She stared at Ivanka and spoke in a caring way, “It’s not true, so just let them say whatever they want. Every famous person gets criticized somehow.”Confusion flashed in Ivanka’s eyes before she instantly recalled what happened yesterday. She chuckled. “I don’t mind it.”“But you’re…” Something was wrong with her reaction, and Suki could tell. She stared at Ivanka and tried not to miss any emotion on Ivanka’s face.Ivanka frowned slightly. “Jonah was waiting for me downstairs again today. It’s not good to go too far on certain things. I can’t offend him, and he keeps pestering me because he thinks this will help him take Barkworth’s Group down.”Suki could not help but burst into laughter. “I see.”Ivanka cast a glance at Suki, and she smiled faintly. “Bestie, have you ever considered something?”When Ivanka saw Suki’s mysterious look, she felt puzzled. “What?”“Exacting revenge on Michael!”Ivanka was bewildered.Her eyes were full of doubt, while Suki chuckled and said, “A
At that moment, both of them suddenly fell silent.After Suki paused for a while, she helplessly sighed. “Sigh, I’ll support you no matter what you do, but have you really thought this through? Once you enter Lane’s Group, they’ll have their eyes on you at all times, and it’ll be very difficult for you to do anything.”“I know, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Ivanka’s expression was firm, and there was no hint of wavering in her eyes.Suki sighed and patted Ivanka on the shoulder. “I support your decision, but you need to take good care of yourself.”Ivanka was touched. “I will, Suki. I’m really sorry for this. We built this place together, but you’re the only one left to guard it.”“Don’t say that. You’re my lucky star! We became famous by relying on your skills. People are coming to us because of you. I’m just a handyman, so if I don’t work, how can I be worthy?”Ivanka shook her head helplessly. If Suki left the law firm now, she could work alone, but she never accepted
Evan’s eyes were full of shock. “Mr. Barkworth…” Michael did not want to delete them earlier because he wanted to see Ivanka hurt.However… after he read his grandfather’s tweet, he felt flustered somehow!He had blurted out those words without realizing!He pursed his lips and did not know what to say. When Evan saw Michael’s conflicted expression, he added, “There’s something else. Mr. Sadler sent Ms. Lane to the law firm this morning, but nobody talked about it on Twitter.”Michael instantly cast a fierce gaze at Evan.Evan took a deep breath and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as if he was calm.A while later, Michael massaged his forehead and collected himself. “Don’t bother with anything.”Evan was speechless.The CEO was unpredictable, but he never heard three different instructions in succession from the CEO.Michael returned Evan’s phone to him, Evan saw how resolute his boss was, so he went out after he hummed in acknowledgment.Michael was left in th
A Crazy Bee: Every family has its own problems. Mr. Barkworth didn’t express his position. This tweet was made by Samuel, so this doesn’t prove Mr. Barkworth’s attitude, right?Iris’ Fangirl: Why doesn’t it prove his stance? This incident seems clear at a glance. The Barkworth family members are on the same side, so they want to find a way to protect their own interest. Ivanka is just an outsider. Who would really take her seriously? I think it’s the right thing for Ivanka and Mr. Sadler to get together. I wish them a happy life and a baby!All Are Mobs: Bullsh*t! Mr. Barkworth is such an excellent man. He treated Ivanka really well in the past few years, but she betrayed him. When the Lane family went bankrupt, Michael did not stop treating her right, but she never felt content. Are we still blaming this on Mr. Barkworth? Besides, didn’t you read what Samuel wrote? It’s all part of Ivanka’s scheme! The Barkworth family was successful and reputable at that time. If Mr. Barkworth real
Chiara’s expression changed slightly. When she listened to her mother’s firm words, her body could not help but tremble.“Mom…” Lyla sighed helplessly. “Chiara, you should know this. We only used this tactic to make you his savior because he doesn’t like you. We’re trying to destroy Ivanka’s place in his heart.”Chiara gripped her blanket without replying.When Lyla saw this, she knew that Chiara felt sad, and she could only softly say, “Chiara, once you’re my age, maybe you’ll understand that love is sometimes not as important as you think. Social status, power, and wealth are the most important. A person can live well without love, but if you don’t have money and social status, you’ll starve to death.“No one is inseparable from anyone. I’m helping you to set this up and letting you marry Michael so that you can have a better life. Once you’re in charge of the Barkworth family and you give birth to a son, your status in the family will solidify. When you get older, you’ll also
Determination flashed in Chiara’s eyes, and she gave Lyla a thumbs up. “You’re truly my mom! Your experience counts!”Lyla chuckled. “Okay, just put on an act in the hospital for a few days. You know how you should behave with Michael, right?”Chiara took a deep breath before she nodded and seriously said, “Mom, don’t worry. I won’t be as dumb as before. I’ll definitely behave myself and marry him in two months!”“Okay, I still have some things to do, so I can’t accompany you any longer. Ask your assistant to come over.”“Okay.”Lyla left soon after. When Chiara’s assistant, who had been waiting outside slowly walked in, she looked at Chiara and respectfully asked, “Ms. Lane, is there anything that you need me to do?”Chiara smiled. “No, just get some rest. I’ll call you when I need you.”“Okay.”…… For the next three days, Michael would visit Chiara after he clocked off work every night. This made Chiara feel better and better.She knew how to behave herself this time. She
