The next day, Candice saw Jimothy working at the company.He wore a suit. It sharply contrasted how flustered he had looked when the gangsters were after him. He seemed immaculate with not a hair out of place.Compared to how he used to look, he appeared more like a working man rather than a fresh graduate.“Morning,” Candice greeted him as she passed by. Jimothy responded in a low voice that only the two of them could hear.Candice smiled and left.Jimothy kept staring at her retreating back for no apparent reason.…Ivanka was at home. Perhaps it had been a while since she drank freely and relaxed. She ended up sleeping in. By the time she woke up, it was already 9 a.m..Michael was preparing breakfast.After washing up, Ivanka went downstairs and saw Michael cooking with an apron on. She could not describe how she felt at the sight of him.It was odd, but she did not hate it.“Morning.”Michael looked at Ivanka. His eyes crinkled as he smiled.Ivanka could not help re
Michael shook his head helplessly as he watched Ivanka walk away.He immediately called for a cleaning lady to arrange for the cleanup. After that, he prepared to head to the office himself.When Ivanka arrived at the office, the receptionist seemed surprised.It was rare for Ivanka to be late, so much so that the receptionist even asked if she was not feeling well.Ivanka hesitated for a moment. She was unsure how to explain herself. Should she say her head hurt from a hangover?She decided not to share the reason and simply said she was not feeling well today.Still looking concerned, the receptionist told her to take care and rest.Ivanka touched her nose and agreed with a nod. She seemed guilty for some reason. On her way to the elevator, she overheard part of a conversation between the receptionists.“Did you hear about the college student who got driven off by Coco? He’s starting today. Mr. Barkworth hired him personally. He’s super talented. He’s really tall and hand
Candice finally smiled. “Grandma will be so happy to hear that. Yesterday, she got really upset when she missed your call. First, she blamed Mrs. Ruth for not waking her up. Then she complained that you only called once. After that, she blamed herself for being asleep at that time.”It was funny at first, but the more Ivanka thought about it, the sadder it seemed.Ivanka understood what Candice was trying to say.She replied, “Don’t worry. We’ll go back together after work today.”Candice nodded and left.After watching Candice walk out, Ivanka grabbed her phone and sent a brief message to Michael to inform him about the situation.He quickly replied.[I’ll pick you up at your company tonight.]His answer was short. He was probably busy at the office.A smile spread across her face as the image of him in an apron crossed her mind.... The three of them returned to the Barkworth family’s mansion that evening.When Rosie heard they were coming back together, she was overjoye
“Why are you giving me so much food? Are you trying to make me fat?”Michael smiled at her and replied, “That’s impossible. You could eat as much as you want and still not gain weight.”Ivanka was stunned for a moment.Candice set down her utensils, rubbed her arms, and playfully complained, “Ugh, I’m getting goosebumps!”Michael raised an eyebrow. “Really? Then maybe you should eat less. Look at how much weight you’ve gained.”Candice gasped and turned to Rosie.“Grandma, did you hear that? Mic is bullying me! How am I supposed to eat after that?!”Rosie laughed. Perhaps such moments were what family joy was all about.Just then, a servant entered and reported that a young woman was waiting outside and asking to see Rosie and Michael.Ivanka immediately had a guess about who it might be.She exchanged a glance with Candice. Neither of them said a word.Rosie asked, “Who is it?”She tried to recall which prominent family’s daughter she might have had dealings with, but she
Coco could hardly believe her eyes. At the same time, her desire to marry Michael grew even stronger.Living in a place like this was a thousand times better than marrying her good-for-nothing cousin. Besides, she had always been the luckiest person in the village. Only someone like Michael could be worthy of her.With that thought, Coco straightened her back and confidently followed Harvey to meet Rosie.Once inside, she finally understood what understated wealth meant. The murals and antique collections there could easily provide a lifetime of comfort for an ordinary family.Her eyes gleamed with greed. She thought she had concealed it well, but little did she know that everyone at the table was sharp enough to see through her immediately.When she arrived, she scanned the room. She recognized all the familiar faces. Only Ivanka was absent.Coco was delighted. Could it be that Ivanka never came? Or had she left ahead of time?Either way, Ivanka’s absence was the perfect op
Coco felt her head spin.The realization hit her hard. The elderly woman Ivanka was supporting was the real Rosie. Had she just flattered the wrong person?Her mind went blank for a moment. Her forced smile froze awkwardly on her face.Rosie took her time settling into the main seat. She then gently patted Ivanka’s hand affectionately, which spoke volumes about their close bond.The sight made Coco’s face turn even paler.After Rosie sat down, Mrs. Ruth chuckled and said, “Clicked instantly, did she? This young lady clearly mistook me for you, Madam.”Coco’s face flushed red from embarrassment before it turned pale again. Mrs. Ruth’s words practically branded her as someone who only fawns over those in power.Desperate to salvage her image, Coco forced out an awkward laugh. “N-no... that’s not it. I felt a genuine connection with you.”Mrs. Ruth smiled politely, but it was clear she did not believe her. She chose not to call her out, though it hardly mattered. Everyone present
Rosie did not indulge her. She spoke directly, “Is it the job or the personality differences?”Candice added fuel to the fire. “She just doesn’t respect the internship position. She wants more power and took out her frustrations on people applying for jobs.”Coco shook her head. “No... it’s not like that.”“Then what is it like?” Rosie’s sharp gaze fixed on Coco.Coco felt as if Rosie could see right through her. It was as though any lie or excuse would be exposed instantly in front of Rosie.She hesitated. “I... I wasn’t familiar with the workflow. That’s why—”Rosie raised her hand and cut her off.After talking to Coco for some time, Rosie already had a good idea of what happened. Even if she did not, Coco’s stammering made it obvious that she was making up excuses.Rosie could tell Coco was trying to brainstorm ways to explain herself in a way that would leave Candice unable to refute her while also trying to shift the blame elsewhere.Rosie guessed that Coco would probabl
Rosie looked away and did not even glance at Coco again.Candice gave her a thumbs up.Ivanka watched as Coco walked away unsteadily.“Three.“Two.”Michael noticed Ivanka counting under her breath. Following her gaze, he looked at Coco.“One.”At that exact moment, when Ivanka said “one,” Coco collapsed to the floor.Everything happened so quickly. No one was prepared. Ivanka calmly signaled for someone to carry Coco into the guest room.Rosie was surprised and covered her mouth with a handkerchief.“What happened?”Ivanka frowned. “She must have fainted because she hasn’t fully recovered from her cold.”Rosie glanced toward the guest room and could not help but ask, “Should we take her to the hospital?”Candice nodded eagerly, agreeing with the suggestion.It was an unexpected misfortune, and it did not seem worth handling on their own.Ivanka shook her head. “It’s too late to get her to the hospital now. Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ve got this.”Rosie relaxed upon hearin
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