Tanya’s actions had thoroughly exposed her. But Ivanka was not in a hurry. She smiled very gently. “Ms. Tanya, it’s windy here at the beach. Aren’t you a little cold? If you’re cold, I’ll ask Evan to help bring you some of Michael’s clothes.” As soon as she said this, Ivanka felt chills crawl down her spine. She knew that Michael was glaring at her. However, Ivanka ignored him. Not only was she saving her own pride, she was helping him find the culprit. It was Tanya Cullen. How could Tanya not know where she got the drug from? Since she knew where she got the drug from, then she would know some people too. From there, she was bound to know where the antidote was. If there was an antidote, why did they have to work so hard to figure out a cure? “That… wasn’t appropriate, right?” As she said that, Tanya followed Ivanka’s words and wrapped her arms around herself to pretend to be cold. Ivanka laughed. “What’s there to be afraid of? You’re an honored guest. It’s just a pie
At the same time, Ivanka was also the first to snap out of her shock. She hurriedly pulled out paper towels to help Tanya wipe off the stains from her chest. “Ms. Tanya, I’m really sorry for ruining your clothes. Why don’t you come with me to my room and change? I have some clean clothes that I haven’t worn yet. After we come back from changing, we’ll settle accounts with Michael for this!” There was no doubt about it. Michael still cooperated well with her this time. However, this made Tanya believe that Ivanka was testing her on purpose. But if she did not go, that would mean that she was playing right into Ivanka’s hands. She hesitated for a moment. Then, she said, “Thank you, Ms. Lane.” After Tanya agreed, Ivanka took her back to her room. On Michael’s end, Alexander had walked over. Michael walked forward as well. When Michael stood in front of him, Alexander smiled faintly. “Does the great Mr. Barkworth want to talk to me?” “Stay away from her.” Michael stared stern
He knew that Ivanka was skilled. Even if Tanya got angry, Tanya would still be unable to win against Ivanka.But the most important matter at that moment was Michael’s concern over Ivanka.In the end, Michael said, “Alright.”He left and completely ignored Alexander.As he watched Michael’s retreating back, Alexander scoffed in derision.He had thought that he would be able to exercise his limbs, but Michael had chosen to back down at the last moment!But that was fine. Based on Michael’s personality, it would not take long before they officially fought each other, and Alexander would look forward to it.…Ivanka brought Tanya into her room once she opened the door using the password. She even intentionally let Tanya see the password. “After Michael was drugged, we had Evan get us a suite for convenience’s sake. Ms. Tanya, if you like him, you should be more courageous. If necessary and if you need help, I can help you.” Ivanka smiled gently.But Tanya refused to believe tha
It was too crowded outside. Ivanka knew Tanya was cunning enough to cry out for help, play the victim, and turn the situation against her. She did not want to deal with that mess.“You… You wouldn’t dare!”Tanya’s voice shook with panic as she tried to threaten Ivanka. Her body was trembling uncontrollably.She knew all too well how dangerous this situation could be. If Ivanka applied pressure in the wrong place, it could easily leave her paralyzed.Tanya could see the murderous chill in Ivanka’s gaze.She had not yet won Michael’s heart. She had not yet killed Blake. She had not enjoyed enough of life’s pleasures. There was no way she was going to spend the rest of her life paralyzed in a bed!Ivanka only scoffed at Tanya’s threats. “Since you had the nerve to drug Michael and use my face to pull off those shameless stunts, what makes you think I wouldn’t dare?”As expected, everything had played out just as Tanya feared. Ivanka had already figured out it was her. Everything sh
Ivanka let out an amused chuckle.“Are you warning me about the consequences I’ll face if I dare lay a hand on you, or are you just reminding yourself of the consequences you’ll face?”Tanya met Ivanka’s gaze. Though Ivanka was smiling, the smile did not reach her eyes.Tanya’s expression flickered with hesitation as she took a deep breath before speaking in a steady voice. “A warning? No, I’m just stating the facts.”“Well, I guess I’ll just have to give it a try and find out.” Ivanka sneered. She prepared to put force on the knife in her hand.Bang!The door was suddenly kicked open from the outside.At the next moment, several large, menacing men were barreling straight toward Ivanka.They were aiming directly for her weak spots!Ivanka’s eyes narrowed. She swiftly dodged out of the way. At that moment, she had no choice but to abandon her plan for Tanya.A flash of cruelty crossed Tanya’s eyes.Luckily, Tanya had prepared for this ahead of time. If not, she might have re
Just as it seemed like Ivanka was about to be overpowered, two figures suddenly appeared at the doorway!Ivanka’s eyes brightened as relief washed over her.At that moment, Michael was like an angel sent by God.Evan immediately charged forward and joined the fight.The men who had been grappling with Ivanka were already on the brink of exhaustion. They were barely holding on as they tried to subdue her. They did not expect another skilled fighter would join in!In the blink of an eye, the men were swiftly taken down.Michael’s face was dark and menacing. His murderous glare fixed on Tanya as if he were ready to tear her apart.Tanya’s body trembled violently. She opened her mouth to explain, but before she could get a word out, Michael coldly ordered Evan, “Take care of these men.”The next moment, Michael walked toward Ivanka. “Are you okay?”Appreciation flashed in Ivanka’s gaze. She gave a soft response. “Yes.”She had seen how swiftly and skillfully Michael and Evan had