“Have I come at the wrong time?”Michael did not close the ward’s door when he arrived earlier. Therefore, when Ivanka arrived at the door, the two of them appeared affectionate to her.Chiara’s smile instantly froze, but she immediately said, “Ivanka, you’re here. Please come in!”She looked at Ivanka with a defensive look in her eyes. How much did Ivanka hear just now? Chiara had failed to differentiate the rosaries at the birthday party. If Ivanka confronted her again, the good image that she had just built would be completely ruined!Michael instantly cast a fierce gaze at Ivanka, but his gaze seemed to be filled with other emotions as well.Ivanka pursed her lips. Just now, she naturally heard Chiara explain the incident at the birthday party to Michael. She did not care what Michael thought about it, and she did not even intend to bring it up.She glanced at Michael before she smiled and said, “I heard that Mr. Barkworth would be working overtime, so I thought I would come
“Mr. Barkworth, since I have the pleasure to meet you this time, let’s get straight to the main point. You’re aware of what your grandfather has done and the incident between us. I don’t want to make a fuss on certain matters because I don’t care about them. However, if you cross the line, I’ll take action.” Ivanka sounded cold and indifferent. She no longer showed any tenderness toward him. Chiara turned to Michael nervously. She noticed a strong hint of mockery in his eyes. The next moment, Michael sneered, “My grandfather didn’t tell lies. You know you colluded with your father and committed that disgraceful act.” Ivanka’s expression immediately darkened. “You can criticize me, but not! My! Dad!” It was a common sentence, but when she emphasized the last few words, she exuded a strong murderous intent. Chiara and Michael immediately became stunned. Meanwhile, Ivanka’s gaze was filled with coldness. “Michael Barkworth, if you don’t want to disgrace Barkworth’s Group or make
Egbert stormed off in fury, but Sandy’s rage had not cooled in the slightest. She even lashed out at Ivan. “You shouldn’t have stopped me just now! If I’d given him a good scolding, or even a beating, maybe it would’ve finally knocked some sense into him. Otherwise, he’ll keep coming back. He’s always trying to use me for his own purposes!”She was so angry she was practically grinding her teeth. Ivan pressed his lips together and let out a long sigh. “With the way you looked like you were ready to kill someone, what did you expect me to do? Just stand there and watch you commit murder?”He was really worried when he saw how Sandy was losing control. “What’s the point of that old b*stard still being alive anyway?” Sandy said coldly. If she could really get rid of that old man, she would do it so she could avenge her mother and let go of that grudge she had been holding on.Ivan shook his head and said in a low voice, “Then think about it, how hard did you work to get to where yo
Sandy exploded. “Eighty million? Why don’t you go rob a bank? Or better yet, see if that wrinkled old face of yours is worth anything as collateral!”Sandy was fuming.Egbert had not expected Sandy to be so vulgar. He turned back, enraged.His black eyes shot daggers like he could rip her apart on the spot. Sandy did not flinch. Instead, she lifted her chin and gave him a cold, mocking smile. “What? Are you so mad that you’re thinking about hitting me? Do you want me to remind you of the law? We have no legal ties anymore. If you so much as touch me, that’s assault. And let’s not forget, you barged into my workplace to cause a scene.”“Sandy, I don’t know what kind of twisted morals your birth mother and adoptive mother taught you, but just look at yourself now! Do you even resemble a proper human being?”Egbert was extremely disappointed in Sandy. The one thing Sandy hated most was when people brought up her birth mother and adoptive mother. Those two women were the most import
Egbert snapped at Sandy coldly. His gaze was pressing.However, that had no effect on Sandy. Her lips even curled into a mocking smile as she said, “I’m not one of your McNeil pets. That look, your words, they cannot intimidate me at all.”At the mention of “pets,” Egbert was so furious that he slammed his cane against the floor with a loud crack. “Listen to yourself! Is that any way for a lawyer to speak? Do you even understand the meaning of respect, decency, and manners? Is that how your mother raised you?”Sandy had been mean and harsh on purpose to kill whatever sliver of hope he held onto.Just as she wished, he was angered.Watching him lose his composure, Sandy even felt a flicker of satisfaction rise within her. Her mother and herself were thrown out and lived a tough life while her father stood by uselessly. Who else was to blame, if not this old man standing before her?“My mother raised me to be a decent person. She taught me never to push away what’s rightfully mine,
