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
Chiara dressed herself meticulously before she went out.Last night, she had been thinking about how she would greet Rosie today. She even drafted out her speech on her way in the car because she was afraid that she would mess it up later.However, she did not see Rosie when she arrived at the Barkworth family’s mansion. She looked at Harvey in puzzlement.“Harvey, is Grandma not around?”Harvey nodded. “Yes.”Chiara was surprised. “It’s so early. Where did Grandma go?”“Young Master Michael came to pick Mdm. Barkworth early this morning. They went to St. John Cathedral with Ms. Ivanka Lane,” Harvey answered honestly.“St. John Cathedral?” Chiara appeared completely stunned. Why were the three of them visiting that place all of a sudden?Also, why did Michael pick Rosie up? Why did that b*tch, Ivanka, go along?Harvey nodded as usual, but he did not explain.Chiara took a deep breath and tried to control her emotions. She looked at Harvey with a smile and said, “So… Mr. Harve
Margaret had always wanted a daughter-in-law. Besides, the girl had to come from a wealthy family. Jonah had done so according to her will and took Chiara home, but Margaret refused to accept her. “I want a genuine couple relationship. What are you guys doing now?” Margaret’s expression was dark and cool. She took a step toward Jonah and did not even glance at Chiara. Chiara knew it was better to fall silent at that moment. Jonah said calmly, “We’re in a genuine relationship. She needs a husband. I need a wife. Would our union cast any doubt?” Melanie had just reunited with her family. Her family did not favor her, and she had to be hidden behind the scenes all the time. As for Jonah, he was a cripple who was bound to a wheelchair. He believed no one would object to the two of them getting together. On top of that, he was just using Chiara. “Indeed, no one will doubt your relationship. But I know what you’re thinking. I don’t mind the fact that you’re using her to stop
Sandy pushed Ivan away. But she still held his flowers in her arms. It was a bouquet of pink roses. Pink was her favorite color. The bag he gave to her contained her favorite food. Ivan had put in extra effort. “Think about it carefully. I’ll come again tomorrow.” Right after Ivan finished his sentence, he turned around. Looking at his gifts, Sandy felt a surge of indescribable bitterness in her heart. She did not throw his gifts away. After all, Ivan gave them to her out of his kind gesture. Sandy carried the gifts back to the office. Anna instantly spotted her. Anna raised one of her eyebrows and chuckled. “Did Young Master Ivan give them to you?” Sandy only had Ivan as her male friend. She did not deny it. Nonetheless, Anna noticed Sandy’s dull expression. Anna hesitated first before asking, “Is there any problem between you and Ivan? You don’t look happy. Is your family objecting to your relationship with him?” Sandy and Ivan had always been a quarrelsome but lo
Sandy fell silent. She looked resigned and replied to Ivan honestly, “I can’t possibly allow you to pester me for the rest of my life. My family is urging me to get married soon. With you pestering me, I think I should marry somebody else to end all this once and for all.” “Do you think I would allow that to happen?” While saying this, Ivan took a step forward. His expression darkened. He exuded an intense sense of hostility like the most horrifying creature emerging from hell. Ivan’s murderous look seemed to state that he would go to the extent of stealing the bride at Sandy’s wedding ceremony if he was not the bridegroom that day. On top of that, he gave an impression as though Sandy would either be his bride or a ghost bride. Seeing Ivan in his current demeanor, Sandy did not know if she should laugh or cry. Prior to that, she was worried that Ivan was just using her. At that moment, she finally realized the disparity of status between them. Ivanka had always believed that m
In the past, Ivan did not understand the conflicts between his parents. He thought his mother had been so cruel that she cheated on his father and abandoned him. Later, Ivan learned his mother had not been the one at fault. So, a heartless sc*m like his father was not in the position to rebuke him. If not for his parents, Ivan would not have let himself go wild and had so many girlfriends. Reuben York sounded indifferent. He made himself clear by saying, “You should, at least, marry someone with a clean background and whose parents are still around so that they could assist you—” “Does that mean I need to accept an arranged marriage by you? I’m not your only child, you can instill your way of thinking on your other children!” Right after Ivan finished his sentence, he hung up. His expression turned dark. The next moment, he accelerated the speed of his car. He carried a bouquet of flowers and Sandy’s favorite food when he showed up in front of her. For a moment, Sandy was
