“The cooperation between you and Sadler’s Group that was confirmed will not be changed. However, when it comes to Willy suburbs, are you sure that Jonah can still work on the collaboration with you in the state he’s in now?”Before Ivanka could finish her sentence, Michael had already interrupted her. Ivanka was silent. Jonah had told her that Willy suburbs was a key project that Zenfield focused on. There was nothing to lose and all to gain if they could get into talks about it. If they could not get it, then no one was to be blamed for it. Ivanka said indifferently, “If we can’t get into talks for it, then we won’t. The cooperation that we can previously finalize with Sadler’s Group won’t get called off.”“Since you’re back, those people won’t acknowledge you if you don’t show off your skills.” Michael held Ivanka’s hand and refused to let go.He knew Ivanka did not want anything more to do with him, so she refused all his help.But he could not stand by and watch her g
Mostly, she was tired of pretending.At that moment, she suddenly also understood Michael’s indifference to her in the past. It was because she did not like him. The acting was tiring, too. So she simply did not play pretend.“As I said, I’m here mainly because of you. Now that we are in the beginning of getting into talks for collaborating, if you don’t want to go, then let’s not go.” Right after he said this, Michael got a chair next to Ivanka and sat down.Ivanka did not pay any attention to him.She said, “I’ll leave in another half hour.”“Well, we’ll go together.”Michael still followed her.At the same time, the dance started when the banquet was in progress. Michael had Ivanka by his side, so Chiara’s original plan could only fail.All she could do was find a seat.Ivanka happened to notice this scene. When she saw that there was no one by Chiara’s side, she smiled wryly.She got up and quickly walked over to Chiara’s side.“Ms. Levine.”Ivanka smiled slowly and
She stated clearly. “You’re not the only one in the Levine family. If the succession of the Levine family all falls on you, Ms. Levine. Then the others definitely won’t stand for it. I just thought that if I can collaborate with you, then when you achieve something from it, you can give me a hand back. If I can help you now, then of course I’ll help you. I need a friend; I think you’re suitable for the role. Would you be friends with me?”Ivanka was very sincere.Chiara did not expect that Ivanka would have thought of something like this.If she had not double-checked that there were no flaws before the banquet tonight, she would have suspected that Ivanka had already recognized her at that moment.However, the cosmetics she used were specially formulated. It was waterproof and would hold well in heat. Even the makeup artist was specially trained.Ivanka would not figure it out.However, while Ivanka had such thoughts, Chiara felt it was a good chance. However, she could not ag
Michael pursed his lips and prepared to approach them.But just as he was about to take a step forward, someone called out to him. “Mr. Barkworth.”It was a man.Michael thought it sounded familiar.When he paused, he saw Blake, who was walking up to him, and Tanya, who was not far behind.When he saw those two, Michael’s face sank slightly.But before Michael could open his mouth, Blake had already stopped in front of Michael.Blake said softly, “Why are you so serious and defensive, Mr. Barkworth? We are just meeting by chance at this banquet. We’ve seen each other so many times, so we’re not strangers, right?”Michael was indifferent. “Friend? Are you worthy of it?”The contempt in Michael’s eyes was obvious.He did not respect Blake the slightest bit. In fact, he even found Tanya and Blake annoying.Blake smiled and replied. “I know that a certain Mr. Hicks had made you unhappy before. But you know what they say, “out of blows, friendship grows.” One more friend is alw
“I have to run an errand. Give me a call when you’re finished.” Michael placed his hand on Ivanka’s shoulder, leaned in close, and whispered to her.Ivanka smiled and nodded. “Okay.”Her voice was incredibly gentle.In front of Michael, she seemed very much like a delicate woman.Chiara could not help but gasp. Had they become so intimate?She felt resentment, jealousy, and heartache. However, she had to hide it. She even had to force a look of envy. “Mrs. Barkworth, you and Mr. Barkworth have such a wonderful relationship.”“Of course, my wife deserves nothing less.” Michael smiled as he turned to leave.He said that on purpose for Chiara.Chiara understood the message perfectly. However, Michael used to hate Ivanka before. Then again, the past meant nothing.Ivanka’s voice pulled Chiara’s wandering mind back. “Ms. Levine, didn’t I just tell you? It’s all just for show.”“We have to play the part in public. If things really were perfect between us, would we have divo
