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,
As Rosie spoke, she could not help but sigh. A heavy sense of resignation flashed through her eyes. After several moments of hesitation, she finally continued, “I shouldn’t burden you with the favors I owe, but that family... They said they wanted a couple with matching birth charts for the wedding. When they calculated it, you and Michael were a perfect match. So, could you do this one thing for me as a favor?”Rosie knew that Ivanka and Michael had been putting on an act, whether it was in front of the Barkworth family or the press.While it was shameful that this family had changed their last name from Johanson to Barkworth just to tie themselves to the Barkworth family, Rosie saw this wedding as a golden opportunity.She figured that if this could help bring Ivanka and Michael closer together, she had no choice but to keep pushing this story.Ivanka, however, had not expected Rosie to bring this up again. There were mixed emotions in her eyes. She felt conflicted.She did no
Since Michael had given her his word, Rosie left happily with Evan.No matter how reluctant Ivanka was, there was no changing things now. After all, she was not the kind of person who could stay cold-hearted all the way through.Besides, the deal had been made. As long as Rosie stayed in the hospital and focused on her recovery, going to the wedding with Michael would not be a big deal.However, Ivanka needed to make her stance clear from the start.She looked at Michael and directly said, “When any rumors about you and me come up during the wedding, I want you to shut them down immediately. I’m doing this as a favor to you, so it’s your responsibility to resolve it. And when the time comes, I expect you to publicly distance yourself from me.”Ivanka’s expression was serious. Her meaning was crystal clear.Michael knew his actions would upset her. He also knew that she would compromise for Grandma’s sake.But he had not expected her to draw such clear lines and speak so pl
Instead, she remained standing in front of Jimothy and studied the group of men with a smile.“He works at our company. Since I’ve run into him, I’m obligated to come over and check on him. Pray tell, what has happened between you and why do you feel the need to resolve it with violence?”Jimothy stared at Candice while she stood with her back facing him. The look in his eyes was conflicted.The men exchanged glances with each other and saw a hint of astonishment in one another’s eyes.The man at the front of the group, who was likely their leader, said, “We just get paid to do this, lady. You should stay out of it.”When Candice heard his advice which also sounded like a threat, she did not intend to back down at all. Instead, she asked him, “Oh? How much did you get for this? I’ll pay you double. I just told you that this guy works for us, so I have to intervene.”The leader started laughing, and so did the men behind him. They did not even bother to hide the mockery in their t
Candice ordered some food she liked, and the dishes arrived soon after.Sandy suggested that they all took a picture together.The others did not object.Sandy gave her phone to the waiter.Then the five of them moved their chairs to sit in a row.Michael and Ivan each took the outermost seats.Naturally, Ivanka was seated next to Michael while Sandy, who paid for the dinner, was right beside her.Next to Sandy was Candice, who sat awkwardly in her chair. Ivan was beside Candice.The second the waiter took the picture, Ivanka and Michael exchanged glances inadvertently. Meanwhile, Ivan stared past Candice, and his eyes fell on Sandy.Sandy and Candice were the only people who looked into the camera.But each and every one of them had a genuine smile on their face.Once they had taken a picture, they started eating together.It was a nice, relaxing dinner. They did not talk about work or how annoying Coco had been.They mostly chatted about the fun anecdotes they had he
The call was soon answered, but the person who picked up was not Rosie. It was Mrs. Ruth.“Ms. Lane, you finally called! Mdm. Barkworth will be over the moon when she wakes up!” Mrs. Ruth sounded quite excited as she spoke.Ivanka smiled and asked, “Is Grandma resting now?”“Yeah, she hasn’t had a good rest after learning that you’d be kidnapped. Once you were safe, she finally allowed herself to rest.”Ivanka nodded and told Mrs. Ruth to take good care of Rosie. She later said that she and Micheal would visit Rosie soon.With that, she hung up the phone.Meanwhile, she also reflected upon herself.Rosie had gotten old, yet Ivanka always made her worry. From that moment on, Ivanka would consider the consequences before making any decision. It was not only for the sake of herself, but the important people in her life, who also cared about her.As she contemplated this, Ivanka inevitably thought of the gathering. It would be quite fun.Before they were about to get off work, San
Coco practically ran out crying.Candice glanced at Ivanka worriedly and asked, “Will something bad happen to her?”Ivanka was not concerned at all. “What could possibly happen? She is an adult. Even if something bad happens, she has to bear the consequences of her own action.”Hearing that, Candice no longer fretted over the matter.She was not really worried about Coco. She was just afraid that something would happen to Coco, and Ivanka would be blamed for it.But Ivanka had made a good point. Candice did not want to trouble herself with Coco’s matters. It would only be an unnecessary emotional burden to her.Everyone in the office began discussing the progress of their project.Perhaps it was because Ivanka had made an example of Coco, the other employees became especially energized and diligent during their discussion.They were even more focused than before, since they were all afraid that Ivanka would treat them harshly as well.Hence, they were particularly efficient.
