Elio froze. This woman knew his name, so she must have known about his situation.Unlike what others had assumed, he did not plan to do anything to her. He retracted his hand from the dagger and said flatly, “I’m not interested.”The surrounding people did not hear what they were saying, but they were all baffled.“What’s going on? He didn’t attack her? Is he interested in that woman?”“Are you joking? That woman has acne all over her face! Who would be interested in her?“But Elio didn’t see it!”Everyone was staring at the two of them. At that moment, Elio suddenly became the center of their attention.It was mostly due to his striking demeanor. Besides, he had shunned and turned down so many women earlier on. Out of instinct, everybody was eager to find out if he would accept the woman before him.Ivanka did not care about Elio’s reply. She calmly gazed at him and said, “I remember that you had someone very important in your life. You once said that he was your greatest savi
Michael glanced at Evan coldly. “Why are you following me?”Evan was confused.Should he not follow Michael around?But in the next second, he realized what his boss meant and finally said in defeat, “Alright, I’ll wait for you here.”Michael said nothing. He glanced at the clueless woman, who was still sitting comfortably in her seat, and kept walking.As for Evan…He went over to a corner and sat down with a resigned gaze. Mr. Barkworth’s behavior had become increasingly odd. His actions kept contradicting his words. Michael had needed Evan’s help today, but now Evan had to stay here to watch over Ivanka.Michael was getting worse at hiding his motives, and he always betrayed his intentions so easily.Evan had no idea what to do with him or Ivanka. He could only sit still and watch her from afar.…Ivanka focused on Elio the entire time and did not notice what happened between Michael and Evan.She calmly stared at Elio and said, “Can you spare Naila Kirk’s son?”Elio
Evan froze. He quickly pulled himself together and hid his thoughts, but he felt somewhat sheepish.He was not sure if Michael knew he had all those speculations about his marriage.Ivanka left the pub. She was not in a hurry to go home. Instead, she wandered the streets nearby.She seemed to be waiting for someone.She appeared to be going on a night stroll on her own.People walked in and out of the pubs.The streetlights were dazzling.Ivanka occasionally looked at the doors of the pubs. Her gaze seemed heavy with endless thoughts.Soon, her phone started ringing abruptly.Bryan: It wasn’t him.Ivanka: Alright, thanks.She was about to put her phone away.But Bryan sent her a sticker of a figure punching someone. The other person in the group chat sent something similar.Bryan: Can you change your bad habits? Must you thank me? @IvankaFabian: What’s with you, Ivanka?Ivanka: Sorry…Fabian: Are you planning to make a comeback?Ivanka was startled. She did not know h
Ivanka slowly smiled as she watched the person approach. She smiled. “Ms. Kirk, nice to see you here.”Naila had said this to her before.Naila looked her up and down, but the previously piercing look in her eyes had softened. She gazed at Ivanka calmly and said, “Are you free? Let’s grab some supper.”Ivanka’s eyes crinkled in a smile. “Sure.”Soon enough, they entered a restaurant’s private dining room.“What do you want to eat?” Naila passed her the menu.Ivanka smiled. “I’m fine with anything. I’m not picky. You may order first. I’m going to use the bathroom.”Their private dining room had a bathroom of its own.Naila silently started ordering.After all, the meal was just an excuse. They were here for business.After Ivanka took off her mask, she removed the fake acne on her face. Her lovely face was revealed.The server left the two of them alone in the room.Naila stared at Ivanka and said in surprise, “How did you do it?”She had expected trouble today.But her so
Ivanka did not move.Naila looked at her phone. She stared at the caller ID on the screen and frowned slightly. She looked up at Ivanka. “Excuse me, I have to take this call.”Ivanka nodded.Naila answered the phone.Ivanka could not hear the person on the other end of the line.But Naila pulled a long face. Ivanka raised her brows and thought. “Did something happen to her son again?”Things should be fine on Elio’s end by now. What else had gone wrong?“Got it.”With that, Naila hung up.Ivanka looked over at her subconsciously. There was a hint of confusion on her face. “Is it about… your son?”“No.”Ivanka sighed in relief. After all, she could not fully guarantee that Elio would listen to her.Naila looked at Ivanka and said awkwardly, “Ms. Lane, I… might need your help with something.Even though she was straightforward and decisive, it did not mean that she felt entitled to ask for someone’s help.Ivanka was a little surprised. “Tell me what happened. I’ll do anythi
Naila silently stared at Ivanka as she left. Ivanka went straight home. Her journey was smooth, and no one got in her way.The next day, Ivanka went to work as usual. She handed in the signed agreement to Rebecca, who said in shock, “Oh my god, Iv. You got Naila to sign this?”Rebecca was genuinely surprised.She was usually poised and composed.In fact, the project Ivanka had been handling was one of the hardest feats. No one in their department, including Rebecca herself and even their department manager, Patty, could guarantee that they would succeed. It had only been a short while since Ivanka joined them, yet she had already completed four projects. Each had been wrapped up so quickly and nicely!Everyone in the office was dumbstruck. Their eyes were filled with shock and disbelief. They could not quite believe their ears.However, it actually happened right before their eyes. They were stunned.“Is it true? She convinced Naila? That lady is known to be incredibly diffi
Lyla’s eyes flickered maliciously. She said helplessly, “I... probably shouldn’t bring this up, but avoiding talking about it might cause some issues for everyone down the road.”Mindy paused for a moment. She looked at her understandingly and sighed. “It’s not that I’m not worried. I barely get a chance to talk to him because he always locks himself in the company; we hardly see each other in a day.”Lyla’s expression changed slightly. She spoke resignedly, “But if this drags on... Chiara genuinely likes Michael. I can’t let her keep pining after Michael. It’s fine for men to get married in their thirties, but it’s not the same for girls.”Mindy became anxious when she heard Lyla reconsidering the wedding. “Oh, come on, Lyla. We’ve agreed to be in-laws. You can’t let someone else snatch my future daughter-in-law away!”Lyla sighed resignedly. “I just want Michael to be my son-in-law, but with the way things are now...”She seemed unable to finish her sentence.However, when Mind
Mindy nodded and fell silent when Lyla lost interest on the topic.Lyla sighed helplessly, “After Chiara got suspended, she was all gloomy at home. She even called Michael. She just couldn’t keep it to herself, so she told him everything.”Mindy was stunned and felt guilty. “What happened then? I had no clue about any of these things.”Lyla nodded understandingly, “Children develop minds of their own when they grow up. Mindy, you don’t need to feel too guilty about it.”Mindy sighed resignedly as Lyla continued. “Chiara was feeling pretty down back then. Michael tried to cheer her up and suggested she take a good break. He also said that as a woman, she didn’t have to go all out for work. So... I was wondering, does Michael really plan to marry Chiara?“If he is, I’ll definitely watch Chiara and give her some good advice. You know, show her the ropes of being a daughter-in-law. But if he isn’t... then, I’ll have Chiara return to the company.“She’ll be heartbroken without Michael
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