With a wry smile, Ivanka looked at Chiara and said, “Honestly, I didn’t even notice. Like I said, Michael and I are just putting on a show. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. Whoever he leaves with is none of my business.”She was telling the truth. She had not even noticed Michael leaving with Tanya. Knowing Michael’s nature, he would never walk off with someone he despised and said harsh things to unless there was a reason.This was Michael they were talking about. Ivanka trusted that he could handle whatever came his way. Besides, Tanya was on his turf. She would not be able to harm him in the slightest.“Well then, are you free tomorrow, Ms. Lane?” Chiara asked carefully.Ivanka felt a thrill of satisfaction. Chiara had taken the bait!After a moment’s thought, Ivanka replied, “I have a meeting with a partner in the morning, and I’m not sure about the afternoon. Tell you what, I’ll reach out if I’m free tomorrow.”“Okay.”Chiara nodded. As Ivanka glanced down at her
Before Blake could respond, Michael grabbed him by the collar and tossed him violently aside. “You’re in no position to make demands of me!”“Michael, my people caught every bit of that on camera. And let’s not forget your little attitude problem. If you don’t agree to my terms, I’ll post it all online for everyone to see!”Despite just being thrown by Michael, Blake’s voice was loud and strong.He seemed full of confidence.Michael had only entertained this conversation because he wanted to know who was behind it all. He had even considered agreeing to Blake’s conditions if they were reasonable enough.He did not expect Blake to make such outrageous and shameless demands. He had even played him.Blake’s confidence stemmed entirely from that video. He thought he could edit it however he pleased to paint Michael in a bad light.However, Michael was not about to be intimidated by such threats.Michael snorted. “You really think these cheap tricks would rattle me in the slight
With a strained expression, Tanya looked at Michael. Her brow furrowed tightly as she said, “Whether Ivanka is clever or foolish, what grudge would the Hicks family have against her? Why would they go out of their way to kill her? Couldn’t it just as easily be someone from her past or even one of your enemies, Michael?”Michael’s eyes flashed with intensity, but Tanya stood her ground, unwavering, positioned firmly in front of Blake.Blake’s eyes widened slightly. Being defended by a woman did not make him feel humiliated. Instead, he was very touched. He thought. “Tanya really does love me!”Before Blake could react, Tanya spoke again with a cold and sharp voice.“Michael, don’t forget that from Mirvania to Bostone, you and Ivanka have been inseparable. Surely, you’ve got plenty of enemies yourself too?”Tanya aimed to divert Michael’s suspicion away from Blake and his family, hoping to protect him. With someone of Michael’s standing, he was bound to have more than a few adve
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?”
The only problem was, the bridegroom never showed up even once. During the first rehearsal, Candice was the only one who finished the whole course. Ivanka was curious, but she did not give it a second thought. She assumed the bridegroom was absent because he was tied up with something else. That night, Ivanka finally saw the so-called bridegroom. But their encounter was not a happy one. At midnight Ivanka could not fall asleep, so she planned to go out to take a walk. The moment she stepped out of the door, she ran into a drunkard. The man was in a formal suit, but his tie was hung crookedly around his neck. He occasionally hiccoughed and looked sloppy. A woman helped him by the side. They were very close, and the way they interacted with each other was flirty. They talked to each other very intimately. Ivanka saw the duo enter the room next to her. She wondered why they would drink so much during somebody else’s wedding eve. Ivanka thought they were just the wedding gues
Fondli was a third-world country. Although it was less developed, it was clean and not heavily polluted. The moment Ivanka got off the plane, she keenly sensed this. “The air is very fresh. The environment is conducive for Grandma to recuperate over here. Unfortunately, her condition wouldn’t allow her body to be exposed to wind.” Michael did not expect Ivanka to care so much about Rosie. He gave her a profound look. It was rare to see him not snort at her. He wondered if he would have stood a better chance if he had used Rosie to make Ivanka spend the night in the Barkworth family’s mansion last night.But Michael was worried that Ivanka would be mad at this suggestion. Hence, he did not bring it up. Nonetheless, Rosie had specially given an account of what he needed to do during the Fondli trip, and Michael was full of confidence. Outside the airport, Michael’s cousin arranged for them a car. The wedding ceremony was located inside the bride’s mansion on the outskirts.