Unfortunately, Tanya was unreliable. Ivanka had too many people helping her.Chiara knew she could not refuse her boss’s orders.She quickly called her father. “Dad, you need to wrap things up at Lane’s Group before anything happens to Ivanka.”If her backer made a move, there would not be any room for them to maneuver.However, Theodore’s response was cold and indifferent.“Why the rush? Isn’t Ivanka’s death exactly what we want? Once she’s dead, won’t it solve all our problems?”Chiara found herself momentarily at a loss for words.What Theodore said next even cut straight through Chiara’s heart like a blade.“I seriously don’t know what’s wrong with you. Do you even use your brain? You couldn’t figure this out on your own, and you had the nerve to call me about it? Thank God you’re a girl, because if you were a boy, you’d have given me a heart attack!”Chiara was silent. She felt a lump form in her throat. She could not breathe. The sting of his words left her reeling.She
Junie was frightened. Her eyes flew wide open as she stared in confusion at Theodore, who suddenly seemed like a completely different person. In an instant, her dark eyes welled up with tears.Seeing her daughter like this, Melody quickly pulled Junie into her arms and gently patted her back. “It’s okay, Junie. Don’t cry. Don’t be scared. Daddy’s on the phone. Let’s not bother him. Let’s go over there.”Melody led Junie away.Theodore pursed his lips. He knew Chiara had heard everything. He wanted to say something, but any words he could muster felt hollow at that point.Chiara broke the silence first. “People always think they can keep secrets, but the truth comes out eventually. Do you really think you can hide them forever? I just feel sorry for my mom. She took the fall for you and is now suffering in prison, and now look at you. You’ve got a whole new family and a child this grown. This is pathetic.”Chiara had known about Melody and Junie for a while. If Junie had not
Besides, even if Ivanka had enough evidence to reverse the judgment, the judiciary would not allow it.To them, it would mean that she was questioning their competency.Ivanka brought the online comments and the photos along when she visited Lyla in the prison.The moment Lyla saw Ivanka, her expression changed. There was a cold, vicious look in her dark eyes.Even so, Lyla no longer appeared as arrogant and overbearing as she used to be.As a woman herself, Ivanka merely thought that Lyla was pathetic.She dug out the photos and the online comments and showed them to Lyla. “Was your sacrifice worth it?”Lyla saw them.She had no knowledge of Theodore’s affair in the past. She had always assumed that they loved each other dearly. Otherwise, she would not have taken the fall for her husband and daughter in order to save her family.However, the truth was out, and the proof was right before her eyes.She felt as if her heart was broken into pieces!But she could not let Ivanka
Just as Lyla was about to say something, Ivanka beat her to it. “Chiara is busy preparing for her comeback with a new identity, so she has no time for you. Once you present the evidence, you’ll be out of the prison. You can even seize the opportunity to divorce Theodore and get half of his assets. But if you choose to trust him…”Ivanka deliberately said this in a drawl. In the next second, she smiled and continued, “He is heartless enough to murder his own brother. If my prediction comes true, do you think Theodore will show you mercy?”Chiara had no time for Lyla, while Theodore wanted to take back what he thought he owned and craved a son.Lyla pondered carefully and realized that Ivanka was right. If Lyla did not recant her confession and turn against Theodore, she would lose everything in the end.However, Ivanka could tell that she was hesitant and immediately said, “You don’t have to make up your mind right away. Once you have thought this through, you can ask the warden to
But Theodore did not think the scandal was a big deal. “How many wealthy men manage to stay faithful to their wives? Besides, you already know about it. Think for a second. Which one of these has the most impact on me: my reputation or my career? I know that you’re living with a new identity, and you’ll show your face in public tomorrow. But I think the best measure is to seduce Michael.”He wanted to meet up because he wanted to talk about this.He wanted Chiara to keep seducing Michael. With Michael’s help, Theodore would secure the key to success.But Chiara thought that Theodore’s plan was too rash. She did not agree with it. Without hesitation, she said, “I can’t do that. If I introduce myself as the younger daughter of the Levine family and immediately get involved with Michael, wouldn’t it be too obvious?”She clearly could not do that on the day of her reunion party.Theodore did not think the same. “So what if it’s obvious? Many people will be around. If they walk in on y
Jillian immediately seconded Thomas. “I agree with Thomas and support Ms. Lane’s decision. We will test everyone and keep the outstanding employees. After all, we all wish that the company will get better, so that we can profit from it. Who wants to invest in a business that suffers losses?”Both Jillian and Thomas were senior members among the shareholders. When they voiced their support, more and more people began to take their side.Seeing that he was losing supporters, Ferris was displeased. “I didn’t say that I disagree with her decision. Keeping the outstanding employees is the right move, but if she fires the rest, it’ll look as if we kick people out after exhausting their use. Won’t people think that we’re heartless and ungrateful?“We are running a company, and profit is our priority. However, everyone here has been through hardships with the company. Are you going to kick them out just like that?”“Did I mention kicking them out? Everyone here is experienced and well-vers
Thomas frowned. At that moment, his expression was somber and grim.Not only did Ferris not take Thomas’s question seriously, but he also retorted, “Initially, I simply voiced my opinion. Ivanka was the one who hounded me with questions. All these years, I served Lane’s Group dutifully. I’m considered her senior, am I not? But now she is making an example of me just because she wants to exert her dominance in Lane’s Group!”With that, the focus returned to Ivanka.She remained quiet.But her lips curled into a smile.Ferris noticed that. In terms of seniority, he had been in the company years before Ivanka.When it came to age, he was more than twenty years older than her.Under no circumstances did Ivanka have the right to lecture and make an example of him.Ivanka did not expect Ferris to bring in their age gap.It was rather amusing.But before she said anything, Jillian took the words right out of her mouth.Jillian said with a snort, “Are you going to flaunt your senior
Ivanka noticed the look in Ferris’ eyes.In front of so many people, she could only receive his look of disdain with grace. She even played along with a smile. “You’re right, Mr. Clark. I’m young and do have a lot to learn. How else would I run the company and lead the people?“Apart from lack of seniority, as the CEO, I also need to listen to my subordinates. Is that right?”Since Ivanka had put it that way, Ferris knew that he would seem petty if he did not say anything about it.He had no choice but to compromise. “You’re right. You may audit me, but I can’t be the only one. Thomas, Jillian and I will take the lead. Then the rest of the shareholders will be slowly audited as well.”Even though he had given in, he shifted the focus to Jillian and Thomas.If the audit began with three of them, no one else would object.Ivanka knew exactly what Ferris was thinking.But in that situation, Ivanka had to agree with him and say, “You’re right, Mr. Clark. In that case, Ms. Jillian a
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