On the cruise, Mandy was a little shocked when she saw Michael leap into the sea. She wanted to save him and tossed a lifebuoy off the deck.It was attached to a rope, which meant that if Mandy pulled it, Michael would be dragged onto the cruise.But Michael wanted to save Ivanka, so he put the lifebuoy on her.Mandy hesitated.Ferris had told Mandy that Ivanka knew how to swim. Therefore, Mandy had not intended to let her drown. Of course, it would be ideal if Ivanka drowned. But even if she survived, it would have been a humiliating experience for her.However, Ivanka suddenly had a cramp for some reason and almost drowned in the sea.Seeing that, Mandy thought that she lucked out.Who would have thought that Michael would show up and ruin her plan?“Pull her up!” Michael held onto the lifebuoy and shouted at the people on the cruise.Deep down, Mandy was conflicted.But the commotion had drawn some people from other parts of the cruise.Hearing their approaching footste
The sea’s surface glistened under the moonlight, but Ivanka was nowhere to be found.As Mandy heaved a sigh of relief, she also lamented Michael’s death.He was an outstanding man. It was a shame that he had to die.She had no choice.There was a determined look in Mandy’s eyes. Anyone who stood in her way must die!Once everyone recovered from the shock, the man who invited Ivanka to dance wanted to jump off the deck to search for her.But Ferris stopped him.He stood before the crowd and said righteously, “I know everyone is worried about Ms. Ivanka. I’m also concerned. But now that she is absent, I have the obligation to watch out for everyone’s safety. It’s best to call the cops once we reach the shore.”Hearing what he said, everyone else could not refute him.Candice had been stunned earlier on. But after she came to her senses, she wanted to leap off the cruise.Everyone screamed.But somebody stopped her.It was Mandy.Mandy grabbed Candice in her arms, and they bo
Hearing that, the waitress nodded eagerly.Zenith wanted to protest, but Ferris cut him off.“Alright, it’s not the time to argue about this. Let’s see what’s the deal with the message Ivanka had mentioned.”Mandy obliged. With a smug smile on her face, she held up Candice’s phone for everyone to see.The text message sent to Ivanka from Candice’s phone was shown on the screen.“Both witness and evidence point to you, Candice. What do you have to say for yourself?”Ferris was secretly relieved.Due to Ivanka’s disappearance and Candice’s grief, everything went smoothly and was according to plan.Ferris immediately ordered others to tie Candice up and throw her into the cabin.Throughout the whole process, Candice did not struggle or argue with them.“Everyone else will head back to their room immediately. You’re not allowed to discuss this matter further. I have called the cops. Once we reach the port, the police will step in.”The others were reluctant to follow his order,
Michael paused. Even at that moment, he could still remember how anxious and horrified he had been when Ivanka had fallen into the sea and nearly drowned in the cold water.Fortunately, he had managed to save her in time.Michael shut his eyes. When he opened them again, clarity had returned to his eyes.He said, “Later on, you fainted. We both drifted to this place, where the locals saved us. You drank a lot of seawater and hurt your throat, so you need time to recover. This medicine is for your throat. It was a local remedy made from herbs.”As he spoke, he picked up the medicine and wanted to feed Ivanka.But she shook her head and turned him down.She reached out to take the medicine. “I’ll take it myself.”Since she had said that, Michael did not protest, but a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.The medicine tasted very bitter as Ivanka ingested it.Herbal medicine tended to be more bitter than pills. Even Ivanka frowned as she swallowed it.Perhaps the medicine
Just like that, Ivanka rested in the hut for three more days.Throughout that time, Michael was the one who brought her food and medicine.She was not sure how the remedy was made. It was very helpful regardless.Her throat slowly recovered everyday, and her body gradually regained its strength.But Ivanka realized that Michael always had some strange wounds on his body.He kept them covered at all times and refused to let her examine them.When Ivanka asked about the injuries, he would evade her questions.But the situation only lasted two days. His condition improved on the third day.On the fourth day, Ivanka stretched and said as she looked out the window, “It’s sunny today. Let’s go out for a walk.”Michael paused, but he did not say no to her suggestion.When they left the hut, they ran into an old lady.The old lady had a milkmaid’s yoke on her shoulders. She must have just collected water from somewhere.Seeing Michael, she greeted him warmly.Ivanka looked at him
