After learning the true identity of the person in front of him from Ivanka, Jonah started looking at her in a different light, especially since Chiara and Ivanka were still enemies. It was even more unlikely that he would be kind to Chiara when he was on Ivanka’s side.Before Chiara could finish talking, Jonah refuted her coldly. Chiara was speechless for a moment.However, she could not very well barge in and say anything more to Jonah.But her father was also in trouble because of Ivanka. Before she built herself up properly, she could no longer use “Chiara Lane”’s identity. She could only hold on to the Willy suburbs project and grasp at Jonah.She calmed her thoughts and continued to speak to Jonah. “Mr. Sadler, you can entrust me to follow up on this project. I need this—”Jonah immediately scoffed to interrupt. His words were cold and mocking. “Does my company lack the manpower that I need to entrust tasks to you? Also, why do I have to give you what you need? What relations
Chiara took a deep breath. Her face had a guilty expression, as if she had done something wrong.Jonah did not spare her another glance. His voice was cold as he said, “The kind of person you are has nothing to do with me.”After saying that, he turned his wheelchair and left Chiara behind.To preserve her pride, Chiara had no intention of going after Jonah.Jonah wheeled himself into the room and stopped a short distance from Ivanka.Seeing the fine sweat on Ivanka’s forehead from her hard work preparing the homemade remedy, he pulled out a blue handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Ivanka. “Wipe your sweat,” he said.Hearing his gentle voice, her gaze shifted from the pot to him.Seeing him, Ivanka was surprised. “Weren’t you supposed to be discussing the Willy suburbs project with Ms. Levine?”Ivanka knew exactly why Chiara had shown up. Just moments ago, she had seen Chiara deliberately getting close to Jonah. She thought Jonah was going to toy with Chiara, but to
Jonah nodded.Before long, Ivanka finished preparing the remedy. She poured it into a bowl and set it aside. Meanwhile, her gaze inadvertently fell on Chiara, who was nearby.Chiara was seething inside. Her nemesis was right in front of her, yet she could do nothing. She could not even betray the slightest hint of her emotions. She did not dare so much as glance in their direction.Ivanka thought Chiara looked pitiful, but there was always a reason for someone’s downfall. Chiara had only ended up like this due to her own actions.The next second, her phone rang and snapped her out of her thoughts.Ivanka glanced at her phone. It was a call from Michael.She had not thought about him all day, yet there he was, calling her.She answered the call. She wanted to see what trick Michael was planning to pull again.She pursed her lips briefly before coldly asking, “What do you want?”Michael had expected her cold response when he made the call. He had prepared himself for her att
Ivanka immediately caught on.She waved her hand and called out, “Melanie, come.”From the moment Jonah had arrived at Ivanka’s side, Chiara’s gaze had lingered on them. She did not dare stare directly but had managed to piece together a rough idea of their conversation.She had expected Ivanka to call her over.Chiara maintained a smile as she approached them. Putting on an expression of mild confusion, she asked, “Iv, is there something you need from me?”“Yes, I was just telling Jonah you’re my friend, and I can’t handle the Willy suburbs project alone. Why don’t you share your ideas with Jonah?” Ivanka gently took Chiara’s hand. Her friendliness was so seamless it left no room for doubt.Chiara let out a soft “huh,” momentarily stunned. It was not an act. She really could not figure out what Ivanka was trying to do.Despite clearly testing her, Ivanka acted as if nothing was amiss. Her demeanor was so flawless it was impossible to find any faults.Ivanka tugged at Chiara’
When Jonah turned the question to her, Ivanka did not hold back. “Do you mean the shopping mall? Other targeted projects? There’s plenty that can be done. But honestly, I haven’t had time to think it all through yet. Besides, didn’t you ask me to work on those design drafts?”The mention of the drafts made Ivanka frown in frustration. She had completely forgotten to bring the latest versions again.Seeing her flustered expression, Jonah could not help but chuckle. “Didn’t you already show me the drafts last time? I thought they were perfect as they were, but here you are, setting the bar even higher for yourself!”Chiara, listening to them, did not dare interject.From what she knew, Ivanka had changed drastically since her divorce from Michael. All those hidden qualities and strengths Ivanka had once kept under wraps were now shining through.Ivanka smiled and nodded. “Well, when it comes to collaborating with you, I have to aim for perfection. So, when’s the launch event?”Th
Ivanka playfully winked at Jonah.Jonah instantly understood. She was not upset by his questioning or bothered by what might have seemed like meddling. The wink served as a reminder that they were friends, but it was also a subtle call for his help.Her business was his business. There was no way he would not help.Jonah quickly composed himself and nodded. “Since you’re meeting his cousin, I won’t insist you stay for a meal. Ms. Levine, we still have a collaboration to discuss. You should stay. Unless, of course, you have something else pressing to attend to?”Before Chiara could answer, Jonah had already shut down any excuses she could offer.Chiara was more than happy to stay. Jonah’s words made it even easier for her, but she knew better than to skip the pleasantries. “It’s not that I have something else to do. I just don’t want to impose. I wouldn’t want anyone to misunderstand us.”Jonah dismissed her concerns. “We’re discussing business, Ms. Levine. We’re just having a m
