Michael’s face darkened further. Ivanka was unable to break free from his grip. She looked a little angry. “Let go of me!”“Ivanka, are you deaf? Have you not heard what I previously said to you?!” Michael was livid.Ivanka, however, just grinned and said, “Well, listen to this recording.”She played the recording. It was the part where Chiara had ordered her not to attend. Michael frowned. He did not want to mention Chiara. Ivanka smiled. “Look, you have nothing to do with me after our divorce. But Chiara is my cousin. She insists that she’s doing things in my best interest, so I have to do as she says, right?”With a fierce gaze, Michael asked, “Ivanka, have you lost your conscience? Grandma really needs you to come visit her right now. What are you doing now?!”Ivanka looked at him coldly. “Do you know who’s the one that has lost their conscience?”When Michael became even more furious, Ivanka stated cynically, “It’s you! Grandma is the way she is today because of you!”
Chiara’s expression shifted slightly. “Damn it! Mic must have heard Ivan’s voice. What’s with this man and his big mouth? He’s too loud!” she thought.She immediately looked at Ivan worriedly and said, “I-I was worried about Mic and Ivanka, so I came to check.”Ivan smiled and said, “Ah, they’re an old, married couple. Even if they’re divorced, it wouldn’t matter if they share the same bed. It won’t cause any harm. You don’t have to worry so much, Ms. Chiara.”Chiara’s expression dropped. She gave Ivan a serious look and said, “Don’t say things like that, Young Master Ivan. Mic and Ivanka are not that kind of people!”“Really?” Ivan chuckled. Xander had told him before that something was going on with Chiara, and he had even analyzed Michael’s inner thoughts with him. To be honest, he did not think well of Chiara, even though she was the one who saved Michael.Chiara looked at Ivan in confusion. “What do you mean, Young Master Ivan?”Ivan smiled wordlessly. Instead, he rounde
Michael frowned. He could not help but feel that Chiara had changed.She was not the same as she was before. He could not tell what had changed. However, as soon as he remembered that she was his savior and had endured tremendous suffering, he could not place any blame on her.Ivan followed Michael to his car and cheekily asked, “So, what are you thinking now? If you don’t end whatever you have with Ivanka, what about Chiara?”Michael frowned. “Can you shut up?”Ivan was amused. “Do you think I’m being annoying? But this is your mess, my friend. You need to think about it carefully. You should let Chiara know soon if you don’t want to be with her anymore and can no longer keep your promise. Since you’re not even with her, don’t let her keep thinking about you. Do you know what consequences there will be in the long run?”Michael stared at Ivan in confusion. The corner of Ivan’s mouth twitched. “Holy crap! There’s no way?! You’re a genius! But you really have no idea what mig
Belle took a deep breath and did not answer Ivanka directly. Instead, she uttered softly, “Are you happy with today’s counterattack, Ms. Ivanka?”Ivanka looked at Belle with a slight twinkle in her eyes as she studied in silence. There was clearly a hidden significance in Belle’s words today, but Ivanka felt like it was not Chiara’s usual style. Chiara would not send Belle over to report anything if it was going on.“What are you trying to say?”After taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Belle looked at Ivanka and said, “If I hadn’t been there to fuel the fire at today’s incident, I don’t think you would have fought back with such thrilling ease this time, Ms. Ivanka.”Ivanka’s eyes narrowed. She was not wrong.At the same time, She also thought Chiara’s plan today was a little dumb. However, it would make more sense if Belle had been the one behind the plans.Chiara trusted Belle the most now. Even if Belle concealed and lied to her, she would know nothing. Ivanka did no
Ivanka wordlessly narrowed her eyes. Belle knew that Ivanka was doubting her, so she said calmly, “I know you don’t believe me, Ms. Ivanka, but I will express my sincerity to you in the future. Please give me a chance. I can’t promise that for others, but if you’re open to accepting me, I’ll be of great assistance to you against Chiara.”Ivanka smiled and said, “Are you here for anything else today?”“No.” Belle shook her head.Belle discerned that Ivanka was not going to speak, so she stood up and politely said, “I won’t disturb your rest then. I’m hoping you can consider my request just now. If anything I say is false, my entire family will suffer a terrible death.”Even though there were many atheists today, no one dared to say such words so casually. Furthermore, Belle was a family-oriented person, and she would never swear in such a way. Ivanka studied the woman before her and saw that she seemed to be waiting for her response. After giving it some thought, she said lightl
Belle started recalling past events.Ten days before Chiara’s car accident, Belle had handed over all the information she dug up to Chiara and anxiously awaited her response.Chiara breezed through the information and sneered.Flustered, Belle said, “Ms. Chiara, are you really doing this? If this comes to light, the consequences could be severe.”Chiara snorted. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”Belle opened her mouth. She wanted to dissuade Chiara, but she thought better of it. Besides, she was unwilling to undertake this task, but Chiara had left her no choice.Then, Chiara continued. “In the next couple of days, have someone observe Wilson Mcrae. He’s a ruthless man. Since he means ill of Michael, he’ll surely play dirty. Contact him and say I’m inviting him to dinner.”Wilson, an enemy of Michael, also happened to be a distant relative of Chiara’s mother. However, they barely got in contact.As for the reasons behind the enmity between Michael and Wilson, Chiara did not k
