gain the upper hand against Ivanka?If he had known this girl would be so difficult to deal with, he would have made sure to get rid of her along with Fernando, no matter how troublesome it would have been. That would have eliminated all future problems!Look what happened now?He deeply regretted not doing so!However, he had no choice but to face reality. When Ivanka remained indifferent, she was clearly not interested in asking questions unless he spoke up first. Theodore finally sighed and said, “I know your trust in me might be completely gone, but no matter what, we share blood, Iv. I’m your uncle! You have to believe me, I never intended to harm you or your father.”Ivanka snorted and glanced to the side before responding i
Before Theodore could finish saying “threat,” Ivanka interrupted him impatiently. “Uncle, the truth of your words is not my concern. I know exactly what’s going on in the company. Your attempts to sow discord won’t work.”“Sow discord?” Theodore instantly felt deeply wronged. “I’m telling the truth!”It was true. Theodore’s claims were not entirely baseless.The company’s lack of progress was largely due to his incompetence, but there was a small part that was indeed connected to the actions of these two spies.However, Ivanka’s disinterest and her accusation of sowing discord left Theodore seething with frustration. Yet he could not express his anger.When had he ever been treated like this?Since Fernando’s death, he had been the head of the family and the leading figure in the company. Even with people like Thomas and Jillian around, they could not truly challenge his authority, especially with the number of sycophants he had around him. No one dared to oppose him.However, t
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