Ivanka pointed to the house and turned to Michael. She asked, “Why is that house different from others?”Michael glanced at the house and snorted coldly.“It’s the village chief’s home.”Ivanka could tell he disliked the village chief, but since he did not elaborate, she naturally refrained from delving into this subject. She nodded, and the two kept on strolling.It was afternoon. One after another, more people left their houses to work.Even from behind, Michael and Ivanka looked like a match made in heaven.People started discussing this matter among themselves.“Are they the outsiders Mdm. Wright found the other day?”“Yeah, the lady is drop-dead gorgeous. I want her to marry my son.”“You wish! She and her man look so good together. Besides, Mdm. Wright has a son herself. You won’t stand a chance!”“Hey, stop running your mouths. Don’t forget that…”Before the person even finished, a shrill voice rang out. “Look good together?”Everyone looked toward the source of th
Even Anais, who hated her, had to admit that Ivanka was beautiful.Her beauty was unlike anything seen around here. It was rare, extraordinary, and one in a million.Ivanka casually took Michael’s hand, which made him grin. He tightened his grip on hers when he realized what she was doing.Ivanka looked straight at Anais and said, “Well, like this.”Anais became livid. She snapped her whip, and the sharp crack echoed through the air.Neither Ivanka nor Michael flinched. Both stood tall. They were unshaken and defiant.Anais raised the whip again and aimed it at Ivanka. The crowd tensed, and many shut their eyes. They were unwilling to witness the young, beautiful woman being hurt.Just before the whip struck, Michael caught it.Blood began dripping from his hand as it soaked through his fingers.Anais tried to yank the whip back, but Michael held on firmly. He refused to let her strike Ivanka again.Anais looked at him with a mix of hurt and disbelief. It was as if Michael wa
After Ivanka left, everyone began discussing the incident.“Did Ivanka really just stand up to Anais?”“Looks like it.”“I was so nervous for her. I thought Anais was going to lose it and attack her. But after what happened, the village chief probably won’t let them off easily.”“Who knows? Let’s just hope they’ll be okay.”Ivanka was not concerned about how her words might have shaken Anais or what others were saying. She focused on supporting Michael as they returned to the straw hut.On the way, Michael leaned against her, using his injuries as an excuse for his difficulty walking.Despite his efforts to lighten the load, Ivanka still found it physically tiring to support his five-foot-eleven frame.She said exasperatedly, “You hurt your hand, not your legs. Do you really need to lean on me like this?”Michael did not retort. He merely muttered something about how badly he was injured.Ivanka sighed but did not say more. She continued to support him as best as she could.
By the time Ivanka and Michael got off the plane at Mirvania, it was already 9 p.m. Before boarding the plane, Ivanka had WhatsApped Vincent. Therefore, the moment they got off the plane, Vincent had Njord to pick them up. They saw Njord immediately after getting off the plane. The moment Njord spotted Michael behind Ivanka, his expression instantly turned black. Njord recalled how Michael had schemed him before this. “Why are you coming with Ms. Lane? Ms. Lane, have you hired him as your bodyguard?” Njord cussed at Michael before asking Ivanka. Ivanka was aware of the grudges between Njord and Michael. But since Njord came with a group of people, Ivanka looked solemn and rebuked him, “He’s my friend. Njord, you can’t say that to him.” “Ms. Lane, if he’s truly your friend, I’ll naturally show him my respect. But the truth is, after being with you for such a long time at the casino, how can a person like him be considered your friend?” Njord said without hesitation when ment
“Got it.” Chiara behaved submissively in front of Jonah. Jonah swept her a cool glance and did not reply to her. Their meeting with Margaret had ended up unhappily. Little did they know that right after Chiara left, Laura came. Compared to Chiara, Laura, at least, genuinely loved Jonah, and Margaret knew it. In the past, Margaret did not entertain her. This time, she allowed Laura to enter the house. This gave Laura false hope. She asked, “Aunt Margaret, are you willing to accept me?” “To be frank with you, if not for the fact of Jonah’s current condition, I wouldn’t have accepted you. I’ve only allowed you to enter the house because I’ve some questions for you.” Margaret spoke without hesitation. Her tone was cold. Laura looked at Margaret in puzzlement. “Aunt Margaret, what do you want to ask me?” Laura’s gaze was filled with expectancy. Margaret pursed her lips. Then she said coolly, “You’ve fallen head over heels for Jonah, haven’t you? Since you love him, could
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