“She’s not my new fling. Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m afraid I can’t host you today. I have some things to take care of. Let’s catch up another time!” After saying that, Vincent called for someone to escort his friend out.Meanwhile, Vincent summoned the staff in the casino to confront them. That was when Stella was singled out.“We were just curious about Ms. Lane’s relationship with you, Boss. We didn’t know the specifics, but Stella was the one who said at Ms. Lane’s door that Ivanka wasn’t your only woman.”“We were misled by Stella, but we can swear none of us spread gossip outside the casino. It was the customers who saw something and started talking. And Boss, didn’t you always say ‘the customer comes first?’ As long as they leave their money behind and don’t cross the line, it’s fine to let them talk, right?”...Vincent’s eyes darkened with fury. His anger was unmistakable.What he shared with Ivanka was fate. It was a blessing from God. Otherwise, how would he have
Even if Stella died by Vincent’s hand, she would die willingly.“Boss, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have said those things and misguided others. I have caused false rumors about you and Ivanka to spread and ruin your reputations.”As Stella said this, she felt a lump and an ache in her throat.She thought differently from men. Although Njord had gotten the wrong idea about the relationship between Vincent and Ivanka, he never misguided anyone.Njord had even assumed that Ivanka was Vincent’s daughter.From Vincent’s point of view, he thought that perhaps he should not have blamed Stella for her ignorance. However, he could not let this slide.“For me, reuniting with her is a blessing from fate. She is my family. If I can’t protect her from rumors as her uncle, then I don’t deserve to stay by her side from now on. You… should leave.”Eventually, Vincent made his final decision. He would fire Stella.But Stella was unwilling to leave.She scooted toward Vincent on her knees
“Stop drinking so much and push your body to its limit. You haven’t suffered because you’re still young. But what about when you get older?” When Vincent heard the reply from Michael, who disguised as Njord, he immediately scolded him.“You’re right, boss. I’ll remember your words.”Michael kept his head down as he replied.At first, he did not understand what Vincent meant, but he would—in three hours.Presently, he needed to report back to Vincent.“Have you dealt with Michael?” Vincent cared about this matter greatly.Once Michael was sent away, there was no one left in Mirvania who could affect Ivanka’s decision.Naturally, Vincent wanted Ivanka to stay away from a jerk like Michael.But Ivanka cared about the people around her. She would never leave Michael alone at a time like this.Therefore, Vincent’s best course of action was to send him away!Michael had no idea that Vincent would pay so much attention to him.But since he had disguised himself as Njord, he would n
If Stella knew the true nature of their relationship, she would not have run her mouth.She wanted Vincent so badly that she resorted to hurting an innocent woman.But Vincent no longer wanted to see her or talk to her.He pressed his lips together before saying slowly, “I told you. Since you’ve worked for me all these years, I’ll spare your life. Leave. I’ll tell Njord to wire you some money.”“No… I don’t want money, boss. Besides, where would I go after leaving the casino? Ever since I started working for you, I’ve seen you as my family. I beg you. Please don’t kick me out.”Stella pleaded with him desperately. It was the first time she behaved so emotionally in front of Vincent. She was so much different than her usual self.She had become a totally different person than the decisive, iron-fisted manager at Kingzillion Casino.Seeing that, Vincent felt bad.But he could not let Ivanka suffer for nothing.“People badmouthed her behind her back…”“Then I’ll beg for her fo
Ever since Vincent assigned Stella to Ivanka, Stella had been watching her and studying her with curiosity.But at the same time, Stella handled her job competently. She was quiet, cold, and decisive when it came to work.Ivanka did not understand why someone like that would kneel before her.Before Ivanka asked, Stella lowered her head and stated her purpose.She pleaded with Ivanka in a hoarse voice, “Ms. Lane, can you please help me? My comment is to blame for those rumors about you and my boss. I didn’t know the true nature of your relationship. I’m sorry. Boss wants me to leave in order to defend you, but I don’t want to leave. Could you put in a good word for me in front of him? He’ll certainly listen to you…”Ivanka fell silent.She did not expect Stella to beg her for something like that.She also did not expect such a calm and collected person to lose her composure because of love.Humans were no saints. They made mistakes sometimes. Ivanka could not turn down anyone
When Vincent saw that Ivanka had come in, he informed her that he would be attending the banquet later that evening.Ivanka was not interested.She knew Vincent would be busy and was aware that many casual onlookers might misinterpret things if she attended the banquet.She shook her head and said, “I’m not really feeling it. Uncle... I can tell that Stella is very loyal to you. Why not just let her stay?”Vincent was surprised. He had not expected Ivanka to ask for mercy on Stella’s behalf.“If she hadn’t said what she did, people wouldn’t have ended up talking about you like that.”Stella had been assigned to Ivanka for less than a day.Before Ivanka discovered her blood relation with Vincent, she was not the type of person who would easily go out of her way to help others, especially if it affected her personally.For a moment, Vincent was confused. He did not understand how Stella had managed to get Ivanka to come and speak up for her in such a short time.Ivanka knew Vinc
Michael’s words were extremely clear.Upon hearing this, Ivanka turned to look at him. She was visibly confused but said nothing. She was exasperated. She had already spoken her part. She did not understand why Michael was still acting this way. It was truly maddening!“Michael Barkworth,” she called his name in a heavy tone as her expression darkened.Michael remained serious and firm as he said, “Ivanka, I’m not kidding.”Ivanka was in disbelief.“Haven’t I made everything clear already? Mic—”She did not want to continue arguing with him. However, before she could finish speaking, she heard footsteps approaching.She looked up and saw Jackie and Bert coming toward them.“I’m leaving now. Take care of yourself,” whispered Ivanka before turning and walking away.She could not stay with him any longer. She could only give him a warning.After she left, Jackie and Bert walked up to Michael.Once they got close, Jackie smirked. “Njord, since when did you get so chummy with t
“Boss, should I have someone tail him for the next few days?”Jakie kicked Bert hard again when he heard this.“Do you want to tail him? Are you an idiot? Or are you suicidal? Because I sure as hell am not.”Bert fell silent, fearing that any more words might set Jackie off even further. However, Bert’s silence only made Jackie angrier.Jackie’s fists clenched in frustration, but he resisted the urge to lash out at Bert. He knew that if someone he picked was already this incompetent, no amount of beating or scolding would fix it.“Get out!”Jackie let out a heavy sigh.If he had someone as capable as Evan, none of this would be happening!... Michael had returned to Njord’s room by now.Njord’s room was meticulously organized. Michael picked out a few clothes. The flight was scheduled for 9 a.m. the next morning. Vincent had also arranged for several subordinates to accompany him on his trip to Caldoria.Despite this support, Michael remained curious about the trip and wh
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