“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 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