Ivanka did not expect Michael to be such a jerk!After all, Michael could easily ostracize her and force her out of Lane’s Group if he wanted to.But she could not let this guy find and take advantage of her weakness!Michael looked mockingly. “You got me in trouble multiple times, but I let it slide for grandma’s sake. If you keep testing my patience, I’ll give you a taste of your own medicine!”Ivanka was at a loss for words.She gritted her teeth. “Fine, I’ll do it! But you’ll be the one reaching out to them, right?”Michael said nothing.But Ivanka knew that he had agreed, so she wordlessly drove to the hotel.Now, the most important thing was to track down those designers.If she could win them over, she would not have to work with another bridal house.However, Michael seemed to be messing with her. The moment she arrived at the hotel and parked the car, he had already forwarded her the phone numbers of those designers.“Talk to them yourself.”With that, Michael got
Ivanka vowed to get back at Michael for this one day!But she had not figured out Michael’s weakness.She could not bring herself to hurt his family, because she, too, cared about some of them.Otherwise, much to her immense frustration, he seemed invulnerable!Ivanka inhaled and thought about her relationship with Michael. They had been hanging out together way too often.After a pause, Ivanka said, “Give me a moment. I’m going to call him again.”Evan felt a migraine setting in. Why would Mr. Barkworth let him handle things like this? Must he act as a messenger between this couple—no, divorced couple?“Ms. Lane, please don’t bother. Mr. Barkworth was very insistent, and he is busy right now. He told me that he won’t answer any calls.”Ivanka was speechless.Michael had basically meant that he would not answer Ivanka’s call.Unable to suppress her frustration, Ivanka took a deep breath. But Evan continued, “Ms. Lane, you must attend this banquet. Besides, there is a potentia
Before she took her first step, Michael gripped her arm. By the time she realized what happened, her arm was already firmly hooked around his.Worse still, everything seemed to happen so smoothly, and there was nothing out of the ordinary.Everyone thought that they were still a close, perfect match. They would have assumed that Ivanka had put her arm around Michael’s.Ivanka wanted to retract her arm, but Michael tightened his clutch. She did not even have a chance to struggle and wrench herself free.She turned to look at him with a smile on her lips. However, Michael heard her low, angry voice through her clenched teeth, “Michael Barkworth, what are you up to?”Michael’s lips curved slightly into a seemingly mocking smile.But he also appeared to be in a good mood.He turned his gaze on Ivanka and answered patiently, which was uncharacteristic of him, “I’m attending the banquet.”Ivanka was speechless.What a jerk!She inhaled deeply and tried her best to remain calm.It
If they had met before Ivanka divorced Michael, this man would have called her Mrs. Barkworth. However, now…He dared not do that. These two were already divorcees. He had no idea how to address her.But he really wanted to get on Ivanka’s good side. That was why he blurted out that name.Iris.Michael immediately frowned.This name frustrated and angered him, but it mostly made him feel remorse.Ivanka nodded with a smile. “Hello, Mr. Lloyd.”The look on Mr. Lloyd’s face was tense and awkward. He had called her by the wrong name. He should have just addressed her by her maiden name.However…He only remembered that Ivanka was called Iris at that moment. He had, in fact, failed to recall her maiden name.Seeing Michael’s expression, Mr. Lloyd panicked a little. He quickly turned to Michael and chuckled. “Mr. Barkworth, why have you decided to attend the banquet today? Since you’ve visited Springvale, I ought to play my part and host you. Are you free tomorrow? I’ll treat you
Ivanka had enough!However, Michael looked at her mockingly. “You don’t have the right to rest just yet. We haven’t finalized our cooperation.”“You talk to everyone who approaches you! We can barely talk about our f*cking collaboration!” She gritted her teeth.“Ivanka! Who told you to curse like that?” Michael’s expression darkened.She was speechless. She suddenly realized the difficulty of communicating with someone whose opinions completely differed from hers.She was trying to tell him to speed up the discussion and wrap it up quickly.But he, on the other hand, was fixated on her cursing.He must be nuts! She continued cursing him in her heart.She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She needed to control herself!Michael seemed determined to be at odds with her. He continued to chat with everyone around him. He appeared particularly talkative today.With others present, she saw an opportunity rise.Looking at them, she said with a smile, “Sorry to interrupt.”
Ivanka looked up. She saw a dignified, elegant woman in a white gown. Her long, brown, curly hair rested on her shoulders. She lowered her head as she looked down at Ivanka. The woman was very polite. She gestured to Ivanka to finish her call before chatting with her. Ivanka immediately stopped chatting with Sandy. She said, “Sandy, I’m at a banquet now. Let’s continue when I go home.” Sandy was a little surprised, but she did not ask further. “Alright. We’ll chat after the banquet.” Ivanka hung up. She stared at the regal woman before her as she asked, “Are you Ms. Tanya?” Mr. Cullen was the president of the largest corporation in Springvale. Tanya Cullen was his beloved daughter. Tanya was not surprised that Ivanka recognized her. She sat opposite Ivanka and said calmly, “Ms. Ivanka, I didn’t expect to bump into you at this banquet.” Tanya did not expect to run into Ivanka in this manner. Ivanka sized Tanya up. “Ms. Tanya, do you have any business with me?” Tanya sm
“To be honest, I’m most surprised that you divorced because of your cousin.” Ivanka’s lips twitched. Not everyone was aware of how important Chiara was to Michael. Regardless of what Tanya said to her, Ivanka no longer cared about Michael. Thus, she did not pay attention to the hidden meaning in Tanya’s words. Ivanka smiled wordlessly. Tanya sized her up. A hint of surprise darted across her eyes. Ivanka differed completely from what she had expected. Tanya paused for a moment before saying with a smile, “I hope you’re not my love rival.” Ivanka nodded casually. “Don’t worry. I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t disgrace myself anymore. If you’re smart, you should be able to speculate why he openly brought me to this banquet.” Tanya had high social status and power. She was also a scheming woman. She naturally knew what Michael cared about the most. She also knew well about his background. Even without Ivanka pointing it out, Tanya should know why. As expected, Tanya nod
“Ms. Ivanka is Wisteria.”Jonah stopped what he was doing and looked at James coldly.James stiffened before continuing, “That day, Ms. Ivanka was neither at home nor at the law firm. I saw her leaving that building in different attire. Hanson escorted her upon her return.”Jonah remained silent as James added, “After he left, she went into the building. Subsequently, I saw Mr. Barkworth follow her inside. They went into the elevator together. He was restraining Ivanka. They both got off at her floor. About half an hour later, he got back into the elevator with a sour expression.”Jonah clenched his phone. “So, it’s really her.”No wonder he found Ivanka familiar that day and felt something was amiss with Michael.He should have figured it out!He paused for a moment before looking at James and said in a low voice, “Why did it take you so long to tell me the answer?”Flustered, James turned pale. He hastily responded, “I-I never thought this had anything to do with Ms. Ivanka
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