Ivanka quickly caught on. “Are you saying that it’s just Alexander playing a role?”A second later, she realized it was not so far-fetched. Alexander did have a tendency to enjoy disguises and deception.Her brow furrowed at the thought. “Aren’t we already dealing with Alexander now? Give it time. He’ll eventually slip up.”By then, Alexander’s true intentions would finally be revealed.“You don’t really have to…”Michael began, but Ivanka cut him off coldly. “Alexander is targeting me. Why would you think it’s unnecessary?”When Michael did not respond, Ivanka recalled something Evan once told her. She could not help but smile. “Michael, do you really think I still see you as someone I can rely on?”Michael’s lips pressed into a thin, tight line. His expression remained cold.That was not what he had meant.As his expression turned even colder, Ivanka pursed her lips and said, “Thank you for earlier.”Michael was caught off guard by her gratitude, but before he could think o
Ivanka kept her stern expression and warned him. “If you keep acting like this, I can tell you very clearly, it’s not going to happen between us.”“All right, I was just joking. Don’t take it so seriously.” Alexander’s tone remained playful but with a hint of mock hurt.Ivanka rolled her eyes at him and said no more.What she did not realize was that Alexander’s exaggerated display was intentional. It was meant for the eyes of Michael, who was standing behind her.Behind them, Michael stood watching their retreating figures. His dark eyes were cold and expressionless.For a moment, he had considered going after them.However, Ivanka’s words echoed clearly in his mind. She did not want him to interfere, which was why she had been so quick to push Alexander out.In their recent interactions, he had come to understand one thing about her. When Ivanka made up her mind, she was not one to easily change it.At the same time, Blake received a report from one of his men about Tanya. “M
Ivanka understood everything just by looking at Stella’s expression.The drinks and pastries had to be the problem. The weakness and fatigue people were experiencing must have come from consuming them. She tested them with a test strip right away.As expected, they had been poisoned.She had not eaten anything, so she was fine. But she was unsure about Vincenzo, so she checked on him immediately. Thankfully, he was unharmed.Stella let out a deep breath.Before she could say anything, Vincenzo scolded her. “You ran back here and left Njord alone? Hurry up and get back there!”“Yes, Boss!”Stella responded quickly and ran off.Ivanka was about to speak when Michael and Evan rushed in.Michael looked anxious and was breathing heavily.Just like Stella, he was panicking.“Come here. Let me check.” Ivanka nodded at him. She knew how stubborn he was.Michael pursed his lips together and hesitated.But Ivanka had already stepped forward and checked on him. His pulse was weakenin
Vincenzo immediately noticed Michael putting some distance between them.It was not out of fear but respect for Vincenzo’s status. After all, he was Ivanka’s only family.Ivanka walked straight to Vincenzo without sparing Michael a glance.Michael could only stand there and watch her leave.Back at their spot, Vincenzo remained silent. Ivanka, however, felt uneasy.She had only gone to the restroom and had not expected to run into Michael.After some thought, she decided to explain.“Uncle, I didn’t go looking for him.”“You don’t need to explain. Even if you did, that’s your choice. I’ve said what I needed to. The decision is yours.”His tone was calm, but to Ivanka, it sounded like he was upset.She wanted to say more, but Vincenzo spoke first. “Don’t blame yourself. I’m not angry. Once the banquet is over, take a few days to rest. Then we’ll head out.”“Alright.”Since he had already said that, there was nothing more to say.Caeser had hosted the banquet to trigger inte
Ivanka saw the grin on Michael’s face and immediately let go of his arm. Her expression darkened with displeasure.Michael looked like he was enjoying her frustration.“I’m not,” he denied at once, quickly adding, “I’m happy because you pulled me away. It shows you care.”Ivanka was speechless.She looked at his smiling face and shook her head. “I just didn’t want you getting into a fight with Mr. George right now. If something happened to you while I was there, I couldn’t just leave. And if I didn’t, that would make me responsible for you.”Michael frowned. “Do you really think I’m that useless?”He had fought Mr. George before and never even saw him as a threat. There was no way someone like that could take him down.“That’s not the point. Mr. George isn’t alone, but you are. This isn’t your territory, Michael. And don’t forget, the drug in your system hasn’t fully cleared, and your gunshot wound—”He cut her off before she could finish.“That injury was a long time ago. I’m
