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
“I… I’m sorry, ma’am,” the little girl stammered in a timid voice.Ivanka paused and looked down.The girl in front of her looked thin and frail, with wide, frightened eyes full of panic. Her hands, hidden behind her back, tightened slightly.However, Ivanka did not pay it much mind and went back to selecting herbs.The market was bustling with people, filled with noise and chatter. The moment quickly passed. After picking out the herbs, she turned to push the cart to the side. She exchanged a glance with Michael to signal they were ready to leave.However, as they moved forward, they found their way completely blocked by a dense crowd.A burly man was blocking Ivanka’s way. She instinctively said, “Excuse me, could you let us through?”However, the man did not move. He was too absorbed in whatever was happening.Seeing this, Michael did not hesitate. He guided Ivanka forward. The man, caught off guard, was easily pushed aside.At the center was the little girl who had bumpe
Ivanka immediately dashed over.Meanwhile, Michael dealt with the man.Ivanka helped the girl up and let her catch a breath.But the girl clutched the medicine in her arms.Sensing her anxiety, Ivanka comforted her. “Calm down, sweetie. I’ll pay for the medicine.”Once she said that, the girl hesitated before looking up at Ivanka timidly. Gratefully, she nodded with difficulty.From up close, Ivanka noticed that the girl was in tattered clothes.Her pants were way too short for her.Ivanka rarely saw someone so dirt-poor these days.“What’s your name?” she asked gently.The girl looked Ivanka up and down and said in a low voice, “Nessa Keller.”Ivanka fed her a small white pill and asked softly, “How are you feeling, Nessa?”Hearing the concern in her voice, Nessa teared up instantly. “Please don’t call the police, ma’am. You can’t call the police. I want to go home.”“Alright.” Ivanka intended to ask more questions, but stopped talking when she saw Nessa’s pitiful and anx
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