The crowd was staring at them, as if they were expecting them to fight.Ivanka frowned. She looked at Chiara, puzzled, and asked, “What have I forgotten?”Rosie felt as if her heart was bleeding. She continued to clutch Ivanka’s hand tightly, as if it made her feel safe.Ivanka held Rosie’s hand and said softly, “Grandma, I will always stay with you. Always!”Rosie could not help but sigh. When she closed her eyes, tears dripped onto the table.It hurt Samuel’s heart. “Rosie, pull yourself together!” he exclaimed emphatically.Rosie remained silent, as if she was trying to keep her emotions under control.Michael took Rosie’s other hand and called her. “Grandma.”He did not say anything more, but it had given her enough comfort.He did, however, cast a stern look at Ivanka!He already sensed that something was wrong with Ivanka just now. If he still could not see that she had something to do with what happened, he was no better than a fool!He thought, “How could she betray
She closed her eyes. It was as if she had decided not to say anything more. Chiara was instantly relieved. There was finally nothing she could say to defend herself! She hurriedly stepped forward and said to Rosie, “Grandma, it’s also my fault. If I had gotten to the bottom of it, this wouldn’t have happened. It’s my fault. Grandma, please forgive Iv. She is still young.” “She is still young?” Mindy sneered in anger. “She’s in her twenties. How is she still young?” Mindy had always disliked Ivanka and picked on her. However, she only picked on her at home in the past. After what happened, Rosie was so upset and distraught. She could take advantage of the situation to reprimand Ivanka by acting like a filial daughter-in-law and standing up for Rosie. “Iv, you’ve been our family for three years,” she lamented. “Regardless of how others treated you, think about how Grandma has been treating you. She wishes she could give you the entire world. How did you repay her? What have y
Chiara shook her head involuntarily. “I didn’t…” Catherine was enraged. She finally realized what was going on. She clenched her teeth and said, “This was obviously a set up by Ivanka! She purposefully stated in front of us that this is a gift for Grandma. She duped us into thinking she was going to give it to Grandma! We assumed this was the style Grandma preferred. That’s why Chiara went to such lengths to find it, but...” They had no choice but to tell the truth at this point in order to clear things up. Sandy, on the other hand, simply snorted. “My grandmother adores rosaries with intricate patterns like this. Iv and I are practically sisters. My grandmother had just only celebrated her birthday yesterday, and this is the gift Iv bought for her! You, on the other hand, chose to copy Iv’s idea instead of figuring out what you could give Mdm. Barkworth as a gift. Aren’t you ashamed of yourselves?” Ivanka shook her head as she looked at Sandy. “Stop it, Sandy.” Her voice was
Sandy’s father’s legs were quivering! “Stop talking already, you brat!” He thought. “However, Mdm. Barkworth might be pleased to see her reprimand Chiara.” If he stopped her, he would only downright offend the Barkworth family!Chiara vigorously shook her head. “No, I didn’t! I was hoping Iv would give Grandma more than just a rosary! That’s why I prepared a few more! I’m not trying to steal her limelight!”Sandy sneered. “Is that what you meant when you said you and Iv think alike? Your explanation is futile!”Rosie was enraged at this point. “I’ll let you off the hook this time just because you saved Michael before,” she said through gritted teeth. “But, if you truly want to extend my life for a few more years, stop coming to my birthday parties. Every time you do, you’ll remind me of what you did today and how much you’ve hurt my feelings!”Chiara sucked in a sharp breath and staggered slightly. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she shook her head sadly. “I-I didn’t mean it th
”Both are willing participants in this whole fiasco,” Xander said coolly after a brief silence. Ivan immediately realized what he meant. “You should call it ‘karma’s a b*tch,’” he said, amused.…… At that moment, Ivanka had helped Rosie into the lounge. When she saw an upset Rosie sitting on the chair, she slowly sat next to her and spoke softly, “Grandma, I know every year on this day you’ll feel sad, but it has been so many years now. Has time not helped you move on?”Rosie’s heart was immediately in turmoil. She instinctively raised her head and looked at Ivanka. “Iv, this is something I’ll never get over. You’ve never experienced it. You won’t understand…” Before she could finish, Ivanka held Rosie’s hand tightly and said solemnly, “Grandma, do you know why I went all the way to a church in the mountain and got you a gold cross?”Rosie was stunned. Ivanka continued. “I’ve got it for you in the hopes that you’ll be at peace and live a long life.”Rosie sighed and said, “Oh
Ivanka’s head shot up to look at Rosie. “Grandma, he’s back… as Michael.”Rosie’s sad facade cracked. “You brat! You…!”In the next moment, Rosie shook her head helplessly and sighed. “Girl, I know you’re trying to comfort me. But twisting facts to this extent is just—”Before she could finish speaking, Ivanka looked at her resolutely and said, “Grandma, you know Pastor Paul, don’t you? You know he’ll never lie. A man of God doesn’t lie. You might not trust me, but you have to trust Pastor Paul. How about this? You and I will meet him at the cathedral tomorrow. Then, you can listen to what he has to say in person.”“St. John Cathedral? It’s a place with a huge significance in our community.” Rosie thought. She then looked at Ivanka in shock. “Iv, you…” Ivanka smiled plainly and said, “Grandma, let’s go together. Let’s meet this pastor, and you’ll know. He might not be destined to be your son, but maybe, he’s meant to be your grandson. He’s still considered your flesh and blood