Ivan had not lived with his mother for a long time. Meanwhile, Sandy was her adopted daughter and the direct heir to her estate. Legally, the necklace could be considered part of that inheritance.Following that logic, Ivan had no right to speak on the matter.But to him, Sandy was just an adopted daughter. He was the biological son. Their separation had been caused by a misunderstanding. Since the truth was out, it was only natural for him to take back his mother’s belongings.If things went to court, it would be a battle between them. Both had an equal claim.By blood, Ivan had an undeniable advantage.From the way he spoke, Sandy could hear his confidence and condescension. She knew exactly what he was implying. He was prepared to fight her for the inheritance. But things had not escalated to that point yet.Even if they did, she had no fear of going to court with him. In fact, she was ready to fight.“Ivan, Mom left it to me. She never said it was for you. Whatever happened
Sandy heard the same automated response as the one on Ivanka’s phone.Did that mean they had all left together?Realizing this, she did not press Candice further. Instead, she smiled casually. “It’s nothing. Get back to work. I’ll head out now.”As she turned to leave, she pulled out her phone and sent Ivanka a message.Sandy: Call me when you turn your phone back on. Just as she was about to get in her car, her uncle, Thomas, walked up to her.The moment he saw her, he frowned. “Still upset?”“Uncle, I don’t want to think or talk about it. If you’d been through what I have, you wouldn’t be trying to change my mind.”Addressing him as “Uncle” was Sandy’s way of maintaining politeness while creating emotional distance. She hoped Thomas would get the hint and back off.Thomas was caught off guard. He fell silent and was unsure how to respond.Before he could, Sandy got in her car.On her way out of the law firm, her phone rang. It was Ivan. “My baby, Sandy, where are you?”
Chiara’s tone was sharp. Her eyes darkened with determination.James noticed. So did Jonah.Jonah snapped out of his thoughts. Chiara was trying too hard to prove herself. It was clear she wanted to use him to elevate her own status.Fine. He would let her think she was winning only to watch her fall even harder.“They’re just regular people. They aren’t worth your energy,” Jonah said. “Let’s go home and see my mom first. Tomorrow, I’ll visit yours.” He had already made all the arrangements.Chiara had no objections.Even so, she sent Katiana a message.Katiana replied right away.Katiana: Since he’s coming, I’ll gather the whole family. You’ve finally brought some honor to us. Just do your part, and I’ll handle everything else.Chiara was not surprised that Katiana would invite the entire Levine family. As the second daughter of the Levine family, she had always been under scrutiny. Katiana had pinned all her hopes on her. Katiana wanted her to make a name for herself and sec
Eleanor narrowed her eyes coldly. Her patience was wearing thin. She never kept useless pawns. Until a job was done, no one slipped from her control.Chiara sensed the threat in her tone. Panic surged through her as she rushed to explain. “No, Boss. That’s not what I meant. I was just updating you on my progress. With Jonah, I can carry out your orders more efficiently. I would never betray you, I swear.”Her voice trembled. She was genuinely terrified.Her rewritten identity as the second daughter of the Levine family, along with her top-tier disguise skills, voice changer, and first-hand access to Ivanka’s plans, proved that the person backing her had serious influence.Crossing Eleanor meant sealing her fate.She had worked too hard to secure her new life. Even though she knew Jonah was using her, being connected to him still had value. If she died, everything she had done to secure her position would be for nothing.She refused to die.“Good. Get me results. Fast. I don’t ke
Michael’s piercing gaze stayed locked on Ivanka. He was determined to get an answer.Ivanka scoffed. “What’s on my mind? From the moment you divorced me for Chiara, I saw our relationship for what it really was. You never loved me. I had to force myself to let go. Why waste time holding on to something that was never mine? I refuse to wallow in bitterness and self-pity.”Michael looked like he wanted to speak, but Ivanka cut him off. “I told you, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Stop asking the same thing over and over. It’s pointless.”Without waiting for his response, she turned and called out, “Evan, is the food ready?”“Yes, it’s coming!”Evan had been listening the whole time. Even if Ivanka had not called for him, he had already planned to bring the food out to break the tension.Once the dishes were set on the table, Michael fell silent.Ivanka immediately noticed the meal had been tailored exactly to her tastes. From the private jet to the food, Michael had put t