“Just grab any shirt.” Jonah gestured toward the walk-in closet in front of them.Immediately, Chiara stepped inside and picked a black shirt. When she returned, she noticed Jonah’s gaze fixed steadily on her.“Mr. Sadler, why are you looking at me like that?” His intense stare made her grip the shirt nervously.Jonah quickly averted his gaze. His voice was calm and unhurried as he said, “I just thought your silhouette resembled hers.”Chiara asked in puzzlement, “You mean Iv?”“Yes,” Jonah admitted without hesitation.Of course, he had said it on purpose.Chiara had chosen to stay behind and taken the initiative to offer him help. She was clearly signaling her interest in him. Since she had such thoughts, why could he not play along a little?Chiara lowered her head and feigned a shy demeanor. “Maybe it’s because we’re close in age, and also perhaps because you’re so deeply in love with Iv.” Jonah’s unwavering devotion to Ivanka was undeniable.It made her jealous.Why
Chiara looked up at Jonah with tears in her eyes. “But given the Levine family’s situation, I don’t have much time left…”She sobbed and tried to earn sympathy from Jonah.He did not even spare her a look. Instead, he roared at her angrily, “Get out—”Jonah only had eyes for Ivanka and absolutely despised Chiara’s cheap tricks. Initially, he had wanted to toy with her and string her along just as Ivanka had told him to.But as it seemed, he should not have allowed someone like Chiara to approach him.Chiara inhaled deeply as if she was aggrieved. She cried so hard that she choked on her breath. “Sorry for upsetting you, Mr. Sadler. But I just want you to help me out…”“It’s a shame that I’m no savior,” Jonah said coldly. Meanwhile, he directed his icy gaze toward the door and signaled her to leave.Chiara dared not say anything lest she infuriated him further.As long as Jonah was willing to collaborate with her, she would have the chance to win him over!She inhaled deeply ag
“One more thing, these are my team members. They’ve seen firsthand how you’ve tried to suppress me all the time. A little payback from them isn’t exactly unjustified, don’t you think?”Before Mandy could say anything, Candice turned to the employee and instructed firmly, “Call security. Have them escort her out of the building. Make sure she doesn’t take anything that doesn’t belong to her. Thoroughly check her devices for any company files.”Mandy completely lost her composure and started yelling.“Who do you think you are to treat me like this? You’re just riding on Ivanka’s coattails! Everyone knows how someone so young became CEO. And you? Are you sticking by her? You’re no better than… Argh!”Before Mandy could finish her tirade, Candice delivered a resounding slap across her face.Not far away, Ivanka, who had come out after hearing the commotion to see if she needed to step in, slowed her steps. While leaning casually against a nearby column, she watched Candice handle the
“I understand what you mean now.” Candice’s cheeks flushed with excitement. The gloom that had previously clouded her was swept away.Her joy was genuine. She said, “In three months’ time, I’ll secure this position and prove to you and the board that your decision was the right one.”With that, Candice stood, gave Ivanka a respectful bow, and left the office.Ivanka watched her leave with a smile.All was good.While the two of them were in good spirits, someone else’s mood was far from pleasant.Mandy returned to her office, humiliated, to pack her belongings.If she could turn back time, she might have chosen not to come at all. The shame she endured was beyond anything she could have imagined.Somehow, word of what happened in the conference room had leaked. Perhaps Ivanka had orchestrated it.When she arrived at her office, she was not surprised to see all her belongings stuffed into a tattered, broken box.The box had been placed right outside her office door. It was a
“Mr. Clarke, if you don’t like my decision and want to change it, you’ll have to take my position first to do so. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”With those words, Ivanka coolly left the meeting room.Candice, though initially taken aback by the sudden turn of events, quickly adjusted to her new role. Turning to Mandy, she said, “Ms. Cruella, please ensure your office is cleared in three days, as I will be moving in.”With that, she too left the room.After they left, the meeting room erupted into chaos, with arguments flying back and forth. However, the outcome was already sealed. Ferris was powerless to change it.Though he still had cards to play, he was not about to waste them on Mandy.Sure enough, by the afternoon, employees spotted Mandy packing her belongings and leaving in disgrace.Candice, though initially satisfied, could not help but feel uneasy. After thinking it over, she decided to speak with Ivanka. And so, at that moment, she was standing in front of the door to t