Rosie cocked an eyebrow in curiosity. “That makes sense. But it’s just too outlandish…”Grandma believed in the existence of God. That was why Ivanka dared use this method to deceive her. If anyone else had heard it, they would think that she was saying something irresponsible. “Grandma, the world is big and filled with amazing things. You have to believe Pastor Paul!” “Pastor Paul is indeed a great pastor. Let’s go and meet him tomorrow and see if he’s free.”Ivanka smiled and nodded. “So… Grandma, today’s your birthday, and Michael is still waiting for you outside. Don’t you want to see through your party to the end? There are many guests outside, too.”She felt more relaxed now. She was overjoyed because her plan had succeeded. “It worked! Grandma is letting go of her burden soon.” She thought. “Okay, let’s go.” Now, Rosie’s mood had clearly improved. She instantly felt like seeing her grandson. With that, Ivanka supported Rosie as they went out together. The guests
Rosie was touched. “Honey…”She thought Samuel had forgotten how they felt toward each other in the past. Samuel sighed. “Come. Give my cake a taste and let me know if it still tastes the same.”Ivanka smiled as she watched Samuel hold Rosie’s hand as they walked to the table.She looked around and noticed Catherine had stayed. Now, she no longer looked as prideful as before. She then shifted her gaze to Sandy. She was enjoying the drinks and food with her friends. Everyone was enjoying the party. However, Michael suddenly looked at Ivanka. “Come with me.”He headed out right after he said this. Ivanka frowned. Although she was reluctant, she knew she had to follow him to talk to him about what happened earlier to prevent Rosie from finding out what she did.Some people who saw that the divorced couple went out together again became suspicious. Michael did not turn to see whether Ivanka came, because he heard her coming after him. He only stopped and turned to look a
Egbert stormed off in fury, but Sandy’s rage had not cooled in the slightest. She even lashed out at Ivan. “You shouldn’t have stopped me just now! If I’d given him a good scolding, or even a beating, maybe it would’ve finally knocked some sense into him. Otherwise, he’ll keep coming back. He’s always trying to use me for his own purposes!”She was so angry she was practically grinding her teeth. Ivan pressed his lips together and let out a long sigh. “With the way you looked like you were ready to kill someone, what did you expect me to do? Just stand there and watch you commit murder?”He was really worried when he saw how Sandy was losing control. “What’s the point of that old b*stard still being alive anyway?” Sandy said coldly. If she could really get rid of that old man, she would do it so she could avenge her mother and let go of that grudge she had been holding on.Ivan shook his head and said in a low voice, “Then think about it, how hard did you work to get to where yo
Sandy exploded. “Eighty million? Why don’t you go rob a bank? Or better yet, see if that wrinkled old face of yours is worth anything as collateral!”Sandy was fuming.Egbert had not expected Sandy to be so vulgar. He turned back, enraged.His black eyes shot daggers like he could rip her apart on the spot. Sandy did not flinch. Instead, she lifted her chin and gave him a cold, mocking smile. “What? Are you so mad that you’re thinking about hitting me? Do you want me to remind you of the law? We have no legal ties anymore. If you so much as touch me, that’s assault. And let’s not forget, you barged into my workplace to cause a scene.”“Sandy, I don’t know what kind of twisted morals your birth mother and adoptive mother taught you, but just look at yourself now! Do you even resemble a proper human being?”Egbert was extremely disappointed in Sandy. The one thing Sandy hated most was when people brought up her birth mother and adoptive mother. Those two women were the most import
Egbert snapped at Sandy coldly. His gaze was pressing.However, that had no effect on Sandy. Her lips even curled into a mocking smile as she said, “I’m not one of your McNeil pets. That look, your words, they cannot intimidate me at all.”At the mention of “pets,” Egbert was so furious that he slammed his cane against the floor with a loud crack. “Listen to yourself! Is that any way for a lawyer to speak? Do you even understand the meaning of respect, decency, and manners? Is that how your mother raised you?”Sandy had been mean and harsh on purpose to kill whatever sliver of hope he held onto.Just as she wished, he was angered.Watching him lose his composure, Sandy even felt a flicker of satisfaction rise within her. Her mother and herself were thrown out and lived a tough life while her father stood by uselessly. Who else was to blame, if not this old man standing before her?“My mother raised me to be a decent person. She taught me never to push away what’s rightfully mine,
