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
Since Jonah had said so, Margaret knew better than to press the issue. Her son was grown. She could no longer control certain matters. However, before leaving, she deliberately brought up Ivanka. “You’re an adult. I can’t interfere with your plans. But let me be clear, whatever those plans are, I hope they don’t include Ivanka.”With that, Margaret turned and walked out without waiting for Jonah to respond.Chiara, who was still reveling in smug satisfaction over her earlier calculated words, lit up when she saw Margaret approach. Her face broke into a bright smile as she prepared to greet her.However, Margaret did not even glance in her direction. She ignored her completely. Chiara was a little embarrassed but knew better than to chase after Margaret.Not long after, Jonah emerged from the room in his wheelchair. Hearing the sound, Chiara quickly stepped forward and positioned herself behind him. She greeted him politely. “Mr. Sadler.”Jonah felt nothing but disdain for he
Candice was very friendly toward Ivanka.Ivanka walked over to her and took her hand. “Your gift is good enough for me. I’m just happy that you’re doing fine. Are you here for vacation or business this time?”But Candice was not convinced. “You haven’t even seen what I bought for you, Iv. How is it good enough? Are you trying to fool me?”“No.” Ivanka shook her head seriously. She said, “I know you must have put a lot of thought into it. A well-prepared gift is the best gift. Of course I would be pleased to have it.”Hearing that, Candice was finally relieved. “Phew, I’m glad you like it. I don’t know what brand you use for skincare, so I bought every one of them. As for the clothes, I shopped according to your size. I might stay here for a while this time. You’re the only person I want to hang out with.”As she spoke, she tugged at Ivanka’s hand lightly like a child. Ivanka wore a smile on her face. She genuinely saw Candice as a little sister. “What a sweet talker. You’ve come
Ivanka did not pay him any mind and got into the car. If Michael dared to chase after her again, she would most definitely kick him out of the car! She would do what she said she would!Michael did not catch up, but he blocked her with his arms wide open. His stance was clear: You can leave. But over my dead body! Ivanka could not possibly drive over Michael. But it was not a problem for Michael to keep blocking her way. Plus, she had just politely rejected his parents. So, it was even more impossible for her to turn back. Ivanka ran out of patience. She held her forehead and frowned. Michael had already drained her last bit of patience. She never imagined that Michael would actually cling to her to such an extent! How would she put it? All her positivity had been drained clean! “Michael, your parents are still at home. Aren’t you afraid they’ll see and laugh at you? I know Grandpa and Grandma are standing by our side now. It’s not like you and I haven’t been in
Ivanka would neither accept the carrot nor the stick approach. Michael had no choice but to persuade her with reason and win her over with affection. Ivanka snorted. “Have you ever given me a chance to have a meal with you before this? As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time for things to come to this state. Things might have passed for you but not for me!” Ivanka’s gaze was razor-sharp. Michael felt his heart clench up. At that moment, his throat was in so much pain that he did not know what else to say to her. Ivanka did not wait for his response. She pushed away his hand and headed out without hesitation. Michael did not stop her. Nonetheless, he went after her and followed behind her. Meanwhile, they heard the sound from the kitchen. Mindy prepared dinner in the kitchen, and Jay helped her out. They had heard their conversation. Out of courtesy, Ivanka went to the kitchen and greeted them. She said with a smile, “Uncle Jay, Aunt Mindy, I’m
Ivanka clenched her fists. Her gaze was filled with ferocity. She looked like she was really going to punch Michael. Michael noticed the anger in her eyes. But since the person was none other than Ivanka, he was willing to take the beating. He even took a step forward and held his head high. “Strike me if you want.” “You!” Ivanka glared at Michael. He truly annoyed her. She reminded herself to keep her composure. She sucked in a deep breath before saying, “Michael, I’ve treated you with respect. You’d better behave yourself.” Right after she finished the sentence, Ivanka left. Before she even took a step forward, Michael grabbed her. “My mom is preparing the dishes inside the kitchen. If you leave now, you’re not showing me any respect. Please stay around to have dinner. Even though we’re already divorced, and it’s impossible for us to get back together again, we’re still friends,” said Michael. Haha! He had been adamant. He was using the same approach to draw close