Thomas stated his purpose.Sandy’s reaction, however, was full of repulsion. She frowned. Even her tone was curt. “Uncle, I made it very clear about seeing him the last time we spoke. He never once considered me part of the McNeil family. If it weren’t for my mother taking me in, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Now that I’ve grown up and suddenly seem useful, he wants to claim me back? I was abandoned by the McNeil family the moment I was born. I’m not stupid enough to become a pawn for your family!”Sandy was furious.She had always treated Thomas with a certain courtesy, but at the moment, that line had clearly been crossed.Thomas, though only the messenger, could feel the weight of her resentment. “It may not be as bad as you think. If you won’t go, Dad will come find you himself.”That was the truth. Yet Sandy did not spare the old man a shred of respect. She scoffed. “He might be your dad, your head of the family, but he’s nothing to me. From the moment I was abandoned, th
Sandy was really surprised to see Ivanka. “When did you get back?”“Today,” Ivanka answered honestly.“You have quite a packed schedule for just one day.” Sandy teased her.When they had planned to take down Coco last time, Ivanka was not around. Then Michael returned. From what Sandy could tell, they were always either together or closely following each other.Ivanka did not respond to her teasing. “I’ll only be here for a day or two, then I would have to leave again.”Sandy was speechless. She rolled her eyes at Ivanka. “Are you going to become a full-time jet setter?”“She can’t help it,” Anna answered for Ivanka. Just as she finished saying that, Anna’s phone rang. It was another case to follow up on. She had to step away to take the call.Only Ivanka and Sandy remained in the office. “You look exhausted. If you keep going like this, I’m worried you’ll wear yourself out!” Sandy shook her head and expressed her concern for Ivanka. Ivanka chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that fa
When she heard what Anna said, Ivanka immediately teased. “Why, can’t I even come to the firm?”“Well, of course, you can come. You are an important partner; why can’t you come?” Anna laughed and looked at Ivanka, annoyed. Immediately after, she made a cup of tea for Ivanka.The tea was also of fine quality. She had bought it.Ivanka also remembered how she, Anna, and Sandy, the three of them, used to work hard together in the firm after she divorced Michael. Originally, she wanted to live on her own. However, one thing happened after another, and her plans got delayed. “I don’t see Sandy. Has she gone to handle cases?” Ivanka sipped a mouthful of tea, and immediately after, she asked Anna about Sandy’s whereabouts.Anna told Ivanka truthfully. “Sandy recently took over a very tricky case. She wants to make a not-guilty defense for that person. But the father of the deceased is the Groethe family, a rather prestigious family in Bostone. How could a commoner fight with a rich ki
But as time went on, things happened one after another. While they were in contact with each other, she also slowly understood Jonah’s personality.The most important thing was that Jonah was also honest with her later on.When Jonah mentioned this again, Ivanka could not help but scrutinize Jonah again.He was starting to become unhinged!“Jonah, you need to stabilize your emotions. Sometimes, when you feel impatient, you should just close your eyes and take a good rest. You should not have such emotions.”Ivanka spoke solemnly toward Jonah and advised him. When he saw Ivanka’s serious expression, Jonah instantly also realized that he had lost himself.Ivanka was not like Chiara, who could accept him losing control. If he lost control in front of Ivanka, it would affect Ivanka’s mood. That would make him courting death too! This would put a halt to all his opportunities!Jonah also realized this problem. He was very distressed. He could not even explain why his emotions had
When Ivanka said this, she pressed her hand on Jonah’s shoulder. There was no other meaning, she wanted Jonah to calm down.But this instead gave Jonah an opportunity. He grabbed Ivanka’s wrist. Then he tugged forward forcefully… Ivanka was caught off guard, and her whole body fell on top of him.He then took advantage of the situation and held Ivanka in his arms.The faint scent entered his nose, Jonah was intoxicated for a moment.But at that moment, he felt like he was waking up from a dream.Ivanka could not be so intimate with him. The sensations of touch and warmth in front of him were so real again. It was not an illusion, it was his compulsion!After realizing this, Jonah hurriedly pushed Ivanka away. He even more quickly apologized to Ivanka. “Iv, I’m sorry. I lost control. I didn’t mean to…”“I know.”Ivanka uttered softly, but her tone was cold.She knew. Neither did she blame him. But why was she using that tone, with that look on her face?“No, Iv. you’re blami
“Jonah, I don’t like you. I told you, I only see you as a friend. When I’m unwilling to do something, no amount of moral coercion would work on me.”Ivanka spoke up bluntly. She did not want Jonah to cling to something impossible.Jonah was silent.This was where Jonah and Michael were different.“Look, you still have so many things to do. By the time you remember me, we have already missed the best time. This time when you leave, did Michael go with you?” Jonah raised his eyes to meet Ivanka’s. He wanted to hear Ivanka’s answer from her mouth.Ivanka did not reply. But the look in her eyes already said it all.Her silence confirmed it all.Jonah felt that his heart grow incredibly heavy at the moment. He had a crazy thought: Was it true that if Michael died, Ivanka would be able to focus all her attention on him?However, he was an invalid and did not even have a chance to get close!“The way you treat Michael and the way you treat me has always been so different. I know. A