Thomas stated his purpose.Sandy’s reaction, however, was full of repulsion. She frowned. Even her tone was curt. “Uncle, I made it very clear about seeing him the last time we spoke. He never once considered me part of the McNeil family. If it weren’t for my mother taking me in, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Now that I’ve grown up and suddenly seem useful, he wants to claim me back? I was abandoned by the McNeil family the moment I was born. I’m not stupid enough to become a pawn for your family!”Sandy was furious.She had always treated Thomas with a certain courtesy, but at the moment, that line had clearly been crossed.Thomas, though only the messenger, could feel the weight of her resentment. “It may not be as bad as you think. If you won’t go, Dad will come find you himself.”That was the truth. Yet Sandy did not spare the old man a shred of respect. She scoffed. “He might be your dad, your head of the family, but he’s nothing to me. From the moment I was abandoned, th
Sandy was really surprised to see Ivanka. “When did you get back?”“Today,” Ivanka answered honestly.“You have quite a packed schedule for just one day.” Sandy teased her.When they had planned to take down Coco last time, Ivanka was not around. Then Michael returned. From what Sandy could tell, they were always either together or closely following each other.Ivanka did not respond to her teasing. “I’ll only be here for a day or two, then I would have to leave again.”Sandy was speechless. She rolled her eyes at Ivanka. “Are you going to become a full-time jet setter?”“She can’t help it,” Anna answered for Ivanka. Just as she finished saying that, Anna’s phone rang. It was another case to follow up on. She had to step away to take the call.Only Ivanka and Sandy remained in the office. “You look exhausted. If you keep going like this, I’m worried you’ll wear yourself out!” Sandy shook her head and expressed her concern for Ivanka. Ivanka chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that fa
When she heard what Anna said, Ivanka immediately teased. “Why, can’t I even come to the firm?”“Well, of course, you can come. You are an important partner; why can’t you come?” Anna laughed and looked at Ivanka, annoyed. Immediately after, she made a cup of tea for Ivanka.The tea was also of fine quality. She had bought it.Ivanka also remembered how she, Anna, and Sandy, the three of them, used to work hard together in the firm after she divorced Michael. Originally, she wanted to live on her own. However, one thing happened after another, and her plans got delayed. “I don’t see Sandy. Has she gone to handle cases?” Ivanka sipped a mouthful of tea, and immediately after, she asked Anna about Sandy’s whereabouts.Anna told Ivanka truthfully. “Sandy recently took over a very tricky case. She wants to make a not-guilty defense for that person. But the father of the deceased is the Groethe family, a rather prestigious family in Bostone. How could a commoner fight with a rich ki
But as time went on, things happened one after another. While they were in contact with each other, she also slowly understood Jonah’s personality.The most important thing was that Jonah was also honest with her later on.When Jonah mentioned this again, Ivanka could not help but scrutinize Jonah again.He was starting to become unhinged!“Jonah, you need to stabilize your emotions. Sometimes, when you feel impatient, you should just close your eyes and take a good rest. You should not have such emotions.”Ivanka spoke solemnly toward Jonah and advised him. When he saw Ivanka’s serious expression, Jonah instantly also realized that he had lost himself.Ivanka was not like Chiara, who could accept him losing control. If he lost control in front of Ivanka, it would affect Ivanka’s mood. That would make him courting death too! This would put a halt to all his opportunities!Jonah also realized this problem. He was very distressed. He could not even explain why his emotions had
When Ivanka said this, she pressed her hand on Jonah’s shoulder. There was no other meaning, she wanted Jonah to calm down.But this instead gave Jonah an opportunity. He grabbed Ivanka’s wrist. Then he tugged forward forcefully… Ivanka was caught off guard, and her whole body fell on top of him.He then took advantage of the situation and held Ivanka in his arms.The faint scent entered his nose, Jonah was intoxicated for a moment.But at that moment, he felt like he was waking up from a dream.Ivanka could not be so intimate with him. The sensations of touch and warmth in front of him were so real again. It was not an illusion, it was his compulsion!After realizing this, Jonah hurriedly pushed Ivanka away. He even more quickly apologized to Ivanka. “Iv, I’m sorry. I lost control. I didn’t mean to…”“I know.”Ivanka uttered softly, but her tone was cold.She knew. Neither did she blame him. But why was she using that tone, with that look on her face?“No, Iv. you’re blami
“Jonah, I don’t like you. I told you, I only see you as a friend. When I’m unwilling to do something, no amount of moral coercion would work on me.”Ivanka spoke up bluntly. She did not want Jonah to cling to something impossible.Jonah was silent.This was where Jonah and Michael were different.“Look, you still have so many things to do. By the time you remember me, we have already missed the best time. This time when you leave, did Michael go with you?” Jonah raised his eyes to meet Ivanka’s. He wanted to hear Ivanka’s answer from her mouth.Ivanka did not reply. But the look in her eyes already said it all.Her silence confirmed it all.Jonah felt that his heart grow incredibly heavy at the moment. He had a crazy thought: Was it true that if Michael died, Ivanka would be able to focus all her attention on him?However, he was an invalid and did not even have a chance to get close!“The way you treat Michael and the way you treat me has always been so different. I know. A