His furrowed brows gradually relaxed.It was a subtle shift that Evan would surely notice if he were in the office. Michael was genuinely pleased with the proposal.Ivanka’s gaze finally settled on Michael as she finished the briefing. “Mr. Barkworth, that’s all about the proposal. What do you think?”Michael looked at Ivanka in cold silence.At that moment, any intention to mock Ivanka had vanished.He made a clear distinction between business and personal matters.Initially, he asked her here because he thought Ivanka was being cheap and pulling a fast one on Jonah.However, now, Ivanka’s proposal satisfied him.His current emotions were a mix of shock and anger.Ivanka actually had a talent for this. Why did she not tell him before? Why did she lie to him?Seeing Michael’s furious gaze, Ivanka frowned in confusion and asked, “Mr. Barkworth, why are you staring at me like that?”Michael sneered. “Ivanka, Iris, Wisteria… Now you are even capable of coming up with a proposal
“Mic, it’s me.”Her voice remained as warm and gentle as before.Ivanka looked at Michael and smiled. “Mr. Barkworth, you see, you owe my sister a great favor. She was worried that I might not be able to secure the contract, so she came in person. Do you really think you should make such a demand in front of my sister? It won’t look good for anyone here. Right? She’d be heartbroken.”“She’s your sister. She’s been treating you like a real sister, and yet you’re using her!” Michael’s face darkened. His voice was cold.Ivanka, however, was unfazed. She just smiled and said, “Don’t you always know that I’m a vain person who will do whatever it takes to achieve my goals? What I’m doing now is actually nothing serious. Mr. Barkworth, for the sake of my sister, I suggest you put up with it.”Michael’s sharp gaze seemed as if it could pierce through her.Ivanka merely chuckled. She took a step back to maintain a distance from him.The two of them appeared to be having a regular busines
Michael clearly noticed the provocation in Ivanka’s eyes. A surge of anger welled up within him.If Chiara was not present, he would have lost his temper already!After a moment, he pursed his lips and said calmly, “No, you didn’t.”Chiara seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and smiled. “That’s good then.”Ivanka’s smile seemed to have grown wider. At that moment, a love-struck Chiara with her judgment clouded was completely unaware that Ivanka had set a trap for her. Chiara just gazed at Michael with a smile. “Mic, how did you find Iv’s project just now?”Her smile was gentle. Her demeanor was poised and relaxed, as if she had already familiarized herself with the project beforehand and exuded a natural self-confidence.Michael cast a brief glance at her and eventually spoke in a soft tone. “It’s decent.”Chiara was a little surprised. She was well aware of the project. She did not expect to hear such impartial approval from Michael’s mouth.Could it be that it was for her sake
Chiara took a small breath. She thought. “Never mind. Even if Ivanka completed this mission, it wouldn’t make much difference. She still has five missions to complete this month. Besides, given the rules, there’s no way she can leave the company this month.”After resigning herself to the situation, Chiara turned to Michael. “Mic, since you still have work to do, I’ll leave with Iv now.”Michael slightly frowned. In the end, he said in a deep voice, “You haven’t fully recovered yet. Don’t always think too much for others. It’s a waste of energy, and they may not appreciate it.”Ivanka had just reached the door when she heard what Michael said.The corner of her lips twitched. She continued to walk out.Chiara’s eyes flashed with a hint of pleasure. She liked the conflicting dynamic between them. Now, she was more convinced that Michael only approved Ivanka’s proposal out of consideration for her feelings.Ivanka got lucky.After all, Barkworth’s Group was a big corporation. Lane
Belle was a little surprised. She quickly glanced at Chiara through the rearview mirror.Without Chiara’s instruction, Belle could not do as Ivanka said, or else Chiara would punish her when they got back.Puzzled, Chiara turned to Ivanka. “Where are you going?”Ivanka said with indifference, “I know you’re doing this just for show. There’s no need for us to take the same car. I have something else to attend to, so let’s not waste time dancing around in circles.”Chiara’s brows were knitted in a tight frown. Chiara thought. “Has Mic contacted her?“Are they meeting up again?”With that in mind, she immediately said, “Where are you going? I’ll ask Belle to give you a ride.”Ivanka smiled faintly. “Don’t worry. I won’t meet Michael again.” Chiara scowled and said grimly, “Pull over!”Belle turned the steering wheel and slowly stopped the car on the side of the road.Without a word, Chiara stared at Ivanka coldly.She wanted to warn Ivanka to behave, but it seemed pointless. I
Ivanka said, “We can’t act rashly just yet. Without enough evidence, I can’t send them to prison once and for all.”Suki pursed her lips. “Alright, let me know if you need anything.”Ivanka nodded. “Regarding my father, keep investigating. We may have missed something.”“Okay.”After a brief discussion, the two of them left the office.Suki drove Ivanka home.On the way back, Ivanka was deep in thought. Theodore wanted to take over Lane’s Group. Taking her shares was just an excuse.In fact, he had recently won the loyalty of some people in the company.If that was the case, Ivanka could surely uncover some clues from the shareholders.So, she ought to infiltrate the board of directors as soon as possible!She pondered over this throughout her ride.But she could not figure it out, even after Suki pulled up outside her home and stopped the car. Suki looked at Ivanka and said in a somber voice, “So, how did they do it? What did they do to your father? Did he really have
The person on the other end of the line was a little shocked. “Ms. Lane?”“Yes, it’s me.”Mr. Parker’s assistant paused before saying in a low voice, “Noted. Mr. Parker is in a meeting. I’ll relay your message and call you back.”“Okay, thanks.”After this brief exchange, both Ivanka and the assistant hung up.The assistant put down the phone and headed straight to Mr. Parker’s office.Meanwhile, Mr. Parker was sitting at his desk. He had a beer belly, and his breathing was a little ragged. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, which could barely fit him. He seemed to be in his forties and wore a pair of white-framed glasses. His hair was parted in the middle and made a sight for sore eyes.Knowing that the person coming in was his assistant, he did not even bother to look up from the pictures of beautiful women on his phone.The assistant had long gotten used to Mr. Parker’s behavior. He walked up to his boss’ desk right away.Even though Mr. Parker was a lecherous man, he
“But…”Before she finished, Ivanka interrupted her with a smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”Rebecca opened her mouth but failed to form words. In the end, she sighed resignedly. “Alright then… You should watch out.”“Okay.”…Ivanka stayed and waited until it was time to meet up with Mr. Parker.She packed up and headed to their rendezvous. When she arrived, to her small surprise, Mr. Parker was already there.Mr. Park’s eyes immediately lit up with excitement at the sight of Ivanka. Not even her formal attire could hide the curves of her perfect figure. He quickly got up and stared at Ivanka with a grin. “Here you are, Ms. Lane. Thanks for asking me out for dinner. I’m so honored.”Ivanka smiled. “Drop the formalities, Mr. Parker. I’m grateful that you agreed to meet.”Mr. Parker’s grin broadened instantly. “Come over here and take a seat. What do you want to eat?”He extended a hand and signaled her to sit down at the dining table.At that moment, Mr. Parker still appe
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