Sandy no longer looked at him, but Ivan refused to back off.The sound of his footsteps trailing behind her made her irritation spike. “Ivan, do you not understand what I’m saying? Or are you just deaf? If it’s the former, should I find someone to translate for you? If it’s the latter, when Iv gets back, I can have her check your hearing!”“I’m perfectly fine. How could I possibly leave without hearing a yes from you?”It was clear he was going to follow her into her office. In fact, he had no intention of leaving until he got what he wanted.The firm had other employees and clients coming in and out. With Ivan acting like that, Sandy could feel a headache coming.After Ivan followed her into her office, Sandy decided to make herself clear. “Stop following me. I really have no interest in dating, and I don’t want to help you. If you’re looking for someone to fool your family, I suggest you go to a club. Plenty of women there will gladly play along for the right price. Even if you
The case Sandy had just taken on required her to defend a 15-year-old boy and argue for his acquittal.The moment she placed the case file on her desk, Ivan frowned. “You took this case?”“Is there a problem?”Noticing the shift in his demeanor, Sandy instinctively frowned.“This boy acted in self-defense, but the plaintiff has made it clear that they want him sentenced to death, no matter the cost.”The boy’s name was Robin Jenkins.He was an Albionian. He had moved here with his father for school. By his final year of junior high, he had endured three years of relentless bullying. He was sexually assaulted by his peers. They even recorded a video.In retaliation, he had killed a boy from one of Bostone’s most powerful families, second only to a handful of elite circles. The victim had been his father’s only child, a son born in his later years. The moment he took that life, he was immediately abducted by the victim’s father and locked away in a basement where he was left
Since she had taken on this case, she would never give up.Sandy’s words left no room for argument. Her stance was clear.After all this time, Ivan knew exactly the kind of person she was.Seeing that his words were not getting through to her, Ivan had no choice but to drop it.However, instead of leaving, he casually took a seat on the couch.Seeing that he was staying, Sandy felt a sense of resignation. “Ivan, your law firm isn’t here. And your office definitely isn’t here. If you’re planning on becoming a lawyer in this firm, you can talk to Iv about it when she comes back.”“I don’t want to work here. I’m staying because I’m waiting for you to get off work. And I’m not leaving because our relationship isn’t official yet. I don’t want people getting the wrong idea about us.” Ivan enunciated each word with deliberate resolve.He continued, “The moment you refused to let go of this case, I had even more reason to stay by your side. The Groethe family might rank just below the t
Ivan had once made a bold claim in the industry. As long as there was even a 1% chance, he could turn it into victory.Even when looking at Sandy’s cold, dark eyes and the mocking curve of her lips, he was not offended. “I’ll take on the Groethe family’s retaliation. Let me have the case, and I promise, I’ll never bother you again.”He spoke with a serious expression.At the same time, his dark eyes stayed fixed on her. At that moment, an impulse surged through him.However, he held back.If it had been any other request, she would have agreed without hesitation just to get him to stop bothering her.If she handed this case over to him, what would that make her in the eyes of others? What would happen to her reputation?So Sandy refused. “Forget about it.”Ivan’s eyes lit up at her response. “So, are you saying that you want me to keep bothering you?”Sandy wanted to roll her eyes. “How did you even come to that conclusion? What I meant was that I can’t hand this case over to
Sandy simply shot him a cold glance before turning on her heel and walking away.Since Ivan enjoyed driving so much, then fine, he could keep the car and drive it all he wanted.Just as she took her first few steps, Ivan scrambled out of the car and chased after her. He grabbed her wrist. “Sandy, there are so many people watching. Could you not embarrass me?”Of course, the people at the firm were still staring at the spectacle.However, Sandy had had enough of playing along.She had already wasted enough patience.At that point, she was one second away from murdering him. If it were not for Ivan, none of this mess would even exist.“I didn’t embarrass you. Now, can you do me a favor and give me a little peace and quiet?” Her expression was cold. She even felt an impulse to take the case files in her hands and slam them over his head.Ivan could see that Sandy had completely run out of patience.Yet he still looked genuinely aggrieved. “I gave you a deal, but you turned it dow
Sandy sighed. She felt a sense of resignation.Her words broke Ivan’s heart.Sandy had always been fiery, direct, and unapologetically bold. Whether in front of him or anyone else, that had always been who she was.Yet she had sounded so tired at the moment. It was not like her at all.That realization made something inside him ache.In the end, it was his failure.If he had been more capable, he could have won her over after all this time.Ivan let out a bitter laugh. “Sandy, I know what I did in the past made you misunderstand me. No matter what I do or say, you still won’t believe me. I asked you to give me a chance, and you refused. I guess you really don’t want anything to do with me. But if I could get over you, Sandy, I wouldn’t have tried so hard.”Sandy had never seen Ivan look so powerless.Sandy could not help but glance at Ivan.The look of resignation on his face was clear as day.“Ivan, you have two choices. Either you get out, or I get out. Pick one.” Her hand
