“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
Rosie looked up at him and frowned. “Gee, why don’t you twitch your mouth more? Show it to the world.”Jay was rendered speechless. Helplessly, he looked at her and said, “Mom, you see how it is, right? Sometimes, we can’t force people to be together.”After all, he did not want to deceive his mother.“Every child has their own destiny. Sometimes, worrying won’t necessarily solve anything. Do you think anyone can handle Michael’s temperament?”Frustrated, Rosie said, “It might be too late for him to win Iv back when he finally realizes how good she is, no matter how much he regrets it.”Jay sighed wordlessly.She gently reassured him. “You guys don’t have to worry about my health. There’s no need to come all the way just to check on me. I’m feeling much better now. Don’t worry, I’ll take my medicine on time. My body is much healthier than before.”He nodded and gazed at her. “Michael will regret it someday and try to pursue Iv again. You’ll just have to keep waiting for that d
Michael had no idea that two women would scold him that day. One called him blind, and the other called him deaf. It was peculiar how someone who appeared blind and deaf could thrive in the business field and earn silent epithets from everyone as a significant villain.He narrowed his eyes, giving a more threatening look.Yet, at that moment, Ivanka had hiked up her gown. He frowned at her reddening feet.The heels he chose looked good, but they were really uncomfortable to wear.She strongly suspected he deliberately bought her a pair of poor-quality shoes.She chuckled. “Look, my feet are already so red. Mr. Barkworth, are you still going to make me go with you?”He pursed his lips before walking away wordlessly.Tanya noticed he had pulled out his phone and made a call, but she was not sure whom he called.She then looked at Ivanka again. She feigned a smile and said, “Ms. Ivanka, have you really moved on?”Ivanka wordlessly raised an eyebrow.Tanya wouldn’t believe her
Ivanka was speechless.It was too late for her to escape, especially after spending two hours arm-in-arm with Michael. The viewers had seen enough, so attempting to conceal anything further would be meaningless.Sandy: You’ve gone viral! Some celebrities probably hate you. Many directors must be eager to rope you in for acting or variety shows, too.Ivanka stayed silent while pursing her lips.However, Sandy was anxious.Sandy: Bestie, can you please tell me why you’re involved with him again?Ivanka sighed resignedly.Ivanka: I was forced into it due to a collaboration. Plus, Rosie hasn’t been well lately. She wanted to see us reconcile. He was just pretending, but I didn’t expect him to go to such lengths.Sandy: What now? Can you even clarify things?Many people were criticizing Ivanka on Twitter. Sandy was hesitant to bring this up, but not discussing it didn’t mean that Ivanka would not find out about it herself.Sure enough, Ivanka had already checked Twitter.She frow
Theodore and Chiara instantly turned to Lyla.Chiara, already anxious, urgently spoke, “Do you have any ideas? Quick, tell us!”Lyla frowned at Chiara’s anxiousness. “Chiara, no matter what happens, no matter the time or place, you have to stay composed. Even if there’s nobody around, you shouldn’t behave as you did today!”Theodore’s expression darkened. “Why lecture her now? We don’t have time for this! Hurry up, tell us what you’ve got!”Lyla knew they were both very agitated. She sighed and said, “We’re not the only ones who dislike Ivanka right now. Some are even more against her and Michael being together than we are. This is all happening during a live stream. Mindy is probably watching it, too.”Theodore’s eyes lit up. “That’s right! Not only Mindy, Samuel disapproves of them being together, too!”Chiara frowned. “Isn’t this method the most useless one? I mean, before this, we thought them disliking Ivanka would help us, but in the end...”“Are you sure? They did end up
Ivanka was caught off guard.Even while drenched in icy cold water, she was still unable to react.Who the heck pushed her?Was it Tanya?From what she knew, Tanya had her own dignity. She would not do something as low as this.Today’s event was livestreamed. Could this be related to Chiara and her family?They probably were not aware that she could swim.Ivanka narrowed her eyes and wondered if she should pretend to drown and wait for rescue.So, she did just that.At the next moment, she heard someone shout in panic.“Someone fell into the water! Quick, someone, save her!”That person was probably either a servant or a banquet attendee.That shout was enough for everyone to hear.People began hurrying outside when they heard it.Naturally, Michael heard it too.For some reason, his heart started racing. He immediately looked at the sofa in the corner.He frowned when he noticed that Ivanka hadn’t returned from the washroom.His expression changed upon hearing a screa