Belle reflexively looked at Ivanka. “What can I do for you?”“When Chiara visited the hospital a few days ago, she must’ve left some traces behind. I need you to get me evidence.”Belle nodded. “Got it.”When Ivanka said nothing more, she left.Ivanka stood by the window as if she was waiting for Belle to reappear.Or perhaps she was lost in thought.Chiara’s current greatest desire was to marry Michael. Initially, this had nothing to do with her, as Chiara’s choice of a spouse was her own business.However, since Chiara had repeatedly provoked her and even schemed against her entire family, she would not let Chiara get her way.First, she would make Michael disgusted with Chiara.In fact, Ivanka was also gathering evidence herself.She had learned a good-looking young man had taken Chiara to the hospital that day.He seemed to be a key figure, similar to a mastermind.Ivanka lingered by the window for a time before returning to the master bedroom.The next day, as promise
“But you...” Rosie was at a loss for words for the first time.She kept thinking that Ivanka had a tough life.She lost her biological father at a young age, she married a man who did not like her, and her mother-in-law mistreated her. Therefore, Rosie had been trying to make it up for Ivanka.Ivanka smiled. “Grandma, don’t overthink it.”“All right.”Just like that, they continued chatting and laughing. Ivanka felt a genuine sense of familial care from her grandmother. Over the years, their relationship had remained strong. Ivanka was like a real granddaughter to Rosie. To Ivanka, Rosie was like her real grandmother.Ivanka spent a good part of the day chatting with Rosie without anyone disturbing them.Ivanka had intended to leave before dinner, but Rosie kept insisting she stay. She even insisted that Ivanka eat dinner before leaving. Ivanka had no choice but to stay.Unexpectedly, a car engine rumbled from the yard.Ivanka’s eyes flickered slightly. Was Samuel back?The
“I deserve everything that’s happening to me now. But please don’t involve my family in my mistakes…” Ethan clasped his hands together and sincerely begged everyone to spare his family. Ivanka spared him a brief glance before turning off her cell phone. Although she was helping herself to some meat, Michael could see how she felt at the moment. “Why don’t we…” Michael asked for her opinion. But before he finished speaking, Ivanka interrupted him. “Now that he’s released a video like that, if I continue to hold him accountable, I’d be the one in the wrong.” Michael immediately replied, “I can step in—” “You? It’s better if you don’t. Everyone knows your relationship with me now.” Before Michael could finish his sentence, Ivanka immediately interrupted him. Although they were not officially remarried, Michael often went out with her. If anyone else were to see this, what difference did it make? Michael understood, but he really could not bear to see Ivanka getting bulli
After they finished taking pictures, Ivanka greeted everyone politely. “After finishing your meal, go home early. It’s snowing, so drive safely. Bye…” Ivanka subconsciously reminded them. She belatedly realized she had been acting as though she was really an idol. Nonetheless, she treated them with sincerity. She had not done this for Michael’s sake. She did this mostly for the sake of the innocent, inexperienced young ladies who had yet entered the society. These young ladies raised their phones warily and asked, “Could we take a picture together?” They were so worried that their invitation would be turned down, so much so that when they talked, they almost bit the skin off their lips. Ivanka could not bear to reject them. It had not been easy for her to finally reach the private room. Michael teased her, “Our celebrity finally arrived. It looks like you’d best wear shades wherever you go in the future.” Ivanka glared at him and said gruffly, “Stop teasing me.” She paused
After that, Ivanka politely bowed to the people who had been watching the drama in the main hall. She smiled at them. “Sorry for making a fool of ourselves. We encountered two tricksters who wanted to eat the meals for free by calling themselves the friends of the restaurant owners. It happened that I know the restaurant owner, so we easily uncovered their tricks.” By saying that, Ivanka was able to save the hot pot restaurant’s and the Barkworth family’s reputation. Her statement could result in a win-win situation, and the reason was acceptable. Ivanka continued, “Sorry for causing a stir and affecting your dining mood. I’ll foot the bill for everyone who dined on the first floor. How does that sound?” She was not trying to curry favor with the people or to show off her wealth. She simply did not want the people to hate the wealthy. One could not deny that this method worked. Right after Ivanka made her statement, the crowd thanked her. The commotion was no more than ju