Since Robin’s dad had chosen a criminal defense lawyer who would represent him for free, he would not agree to switch lawyers.It would be hard for Ivan to persuade him unless Sandy backed down willingly.But based on her current attitude, she was not going to do that.She was such a difficult woman!“You’re asking me to talk to his dad? You might as well tell me to keep persuading you. Given the situation, you know full well that the man can’t be convinced.”As he spoke, Ivan heaved a long sigh.Sandy ignored him.Soon, the car arrived at Ivan’s law firm.It was time for him to get out of the car, as he said he would.Sandy did not urge him to get out. She hoped that he would not go back on his own words.Ivan noticed that she did not intend to say anything. There was a cold look on her face.Eventually, he summoned up the courage to put his arm around her neck and pull her closer.“I love you, Sandy. I’ll love you till the end of time!”With that, he kissed her hard on t
The man in front of Sandy sneered again and strode toward her. Other men followed him.When they all approached her at once, Sandy felt a sense of tension.After all, she was alone in the basement parking lot and facing a bunch of hostile men.“How dare you!”Sandy clenched her fist and shouted at them in a steely voice.“Do you know who I am? I’m Ivan York’s girlfriend—Ahh!”Before she even finished, someone knocked her out from the back with a bat.Then they put a gunny sack over her head and tossed her into a van.…In a hotel near Kingzillion Casino, Evan brought Ivanka some food and milk tea when he came back.Of course, he bought them because Michael had told him to.Michael thought that Ivanka would not throw these things into the trashcan right in front of him and Evan.But Ivanka glanced at the food and knew that it was Michael’s idea.As an assistant, Evan would not ask around to figure out what she liked.When Ivanka did not take the food and drink, Evan said t
Vincent immediately frowned with confusion. But soon enough, a realization dawned on him.The man on the phone was Jonah!Njord and Stella would not assassinate just about anyone. Moreover, they were in Bostone to take care of Ivanka’s business.The only person who kept troubling her was Jonah!“You’d better let them go, Jonah Sadler.”Vincent pressed his lips together. There was a grim look on his face as he frowned.Sitting beside him, Ivanka heard him saying Jonah’s name and was instantly startled. Did Njord and Stella go after Jonah?Did they try to kill him? What was going on?“Why would I let them go? You sent them to kill me. But they failed and ended up getting caught. Since you want me dead, why would I let your subordinates live?” Jonah snorted coldly. There was a look of disdain and ferocity in his eyes.After all, he was a man whose influence and wealth rivaled Michael’s. If someone was after him, he would never back down without retaliating.Vincent said nothing
Njord had no choice but to keep explaining themselves to Jonah so that Jonah would not be suspicious of them.Meanwhile, Njord and Stella observed him secretly and hoped to find a chance to strike.But Jonah was not a fool.As Njord spoke, Jonah kept his eyes on him and Stella. These two looked even less like maintenance staff the longer he observed them, so Jonah remained doubtful.He signaled his men with a nod and a look. The bodyguards around him immediately tried to subdue Njord and Stella.Njord and Stella exchanged glances before striking at lightning speed. They wanted to take down Jonah in order to control his subordinates. However, the bodyguard who stood closest to him gave a kick and instantly parried both of their attacks.Other bodyguards quickly distracted them and drew them away from Jonah.Meanwhile, Jonah noticed that the two of them were skilled fighters. They had obviously gone through professional training!If the fight went on, his bodyguards would certain
Still, Ivanka made a show of reaching out to help Chiara up.Her tone, however, remained clear and unmoved. “Begging me won’t change anything. I’m not Jonah. If you’re going to plead with someone, it might as well be him.”“But he listens to you.” That was why she had to ask her to do it.Ivanka frowned. “Jonah isn’t some little pet I raised. He’s not going to do whatever I say. Melanie, you’re oversimplifying everything. You should really be focusing on how to lock down your next deal and solidify your footing in the Levine family. That’s what matters now. We should order something before a server walks in and sees you like this. That wouldn’t look good, don’t you think?”With that, Ivanka let go of her hand.Chiara had never intended to actually stay kneeling anyway, especially not after Ivanka reached out to help her up. The moment had played its part.She was not going to give up just yet.“Iv, could you at least bring it up to Jonah for me? I… There’s a show at Springvale