Michael carried Ivanka into the car swiftly and carefully. Ivanka did not find it odd. After all, Michael could not possibly throw her into the car before the audience. Besides, Rosie could be watching the live-stream event. If Rosie learned that Ivanka had fallen into the water and Michael left her to drown, his effort of putting on the show would be in vain. Ivanka could actually swim and save herself. However, she thought it would be best to keep some secrets in case they did the same trick again. After Michael closed the car door, he glanced at her coldly. “Stop acting dumb before me in the future.” Ivanka’s eyes flickered. She opened her bag. Water had ruined her phone. She twitched her lips before Michael. “Can I borrow your phone?” Michael smiled sarcastically. “Remember to compensate me for a phone.” As he spoke, he took out his phone from his pocket. Water dripped from his phone. Ivanka was speechless. They could have changed in the restroom. Nonetheless, Mic
Evan retrieved Ivanka’s message and passed his phone to Michael. Ivanka: “Suki, I was pushed down into the water today. Chiara is the main suspect, but don’t miss out on the others. Don’t reply to my message. I’ll call you when I’m free.” Evan read her message too. His expression changed slightly. “Miss Lane…” No one knew if he was referring to Ivanka or Chiara. Meanwhile, Michael brooded darkly in silence. Evan stood by the side. His brain processed the information speedily. “Mr. Barkworth knew my phone was installed with the function of retrieving messages. If not, he wouldn’t have come and asked about this matter. “Ivanka had originally deleted the message, but Mr. Barkworth retrieved it. “If that’s the case, what exactly is going on between Ivanka and Chiara? “Is there truly something wrong with Chiara?” Evan was confused, but he dared not say that to Michael. After all, Michael had a history with both Ivanka and Chiara. He would have to trust one over the other
“Who would believe that he didn’t get any help?”The statement set off an uproar. Indeed, many people had been eliminated at this stage. Michael’s advancement as an outsider was suspicious in itself. Or maybe it was not just Doska. Many people had this suspicion; they just did not say it out loud.Once someone brought it up, it naturally led to the dam breaking, and a steady influx of skepticism started.“Yes. How long has an outsider been here? How was he able to find these herbs so precisely?”“Isn’t that so? I even saw Doska’s grandma take Michael out this morning to look for herbs. I hadn’t seen him before. Did he memorize it after just one turn? I don’t believe it.”“There’s something shady. He must be cheating. The Heroes Meeting would never tolerate cheating. They never need a hero who cheats.”“Get out of here. Disqualify him!”The noises continued. Under Doska’s lead, some people were agitated and said they wanted to disqualify Michael from the competition.Mdm.
“Yo, how dare you return with a handful of wild weeds?” Doska snorted lightly in mockery.Michael did not pay any attention and ignored him completely.He just handed over what he had in his hand straight to the referee.Seeing that he was being ignored, Doska immediately wanted to speak again, but the surrounding people talked him out of it.A few of the men scowled at Doska while grinning evilly. “Let’s watch. He’ll be embarrassed in a moment.”Doska also calmed down. The corners of his mouth curled in mockery.Obviously, he did not think Michael would be able to pass the first stage.Or rather, no one believed it but Ivanka.Even Anais added in her two cents and said with a look of regret, “I didn’t expect the first stage to be this. It looks like Michael is going to end at the first stage. What a pity.”Even Madam Wright was worried for him.Ivanka heard and did not comment on it. However, she still believed in Michael in her heart. The referee took over and conducted a
Ivanka was done with her mutiny. On the other side, Michael was moving fast on the mountain.In about ten minutes, he found about two dozen different herbs.It was a combination of luck and skill.On his way to look for other medicinal herbs, Michael also encountered Doska’s group.Surprisingly, Doska also had a dozen handfuls of herbs in his hand.But then again the others around him were empty-handed, it was plain to see.They probably knew that if they were spread out, there was a chance none of them would advance. Putting all their herbs in one person’s hands would be better. Micheal had no idea why they had picked Doska. He shook his head in slight confusion.When he saw that Michael was about to leave, Doska could not resist and spoke.“Stand still.”Michael did not want to pay any attention to it, but a man was already blocking the way.Michael stopped. He did not want to make a move for the moment.He looked at Doska. His gaze was chilling.“What do you want?”Do
Ivanka did not answer. She stared straight at the enclosure wall as if she had not heard anything.Anais was not annoyed. If Ivanka did not answer, she had others around her to do so.“It must be Michael. Who else could it be?”Anais smiled. It was a bright smile.She turned her head to look at Ivanka properly and said, “It’s because you’re with him that he’s not accepted by the community. If he was with me, the outcome would be much different. But you’re not willing to let go.”Ivanka did not say anything. In fact, the expression on her face did not change.She knew in her heart that Michael did not need to blend in or be accepted by the people here.All it took was Mdm. Wright’s acceptance.When she thought about this, Ivanka looked toward Mdm. Wright.Mdm. Wright gave her a reassuring look.Ivanka blinked and continued to look at the enclosure wall.Just like that, Anais was completely ignored.Originally, she wanted to be directly angry, but within the duration of an ey