Ivanka had never revealed her identity as Violet Cress. How did Mr. George figure it out just from her treating Caeser?“Mr. Ali, I only gave Mr. Hicks a few herbal prescriptions. It was nothing special.”“Caeser has plenty of skilled doctors, yet none of them could fix his condition. You did so effortlessly. That says a lot. Anyone who can earn his trust must be exceptionally capable. Ms. Ivanka, the Ganoderma Nebula is not something just anyone can use properly, nor does everyone have your level of confidence.”At first, Mr. George had not suspected anything. But after learning about the legendary medical expert, Violet Cress, he started making connections. She was well known by reputation, yet no one had ever seen her face. He had looked into her background and found that she was probably not elderly.There was also the Ganoderma Nebula.So, he made an educated guess.Looking at Ivanka’s calm reaction, he was even more convinced. When he first mentioned it, there had been a fl
A teasing voice broke the moment, interrupting Ivanka and Michael.They turned to look.Standing before them was none other than Mr. George. It had been a while since they last saw him.Michael narrowed his eyes. He had not expected him to show up at Caeser’s banquet.“What? Didn’t learn your lesson last time?” His tone was cold and sharp.As he spoke, he stepped forward. He simultaneously shielded Ivanka behind him.They knew they were in Mirvania, and Vincenzo was nearby. No matter what Mr. George was planning, he would not dare make a move under Vincenzo’s watch.Still, Michael’s reaction was instinctive.“No hard feelings, right? Isn’t this how friendships start?” Mr. George replied indifferently. He stepped to the side and looked at Ivanka.“Friends?” Ivanka let out a sharp laugh. “Be honest, Mr. George. Do you really think we could ever be friends?”She had taken the Ganoderma Nebula. He had tried to steal it by sending his men. She had turned five of them against him a
Ivanka tried to step aside, but Michael blocked her path.The acrid smell of smoke hit her.She instinctively covered her nose and mouth.Michael saw her reaction and put out his cigarette.“If I talk through a third party and they can’t get my point across to my subordinates, wouldn’t it be better to handle it myself?”Ivanka frowned. “Is this really the time to talk about this?”She thought about pushing him away, but she decided against it.“I know it’s not. I also know you did all that to make me give up. But I won’t. It will just hurt.”His voice was hoarse and tinged with sorrow.He looked heartbroken.If this had been before, she might have felt bad for him. But at that moment, she felt nothing. She said calmly, “That’s your problem, not mine. If you want to keep getting knocked out and run around like this, be my guest.”She stepped forward and pulled out her phone.Michael knew exactly what she meant. If he kept blocking her way, she would call Njord, Stella, and t
“Alright, go back to the casino and wait for my order.”The fight between Tanya and Blake had revealed how fragile their relationship was. If Tanya thought the stranger she met at the party was reliable, she would try to leave Blake.She would have thought that she had gotten her freedom. But in fact, it was just another circle of hell awaiting her.By then, Tanya would suffer a worse fate than death.That was what Ivanka wanted to see.After all, Tanya had disguised herself as Ivanka and put a stain on her reputation for a time. Moreover, Tanya was still planning to come after her and Michael.Ivanka would not intervene in the feud between Tanya and Michael, but since she had run into Tanya at the party, she would like to settle the score between her and Tanya.“That’s your plan?”As Ivanka hung up, Vincent could not help frowning.He knew what she was up to when she had asked Njord to assign the job to a man.But the progress was too slow!Ivanka nodded with a smile. “Yeah
Tanya was not a fool.Seeing Tanya’s reaction, the man smiled calmly and said, “Seriously? He’s just your boyfriend. He can’t possibly stop you from making friends, right?”Tanya ignored him and kept walking.She reached a junction and took out her phone to book a ride. But the Hicks family’s mansion was on the hillside. Moreover, Caeser had contacted the Ministry of Transport to impose traffic control in the area. Apart from those who attended the party, no one else’s vehicle was allowed to enter.Seeing that there was not a single car around, Tanya had no choice but to walk down the hill.Blake had told her to get lost, so she would not go back to the mansion to ask for his help.She walked for about five minutes. High heels were not made for long-distance walks, and she was in a long evening gown. She held a little purse that contained her phone, lipstick, a small packet of tissues, and nothing else. Worse still, she could not tear off the long hem of her gown.Tanya had no c
What Blake said struck a chord with Tanya.Her expression was cold, and the look in her eyes was vicious.She did not even love Blake, so everything he did had nothing to do with her. She did not care if he was involved with other women.“Do you have anything else to say? I don’t think I need to be at this party for long.” Tanya averted her gaze so that she did not have to look Blake in the eye.She had made her point clear. If he did not need her around, she would take her leave for the night.Naturally, Blake knew what she meant to say.“Get lost then!”He yelled at Tanya right away. She did not even spare him a look before lifting the hem of her dress, turning around, and walking away.Blake’s voice was filled with disgust, hatred, and rage. But Tanya could not care less about how he felt.She had come to the party with Blake, who arranged their ride. The Hicks, who organized this party, had prepared a parking lot for the guests. There were cars arranged neatly across the p