It was only after all the guests had left that Ivanka looked at Rosie. “Grandma, I’m leaving.”Rosie was reluctant to let her go, but she nodded helplessly. “Okay, good bye.”“Okay, I’ll come over and pick you up tomorrow.” Ivanka smiled faintly when she saw the reluctance in her grandmother’s eyes.Rosie smiled and nodded. When she saw Michael standing still at the side, she really felt like kicking him!“Why don’t you send Ivanka back? Do you want a girl like her to leave alone?”Michael became aggravated. “Grandma!”Ivanka’s expression changed as well, and she quickly said, “No, Grandma. My friends are waiting for me outside. I’ll go back with them.”“Friends?” Rosie was doubtful.“Yes, they’re Sandy and Anna. Grandma, I’m leaving,” Ivanka immediately said.She did not wait for Rosie’s reply any longer. Remembering that her shoes were from Michael, she stopped walking for a while, but she quickly resumed her steps.Her previous high heels broke because of him, so it was on
Ivanka chuckled helplessly. “I probably didn’t think it through at that time. I just wanted Grandma to get her mind off of it as soon as possible.”Soon, the songs that Sandy selected started playing. She walked to the couch and sat down before she distributed the beer that Hanson had opened. “Come on, let’s drink! We’re not leaving without getting drunk! Our success today has been great! We’re celebrating for Ivanka!”“Cheers!”They were in high spirits. However, after drinking for a while, Hanson could not help but look at Ivanka and softly ask, “Ivanka, what happened to your shoes today?”Ivanka was stunned. She hesitated for a moment and gently said, “I used too much force in my step, and that caused the heel to break. I didn’t have my phone with me at the time, so I couldn’t contact you. Grandma noticed that I had been gone for a long time, so she forced Michael to go and look for me. It then led to the situation that happened later.”Ivanka was still wearing the crystal high
Lyla took a deep breath. “Mrs. Barkworth called me just now. She said that Rosie is fine. She even mentioned that she would send someone to check on you and that she doesn’t mind it.”Chiara gritted her teeth. “So what if she doesn’t mind? Everyone thinks that I’m a hypocrite and that I faked my relationship with Ivanka. She reminded me kindly, but I was ungrateful. I even tried to outshine her. How can I clarify all of this?”The good image that she had maintained for many years had gone down the drain! She had been exposed!“Michael didn’t defend me at all today. He just looked on with a cold gaze. He doesn’t like me, so how can I shamelessly approach him again? If this happens, what will the people in our circle say about me next?”Lyla immediately spoke in a deep voice, “The Lane family has a high status, and nobody really dares to insult you. Chiara, no matter what happens to your image, you have to try and marry Michael. We’re business people, and we gather for profit. Regard
Sandy swung a beer bottle in her hand as she danced, and Anna laughed without a care.Ivanka was also a little tipsy. She leaned back on the couch while she massaged her forehead with one hand.The only sober person in the room was Hanson.He slowly got close to Ivanka and handed her a glass of water before he took away her wine glass. “Stop drinking, or else your headache will get worse.”Ivanka opened her eyes slightly. Since she had been drinking, her face was a little more flushed now. “Okay,” she said with a smile.She had a lot to drink, but she remained lucid.A while later, she slowly got up. “I’m going to the restroom.”Hanson did not respond. However, Sandy had just entered the restroom, and the door was still closed. Therefore, Ivanka walked out.Hanson frowned slightly. “Ivanka.”“Don’t worry, I’m not that drunk. I just drank some beer.”Ivanka only had a slight headache, and she could still walk firmly. Even so, Hanson continued to frown because he was worried.
