Blake knew full well that Tanya had only compromised because she had no other choice. Her resentment and hatred toward him had never lessened.However, he had accepted that and willingly given himself to this.The only reason he felt any frustration now was because Tanya still had not given up on Michael.“Yes, you’ve been making amends, and I’ll thank you for reviving my family. Your actions do prove something. But what you did to me can never be undone! No matter what you do, you’ll never erase the damage! I will never be with a rapist!”She spat the words out like venom. She no longer bothered to hold back.Such were Tanya’s truest, most unfiltered feelings for Blake. He had always known. He had seen her lose control before, but what pained him the most was that she still saw him exactly the same way even after all they had been through together.Blake felt an agonizing sorrow.Blake’s voice was hoarse as he said, “I know I acted on impulse that night, but in every other way,
The doorbell rang.Ivanka came back with Michael. Though he had not stayed with her, the timing of the visit made perfect sense, given his personality.With little patience, she pulled the door open.“Iv, you’re home!”There was a cheerful voice. The sight of the person at the door took her by surprise.“Grandma? What brings you here?”Rosie’s sudden visit left Ivanka puzzled, especially since she had not told her before coming and because she had treated her really coldly before this. Something was off, but Ivanka decided to just roll with it for the time being while observing Rosie.“I came to drop off some things for that brat, Michael. I figured I’d check if you were home as well. I had a tiny bit of hope and luck on my side, and luckily, here you are.”Ivanka’s eyes fell on the insulated food container Rosie was carrying.Ivanka welcomed Rosie inside. “Grandma, I actually just got back not too long ago. Did you get everything sorted for Michael?”“Mmm, I had Evan take ca
Rosie wasted no time bringing up Michael.She knew that they needed the right opportunity to be back together.Ivanka shook her head. “Grandma, it’s not work-related. It’s just a personal matter. I have to pack now, but thank you for the chicken soup.”As she spoke, she walked over.She was debating whether to have Rosie take the soup back with her. With everything on her mind and how suspiciously Rosie was acting, she had no appetite for it. At the same time, she did not want to waste Rosie’s thoughtful gesture.After a moment of hesitation, she opened the insulated container. The rich aroma of the chicken soup immediately filled the air.Taking a small sip, she found it light yet flavorful. Seeing Ivanka drink the soup so contentedly, Rosie was more than pleased. “Iv, if you like it, just come over anytime! And if you’re too busy, I’ll bring it to you myself. This is from my own free-range fowls. They are much better than those store-bought ones raised on feed. The meat is fi
Ivanka fell into a brief silence at Rosie’s words.Michael and she had been through a lot together and were constantly by each other’s side. To outsiders, it must have seemed like they had rekindled their relationship.If she had not seen what Chiara had written, she might have started believing it herself.Ivanka quickly pulled herself out of those thoughts. She smiled and said, “Grandma, I really think it’s best for me and Michael to just be friends. You see, we’ve been married once, and being husband and wife wasn’t nearly as easy as just being friends. We’ve tried and failed. Why go through that struggle again? Anyway, your chicken soup is really delicious. I mean it. I’m not trying to rush you out, but I do need to get going. Why don’t you head over to Michael’s place?”Ivanka really needed to pack. Leaving Rosie alone while she did so did not feel right. That was why she said what she did.However, to Rosie, it was a first.A wave of disappointment, sadness, and bitterness
“Grandma, I’m heading over to her place now.”Rosie simply stepped aside in silence.Meanwhile, at Ivanka’s apartment, she had left the door slightly ajar after seeing Rosie out, since she was busy packing and would be leaving soon.That small detail gave Michael the perfect opportunity to walk right in.Noticing the slightly open door, he pushed it open and stepped inside.Ivanka was placing things into her suitcase.“Are you going to Mirvania?”Michael’s voice was low and raspy.The sudden sound startled Ivanka so much that a chill ran down her spine. Her heart pounded in her chest before she turned around and saw that it was just him. Slowly, her heartbeat returned to normal.She shot him an annoyed glare. “Michael, are you trying to give me a heart attack?”“Not at all. Your door wasn’t properly shut,” Michael explained matter-of-factly how he had gotten in.Ivanka was not actually blaming him for that.Just as Ivanka was about to say something else, she stopped herself
Michael frowned deeply.Ivanka retorted, “When I say you’re being childish, I mean you’re acting on impulse without thinking things through. Michael, I don’t need you to come with me. I have my own arrangements.”“And what arrangements could you possibly have? Have you forgotten how close you were to getting into serious trouble at the casino last time?” The moment he brought up that incident, his expression turned deadly serious.That time, he had taken two bullets for her.In that casino, Tanya had even worn her face to scheme against him. There had been Mr. George, Alexander, and that woman by Alexander’s side.There was also the involvement of the Hicks family.Vincent had called. However, given her uncle’s status in Mirvania, it was impossible for him to have been threatened into making this call. Could someone have set him up? Could it have been a voice simulation?The thought sent Ivanka on high alert. Without wasting another second, she immediately redialed his number.
Rosie spoke with a smile. “Don’t you worry, the driver took me here. Besides, even if you’re not around, I still have Candice with me.” “Okay, remember to have meals and rest on time,” Michael reminded her because he was still worried.Rosie nodded and left happily.Michael and Ivanka did not bring much with them. Moreover, Evan had arranged their private flight at the last minute, so they boarded the private jet just an hour later. Before boarding the plane, Ivanka sent Jonah a text message.Ivanka: I have something to attend to in Mirvania, so I’m flying there. We’ll discuss the matter about Willy suburbs once I get back. You may contact Melanie first. As for your legs, remember to take the medicine I prescribed you.She had been incredibly busy lately and did not have time to check on many people in her life.When Ivanka sent Jonah the message, Michael happened to see it. Spotting “Jonah” on the screen of her phone, he was extremely displeased.He thought that Ivanka always
When Jonah received Ivanka’s message, the first thing he did was call Ivanka on the phone.Lately, Ivanka had not visited him, and it was inconvenient for him to go to her in person. But he had sent people to watch her and learned that she had been very close with Michael lately. Deep down, he was displeased.To be fair, Ivanka had the right to choose who she wanted to date. Besides, Jonah was still sitting in a wheelchair. Considering this factor, he thought that Ivanka would be better off with Michael.When he called Ivanka, he heard only a robotic female voice on the speaker. It said, “Hello, the number you’ve dialed is currently unavailable…”Jonah could not reach her number.Recalling Ivanka’s message, he suddenly realized that she was on a plane. Therefore, he did not try calling her again and simply replied to her message.Jonah: Rest assured, Iv. I’ll get it done. Call me once you land.Then he contacted Chiara.Chiara was surprised to receive his call. He had never rea
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