Jonah paused before softly speaking. “Michael will be engaged next month.”He watched Ivanka closely. Ivanka froze for a moment, then smiled, “Finally, I understand why people in the office are looking at me that way today.”Her gaze carried a tinge of mockery, while her voice remained casual. There was no trace of sadness.He smiled. “So, you’re not upset?”“Why should I be upset?” She remained composed and seemingly unaffected.Knowing that this news did not harm her, she hurried. Belle would probably reach out to her soon.Jonah chuckled lightly. “It looks like you’ve truly moved on. Since you have, why not consider me?”“... Mr. Sadler.”“Call me Jonah.”Ivanka said nothing more.They had not become that close yet.Observing her nonchalant demeanor, Jonah decided not to dwell on the topic. He chuckled and said, “How’s the collaboration talks between Sadler’s Group and Lane’s Group going?”“They’re trying to figure out how to make you agree to work with someone else,” sh
Puzzled, Ivanka stared at Jonah.Jonah was no longer smiling. He looked at her seriously. “Iv, I’ve always meant it whenever I bring this up to you. But you never once believed me. It’s true that you’re the only woman who won my heart.”His eyes were loving and focused.Ivanka looked calm. She gradually pulled her arm out of his grasp and looked at him as she said, “Jonah, it’s not that I did not believe every word you said. Even if everything that you said is true, I won’t ever be with you.”A hint of sorrow darted across Jonah’s eyes. He sighed resignedly. Within an instant, he resumed his relaxed demeanor and chuckled. “It seems that my time hasn’t come. Go back now and rest early tonight.”He let go of her hand without hesitation and in a carefree fashion. Ivanka was speechless.She hesitated. Then, she said, “Jonah, stop wasting your energy on me. I’ve been through a failed marriage and don’t want to spend any energy in a relationship anymore. You’re not destined to be my hu
Ivanka was frustrated. Only Michael would behave so violently! “Why is he here again?!” Ivanka walked to the entrance and saw that it was truly Michael. She inhaled sharply and begrudgingly opened the door. “If he continues banging the door like this, my neighbors won’t be able to sleep!” Michael’s expression grew darker when Ivanka glared at him in frigid disgust. He entered her house. Ivanka immediately closed the door and turned to him. “Are you crazy?!” Michael shot her a razor-blade glance and said in a bone-chilling voice, “Ivanka, you think you’re so great, huh?!” Ivanka frowned. The next moment, she recalled the headlines on Twitter. She grinned. “Mr. Barkworth, am I being too narcissistic? Did you read the news about Jonah courting me? Is that why you’re here?” Michael wished he could skin her alive. He grabbed her wrist. “I warned you to stay away from him!” Ivanka flung her hand away from Michael’s grasp. She chuckled in a manic rage. “Who do you think yo
Michael’s expression blanched. He immediately released her while retreating. It had been effective. Ivanka’s gaze was still. “I’ll kick him in the nuts if he holds me like this again!” Ivanka snorted. “In the past, I was blinded and had trusted the trio. My father was too kind to know he had let three hungry wolves into our house. When I see you, it only reminds me of the stupid things that I’ve done. Michael, I never really wanted to hate you. After all, I chose it. However, it doesn’t mean you’ll forever remain blameless in my eyes! “The surveillance cameras and microphones inside my house have recorded everything tonight. If you don’t want to let Chiara know that you’re still bothering me, please leave. Since you’re about to marry her, you should be a responsible husband. Didn’t you say she’s your savior, after all?” Ivanka’s gaze was mocking. If not for her plans involving Chiara, Ivanka thought the two should get together. With that, the duo would stay in love and stop bot
Michael coldly stared at Ivanka. “I never wanted to force you into a corner. It’s you who failed to appreciate my kindness. Don’t blame me for being harsh to you in the future!” Ivanka smiled sarcastically. “Do whatever you want.” After all, Michael would eventually be Chiara’s husband. By then, Chiara would use Michael’s power against Ivanka in the future. It was no different than Michael moving against her.Ivanka ignored him. Her gaze only grew more sardonic. Michael faltered beneath Ivanka’s piercing gaze. He usually scorned her. This time, he was at a loss for words. He looked away and left her house. For a moment, Ivanka was a little hesitant upon staring at the closed door. She felt as if she had a dream, or a hallucination. She leaned against the wall and felt like she was about to collapse. Ivanka inhaled deeply. She just had a refreshing shower. After Michael left, she felt exhausted over again. She slumped onto the bed. She felt muddled throughout that night
Theodore fell speechless. Ivanka was quick to deflect accountability. After all, Theodore and his group had long claimed Serene was more capable than Ivanka by multiple folds. Hence, if Serene failed, it was only normal for Ivanka to fail the task as well. Theodore seethed in fury. In the end, he held back his anger and nodded. “It’s okay as long as you give your best.” Ivanka nodded with a smile. “Okay.” With that, the meeting ended. Next, Ivanka headed to Sadler’s Group with a young, beautiful, and mature lady. At that moment, Serene drove the car while Ivanka sat in the passenger’s seat. Serene turned around and cast a glance at Ivanka. She faked a smile and said, “Ms. Lane, thank you for mediating between us.” Ivanka nodded. “I’m just doing my job. It’s all up to you whether you succeed.” Serene nodded in resignation. “Got it. I’ll do my best.” Serene knew that Ivanka would always have her guard up around her. Thus, Serene gave up on giving her any advice. M