Jonah glanced at him before he led him to an empty private room. Only then did his assistant talk about the incident at Rosie’s birthday party in detail.Jonah narrowed his eyes slightly and did not speak immediately after.His assistant explained things in a comprehensive manner because he was afraid of missing certain points. Besides, he dared not analyze the situation on his own, so he just told Jonah the truth.Jonah chuckled. “Michael doesn’t think that he can still get her back, does he?”His assistant was a little surprised. “Michael wants to get Ms. Lane back? How can that be? He’s been very indifferent, if not hateful, toward her.”Jonah sniggered. “With the way he is, who else can trouble him? Even if Rosie forced him into it, he could have carried Ivanka in through the backdoor. Why did he allow so many people to watch them?”After interacting with Ivanka for some time, he was sure that Ivanka had let him go completely.She would not have allowed Michael to carry her
Hanson never paid attention to her. Did she still want to persist?She was tired, but she also felt reluctant… When would Hanson give up on Ivanka and turn back to look at her?“So, haven’t you thought about giving up?” Anna could not stop herself from looking at him and asking.The driver remained silent in his seat as he drove. He never dared to listen to his boss’ personal matters.Gloominess crossed Hanson’s eyes, and he subconsciously looked askance at Anna. “Anna, do you have someone in mind?” He smiled helplessly.Anna’s heart trembled, and her face froze. She did not know how to respond.Hanson had no intention of waiting for her reply either. Instead, he just said, “I haven’t liked Ivanka for a mere day or two. Protecting her has become an instinct for me. All these years, I’ve been too afraid to even hope that she’ll be with me, but… if she’s willing, I’ll definitely care for her with all my heart and never let her suffer.”Anna’s expression grew increasingly conflic
“I’ll be off now.”That was all Anna said. She had thousands of things to tell the man, but she could not say them out loud.Hanson smiled and nodded. “Let me send you to your door.”“No need. We’re already at the yard. Why do you have to send me? It’s really late. You should go back early and rest.”Hanson did not insist either and just nodded. He only asked his driver to drive away after he made sure that Anna had entered her home.Meanwhile, Anna felt slightly heartbroken as she saw the car’s headlights slowly fade away through her window.He was such a warm person. How great would it be if he was willing to give her a chance? She was willing to be with him forever.Not only did Ivanka not like him, but she had also suffered emotional turmoil. She did not want to be in a relationship anymore. Would Hanson want to guard her his entire life?Anna’s tears seemed to flow even more.When Anna’s mother, Leah, came downstairs, she saw her daughter standing at the entrance of the l
After she washed up, she saw the dark circles around her eyes. She immediately put on some foundation so that she did not look too miserable.Besides, she was going to visit St. John Cathedral. She did not want to put on heavy makeup.She drove all the way to the Barkworth family’s mansion. After she entered the living room, she saw that Rosie was dressed up and sitting on the couch. She appeared to be in good spirits as Ivanka smiled faintly. “Grandma, we can leave now.” Rosie smiled and nodded. “Wait a little longer, girl.”Ivanka was a little puzzled. “Grandma, what’s the matter?”“We’re waiting for someone.” Rosie pretended to be mysterious, and it confused Ivanka.However, before she could think about it in depth, she heard the sounds of a car coming from outside. She looked over automatically as Rosie spoke with excitement, “Let’s go now!”She got up, held Ivanka’s hand, and walked outside.When they got out, they saw Michael sitting in the driver’s seat. He did not inte
Ivanka sneered and thought to herself. “So this is why the fox is suddenly acting friendly toward the hen. Now their intentions are clear.”Mandy, seizing the moment, raised her glass of red wine. Apologizing was not easy for her, but she convinced herself that everything would return to her favor by the end of the night.She forced herself to say it. “Ms. Ivanka, I was out of line before. Let me toast to you. I hope we can put our past grievances behind us. You’re magnanimous. Please forgive me.”Perhaps imagining Ivanka’s downfall later tonight, Mandy’s lips curled into a smile. It carried just enough of an impression of sincerity to make her words seem genuine.Ivanka smiled and said, “Sure. If you want to come back, just go through the interview process. I won’t stand in your way. But whether or not you can return to the company will depend on your own abilities.”Ferris and Mandy’s faces immediately darkened.Ivanka clearly understood they were asking for Mandy’s reinstateme
Michael had just stepped out of the restroom. To get back into the event, he either needed to take the direct route or make a long detour around half the venue.And yet, this woman was shamelessly occupying the passageway. She seemed completely at ease with inconveniencing others.Mandy flushed, not from coyness, but from sheer embarrassment.Thinking back to her earlier assumptions and behavior, she wished she could disappear into the floor.She whispered, “Sorry,” before stepping aside to clear the way.Michael said nothing, but the disdain in his gaze cut deeper than any words could.Mandy watched as Michael walked straight toward Ivanka.Even when Ivanka was not speaking to him, Michael simply stayed quietly by her side.The sight made Mandy’s grip on her wine glass tighten abruptly. Her eyes flashed with intense jealousy.Her emotions, too intense to contain, did not go unnoticed by Ferris.When Mandy snapped out of her thoughts, she realized Ferris was staring directly
Mandy’s once-beautiful makeup was smudged beyond recognition. It was as embarrassing as it could get.They had planned to sneak away unnoticed and find a room to freshen up.Actually, the crowd was immersed in the joyous atmosphere. No one seemed to notice them.However, Candice, always sharp-eyed, spotted them immediately.After Ivanka finished speaking, it was Candice’s turn to address the crowd.She smiled as she stepped onto the stage. She took the microphone and began by expressing her gratitude to Ivanka. Then, feigning surprise, she looked toward the back of the crowd. “Mr. Clark, Ms. Cruella, what happened to you? Why are you in such a state?”The crowd turned to follow her gaze and spot the disheveled duo.At that moment, Mandy wanted nothing more than to strangle Candice.To make matters worse, the lighting technician, mistaking them for special guests, spotlighted them.It threw their embarrassing state into full view.If not for the inappropriate setting, Mandy mi
