“Okay, you can come over, but not too close. Also, get rid of the earphones from your ears.”“No!” Michael said almost immediately.Ivanka frowned. It was obvious that the other party had misunderstood. He thought that she was talking to the police.She could not help but explain, “Don’t worry, this is just a call with my friend, not the police.”She did not know if the mention of the police had irritated him. The jumper, who was originally still emotionally stable, suddenly started throwing a tantrum. His eyes were full of madness.“I don’t care! All I know is that if you want to come over, throw away your earphones, or I’m going to jump!”Ivanka noticed that the man seemed to be wearing a wireless headset as well. Presumably, someone on the other end of the phone was guiding him.As the man spoke, he stood up like he would fall if the wind blew.The people downstairs were once again abuzz.“What’s going on here? The talks broke down, didn’t they?”“Oh my god, I can’t stand
Ivanka saw the struggle in the man’s eyes, which proved that he desired to survive.Ivanka continued. “How about this? It’s just the two of us here. Tell me whatever you want to say, and I’ll have all the police leave. We can both relax a bit, okay?”The man did not say anything. He was probably waiting for instructions on the phone.Downstairs, the woman holding the umbrella glanced up. She smirked.Her thin lips opened slightly. “Agree with her.”So, the man stared scornfully at Ivanka, then he immediately nodded and agreed.On the phone, Michael shouted agitatedly when he heard Ivanka’s decision.“Don’t do such a thing!”He could guess what Ivanka was going to do. Next, in exchange, her request must be to get closer to the man, because it would be easier to talk.But in reality?It was actually to find the right moment to yank him back. How dangerous must that be?She was not a professional. It was very likely that Ivanka herself would be yanked down.Michael did not dar
Ivanka and the jumper silently watched as the police left.There was a look of determination in her eyes. She knew that from that moment on, she could only rely on herself. She had to succeed. Failure was not an option.The jumper felt the same. The two of them, each harboring their own thoughts, started a casual, disjointed conversation.At some point, Ivanka produced a bag of beer and slowly inched closer.The jumper was cautious. When Ivanka was still two or three meters away, he immediately stopped her.“Stay right there! If you take one more step, I’ll jump!”Ivanka silently calculated the distance in her mind.Even if she rushed forward, she was not entirely sure she could pull him back in time.With the rain making the rooftop slippery, one wrong move could send him falling off by accident.If that happened, things would only get worse.Ivanka stopped about two meters away, lifted a can of beer in her hand, and asked, “Want one?”The jumper looked stunned. He clearly
He frowned deeply as he watched the scene unfold. He felt they were being reckless. They were practically gambling with life.Caleb shook his head. “I trust that girl knows what she’s doing. Breaking down his mental defenses is the only way to plant the seed of reason in his mind. Isn’t that one of the first things we learned at the academy? What’s the matter? Just because a young girl, a pretty young girl, is the one using it, you suddenly don’t trust her?”The young officer scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. After Caleb pointed it out, he realized he had indeed been a little biased.Caleb chuckled. There was a prideful expression on his face. “Just watch. She’s going to surprise you. If anything goes wrong, I’ll take full responsibility. But I’m telling you, this is the best approach we’ve got. Don’t you agree?” He turned his head toward the officer, who fell silent.However, when Caleb turned back, the smile on his lips had completely vanished.He was worried too.
The immense force and the full weight of an adult man dragged Ivanka downward.She clung on with all her strength. She barely managed to keep herself from being pulled over the edge.The man had tightly shut his eyes and braced himself for the inevitable pain of hitting the ground.When the pain did not happen, he opened his eyes and saw Ivanka. It took him a moment to register it. She had caught him.At that distance, she had been the closest person to him. She had no other choice. She could either watch a life vanish before her eyes, knowing it would bring infamy and disgrace to her company, or she could risk everything and bet on the slim chance of survival.She had no choice but to gamble.However, in the man’s eyes, there was no relief from escaping death, only deep sorrow.Looking at Ivanka, the man’s voice was almost desperate. “I’m begging you. Just let me go. My wife and child are in their hands. I don’t want this. I really don’t. But I have no other choice.”As he sai
A few people worked together and pulled the man back from the edge of the building.The police took him away, but he still looked dazed. He was clearly struggling to process Ivanka’s words.Caleb gave Ivanka a quick nod before leading the man away. He also reminded her to stop by the station later to give her statement.Ivanka nodded. She was too exhausted to speak.Caleb patted her shoulder before leaving.Ivanka slumped to the ground. She let the rain soak her face. A sense of relief washed over her.At that moment, Ivanka spotted her earphone lying not far away. She finally remembered she was still on a call with Michael.She disconnected the earphones and quickly checked her phone. The call was still connected.Bringing it to her ear, she hesitantly spoke, “Hello?”The only response was Michael’s heavy breathing.Just as Ivanka was wondering what was wrong, Michael gritted his teeth and said, “Did you really have to take that risk? Do you have any idea how worried I was?
Before Candice could start wailing, a cold, slightly damp hand clamped over her mouth.“Shut up. Don’t scream. I’m fine. I was just too tired and wanted to lie down for a bit.”Candice’s mouth twitched. Any sadness she had felt instantly evaporated, replaced by sheer exasperation.“What’s the point of scaring me like that? You’re lying in the rain! Get up already.” She extended a hand. Ivanka grabbed it and used it as leverage to pull herself up.“Let’s go. There’s work to do.” Ivanka’s mood shifted in an instant. The relaxation from moments ago was gone, replaced by a sharp focus.Just thinking about everything she had to deal with made her head ache, but there was no way around it.Ivanka walked ahead, with Candice following closely behind.They stepped into the elevator one after the other. Inside, Ivanka looked visibly drained.Candice, concerned, asked, “Are you feeling unwell?”Ivanka shook her head. It was not anything physical, just the sheer weight of everything going
“Honestly, when this whole thing started, I already had my doubts. It never really seemed like Lane’s Group was at fault. Why? Because I have family working there, and let me tell you, the benefits are as good as any state-owned company. Solid nine-to-five jobs, rarely any overtime, great perks and subsidies. Those who know, know!”“Exactly! Lane’s Group has always had a great reputation. I have no idea how so many people suddenly started badmouthing them overnight.”“Reputation speaks for itself. We’re not blind. This whole thing probably stemmed from jealousy. Someone was deliberately trying to drag them down. And wasn’t there a rumor that Miss Ivanka only cared about money and didn’t care about human lives? Well, if she didn’t care, would she have risked herself like that?”“That’s right. And those workers just now didn’t care about their friend in the slightest. Do they really look like good friends? No way. It’s obvious they were just paid to stir up trouble.”“That’s right! M
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