Serene fell speechless. Judging from Jonah’s tone alone, she knew her presence was unnecessary. Jonah only had his eyes on Ivanka. He did not bother to glance at Serene. Serene had self-awareness. Even though she did not feel any sense of oppression surrounding Jonah, her breathing hitched. Before she came, she was rather confident of herself. At that moment, her knees shook in his regal presence. Meanwhile, Ivanka nodded and sat opposite him. Serene was stupefied. The duo got along very naturally. Serene sat beside Ivanka awkwardly. She looked at Jonah and said respectfully, “Hi, Mr. Sadler.” Jonah glanced at her coldly and nodded. After that, he turned to Ivanka. “What do you want for lunch? Do you want to have lunch together?” Ivanka fell speechless. Serene thought. “He’s ignoring me. Didn’t he notice me sitting right beside Ivanka?!” Ivanka’s lips twitched. “Let’s talk business first.” Jonah raised one of his eyebrows as he turned to Serene. “If Ivanka
Regardless, Jonah refused to listen to everything Serene said. He only wanted to date Ivanka. Ivanka tried to persuade him many times. Clearly, Jonah refused to agree to them. Instead, Serene thought that Jonah was a good-for-nothing b*stard who only wanted to collaborate with Ivanka. He did not seem to care about the profits. In the end, Serene gave up. It was noon. Ivanka took her bag and was about to leave. Jonah swiftly grabbed her wrist. “We agreed to have lunch together. Where are you going?” “I need to—” Before Ivanka finished speaking, Serene was no longer in the mood to stay around. She interrupted Ivanka. “I still have work to do. I’m leaving. Take your time.” This time, Jonah seemed content. He said to Serene pleasantly, “Safe journey.” Serene was speechless. This was Jonah’s first time looking at her squarely because she finally had some “sense”. Serene forced a smile as she nodded and turned around. Right after she turned around, her smile disappeared
Ivanka nodded. What Rosie said was true. Rosie continued, “If Michael were the stranger, why are you resisting him and feeling helpless?” Ivanka was stunned. It was a fact. If a stranger courted her relentlessly, Ivanka would only find them annoying. But she would not resist them. Only she knew the reason she refused to accept them. But when it came to Michael, she treated him differently. From the bottom of her heart, she refused to give him a fair chance to court her. Was it because she was worried that her heart would move for him? Ivanka was startled by the thought. She shook her head as if trying to get that ridiculous thought out. When Rosie saw this, she chuckled. Ivanka was a smart woman. It was sufficient to say all that; too much would be meaningless. Rosie looked up at the moon. She could not help but sigh. “Tonight’s a beautiful moon night. Unfortunately, it’s time for me to go to bed.” After Rosie finished her sentence, she headed to her room. Ivanka
On the other hand, Ivanka had no idea her best friend had “betrayed” her. She helped Rosie into the bedroom. When they passed the garden, Rosie suggested walking inside it. Ivanka was too embarrassed to reject her. So, they came to the garden. The gardeners attended and trimmed the garden daily. It was naturally a sight to behold. There were many rare plants in the garden. Of course, there were also some rare herbal plants in the garden. Ivanka had planted them, and the herbal plants were flourishing. There was a botanical garden encircled within the garden. It contained the herbal plants used to nourish Rosie’s health. While they were walking along the path, the fragrance of flowers, the earthy smell of the soil, and the faint aroma of the herbal plants entered their nostrils. The fragrance lifted their spirits. On top of that, the fragrance could refresh one’s mind. Rosie felt more refreshed as she walked down the path in the garden. She grabbed Ivanka and shared
Within the blink of an eye, it was already 12 a.m.. Ivanka noticed that Rosie had been yawning but still refused to go to bed. Ivanka knew why. While they were chatting, Ivanka occasionally turned to Rosie. While Rosie was wiping off her basal tears, Ivanka and Michael exchanged glances. Ivanka sat beside Rosie and patted her hands gently. Rosie looked more alert, but her eyes were still a little blurry and appeared bloodshot. She had dark rings beneath her eyes. In spite of her exquisite makeup, her dark eye rings were still visible. Of course, it was only visible when Ivanka looked closer at her. Seeing this, Ivanka’s heart ached more for Rosie. Ivanka believed Rosie must have stayed up late or had insomnia when she and Michael went missing. Rosie wanted to receive first-hand information about the missing duo, but she was also worried that she would not be able to face reality. After struggling and battling with her inner conflicts for a month, Rosie’s health de