Mindy’s expression instantly darkened. “What’s with us being prejudiced against her? Had I ever targeted her when she married Michael from the beginning? “She knew how well Rosie had treated her. It’s her own fault for failing to bond with Mic. How could you blame us?” Mindy had always disliked Ivanka. She believed Samuel’s intervention had been the reason for their marriage. It was an arranged marriage. There was no need for the Barkworth’s family to have an arranged marriage. At the end of the day, it was all up to Samuel to choose the bride for Michael. Ever since Ivanka married Michael, aside from the deliberate arrangements, they had hardly shown up together as a couple in public. Mindy did not have any particularly hard feelings for Ivanka. She believed the two would live happily together after getting married. After they divorced, Mindy thought Michael could start all over again. But she did not expect to see their current relationship was no different from when they
It was Jay and Mindy. When Ivanka saw them, a thought came across her mind. She took out a syringe and inserted it into Michael’s arm to unmute him. Michael felt like he had been stung by a bee. It was as though he had been put in jail, only to be freed all of a sudden. Ivanka took away the syringe and gave him a glance with displeasure. “Get out of the car now. Your parents are here—” “Aren’t you entering the house?” Before Ivanka finished her sentence, Michael interrupted her. When he looked at her, his eyes were filled with sincerity and seriousness. But Ivanka rejected him coldly. “Quick! Get out of the car! I’m not joking with you. Get out now!” “Let’s go in together. After all, you’re already here. Are you worried about seeing them?” Michael was undaunted by her emotions and tone. Instead, he stretched out his hand to try to grab Ivanka. Nonetheless, she avoided him with ease. Meanwhile, Jay and Mindy saw them. They walked over to them. Mindy glanced at th
It was no wonder Jonah asked for so many details. All these were facts.Ivanka did not avoid answering his questions. She gave a light smile. “The longest will be half a year.”If the treatment was ineffective after half a year, she would go to Silvania with Vincent.After all, it was not just about her.Upon learning of Ivanka’s decision, Jonah smiled wryly. “Iv, I don’t think it’s an easy feat to treat my legs. How about you go and deal with your stuff first? You can always treat my legs afterward.”Ivanka initially planned to do it that way. But George, Florence, and Margaret had interrupted her plan.Since she had returned to Bostone, why was there a need to travel back and forth again?She might as well treat Jonah’s legs.Besides, Vincent had informed her that it would be highly uncertain whether they could still return to their home country after arriving at Silvania.Ivanka said, “No. I don’t want to make so many trips. I’ll treat your legs for half a year and see if i
It was not an overstatement to say Michael was crossing the line. Nonetheless, Ivanka could not just sit there and watch the two men get into a conflict. Hence, Ivanka pulled Michael to the side and glanced at him. “If you don’t want to be kicked out, you’d better wait here.” But Michael was undaunted by Jonah. Although Jonah had the power to rebuke him in his own territory, Michael refused to allow Jonah to get the upper hand. Ivanka saw the determination in Michael’s eyes. She was very worried that the two might get into a fight. She quickly pulled him back. “Stop making me worry about you. Just wait here! If you dare to come after me, I’ll…” Although she did not finish her sentence, her intention was clear enough. If Michael disobeyed her, she would make him a statue! Understanding this, Michael did not follow Ivanka. But when Jonah turned around and left, the provocation in his eyes was evident. Still, Michael listened to Ivanka. He did not want to offend her. He
Jonah narrowed his eyes while questioning Michael. Still, Michael did not respond to him. Ivanka pursed her lips. She looked displeased when she answered Jonah, “Jonah, there’s no need to speak so harshly. Do you still want me to treat your legs?” She had temporarily made Michael mute. She did that to stop Michael from talking endlessly about those things. Nonetheless, he had still insisted on coming along with her, only to end up being targeted by Jonah. Ivanka had no intention of making Michael mute in front of Jonah. Upon hearing Ivanka’s words, Jonah looked at where she currently stood. She stood in front of Michael. It looked like she was trying to protect him more. As the saying went, true love was portrayed in hard times. This saying was true indeed. It was true that Ivanka cared about Michael. Jonah said gently to Ivanka, “I want you to treat my legs, and I only speak harshly to specific people. I already showed him much respect when he barged into my terri
Michael remained resolute.Ivanka rolled her eyes. “Then stay stubborn. I’ll only fix it when you stop pushing me away.”After she was done speaking, she turned to leave.Michael followed.He even opened the passenger door and got in her car. He was determined to follow her.But Ivanka would not go easy on him.Once inside, she warned him coldly, “Not being able to speak is harder than you think. Follow if you want. Michael, are you sure about this?”Even after her warning, he kept staring straight ahead.She said nothing more and started the engine.Within half an hour, she arrived at Jonah’s mansion.Jonah came out to greet her personally. The moment Ivanka parked the car, Jonah immediately spotted Michael in the passenger seat.The sight of him stirred up bitterness in Jonah. Yet there was nothing he could do.Before Ivanka exited the car, she said to Michael, “Wait here.”Without glancing at him, she walked straight toward Jonah.Her attitude made Michael decide t