Jonah did not want to look at her anymore. He turned his wheelchair and started to leave. Chiara quickly chased after him. She grabbed the handles at the back of the wheelchair.Jonah could not stop her because he was confined to the wheelchair.Chiara said in an aggrieved and anxious voice, “Jon, I’m sorry. I’ve upset you again. If you like Iv, I’m willing to help you.”“Oh? What do you plan to do about it?” Jonah suddenly became interested in what Chiara had to say.Chiara helping him? It would be a miracle if she did not try to scheme against Ivanka. It would be more like a trap than actual help.Chiara did not answer right away. She stayed quiet for a moment before speaking slowly. “You and Iv were the first to help me. So, I’ll help bring you two together. I can arrange a meeting with Iv. I can create chances for you. I can...Chiara trailed off. She was unable to finish her sentence.“Regardless, I’ll do whatever I can.”Jonah would never believe her words. This was jus
As far as he knew, her uncle, Theodore, was currently in prison. In the Lane family’s branch, Chiara was Ivanka’s only relative.Jonah had never heard Ivanka mention another uncle before. Where had he come from?“Yes, I met him when Michael and I went to Mirvania,” Ivanka answered honestly and briefly.Jonah understood. He then asked, “So is your uncle in Bostone now?”“Yes,” she replied truthfully.Jonah pursed his lips and spoke slowly, “Then let’s invite your uncle out to eat so I can greet him properly.”His sudden suggestion left her stunned.He was not usually so forward. They were not in a romantic relationship, let alone engaged.When she looked at him, he quickly realized his mistake and explained, “Iv, I didn’t mean it like that. I just thought since he’s here and he’s an elder, I—”“I understand. My uncle has his own plans. Don’t worry about that. Just focus on what I’ve asked you to do for now.”“Okay.”From start to finish, Ivanka still did not have any romantic
Ivanka sighed.Unexpectedly, Jonah immediately responded, “There is, and it’s me! It’s good if you gain some weight. It would prove... you’re being well taken care of.”He paused mid-sentence. He had almost said it would prove that he was taking good care of her.If she was willing to be his girlfriend, he would take good care of her. That was what he wanted to prove.But since she had not agreed to be his girlfriend, he quickly rephrased it to avoid misunderstandings.“No, not everyone thinks like you. Being too heavy would make people assume I’m overeating,” Ivanka replied. She could not hold back her laughter.“Why care so much about what others think? Live your own life,” he shot back immediately.“That’s true.”She nodded, agreeing with him.A photo of them having a meal was sent to Michael.Although he was currently in Mirvania, he had asked Evan to have someone in Zeminia keep track of Ivanka’s every move.Michael tensed up when he saw the photo of Ivanka and Jonah la
Evan, after all, was Michael’s best assistant. He had been by Michael’s side for years and had seen his fair share of hardships.When it came to handling matters, Evan was skilled and efficient.Even so, he still looked intimidated when facing Michael. At that moment, he did not dare to make eye contact.Michael did not need Evan to remind him about returning to Zeminia. He wanted to go back more than anyone else, but he was hesitant because of the recurring situation where Ivanka would leave just before he arrived and cause them to keep missing each other. Besides, Samuel and Rosie were still here. He could not just leave them behind and return to the country alone.“Get out,” Michael said sharply.He was not in the mood for anything at that moment.Evan did not dare provoke him even further.Just then, Rosie came in. She instantly noticed Michael’s dark expression and Evan’s unease.“What happened?” Rosie asked Evan.Given how furious Michael was, even if she asked him, he
Rosie knew Michael’s temperament well. He always kept his word, but the problem was that this approach would hurt Ivanka deeply.Rosie pursed her lips and spoke softly, her tone growing more serious. “I don’t think you should do this. If Iv chooses Jonah, it means she has let you go. Using force would only break her heart.”Michael did not respond, but his expression remained determined.Even if Ivanka was heartbroken, at least she would stay by his side.“I don’t want you to go this far. If it comes to that, you might as well respect her choice!” Rosie saw the resolve in his eyes.She reached out and tapped his forehead lightly.Rosie used some force, but he neither reacted nor flinched.He seemed willing to resort to extreme measures to keep Ivanka close, even if it meant tying her down by having a child together.“Grandma, I have some things to take care of. You should go rest.” Michael pursed his lips and spoke gently.He had his own worst-case scenario in mind. He did n
“Grandma, I told you I never blamed you. Even if you come back now, I probably won’t be in Zeminia anymore. I still have something very important to deal with.”Just as Ivanka was about to say more, Rosie quickly jumped in and suggested involving Michael.“Then let me arrange for Michael to come back and help you, okay? Iv, I know you’re divorced and don’t want to have contact with him, but he’s the only one I trust right now. If you’ve forgiven me, please accept this.”If Ivanka did not agree, it would mean she had not forgiven Rosie.Ivanka felt helpless. “Grandma, I never blamed you. There’s nothing to forgive.”“Iv, my health isn’t good, and I’m not guilt-tripping you. I just want to help you. Treat Michael like a regular bodyguard. You said you won’t be back for a while. What if I don’t live long enough to see you again?“My plan is simple. If I don’t get to see you again, at least I’ve sent someone to help you.”Rosie’s words sank deep into Ivanka’s heart.She had heard f
Ivanka grabbed Jonah’s hand tightly. She hoped the warmth of her hands could bring back his rationality. Jonah saw her actions and expression. He heard her words. He smirked. “Making her happy, huh? But why have you never attempted to make me happy too? “Iv, I’m aware that I approached you with an ulterior motive from the beginning, and you’ve been wary of me since then as well. If not for the car accident, you and I would not have been this close. What my mother said to you and how she treated you has affected you, but my love for you is sincere. I can give up everything for you. You said you’re not letting anyone take advantage of your sympathy, but isn’t Rosie doing the same to you?” Jonah initially sounded sarcastic. But in the latter part of his statement, he set aside his pride. His rhetorical question for her was so realistic. “She’s old.” “That isn’t an excuse.” Ivanka felt helpless when she told him that Rosie was already old. Rosie was old, and Ivanka did no
“Iv, there’s no love between Chiara and I. I’m using her simply because my mother has pushed me too hard. I’ve only contacted Chiara a few times–” “Jonah, you don’t need to explain much to me.” Before Jonah finished his sentence, Ivanka interrupted him. She smiled at him. She hoped he could understand what she meant. But this only upset Jonah even more. He smiled wryly. “Iv, you don’t need me to explain this much to you because you totally don’t care about me. I’m just a nobody to you, so whatever I do has nothing to do with you at all.” “You’re my friend.” Ivanka could only acknowledge Jonah as her friend. But Jonah refused to accept it. If he was willing to be her friend, he would not have gone to this extreme and lost his composure. He also would not have blurted out so much and compared himself with others at Ivanka. Jonah instantly refuted Ivanka. “I don’t want to be your friend. Iv, you promised you wouldn’t let me be like this for the rest of my life. But after s
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