Seeing Ivanka about to leave, Chiara quickly got up to block her path.Ivanka smiled and said, “I don’t need anything from you. I really do have something to take care of, so let’s have the meal another time.”“But your schedule is always packed. If I want to see you again, it’ll be nearly impossible. Iv, didn’t you say we’re good friends? Are we not even close enough to share a simple meal?” Chiara drew in a breath. Her voice was laced with disappointmentHer eyes were already turning red.“Hmm, I noticed this cafe serves light meals too. Let’s just eat here.” Since she had not openly fallen out with Chiara yet, and Chiara was so insistent on putting on another act, walking out at that moment would only make her seem like a bad friend.“Iv, they only serve light meals here. I was hoping to treat you to a proper dinner. I... Actually, I was wondering if you could do me another favor?” Chiara asked tentatively.The fox finally showed her tail.No wonder she had laid it on so thic
Chiara lowered her head. “Iv, things have been really difficult for me in my family. Because of your introduction, I got the chance to meet Jonah. You talked about bringing a friend along last time, but neither of them ended up working with me. If I can’t land a deal soon, I’m afraid…”Her voice filled with hesitation, grievance, and sorrow. She sighed.“Aren’t you presenting yourself as Jonah’s fiancee these days?” Ivanka replied coldly. Seeing her act so meek and pitiful, Ivanka sneered.Since she was publicly claiming to be Jonah’s fiancee, surely the Levine family would not be treating her so poorly.“I am, but it’s all fake. And now that you’re back, do you really think Jonah would still let me keep playing as his fiancee?”The more she spoke, the more aggrieved she sounded. Tears even rolled down her cheeks.Ivanka only found the sight nauseating.Chiara’s acting had really reached a masterful level. Honestly, it was such a waste of talent that she was not in showbiz.“Ev
Jonah was the Sadler family’s primary heir.If he was incapable, how could he and Michael have made it onto the list of Bostone’s most sought-after elite bachelors?Hearing him say such things, Ivanka felt horrible.“Jonah, I’m really not as great as you think I am. With everything you have going for you, it’d be very easy for you to find a beauty who loves you. I’ve got things to take care of today. I have to go.” As she said that, she pushed Jonah away.If she kept talking to him like so, it would only make things worse. His emotions were already unstable. If he really did something reckless, it would become a scar neither of them could ever erase.She was set on leaving. Jonah had no way to stop her.He could only ask about her plans for the next day. “Will you be coming by around the same time?”“I’ll come in the afternoon.”Since she was back in Bostone, some matters at Lane’s Group needed her attention.At that point, there was no way she could ask Jonah to move in wit
Realizing Jonah was losing control, Ivanka quickly removed the medication from his body.Her voice was calm. “Jonah, your emotions are very unstable right now. You need to rest. I’ll carefully consider the next step of your treatment.”She turned to leave, but how could Jonah possibly let her go?The moment he reached out to grab her, Ivanka swiftly stepped aside.However, Jonah did not give up.In a moment of desperation, he pushed himself off the bed, only to crash to the floor with a heavy thud.The sound froze Ivanka in her tracks.When she turned around and saw Jonah on the floor, she rushed to his side. “Why would you do this to yourself, Jonah? Please calm down and think about it. Everything I’ve said to you is the truth. Even if we could get married without caring what they think, what about later? What about our future children? Would they have to grow up being treated differently too?”She had seen the end of her marriage to Michael long before it arrived. That was wh
Margaret let out a disdainful laugh. The corners of her mouth curled in contempt. Coupled with the look of disdain in her eyes, her contempt for Ivanka was as clear as day.Ivanka could tell Margaret was trying to provoke her, but she did not take the bait. “I don’t need to go crying in front of Jonah. If I really wanted something, do you honestly think you could stop him from giving it to me?”People in love usually lost all reason.Jonah had proven how stubborn he could be when it came to her. If she so much as hinted at something, he would do it without hesitation. In fact, he would get it done immediately if it meant proving his love to her.She just did not want Jonah to be rejected by his own family. Plus, she had no real expectations when it came to love. If she had cared that much, she would have made her move long ago.To Margaret, Ivanka’s words sounded like clear provocation, so she was not about to back down. “As long as I’m still alive, you really think I’d let so
In the face of Laura’s meltdown, Ivanka’s words seemed a bit smug.She was doing it on purpose.“You! Ivanka, how can you be so shameless as to say such things? Are you still a woman?” Laura’s hand, which was pointing at her angrily, trembled uncontrollably.Laura’s tears fell like a snapped pearl necklace. Ivanka laughed in a low voice. “Of course I am, otherwise how did I become the one Jonah wakes up to every day? Laura, since things have come to this, you’d better hurry home and stop embarrassing yourself here.”“What’s the point of chasing after someone who doesn’t like you like this?”She acknowledged Laura’s persistence toward Jonah. But insisting too much would turn into clinginess. Jonah’s dislike and disdain for Laura was clear. He never once gave Laura a chance. Even so, Laura refused to give up.Sometimes she did not think thoroughly before doing things. “Whether there’s a point to it is not for you to say!”Laura was still persistent.But the next second, Iva