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
“How did your dad get sick, Nessa?” Ivanka asked casually.Suddenly, the look in Nessa’s eyes changed.Her bright, carefree eyes were filled with hatred.“Theodore Lane! My dad said it was because of him!” Her childish voice was full of anguish as she screamed.Theodore?Ivanka’s eyes darkened.Who would have thought that Theodore would be wicked enough to harm an innocent family?She had found some clues about Theodore through her endless investigation. However, she often ran into dead ends. She had been searching for his victims but to no avail.This chance encounter was unexpected.She had been busy with other matters for the past few days and could spare no time for Theodore.But her opportunity had arrived.Ivanka filed away her thoughts for later and asked Nessa gently, “Is there no one else in your family, sweetie?”Nessa fed her father medicine and responded quietly, “Yeah.”Seeing how impoverished her family was, Ivanka reached into her pocket and dug out some of
Michael pursed his lips and took the initiative to apologize to Ivanka.Ever since they got back from Mirvania, Michael’s attitude toward her had toned down considerably compared to the past. Michael had indeed changed a lot.However, even though he changed, they could not live a honeymoon life like other couples and spouses.Ivanka corrected him. “Micheal, we can’t put it that way. No one expected this change. We came here on Grandma’s behalf with all our blessings. But we did not expect this wedding to go south. I’ll admit that my emotions were somewhat affected when I saw something like this.” “But, what’s the main issue? I think that I’m tired. I wish you wouldn’t pursue me so tightly. Let’s part while we are on good terms. I know that you know what that phrase means.”As she said that, Ivanka saw the flight attendant walk over.She waved toward the flight attendant, who then gently bent down and smiled at her nicely. “Hello ma’am, what can I do for you?” “Hello, can you c
Naturally, Ivanka and Michael could not get involved to clear the mess after that. It was almost time for them to return as well.“You’re leaving before I can thank you.” Candice took Ivanka’s hand. She was grateful from the bottom of her heart.“I originally came to attend the wedding, but I didn’t expect to witness it take such a turn. I’ll have to go back and explain to Grandma about it.” Ivanka said with a smile.Candice hurriedly nodded and smiled. She looked at Ivanka and said, “Ivanka, send my regards to Grandma. After things are settled over here, I will definitely go visit her.”Ivanka smiled. “Then it’s a deal.”“It’s a deal.”… On the airplane, Ivanka’s mood was down the entire time.Michael spoke to her several times and did not get any response. He frowned slightly when he saw that Ivanka was about to sleep. He directly pulled her hand.Ivanka immediately tried to pull her hand back but she was not as strong as him. She opened her eyes and looked at him unhappily
Just as he was about to say something else, a clear voice suddenly spoke.“I told them to play it. Is there a problem?”The crowd looked for the voice and saw Candice in a white dress. She looked serene and cool. It was a different kind of beauty.But this was not a wedding. It was obviously a funeral.Everyone looked at the heroine who was supposed to appear today. Shock crossed their eyes. It looked like the bride found out about their despicable deed. Immediately after, the bride said in a mocking voice once again, “Leonardo, how does it feel to lose your reputation? You experienced it before me. Do you like the wedding gift I gave you?”Candice looked at him. Her brow was calm and void of emotion.Leonardo was already extremely cranky. In a way, he was at the end of his rope. He looked at her incredulously. “What do you mean by that?!” Candice sneered. “I didn’t mean anything by that. Just letting everyone present witness and see clearly for themselves what mangy dogs d
At that moment, there was a crazy video rolling on the big screen. The video was unsightly. The man and woman on the bed were “wrestling” frantically with the woman’s coquettish voice calling out at the same time. Also, the facilities here were top notch and equipped with 3D surround sound. The guests had no idea what to do when they heard.Some of the sharp-eyed guests spotted the man and woman in the video in a single glance. “My goodness! Aren’t these two the groom, Leonardo, and the bride’s best friend Jennifer?!”The moment these words came out, it instantly set off an uproar!Jennifer was instantly dumbfounded when she saw the video! But the next moment she screamed in panic. “Turn it off! Turn it off! It’s not me at all!” It was just that, not only were her shouts futile, but she felt the contemptuous disdainful glances thrown at her from all sides!She could even feel like some of the men were undressing her with their eyes! She was screaming! “Turn it off! Turn