When Mdm. Wright heard that, she asked in discomfort, “Why do you care? It’s none of my business.”Michael just smiled. Mdm. Wright had been distracted since she arrived here. She still cared about Doska in the end.He was her last remaining relative, after all. Mdm. Wright’s sons and daughters had died one after another, leaving behind only this one grandson. It would be a lie to say that she did not care.It was just all to keep her pride. By the grace of Mdm. Wright, he would let him off the hook once when he met Doska on the field. But if Doska repeatedly provoked him or tried to get in his way… Then he would not care who he was.With that, Michael tidied up and prepared to enter.Before he was about to go in, Michael looked toward Ivanka quickly.By that time, Ivanka had already stood very obediently next to Anais.When she saw Michael look over at her, Ivanka gave him a small smile.“Take care of yourself.”Michael had mouthed those words to her.Ivanka smiled. “B
“So, Mdm. Wright, even if we go back, Michael and I won’t forget you, nor will we forget this place.”Mdm. Wright’s body froze visibly.Ivanka spoke to her heart. She spoke to the most vulnerable, most profound part of her heart.To put it bluntly, the old lady was also afraid of being alone in her old age.Ivanka continued, “If conditions permit, we will come back to see you, or we can pick you up and take you out for a few days.”Mdm. Wright said nothing as she held back her tears.She was afraid that she would cry the moment she opened her mouth. Ivanka affectionately took Mdm. Wright’s hand. She looked at Mdm. Wright with eyes that twinkled like stars in the sky.“Mdm. Wright, give Michael and I a local name for this place.”“Alright…”Mdm. Wright could not hold back her tears any longer.The warm liquid dripped onto Ivanka’s arm. It was so warm that it felt like it was burning her skin.Ivanka took out a tissue and gently wiped away the tears off her beloved Mdm. Wrig
“The question struck my mind at this moment.” Michael did not trust Ivanka’s statement. When she asked him that question, she looked serious. She did not look like she asked it spontaneously; she seemed to have prepared it a long time ago. Michael thought about it carefully before answering her. “You’re serious, bold, smart, and beautiful.” Ivanka had many excellent qualities. Her beauty was unquestionable, yet it was the least worth mentioning. She nodded. After that, she looked up and stared at Michael. Her gaze was so razor-sharp as if she could pierce him through her gaze alone. She said, “I’m not some sort of a delicate, rich young lady. We’re currently facing a situation that is unfavorable to us. If we want to return to our homeland, it’s going to take more than your effort alone to get back, it’s going to take us all working together. Since you mention we’re a team, why can’t I contribute to our team?” Michael’s lips parted, but no words came out of his mouth.
Michael grabbed Ivanka’s hand and wanted to leave together. He could not bear to watch Ivanka suffer. But Ivanka stood motionlessly in place and stared at Anais. Meanwhile, Anais recovered from her shock and gave Ivanka a strange look. Then she asked skeptically, “Have you made up your mind? Are you sure you’re not kidding me?” Michael was about to answer her, but Ivanka interrupted, “Yes. I’m very certain about it. Can we register now?” Anais raised her head proudly. “Of course.” Right after she finished her sentence, she gave the registrar a look. The registrar naturally did not want to mess around with the troublemaker, so he instantly added Michael’s name to the list. After Michael’s name was added to the list, it was only then that Ivanka heaved a sigh of relief. She turned around and realized that Anais was staring at her. Ivanka was undaunted. She met her eyes. Anais moved her lips silently to say, “I’ll wait for you.” After that, she gave Ivanka a profound
The moment Candice saw Mandy, she instantly recalled the night Ivanka and Michael fell into the sea. She knew Mandy and Ferris were the main culprits behind it all. At that moment, Candice had the urge to tie them up and toss them into the sea so that they would sink underneath. It seemed to be the only way to get rid of her hatred toward the duo. Unfortunately, she could not take action just yet. Mandy moved in front of Candice and removed her sunglasses. Then, she raised her chin and asked the security guard, “What’s with all the noises?” The security guard listened to all her whims and said, “This mad woman is being so unreasonable and insists on entering the building. She said she’s the project director of the company.” Upon hearing this, Mandy looked like she finally noticed Candice’s presence. Without caring much less about the hatred and disgust in Candice’s eyes, Mandy cradled her mouth and pretended to look surprised while saying, “Oh, no! Aren’t you the project di