Speaking of which, this was Michael’s first time seeing Ivanka looking this helpless, and he found this a novelty. Whenever Rosie said things like that, Ivanka usually looked expressionless. She either looked calm, or she pretended to be deaf. Based on her unease and embarrassed look, did that mean her heart began to move for Michael? With that thought in his mind, Michael was eager to find out the answer. At that moment, they heard Candice’s voice. “Why are you staying outside? Did I come at a bad time? I thought I could have dinner immediately after I returned from work.” Ivanka and her group turned around and saw Candice standing not far away from them. She smiled as she looked at them. When Candice noticed Rosie’s teary eyes, she looked surprised and approached them. “Grandma has a sharp tongue, but she’s soft-hearted. She said the two of you were so cruel that you left her and a whole mess behind. She said she would teach you a lesson when you return.” While speaki
Everything had been fine just a moment ago.Why had she suddenly started to distance herself from him?It was probably true that a woman’s mind was unpredictable. Even a strong woman was no exception.Soon, they arrived at the Barkworth family’s mansion.Michael wanted to get out first and open the door for Ivanka, but she stopped him by tapping her soft hand on his shoulder.He looked down at her hand and then looked at her.“Don’t get out yet. I’ll grab a coat for you from inside and come back.”Michael wanted to refuse, but Ivanka had already exited the car.He watched her walk away. He then leaned back against the seat and felt a wave of relaxation.It felt as though he had finally found someone who had his back.He could not help but find it funny when he thought about it. He glanced at the spot where Ivanka had touched his hand and chuckled quietly.In the front seat, the driver felt so awkward about what he had just witnessed that he wished he could hide behind the st
The motorcycle approached them with no sign of slowing down.Michael’s expression turned grim. He quickly pulled Ivanka to the side and turned to shield her with his back.Ivanka felt a sudden spin. By the time she regained her balance, she found herself in Michael’s arms.His embrace was warm and strong. She could smell his familiar scent.It felt as if everything around them had slowed down.Then she heard the sound of water splashing on Michael. She pulled away from his embrace.Michael felt his arm grow light and stared at the empty space where she had been. He could still feel her warmth lingering.He shifted his gaze to Ivanka.Before she could speak, he quickly asked, “Are you okay? Did you get splashed?”She blinked and shook her head.“I’m fine. What about you?”He shook his head, but she did not buy it. She was sure the sound of the water splashing had been loud. There was no way he was not wet.Without hesitation, she grabbed his arm and turned him around.His b
Both Ivanka and Michael walked side by side as they maintained just the right distance between them. They looked great together, and their presence naturally attracted many gazes.It was worth mentioning that it was difficult to tell whether Michael did this on purpose or if it was just a coincidence.Both of them wore black trench coats that day. The styles were quite similar. This made them look even more like a couple in matching outfits.Ivanka’s wavy hair and red lips were striking. The beauty mark by her eye was the perfect finishing touch, which made her look stunning.Despite her beauty, Michael standing beside her did not go unnoticed either. He seemed to be a perfect complement to her.They looked like a perfect match.Ivanka noticed it but said nothing.Michael broke the silence and asked about Ferris and Mandy.“What are you going to do about Ferris and Mandy?”Ivanka did not answer right away.Michael continued, “Just having them arrested seems like getting off t
Mandy was rushed to the hospital.She fainted, but Ferris was not as fortunate.It seemed that he could not accept the fact that he had kicked his own child. He kept shaking his head and muttering, “This can’t be. How could this happen?”He looked like he was losing it.However, the law would not overlook his actions just because of his mental state.Ivanka had seen enough of their mess and was no longer interested in watching them tear each other apart. She asked the police to explain why they were there.“Mr. Clark, Ms. Ivanka has filed a report requesting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding her fall into the water. Following our preliminary inquiry, both you and Ms. Mandy are now considered suspects. We are required to take you both in for further questioning.”Ferris did not respond. He was still unable to process what had just happened.The police followed protocol and arrested him.Ferris was led away with his hands cuffed. He was completely dazed.N
Still, Ferris kept quiet. However, the others in the room did not.A portly shareholder stood up, smacked his lips, and forced a flattering smile. “Isn’t it obvious? Ferris wants to take your place, Ms. Ivanka. Everyone can see it. He’s nothing but a complete traitor!”Once he spoke up, the rest quickly chimed in.“Yeah, he’s a traitor!”Ferris looked around the room. He already knew these people were untrustworthy, but he had not expected them to turn on him so easily.Ivanka, on the other hand, did not seem surprised.She had not taken any action on Ferris and Mandy because she wanted to watch the chaos unfold. These shareholders had sided with Ferris when she was gone, and they switched back just as quickly when she returned.Ferris was no fool. He knew that too. But the sense of isolation he felt at that moment drove him into despair.Still, he was not one to back down easily.He spat in the portly shareholder’s face.“And who the hell are you?” Ferris sneered. “You were