All eyes around them focused on the pair.Michael caught sight of the dejected young man walking away from the corner of his eye. A triumphant smirk played on his lips. He exuded the air of a victor and gave a gentlemanly bow.“Ms. Ivanka, may I have the honor of this opening dance?”Ivanka smiled. She felt a mix of exasperation and genuine amusement.Slowly, she placed her hand in Michael’s and prompted a wave of cheers and applause from the crowd.As the music began, everyone paused. Their attention was drawn to Ivanka and Michael on the dance floor.Under the crowd’s gaze, neither showed a hint of nervousness.When Michael advanced, Ivanka retreated; when Ivanka moved forward, Michael stepped back. Their movements were fluid and perfectly in sync.Ivanka’s dance was mesmerizing. Her every gesture and motion carried an elegance uniquely her own.When the music swelled and her red dress twirled through the air, she looked utterly stunning.The spotlight tracked their every m
Ivanka glanced at him. She did not say anything and walked ahead on her own.Everyone else had already landed except for two people, Ferris and Mandy.Central Island was massive. Ivanka had just chartered the whole island up.When they landed, it was 6 p.m. Ivanka brought everyone to the dining area after they had fun for a while until 6:30 p.m.The dining area was a buffet-styled ball.Food was on both sides, with plenty of cold cuts, charcuterie and fresh produce. They were all very fresh too.In the center was the dance floor.Everyone could invite their desired dance partner to dance with them here.Ivanka sat by the side as she watched the men and women on the dance floor. She drank quietly by herself.A man approached with a glass of wine.Ivanka noticed and looked back at him.The man gave a slight greeting toward Ivanka and sat down next to her right after. However, he kept a respectable social distance between them so that Ivanka would not be able to plan anything.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Clark. I was busy just now and did not receive your call. Ms. Lane is still socializing, and she can’t leave. Her phone is with me.”Ferris kept his anger down and asked, “I’m asking you this now. What do we do now?”Candice said unhurriedly, “Here’s the situation, Mr. Clark. Ms. Lane took into consideration that it would be unsafe to land after dark. So, she set the time to be 4 p.m. on the dot. The both of you were late. But out of sentiment, Ms. Lane has prepared a separate boat for you. As to whether you two want to come or not, it’s all up to you.”After saying that, Candice directly hung up the phone.At that exact moment, a man in a fisherman’s attire approached.When he walked in, Mandy raised and pinched her nose.The fisherman looked embarrassed but remembered his purpose and asked, “Are you Mr. Ferris Clark and Ms. Mandy Cruella?” Mandy refused to speak. Ferris tidied his suit while almost humming a syllable from out of his nose.The fisherman said,
Ivanka was silent.Michael suddenly remembered something and said, “In fact, you are not much older than Candice. She can cry when things happen, and she can be afraid. And you… don’t need to force yourself to hold on.”Michael was trying to say that he had Ivanka’s back. But in the end, he could not say it.Ivanka smiled. It had a hint of mockery in it, but was beautiful and eye-catching.Compared to her, the blue sea instantly seemed to lose its color and became a backdrop to frame her beauty. “I’m not forcing myself to hold on. I simply am unaffected.”With that said, Ivanka left and began greeting everyone.One by one, people boarded the ship. By 4 p.m., almost everyone was here. Most of them were relatively punctual.Ferris and Mandy were exceptions.Candice had just come out of the captain’s room. She walked through the crowd with rushed steps and found Ivanka in a hurry.She said, “The captain asked if we should set sail now. If we keep staying, he’s afraid we won’t
For once, Michael did not listen and slow down. He stepped on the gas pedal.The car did not stop until they reached the dock.Ivanka glared at him. She said nothing and did not rush to get out of the car. But it was clear that she was angry.Michael looked at Ivanka being all puffed up from anger and could not help but feel a little amused. Just as he reached out his hand to rub her hair, Ivanka dodged it.Michael’s hand froze in mid-air.He resentfully withdrew his hand and apologized, “I saw that people are already arriving one after another. If people saw you getting off halfway, it would seem even more suspicious, right? It’s better to be graceful and alight at the pier together. No one will overthink or ask too many questions.”Ivanka still did not answer. However, her expression was not as cold as before, at least it softened quite a bit.Her glare was not as cold as before either. Ivanka unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car.Michael also followed right after
It was from Michael.[How long till the celebration banquet? Don’t forget to invite your benefactor.]Ivanka looked at her cell phone and snorted.If word got out that the great Michael Barkworth cared so much about a spot on a luxury cruise, people would laugh at him. She wanted to tease him for a bit.[We forgot about you. There are no more spots.]He did not reply for a long while. Just when Ivanka thought he would not reply, Michael sent a message.[What? Really? That’s too bad. Then you’ll need to compensate me privately.]For some reason, Ivanka could not stop thinking back to that kiss…Ivanka shook her head as she tried to shake those unrealistic thoughts out of her head.In the end, she sent it over.[Saturday night, 4 p.m., Freshbrooke Pier, The Duchess.]Immediately after that, she did not look at her phone and set it aside.Time passed by rather quickly. Before she knew it, it was Saturday.It was rare for Ivanka to stay home and not go to the company.Natur