The young lady did not know what to do, so she turned to the restaurant manager. The restaurant manager nodded in approval. It was only then that the young lady left the restaurant. Before she left, she glared at Coco. Coco glared back at the young lady and pointed at her viciously. Coco shouted, “Come back! I’m not done with you yet! Who permitted you to leave now?!” The young lady’s body shivered a little. Still, she gnashed her teeth and left. Ivanka watched the young lady’s back as she drifted away. Ivanka stood in Coco’s way because she did not want Coco to chase after the young lady. Ivanka did not want to make a big deal out of the situation. Otherwise, the Barkworth family would be the one who suffered disgrace. After all, Coco stayed in the Barkworth family’s mansion, and everyone knew that Rosie doted on her. If it continued, Ivanka was worried about Rosie’s later years… Ivanka rubbed her temples in resignation. It looked like she needed to resolve the issue as
The restaurant manager thought for a moment before saying, “Ms. Fishbourne, the restaurant has its own rules. Only three types of VIPs could reserve our private rooms while the rest could only enjoy normal seats. I have reasons to believe that our front desk told you the same when you called. We may not have empty seats now, but we’ll have one shortly after.” Coco recalled the situation and remembered that it was exactly like what the restaurant manager had mentioned. So what? Things have changed these days. Coco was no longer an ordinary woman. Her words could even move the earth. With that thought in her mind, Coco chuckled. She kept her tyranny and mockery to herself before locking her little finger with the young lady’s at the front desk. The young lady at the front desk looked down at her finger before glancing at the restaurant manager helplessly. The restaurant manager himself, too, was caught in trouble, so he could not do anything else to defend the young lady. C
Little did Coco know that her behavior was no more like a clown in the crowd’s eyes. Ivanka felt disgusted. Although she could not put herself in Coco’s shoes, she could understand the thoughts of a sensitive person. Ivanka could sympathize with a sensitive and cowardly person. But she could not find herself sympathizing with Coco. Coco’s low self-esteem should not be the reason for her to behave like a crook. Michael, on the other hand, already finished discussing with the restaurant manager and entering the private room. Ivanka lagged behind him. She had no intention of entertaining Coco, much less inviting her to eat together. No doubt that the private room was able to accommodate four people. But based on their relationship, Ivanka thought she had been kind enough to not find fault in Coco, much less eating together. Meanwhile, Coco continued to argue with the restaurant manager. She argued until her face reddened. Although the restaurant manager already made hims
The temperature was above freezing point, so the snowflakes melted before they even reached the ground. The trees were covered in snow. At a glance, they looked like a blanket of pristine snow. The big trees looked as if they had been covered in snow-white new clothes. Ivanka was a little surprised at such a scenery. Even though she often went for business trips in the north and had experienced snow, skied, and various other experiences, it was a rare sight to experience snow in their city. Instead of snow, they looked more like an ice sheet. The snow there was different from the cities in the north. They easily fell on their hair. In just a while, their hair turned snowy white. Ivanka took out her phone and took a photo. Then she shared it with her friends in her WhatsApp group. Meanwhile, Michael took photos of Ivanka. Michael hardly posted anything on Twitter. After a moment, he uploaded a photo of Ivanka taking photos of the scenery.The caption was: Experiencing
Michael glanced at Ivanka.Ivanka kept her eyes lowered and focused on nothing in particular. Both of them tacitly agreed not to bring it up.“Let’s go out to eat,” Michael said. Ivanka agreed without hesitation.If they got ready and left at this time, they would be just in time for lunch.She went upstairs to freshen up. Michael did not rush her. He just smiled, as if he was telling her to take her time.Ivanka felt a little embarrassed and touched the tip of her nose. Truthfully, she was the one in a hurry because she was the one starving.Five minutes later, she came back down.She had changed into a long black down coat that reached her ankles. It was practical and warm.But the weather was still unbearably cold. This winter was harsher than usual.“Let’s go.” She rubbed her hands together and looked at Michael.Michael was on his phone. He was smiling and looked relaxed. With just a glance, Ivanka could tell he was probably making a reservation.Their long-standing
Ivanka slept in the next day. By the time she woke up, the sun was already streaming through the window, casting light across her bed and face.In a way, the sunlight had forced her awake.She frowned slightly before slowly opening her eyes. The brightness left spots in her vision, so she instinctively raised a hand to shield herself before getting out of bed.It was already past 10 a.m.She had no idea how she managed to sleep so much, especially after napping all afternoon the day before.Then again, maybe she was just that exhausted. So much had been going on lately.Fortunately, it was Saturday, so she did not have to go to the office.That was probably why her internal clock had not woken her at seven as usual.Come to think of it, her body’s internal clock was quite accommodating.On workdays, no matter how tired she was, she always woke up at seven sharp. But on weekends, that never happened. She could sleep in as much as she wanted, which was pretty great.She lay in