“Why don’t we leave now so that you can deal with this matter, Ms. Ivanka?”The director of the project department, who was perceptive and shrewd, planned to leave right then. Ivanka shook her head and signaled everyone to sit down.They were all uneasy, and they kept giving Coco weird looks.Two people had dared speak to Ivanka like that in the past—Ferris and Mandy.But those two were no longer with the company.At the thought of those people, the project department staff began looking at Coco with pity.However, Coco could not care less. All she wanted was to make a fuss.She wanted to see how shameless Ivanka could be.Unruffled, Ivanka stared at her. She did not get angry and seemed rather affable as she asked, “Tell me what upset you. Have we falsely accused you of something you didn’t do?”Before Coco said anything, Ivanka added cruelly, “Oh, I forgot that you aren’t familiar with the protocol here, so you have no idea what you did wrong, right?”Coco paled. Undoubte
Candice was momentarily stunned by his answer. She was a little offended.“Then why did you come to my office for this conversation?” Jimothy’s grin was mischievous. “To prove your company’s HR is blind, and you just lost a great talent. That’s all.”With that, Jimothy stood up, dusted off his sleeves dramatically, and turned to leave.“Your resume!” Candice called after him.Jimothy waved dismissively without looking back. “Keep it. Enjoy reading it. And don’t let an incompetent HR handle your interviews again.”Candice stood there for a moment and processed the scene before an involuntary chuckle escaped her lips. This one had personality.Regardless, the incident served as a wake-up call for Candice.It became glaringly clear that Coco was not only incompetent but also prone to overestimating her abilities.Before the task was assigned, she had the chance to decline. Candice had given her the opportunity and explicitly asked if she could handle it. Yet, Coco confidentl
The college student finally believed her and walked toward Candice.On the other hand, Coco seemed guilty and was desperate to prevent it. “He has no respect for our company! Are you really going to hire someone like him who won’t follow orders?” Coco’s tone was sharp. Her finger trembled as she pointed at the young man.She scanned the room for backup in hopes that the people who had been flattering her earlier would speak up in her defense.Unfortunately, no one stepped forward.Those who flattered Coco only did so out of respect for Ivanka. Yet Candice had a close relationship with Ivanka and was the company’s vice president.The gap between a vice president versus an intern was as vast as night and day.Anyone with common sense knew where to align themselves.Coco felt a mix of despair and resentment.Candice ignored her entirely. Why Ivanka was so wary of someone as clueless as this was beyond her comprehension.Coco was simply dumb.Without wasting another thought o
However, reality proved she had worried for nothing.Candice had called her over merely to ask if she had the most basic professional knowledge and whether she could handle the afternoon’s interview.Coco let out a deep sigh of relief before patting her chest confidently and assuring Candice she was more than capable.Knowing Coco came from the mountains, Candice was naturally skeptical, so she asked again, “Are you sure?”Coco thought to herself that it was just an interview. All she needed to do was just ask the candidates some questions. They could just choose someone who wrote the resume well.Not wanting to embarrass herself in front of Michael’s cousin, Coco pretended to be confident and accepted the task.Candice was half-doubtful, yet she still gave her instructions and let her go.However, Coco’s firm assurance eventually led to trouble....“Your company must be a joke to hire someone like you for HR. You’re offended? You’re not even a real professional. What? You ca
Word quickly spread within the HR department. After learning about Coco’s connection to Ivanka, some colleagues were vying to curry favor with her.Although some observant individuals noticed that the relationship between Coco and Ivanka was not as harmonious as it seemed, it did not deter the opportunists. Relentless flattery and attention poured in.One moment, a male coworker would offer to grab her food while placing his own lunch order. Next, a female coworker would ask if she wanted to order some coffee too.At first, Coco was caught off guard and politely declined. However, as she realized their intentions were purely self-serving, she began to accept their gestures without hesitation.By midday, Coco had become the department’s little queen. Ironically, as an intern, she should have been the one fetching coffee, running errands and collecting mail. Instead, she had colleagues practically lining up to do those tasks for her.Coco quickly assembled her own little e