Michael frowned and asked sternly, “Who sent you?”Based on the size of the person who followed them, Ivanka could confirm that it was a man.Since Michael was already doing the questioning, she chose to watch from the sidelines.The man being stepped on whined. “No one sent me. I’m doing this on my own. I just wanted to get some close-up photos of you two so that I can get famous. No one made me do this…”Neither Michael nor Ivanka believed him.If no one sent him, then how did he manage to follow them all this way so methodically?When Ivanka noticed Michael trying to hit the guy, she hastily gestured for him to stop.So, Michael listened to her.The next thing he knew, Ivanka took out a syringe and chuckled sinisterly. “You’re a reporter,” she said. “You’re aware that recently, a doctor murdered his wife with a single syringe, right?”The man felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing that.Yes, he was a reporter. That incident was the talk of the town back then. Why wou
In the end, they got to the Holly Resort’s assembly point, where the resort was renting out golf carts for the flower field.The place was quite empty, so an employee walked up to them immediately. “Hello, Mr. Barkworth. Which sightseeing cart would you like to take?”In response to the employee’s enthusiasm, Michael simply said disinterestedly, “I’ll pick my own.”The employee was quickly pushed aside.After a short while, Michael picked the cart closest to them.Ivanka watched him take the keys and get inside. After some hesitation, she got in as well.She wanted to see what Michael had planned.So, she leaned into the backseat of the cart without any worries.The journey took about 20 minutes, and the scenery along the way was gorgeous. The hand-planted and trimmed flowers were very diverse in shape and variety.Thankfully, the path itself was also smooth without any bumps.Still, Ivanka was a little surprised. “You know how to drive a cart like this? That doesn’t make se
So, without waiting for Michael to say something, she continued.Her voice even had some coldness to it when she said, “Michael, I only followed you because I thought you had unfinished business. But now… please tell me what you’re doing in the future. Don’t do meaningless things under the guise of doing important stuff!”With that, Ivanka turned to leave.Before she could take a step forward, though, Michael grabbed her swiftly.With the thousands of acres of flowers behind him, he seemed unusually serious.Looking at her, he said, “I brought you here. This isn’t meaningless. Didn’t you want to visit this place more than anything, Ivanka?”She had always expressed a desire to see these places when she was talking to Sandy on the phone, when she was drawing, and when she was on Twitter.So, from that moment on, he had planned to admit his feelings at the place she loved.Since this place was a popular place for couples, he had pulled a lot of strings and spent a fortune on gett
Seeing Michael like this made Ivanka feel a weight on her chest too.She would rather Michael treat her coldly like the way he used to.Still, weight aside, there were some things she needed to make clear.She chuckled, “A chance to make it up to me? With what? Money? Power? Or something else? There’s no way you’re telling me that as long as I’m happy and I give you a chance, you’d do anything for me?”Ivanka’s words were blunt.She stared intently at Michael.Michael did not answer. His lips pressed into a thin line as his expression turned cold. His eyes no longer contained the sadness and tenderness it previously had.Ivanka smiled seeing this side of Michael.She knew he felt no love for her. Everything he did, he only did it because of their recent interactions, as well as Grandma’s wish for them to get back together.Just as she was about to speak, though, Michael spoke first, “You may ask for anything that is within my capabilities.”That, too, was a promise.Alas, ho
He had always been the one to reject Ivanka, but this time it was the other way round, and it irritated him a lot.That being said, at that point, it did not seem safe to let Ivanka go back on her own.So, Michael suppressed his irritation and strode to catch up to her.Since Ivanka was ahead of him, she got into the driver’s seat.She thought it was only fair that if Michael drove them here, she would drive them back.She drove straight to the hotel. Michael’s gaze was constant through the rearview mirror.Because of this, he could see Ivanka’s expression clearly.He was reminded of what she said about not having any expectations when it came to love or marriage anymore.He also remembered the way she had looked cold, yet relieved when she said that.Michael struggled to control his emotions at the thought of that.At the same time, something important occurred to him, so he asked, “You said you no longer had any expectations when it came to love and marriage. You’re not thi
A girlfriend?Be it Rosie’s close relatives or distant ones, none of it had anything to do with her anymore.Ivanka did not want to go because she did not want to play pretend with Michael.Besides, she had thought it through. If she really wanted what was best for Rosie, she had to be upfront and make her stance clear once and for all. Otherwise, continuing to play these roles would only lead to more deception. How long could they keep lying to Rosie? Until she passed away?That would not work. Besides, Ivanka had her own life to live.Her whole life should not revolve around Rosie or the Barkworth family.So, she made her stance very clear.“Michael, I find your explanations strange. The reason I said those things to you is because I don’t want to go, and I don’t want to play pretend with you. After we go back, I’ll make sure your wounds heal and treat Grandma, but after that I’m going back to my own life.”She had her own life to live. Plus, she still had to investigate the
Hearing Rosie’s voice, Evan realized she had been watching him with a smile.He quickly denied. “No, no, Mdm. Barkworth! That was a call from Mr. Barkworth, I...”Rosie frowned. Her expression darkened.“Evan, you’re this happy about getting a call from him? Be honest with me, are you g...”Seeing Rosie’s expression, Evan could not help but feel torn between amusement and helplessness.He immediately waved his hands in denial. “No, no, Mdm. Barkworth! I’m absolutely not the kind of person you think I am. I’m happy because Mr. Barkworth gave me his and Ms. Ivanka’s addresses so I could send them dinner!”“Really?” Rosie’s suspicious gaze remained fixed on Evan. She was clearly not convinced by his explanation.Evan raised his hand to assure her. “Mdm. Barkworth, I’m telling the truth! I’ve been working for Mr. Barkworth for years now. Don’t you know my character by now? My sexual preferences are completely normal! I’m just happy because Mr. Barkworth and Ms. Ivanka’s relationship
“This isn’t his fault. I ordered him to bring me here.” Michael pursed his lips and looked away from Evan.When he spoke again, there was a hint of resignation in his voice. “Grandma, do you really think it’s good for you to be running around like this in your condition?”Rosie was not having any of it. Her emotions were running high. “If you don’t want me to keep running around, then why don’t you just do what I asked? Did you? If not, how do you even have the nerve to say anything about me running around?”She gave Michael a sharp, reproachful glance.However, Rosie had no intention of wasting more time arguing with him.Rosie glanced around, but she did not see Ivanka anywhere. She asked, “Where’s Iv?”Michael answered, “She’s in the other room. I’ll go get her.”Although Michael was frustrated with Rosie for running around, he could not deny that her presence gave him a reason to look for Ivanka.As Michael turned to leave, Rosie exchanged a look with Evan. Together,
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