After hanging up on Chiara, Tanya went to the underground exit of the airport.Just as she hailed a cab, her phone started ringing again.She thought it was Chiara.Answering the call without checking the caller ID, she said, “Chiara, did you even hear what I said? That’s enough!”She disliked people who could not take no for an answer. The fact that this person was Chiara made Tanya loathe her even more.If Chiara was standing right in front of her, she would have had the urge to slap her silly.However, the voice from the speaker was not Chiara’s.It was Tanya’s friend, Cordelia Ulmer.“What Chiara? I’m your Coco Milkshake. Isn’t Chiara already dead?”Tanya froze. “I was mistaken. Didn’t I tell you I was going to Mirvania? What are you calling me for?”Hearing her best friend’s voice, the furrow between Tanya’s brows faded.But since Chiara had ruined her mood earlier on, she was a little glum.“Well, didn’t you complain to me a while ago? I know that you aren’t in a good
“I reserved this spot.”Tanya ignored the man’s advance.“Well, will you allow me to sit here for a while, gorgeous?”He was about to keep talking, but a woman’s voice rang out from the main hall downstairs. “May I have your attention, everyone? I’m a hostess at Starlet Bar, and today is its second anniversary. As a token of appreciation for our loyal customers, we’re organizing an event.” “What event? Free ladies? Everything we order will be free of charge?”“Free ladies? That’d be unfair to our female customers. If the men get pretty ladies, the women get the hotties too, right?”As soon as the hostess mentioned an event, the customers under the stage could not withhold their excitement and started asking questions.“The event is a series of simple games that encourages interaction between our male and female customers. You’ll get the chance to win first, second, or third prizes, as well as a special prize.”“Are you interested, gorgeous?”After the hostess was done, the ma
“Hot d*mn! Starlet Bar is really giving its all tonight. I heard that the gold key was given away when the boss of Kingzillion Casino first built the establishment. There are only three in total. Allegedly, whoever owns it can make a request to the boss, and he will fulfill any request!”“Really? Is Starlet Bar messing with us? Is this some kind of fake event? If the key is so precious, why are they giving it away?”“I know right? If we get the gold key and demand the owner of Kingzillion Casino to hand over his business, will he comply? He is no fool!”The customers downstairs did not believe what the hostess said and even made fun of her.The hostess, on the other hand, gave someone next to her a look. Soon enough, two hulking bodyguards carried a display rack to the center of the stage.There was a gold key in the glass cover on top of the rack.“It has been two years since Starlet Bar was founded. Some of our loyal customers must be here with us tonight. They can step up and
“I’m Tanya.” Since she was teaming up with Blake for the event, she introduced herself.“Alright, Ms. Tanya, let’s go,” Blake said with a smile and extended his hand toward her.Tanya ignored his gesture and stood up.She agreed to team up with him, but she was only comfortable being close to him within the context of the event. She was not ready to hold his hand just yet, considering they had just met.Tanya walked ahead. Blake followed. His smile widened as he watched her.She was the young lady of the Cullen family, after all. Her pride and elegance were apparent.Even so, he was determined to win her over.Soon, they arrived at the stage area.The bargirl announced the first game. “The first game is the long jump. Guys on the left, girls on the right. You’ll have your feet tied together, and the pair that jumps the farthest wins. Participants need to sign up over here.” She then pointed to a direction.A lot of people were signing up for the first game. Blake held Tanya’s
Tanya felt completely suspended in mid-air. She instinctively tightened her grip on Blake. He felt a sense of pride to see how tightly she was clinging to him. They managed to jump 1.85 meters!“1.85 meters is impressive for one person, but for two? That’s freaking awesome!”When the bargirl announced their score, the crowd erupted in amazement!“Wait, aren’t they supposed to jump together? The guy basically lifted the lady the entire way. Isn’t that against the rules?”“It’s a couples’ game. If the guy doesn’t do the heavy lifting, who will? If the lady had that kind of strength, then sure, why not?!”“With their feet tied together, someone has to put in more effort. Otherwise, how would the game even work? It’s up to you to figure out the best strategy.”... The crowd had mixed reactions.The bargirl remained calm and composed as she said, “This game is all about interaction between guys and girls. With your feet tied together, it’s up to you and your partner to figure out
Blake seemed sincere, but Tanya knew he was not serious.Blake was just talking big. Even if he really had the golden key and everyone knew where it came from, there was no way he would give it to someone he had just met.“Even if you had it, I wouldn’t care,” Tanya said indifferently as she took a sip of her wine.Instead of responding, Blake revealed a faint, mocking smile.He knew Tanya did not mean what she said. If she truly did not care, she would not have teamed up with him to play the game for the key.Still, he chose not to call her out. He simply sat across from her.Even though she did not like him, she would not rudely chase him away especially with so many people around them.Besides, he was her current partner in the game.Watching the others compete was boring, but they could not wander off too far. As the first pair in the competition, they would miss their chance to continue if they were not around when the next round started.“Do you know how to play cards? W
“That’s nice of you.”Tanya felt physically weak and drained of energy. She softly chuckled at Blake’s words. She did not think Blake would push things too far.“Why don’t we...”But she could not make out what Blake said after that. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she blacked out.When she woke up again, it was already daylight.She found herself in an unfamiliar, luxurious room. The sunlight shining into the room made her instantly alert. The curtains fluttered in the breeze, adding to her unease.She sat up and realized she was naked on a large, two-meter-wide bed. Her entire body ached as if she had been run over by a truck, and her head throbbed painfully.She remembered that she was supposed to participate in a second round of the game with Blake but could not recall how she ended up in this room.Did they hook up?!“Oh, you’re awake! Are you hungry? Do you want to eat anything?” A gentle voice spoke softly nearby.Tanya looked up and saw Blake wrapped in a towel around his
“I’ve got stuff to do. Here’s my number. Call me if you need anything.”With that, Blake handed Tanya a gold-embossed business card.Tanya did not take it. Her dark eyes were fixed intensely on Blake.Blake pursed his lips and placed the card on the nightstand without saying anything else.He knew she had never taken him seriously from the start. After being with the man she least regarded, she was understandably struggling with her emotions. He understood that staying would only make her feel worse, so he needed to give her space.“F*ck off!” Tanya shouted in anger. Her eyes red with rage as she pointed toward the door.Blake obeyed and left without saying another word.As soon as he was gone, Tanya angrily ripped up the gold business card into tiny pieces until she could tear no more.Then she rushed into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and scrubbed herself frantically.But no matter how much she scrubbed, she could not rid herself of the feeling of being tainted. Blake’
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