“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
Margaret had always wanted a daughter-in-law. Besides, the girl had to come from a wealthy family. Jonah had done so according to her will and took Chiara home, but Margaret refused to accept her. “I want a genuine couple relationship. What are you guys doing now?” Margaret’s expression was dark and cool. She took a step toward Jonah and did not even glance at Chiara. Chiara knew it was better to fall silent at that moment. Jonah said calmly, “We’re in a genuine relationship. She needs a husband. I need a wife. Would our union cast any doubt?” Melanie had just reunited with her family. Her family did not favor her, and she had to be hidden behind the scenes all the time. As for Jonah, he was a cripple who was bound to a wheelchair. He believed no one would object to the two of them getting together. On top of that, he was just using Chiara. “Indeed, no one will doubt your relationship. But I know what you’re thinking. I don’t mind the fact that you’re using her to stop
Sandy pushed Ivan away. But she still held his flowers in her arms. It was a bouquet of pink roses. Pink was her favorite color. The bag he gave to her contained her favorite food. Ivan had put in extra effort. “Think about it carefully. I’ll come again tomorrow.” Right after Ivan finished his sentence, he turned around. Looking at his gifts, Sandy felt a surge of indescribable bitterness in her heart. She did not throw his gifts away. After all, Ivan gave them to her out of his kind gesture. Sandy carried the gifts back to the office. Anna instantly spotted her. Anna raised one of her eyebrows and chuckled. “Did Young Master Ivan give them to you?” Sandy only had Ivan as her male friend. She did not deny it. Nonetheless, Anna noticed Sandy’s dull expression. Anna hesitated first before asking, “Is there any problem between you and Ivan? You don’t look happy. Is your family objecting to your relationship with him?” Sandy and Ivan had always been a quarrelsome but lo
Sandy fell silent. She looked resigned and replied to Ivan honestly, “I can’t possibly allow you to pester me for the rest of my life. My family is urging me to get married soon. With you pestering me, I think I should marry somebody else to end all this once and for all.” “Do you think I would allow that to happen?” While saying this, Ivan took a step forward. His expression darkened. He exuded an intense sense of hostility like the most horrifying creature emerging from hell. Ivan’s murderous look seemed to state that he would go to the extent of stealing the bride at Sandy’s wedding ceremony if he was not the bridegroom that day. On top of that, he gave an impression as though Sandy would either be his bride or a ghost bride. Seeing Ivan in his current demeanor, Sandy did not know if she should laugh or cry. Prior to that, she was worried that Ivan was just using her. At that moment, she finally realized the disparity of status between them. Ivanka had always believed that m
In the past, Ivan did not understand the conflicts between his parents. He thought his mother had been so cruel that she cheated on his father and abandoned him. Later, Ivan learned his mother had not been the one at fault. So, a heartless sc*m like his father was not in the position to rebuke him. If not for his parents, Ivan would not have let himself go wild and had so many girlfriends. Reuben York sounded indifferent. He made himself clear by saying, “You should, at least, marry someone with a clean background and whose parents are still around so that they could assist you—” “Does that mean I need to accept an arranged marriage by you? I’m not your only child, you can instill your way of thinking on your other children!” Right after Ivan finished his sentence, he hung up. His expression turned dark. The next moment, he accelerated the speed of his car. He carried a bouquet of flowers and Sandy’s favorite food when he showed up in front of her. For a moment, Sandy was
Ivan had not lived with his mother for a long time. Meanwhile, Sandy was her adopted daughter and the direct heir to her estate. Legally, the necklace could be considered part of that inheritance.Following that logic, Ivan had no right to speak on the matter.But to him, Sandy was just an adopted daughter. He was the biological son. Their separation had been caused by a misunderstanding. Since the truth was out, it was only natural for him to take back his mother’s belongings.If things went to court, it would be a battle between them. Both had an equal claim.By blood, Ivan had an undeniable advantage.From the way he spoke, Sandy could hear his confidence and condescension. She knew exactly what he was implying. He was prepared to fight her for the inheritance. But things had not escalated to that point yet.Even if they did, she had no fear of going to court with him. In fact, she was ready to fight.“Ivan, Mom left it to me. She never said it was for you. Whatever happened
Sandy heard the same automated response as the one on Ivanka’s phone.Did that mean they had all left together?Realizing this, she did not press Candice further. Instead, she smiled casually. “It’s nothing. Get back to work. I’ll head out now.”As she turned to leave, she pulled out her phone and sent Ivanka a message.Sandy: Call me when you turn your phone back on. Just as she was about to get in her car, her uncle, Thomas, walked up to her.The moment he saw her, he frowned. “Still upset?”“Uncle, I don’t want to think or talk about it. If you’d been through what I have, you wouldn’t be trying to change my mind.”Addressing him as “Uncle” was Sandy’s way of maintaining politeness while creating emotional distance. She hoped Thomas would get the hint and back off.Thomas was caught off guard. He fell silent and was unsure how to respond.Before he could, Sandy got in her car.On her way out of the law firm, her phone rang. It was Ivan. “My baby, Sandy, where are you?”
Chiara’s tone was sharp. Her eyes darkened with determination.James noticed. So did Jonah.Jonah snapped out of his thoughts. Chiara was trying too hard to prove herself. It was clear she wanted to use him to elevate her own status.Fine. He would let her think she was winning only to watch her fall even harder.“They’re just regular people. They aren’t worth your energy,” Jonah said. “Let’s go home and see my mom first. Tomorrow, I’ll visit yours.” He had already made all the arrangements.Chiara had no objections.Even so, she sent Katiana a message.Katiana replied right away.Katiana: Since he’s coming, I’ll gather the whole family. You’ve finally brought some honor to us. Just do your part, and I’ll handle everything else.Chiara was not surprised that Katiana would invite the entire Levine family. As the second daughter of the Levine family, she had always been under scrutiny. Katiana had pinned all her hopes on her. Katiana wanted her to make a name for herself and sec
Eleanor narrowed her eyes coldly. Her patience was wearing thin. She never kept useless pawns. Until a job was done, no one slipped from her control.Chiara sensed the threat in her tone. Panic surged through her as she rushed to explain. “No, Boss. That’s not what I meant. I was just updating you on my progress. With Jonah, I can carry out your orders more efficiently. I would never betray you, I swear.”Her voice trembled. She was genuinely terrified.Her rewritten identity as the second daughter of the Levine family, along with her top-tier disguise skills, voice changer, and first-hand access to Ivanka’s plans, proved that the person backing her had serious influence.Crossing Eleanor meant sealing her fate.She had worked too hard to secure her new life. Even though she knew Jonah was using her, being connected to him still had value. If she died, everything she had done to secure her position would be for nothing.She refused to die.“Good. Get me results. Fast. I don’t ke
Michael’s piercing gaze stayed locked on Ivanka. He was determined to get an answer.Ivanka scoffed. “What’s on my mind? From the moment you divorced me for Chiara, I saw our relationship for what it really was. You never loved me. I had to force myself to let go. Why waste time holding on to something that was never mine? I refuse to wallow in bitterness and self-pity.”Michael looked like he wanted to speak, but Ivanka cut him off. “I told you, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Stop asking the same thing over and over. It’s pointless.”Without waiting for his response, she turned and called out, “Evan, is the food ready?”“Yes, it’s coming!”Evan had been listening the whole time. Even if Ivanka had not called for him, he had already planned to bring the food out to break the tension.Once the dishes were set on the table, Michael fell silent.Ivanka immediately noticed the meal had been tailored exactly to her tastes. From the private jet to the food, Michael had put t