Ferris was panicking at the moment. He shot Mandy a disappointing and furious glare.It was one thing for her to embezzle funds, it was another for her to get caught.How foolish!Feeling the weight of Ferris’s gaze, Mandy instinctively lowered her head.That only made Ferris more enraged.She had caused all this trouble, and he had to clean up the mess.Ivanka ignored them and turned to the other shareholders. She sharply said, “Tell me, how can someone like her hold the position of project director in our company, yet Candice can’t even be promoted to team leader?”Mandy had been personally hired by Ferris, so Ivanka criticizing her in front of everyone was effectively a direct slap to his face.That naturally made Ferris extremely uncomfortable.His expression turned even darker.“In my opinion, it’s true Mandy shouldn’t have done that, but she’s been in this position for so long. While she doesn’t have achievements, she’s at least put in the effort. How about this, let’s
However, her smile did not reach her eyes.Mandy stood frozen. She was too scared to drink the water or take a seat. Just like that, she was ignored. The atmosphere was awkward. She could only cast a pleading glance toward Ferris for support.Ferris, who was standing near her, cleared his throat and said, “That’s right. Ms. Ivanka, Ms. Cruella is right. This isn’t in line with proper procedures.”Ivanka maintained her enigmatic smile. Her index finger tapped lightly on the table. It was impossible to guess what was going through her mind.She glanced around the room. “What do the rest of you think?”She sounded like she was seeking opinions, but the weight of her presence was intimidating. No one dared to answer.Just as Ferris was about to say something, Ivanka picked up Mandy’s report and tossed it onto the floor.It happened too fast. Everyone was stunned by her action. Even Ferris was caught off guard.Mandy’s face turned pale.“Rules are made by people. Besides, Cand
“Please start.” Ivanka nodded. Mandy glanced at Ferris and then at Ivanka. She did not dare to speak.It was obvious that she did not want to offend either side.But she had received a lot of favors being under Ferris over the years, so naturally she did not dare to disobey him.Ferris felt like he was getting the upper hand again, and he was a lot more cheerful. His expression seemed to say, “Look, this is my staff. Look at how they listen to me and not you. You’re nothing much as the chairman. Who are you here, Ivanka?”The anger from before had completely disappeared. He said calmly, “You really don’t get the hint. If Ms. Lane lets you speak, you should just speak.”Although he sounded like he was scolding her, anyone could hear from Ferris’s tone that he was not complaining. He was gloating.Some shareholders did not want to be caught up in the mess and lowered their heads.Others wanted to see where things went.In a way, he was asserting dominance over Ivanka. Everyone wa
Ivanka suggested to Candice to go home and rest.But Candice still refused.She said, “The contract will be done soon. I’ll be able to rest properly and have peace of mind sooner when it’s finalized.”Ivanka relented. She only said that if she felt discomfort in any way, she must tell her immediately.Candice nodded her head and took note.Ivanka gripped the steering wheel tightly. She felt guilty.Candice was already in such a state, but she still insisted on working. Her reason there was not only to repay Ivanka but also to realize her own self-worth.But Ferris kept getting in the way of that report.It was really upsetting.Ivanka also secretly made it a point to get the report passed on that day.The car reached the company. Ivanka went upstairs with Candice together. Ivanka also personally helped Candice to her workstation.Despite Candice’s repeated refusals, Ivanka was very insistent.She wanted to demonstrate to everyone that she had Candice’s back. If anyone wante
Ivanka noticed that the distance between the both of them were a little too close. She moved a little to the side as a form of silent resistance to Micheal’s behavior.Michael only felt lonely for a moment. But he then quickly returned to normal as if nothing had happened.“Candice hasn’t finished giving her statement yet. I know you have to keep her company today, but I don’t agree that you should just sleep here. I’ve booked a hotel in the neighborhood. In a moment, I’ll explain to the people from the police station and send the two of you there.” Ivanka seemed to be a little hesitant.Michael said, “It’s just nearby. It’s about a kilometre away. I’ve reserved two rooms. So, if we need to rush over at night, we can just come over together again. Besides, if you sleep in the lounge for the night, both of you will catch a cold.”Ivanka hesitated and finally nodded.She thanked him and turned to go into the lounge to wake Candice up.Michael’s voice called out from behind her.
The two looked at each other and spoke a name. “Ferris Clark.”“Ferris Clark.” Michael laughed first. Ivanka followed suit. “Speaking of which, it actually has something to do with me. When Candice came, everyone knew I brought her in. When she first came in because she did not have any experience, she was only offered a position as an intern team leader. She thought that she would be transferred to a permanent position after she did a good job. But her report never passed after that. It was stuck in Ferris’s hands. “I will go to the board of directors tomorrow and continue to submit the report. This time it will have to be passed no matter what. I will also take the opportunity to find an excuse to test Ferris. If it’s really him…” Ivanka did not finish speaking, but the ferocity in her eyes made Michael silently pray for Ferris in his heart.Ivanka changed her tone. “But if it’s not someone from Bostone, then we have to consider someone else.”The tacit understanding betwe