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
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
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
In response to Vincent, Ivanka replied honestly, “He’s my friend. Besides, he still hasn’t recovered.”Jonah ended up in a wheelchair because of her. She owed him her life, so she would never cut ties with him.“I’ll go pick them up.”Ivanka’s attitude annoyed Vincent, but he would never get angry at her and chastise her.But he also would not let her deal with Jonah on her own.However, Ivanka stepped up and stopped him. “I’ll pick them up, uncle. Jonah is more willing to speak to me.”“Do you think he’ll make things difficult for me?”Vincent raised his brows at the thought of her intention.Meanwhile, a mocking smile flashed across his face.Ivanka immediately shook her head. “No, I just don’t want anyone to judge you for your past and background. I’ll go alone.”With that, she turned and left.Ivanka quickly arrived at the Sadler family’s residence. When Jonah spotted her, he did not seem surprised. He knew that she would come over to pick the assassins up in person.
“Alright, you may take the assassins away. I’ll wait for you outside your place,” Jonah said.“Alright.”With that, Ivanka took Njord and Stella away.On their way back to the hotel, they admitted their mistake. “Sorry, Ms. Lane, we’ve caused you trouble.”Not only did they fail to kill Jonah, but they got Ivanka into more trouble. It was all due to their incompetence. They had no one else to blame.However, Ivanka was not the only one who was affected. Jonah had ended up finding out about Vincent as well. For that reason, Njord and Stella deserved the worst punishment!Seeing how guilty they were, Ivanka felt bad too.They were only trying to help her.However, if they had targeted Jonah, did it mean that Michael was their target as well?As soon as Ivanka thought of that, she immediately asked them, “Were you planning to go after Michael, too?”Njord and Stella did not say a word. They basically admitted it in silence.Ivanka felt rather troubled. “Have you imagined what s
Stella lowered her head remorsefully.“We failed to finish the job, boss. You can punish or kill us as you please.”Njord crawled back to Vincent and knelt in front of him again.Seeing the two of them on their knees, there was nothing Vincent could do. After all, they had been his most trusted subordinates for a long time.“You’re dismissed. Don’t act without my orders in the future.” Vincent gave a wave of dismissal and signaled them to leave.Njord did as he said, but Stella stayed behind.Seeing that she was still here, Vincent immediately frowned. “Anything else?”“When I made a mistake the last time, you didn’t order me killed, boss. This time, you spared my life again. I feel awfully guilty. I did nothing right and don’t deserve to stay by your side…”Stella still kept her head down like a kid who had done something wrong. Her voice was broken as she sobbed a little.Vincent had a grim expression on his face. “If you want to leave, I won’t stop you.”“No, boss. Of cour
“I see.” Jonah realized that she was right.After opening the door, Ivanka went behind him and wheeled him into the house.Even though she did not betray her emotions, Jonah sensed that Ivanka’s attitude toward him had changed after this incident.He tested the waters carefully. “I’m hungry, Iv. Is there anything to eat at home?”“No, I haven’t been home lately. There’s nothing in the fridge. But I can go out to get you something. Give me a moment.”Since Ivanka had agreed to let Jonah stay at her house, she would have to take care of him.She could not help him use the bathroom or bathe him herself, so she decided to hire a caretaker.“I’ll wait for you at home.”Ivanka had already told him to wait. Naturally, Jonah agreed to stay at home.Ivanka nodded and left him alone in the house.Once she headed out, she went to a restaurant and ordered takeout. While she waited for the food to be ready, someone sat down across the table.Sensing a shadow in the periphery of her visio
“I don’t want to fight or argue with you. Why would you call me cruel?”Ivanka found Alexander’s words absurd.She interrupted him before he could respond. “You schemed your way to me. If anyone’s cruel here, it’s you!”Her icy stare warned him not to take another step.Alexander understood her message but showed no fear. Had he been afraid, he would not have remained standing there in front of her.He sighed. “That was before. Now, I genuinely want to be friends with you. After all, I’m considering marrying you. We need to build a good relationship first. What do you say?”He persisted but still maintained some distance from her.“Why are you asking me?” Ivanka raised an eyebrow with a scoff. “If you really wanted to be with me, where were you when I was in trouble?”If he truly meant it, he would have noticed everything about her and stood by her side.The fact that he stayed away despite noticing her struggles showed that he did not care. If he did not care, how could his
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