Theodore paused momentarily before nodding. “Okay, I’ll talk to Chiara about this. If Mr. Barkworth needs us to contribute some funds, how much do you think we should contribute?”A heated discussion quickly erupted among the group.At that moment, Ivanka was still in her office. She was waiting for Aalto’s call.It was getting close to the end of the day.After a few minutes, Aalto sent her a message.Aalto: Ms. Ivanka, this is Aalto. Please meet me here after work.Ivanka texted back and put her phone down.Rebecca gazed at Ivanka with admiration. “Iv, are you working on the final project now?”Ivanka nodded. “Yes.”Rebecca’s lips curved into a smile. “How are you feeling this time? Are you confident?”Ivanka chuckled. “I don’t know. Let’s see how luck plays out.”“Don’t be modest. I’m looking forward to you creating another miracle. Everyone in our office is putting in extra effort because of your impressive achievements. Thanks to your influence, our team’s performance h
Chiara restrained her anger and smiled at Ivanka. “Iv, what are you doing here? And who is this?”Seeing Aalto’s face, Chiara was in a daze for a moment. It was as if her uncle had come back to life.Ivanka ignored the encounter. She simply turned to Aalto with a faint smile. “Sir, shall we go inside?”Aalto did not want to get involved in Ivanka’s personal affairs and simply nodded in agreement.The smile on Chiara’s face stiffened for a moment, but in the next instant, she could not help but sneer. Ivanka ignoring her was perfect. That would let Michael see how rude she really was.However, just as they took their first step, Michael suddenly spoke, “Mr. Aalto.”Chiara’s expression subtly changed. He...Aalto paused and turned to look at the person who spoke.“Mr. Barkworth, is there something you need?”Michael addressing Aalto as “Mr. Aalto” did not impose any pressure on Aalto.Aalto was a principled, headstrong man. Michael had previously gone to great lengths to recrui
Everyone knew that Michael only intervened on someone’s behalf when he had a reason.By assisting Aalto, Michael was essentially gaining a significant favor from him.His sharp and unique perspective could provide invaluable assistance to any company and eliminate any concerns.After Aalto rejected him several times, Ivanka finally felt a sense of relief.She wanted nothing to do with Michael.Michael glazed at Ivanka coldly but said nothing this time. Instead, he calmly suggested, “How about we talk about it after dinner?”Aalto was slightly surprised but after some consideration, he nodded, “All right, we’ll talk later then.”Chiara was speechless.She had originally planned to continue her date with Michael after dinner with a movie or something.Chiara felt like she was about to spit blood.Little did she know, Michael had never sincerely asked her out. He did everything with an ulterior motive. She was nothing more than his pawn.Aalto looked at Ivanka and smiled. “Youn
“Young lady, what do you want to eat?” Aalto showed a rare smile as he asked.Ivanka smiled back. “Anything is fine, sir. You decide.”“I’m buying you dinner. It’s not right for me to order. Look at the menu and tell me what you want.”With that, Aalto handed the menu to Ivanka, who, without further protest, chose a few dishes. Aalto added a couple more.The waiter noted their selections.Once the waiter left, Aalto got straight to the point. “So, you took the initiative to get close to me, and now you want me to treat you to a meal. I understand that you miss your father, but I assume there’s another motive?”Ivanka sighed. “There is a motive. I want to collaborate with you.”Aalto snorted and expressed an ‘I knew it’ expression.Ivanka smiled. “You might be more upset to know that you dislike this sort of project the most.”Aalto was speechless.Aalto squinted and looked at the young girl in front of him. He felt a little tongue-tied. “You’re joking with me, aren’t you?”“
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that. If you were just an ordinary person, perhaps I’d chat with you casually. But who are you? You’re the elite lawyer, Iris. Every word I say might turn into evidence in your favor. What if you exploit it to your advantage?”Ivanka was speechless.Ivanka sighed resignedly. Aalto was on high alert. She sighed again. “Looks like no matter what I say, you won’t believe it.”Aalto responded briskly. “Just state your purpose. I won’t miss any of the five meals I promised you.”Ivanka sighed again. She was in no hurry and said, “Be a little patient. Let’s chat a bit more.”“Young lady, your approach is irritating me.”Since Aalto was being impatiently blunt, Ivanka shook her head. “I just want to discuss this proposal with you. If you refuse, I won’t bother you anymore. However, since you’ve invited me to five meals, that means you’ve given me a chance, right?”Aalto remained silent.Ivanka smiled. “Everyone has their own home and their own self-started
The next moment, Michael suddenly snapped out of his thoughts. His expression turned even grimmer.What was he thinking just now?Why did he keep thinking about Ivanka?“Mic...”Concerned, Chiara looked at him. “Are you feeling unwell? Should we go back?”Michael would see Ivanka again later. He was going to discuss something with Aalto. She did not want to give them any more opportunities to spend time together. She was getting scared.Michael restrained his emotions and looked at her indifferently. “Eat up. These are your favorite dishes.”Chiara was speechless.Even if the dishes were her favorites, she needed to be in a good mood to enjoy them. Why was he being like this?He was thinking about another woman while they were on a date. Who could stand that?After a pause, she sighed and said, “Mic, something has been off with you recently. Is it because I…”She bit her lip, lowered her head slightly, and acted nervously flustered.She acted like she could not finish her s
Michael merely nodded lightly, rose, and headed for the door.Chiara followed him immediately.Regardless of how resentful she felt, she still wanted to stay by his side for her ease of mind.They barely touched the food they had ordered.Because of Ivanka, Michael lost his appetite, and Chiara lost hers because of Michael.Soon, the two of them arrived at Aalto’s private dining room.However, Michael did not see Ivanka there.Chiara was surprised as well. She asked with confusion, “Mr. Aalto, my cousin… has left?”“Yeah,” Aalto answered casually.There was a slight, imperceivable furrow in Michael’s brows.Ivanka had already left. Chiara was in a terrible mood. She no longer wanted to stay. She immediately said to Michael, “If that’s the case, Mic, I shall head back too.”“Sure.” Michael did not even bother glancing at her.Chiara inhaled slightly and left.The night wind seemed to be stronger than during the day. Her hair fluttered wildly in the wind. Chiara combed it wi
Hanson’s voice was sorrowful.“Iv, are you going to say yes to him?”Ivanka was puzzled.“Hanson, are you drunk?”Hanson sounded quite different from his usual gentle and elegant self.“Iv, answer me. Do you… like Jonah?”Ivanka was startled. She neither liked Jonah nor planned to say yes to him.However…Seeing Hanson like this, Ivanka thought that she might have to lie.After a pause, she said hesitantly, “Yes.”Hanson’s heart throbbed with pain.When Hanson learned that Jonah was openly wooing Ivanka, he was rather upset. But he assumed that she was recently divorced and was still recovering from a broken heart. There was no way she would say yes to Jonah, so Hansan let it slide.But now, he watched Ivanka and Jonah interact and appear together before him again and again. He kept seeing them trending on Twitter, and everyone said that they were a match made in heaven. As Hanson witnessed all these, he started panicking.Presently, Ivanka had even agreed to work with Jon
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