When she put on makeup, her features looked even more exquisite. She looked sharper. Michael’s gaze paused for a moment. Why had he not realized it in the past? Ivanka glanced at him and spoke directly. “I’m good to go. Let’s go there now?” “Yes.” Michael quickly collected his thoughts and rushed to the wedding venue with her. There were a lot of guests. Those who came were all the city’s upper-class people and everyone was open and relaxed. They were able to navigate their way in a situation like this and take the opportunity to meet more work partners.The groom also weaved in and out of the crowd. He was beaming and full of life.Jennifer was with him. The two of them were welcoming the guests together. Those who did not know any better might even think that the two of them were the new couple. Everyone arrived one after another. It was just that… Only the bride and Jarek were missing.The crowd could not help but be a little confused. Right among the murmuring
Of course, he was referring to Jarek, who was screaming on the ground. Ivanka and Michael’s eyes met across the distance. They exchanged a look with each other. In the end, they chose to stay out of it. What should have been done was done. No matter the outcome, it was Candice’s own choice. Michael took a step back and came to Ivanka’s side. “Thanks.” Candice stared at Ivanka and sincerely thanked her once again. She was not stupid, so naturally, she could see that her cousin greatly respected his wife’s opinion. On the other hand, Ivanka was highly self-sufficient.Not long after, the security guards came and took Jarek away. After Candice said goodbye to the two, she left in the opposite direction.Ivanka and Michael went back to their rooms together.On the way back, Ivanka’s brows remained furrowed, and Michael turned to look at her. “Still worried about her?”Ivanka’s eyes flashed, then she looked at Michael and said softly, “Do you think that she will be soft-h
Leonardo had always been a perfect boyfriend. He was so perfect and seemed to have been specially made for Candice. Candice used to find it suspicious. But she dared not probe further into her own suspicions. Since things had turned out like so, she had no choice but to confront it. Candice’s heart was filled with a slew of anxiousness and complications. Despite this, she held back her emotions. Without further hesitation, she lifted the blanket and got down from the bed. She walked to the room next door. Ivanka gave Michael a look so that he would bring Jarek along. Michael was amused. He believed Ivanka must have treated him as her bodyguard. She was the first woman who had dared to give him an order. Despite this, Michael did as he was told. After all, Ivanka was not supposed to get involved in all this in the first place. It was all about the Barkworth family’s business. When Michael confronted Jarek, Michael’s temper instantly turned foul. He glared at Jarek.
Bam! The room door was kicked open all of a sudden. Michael was the one who kicked the door open. The man in the formal suit had just taken off half of his pants when Michael entered the room. Michael exuded an air of standoffishness. The man looked dumbfounded. He did not know if he should put back on his pants or remove them. Ivanka was behind Michael. He did not let her enter the room. “On the count of three, put your pants on, or else—” Michael did not finish his sentence, but the man in the formal suit was so scared that his entire body trembled. The man knew that if he did not act as he was told, he would lose his d*ck. So the man quickly put his pants on comically. While Michael was entering the room, Ivanka followed him. She ignored the man in the formal suit and went to the bed where Candice was laying. They had made quite a commotion when they entered the room. Despite this, Candice laid motionlessly on the bed. Apparently, she had been drugged. It l
Jennifer took the man to Candice in the middle of the night. Things did not seem good. Ivanka knew something bad was going to befall Candice. She was about to follow them when someone behind her abruptly stopped her. Ivanka’s eyes flew wide open. Her scream got stuck in her throat. The man’s large hand had covered her mouth. At the same time, a familiar smell entered her nostrils, and she gave up trying to let go of herself from the man’s grasp. “Why are you giving up so easily?” As expected, Ivanka heard a familiar voice. She turned around and saw Michael’s playful smile. “I know it’s you, so there’s no need to keep trying to free myself,” answered Ivanka truthfully. “How did you know it’s me?” Her answer piqued his interest. Ivanka was about to explain when a thought struck her mind. After that, she kept quiet. “It’s a secret.” Before Michael could continue the topic, Ivanka decided to skip and end it by asking, “You saw everything. What do you think about it?”