“It’s up to you from now on, Iv. Both of us want you, but who will you choose?” The smile on Jonah’s lips was bewitching. There was even a hint of delight in his eyes, which she had not seen before. Ivanka had a faint smile on her face. “You already know the answer, Mr. Sadler.”Jonah laughed. “But I still want to hear more words of approval from you. Just like…”As he spoke, he suddenly leaned toward her and said in a gentle voice, “When you were on the phone with someone else just now.”Ivanka’s expression changed slightly, and she immediately backed away.She turned around. The lights in Chiara’s car had gone off. Michael had already driven off. Ivanka quickly said, “They left. I should be going too.”“I’ll drive you.”When Chiara’s car disappeared from view, Ivanka immediately opened the car door and said flatly, “That won’t be necessary. My car is right here.”With that, she got out of the car. Jonah did not stop her. As he watched her stride away quickly, he said in a so
“What did you say to him? Why did you provoke him?”Ivanka opened her mouth to speak. But at that moment, surprisingly, she found herself tongue-tied.Sandy sensed something was wrong. She stepped forward and pulled Anna away. “Anna, calm down. What happened?”Ivanka closed her eyes regretfully. “It’s my fault.”Sandy was confused. “Iv?”Ignoring her, Ivanka anxiously turned to Hanson’s other friends and asked, “How’s he now?”One man sighed. “We were just drinking together and discussing our crushes. We noticed Hanson sipping alone in silence and being odd, so we dropped that topic. Out of the blue, he stood up and said he had to make a call.”Ivanka clenched her fists as she paled.Sandy’s gaze changed. Evidently, she guessed that Ivanka must have rejected Hanson. Otherwise, he would not be so devastated. He then went out all drunk and distraught... and got into an accident.“We figured he probably called you. After quite a while, he didn’t come back. When we went out lookin
Everyone froze. Ivanka spoke first. “Doctor, how’s he doing?”“He suffered severe head trauma in the car accident. It’s bad. We managed to save his life, but how soon he wakes up depends on his own willpower. If he can fight through fate, he’ll gradually recover. But... if he doesn’t wake up within a month, he’ll...”The doctor sighed helplessly and shook his head. Ivanka’s heart sank; she knew what the doctor was about to say.Sandy was puzzled. She asked anxiously, “What happens if he doesn’t wake up within a month?”The doctor sighed again and said faintly, “He’ll be in a vegetative state...”With that said, he left the scene.Soon, another doctor came out and gave a series of instructions to the crowd.Anna cried even harder. She looked angrily at Ivanka. “Hanson is an excellent man. He loves you with all his heart and doesn’t even mind you being a divorcee. Why didn’t you give him a chance? Why break the poor guy’s heart like that?!”Ivanka closed her eyes and said, “I’m s
Ivanka’s lips quivered. She tried to speak but failed.Sandy suppressed her inner worry and said sadly, “Hanson... got drunk and was hit by a vehicle. He’s now unconscious.”Anna’s head hung low. Her eyes were swollen. She was unable to find words to say.Frank turned pale. “What did the doctor say?”Everyone had no choice but to tell him the truth.Frank inhaled sharply and staggered.Vegetative state?He had only heard of this condition and had never experienced it happening to someone close to him. However, now... his son may experience it.His expression was grim. However, having weathered numerous challenges and hardships over several decades, he maintained composure.He inhaled deeply and said, “We have a month. Let’s figure out a solution.”Everyone fell silent as fear lurked in their hearts.That night, Frank stayed at the hospital. Anna schooled her emotions and approached him before saying, “Mr. Jackson, given the current situation, no one is allowed in. You still
Thomas was very pleased with the current outcome. He chuckled lightly and casually said to Susan, “Mr. Barkworth and Mr. Sadler both have sharp eyes. They specifically requested Ivanka to take charge. Do you think this is merely a coincidence? If one of them isn’t thinking straight, does that imply the other is also off their rocker? Honestly, between the two, who seems more out of touch?”Thomas’s words resonated with the crowd. They fell silent. Though not entirely convinced, they had to acknowledge Ivanka’s capability. Many had already started to believe in her ability to handle the projects.On the other hand, Theodore’s faction opposed letting Ivanka reclaim Lane’s Group. They refused to entrust the company’s fate to a mere girl. If Ivanka succeeded, it would unequivocally demonstrate her leadership prowess.They would never follow orders from a girl! It would only stoke their resentment and defiance toward her.Hugh’s expression soured as he glanced at Theodore before inquiri
He held the position of chairman, but nobody truly feared him. He was merely a figurehead lacking real capability. The company had declined steadily since he assumed leadership. If Lane’s Group did not change leaders soon, it would be doomed.Many were already eager for Ivanka to take over. After all, she was the daughter of the former chairman, Fernando! She possessed the same astuteness and capability as him!Thomas felt even more confident about the situation. He spoke up again, “Ms. Chiara is currently suspended. I don’t understand why she is still meddling in company affairs. Didn’t she consider the potential consequences?”Theodore silently inhaled deeply. He tried to maintain composure as he calmly stated, “I’ll address this with her upon my return. During her suspension, she will not be involved in company matters.”Thomas smiled and responded, “I’m relieved to hear that from you. It assures me that Ms. Chiara won’t act recklessly again. Otherwise, it would reflect poorly
The room fell silent once again as the topic lingered in the air.Awaiting his response, everyone turned to Theodore. Yet, Theodore was just as uncertain.The prospect of Ivanka collaborating with the two companies, particularly with Michael, did not sit well with him.Should they proceed with the partnership with Sadler’s Group despite this internal conflict? But what about Barkworth’s Group?Theodore hesitated to express his thoughts.Thomas smiled and said, “That’s why I said we should ask Ivanka for her opinion first.”Hugh immediately objected. “The company’s interests should come first. She’s just one member. Why should her opinion dictate our decisions?”Thomas shrugged. “You all know her value. Without her buy-in, can we truly ensure the success of this collaboration?”With no consensus reached, the meeting concluded without resolution.Theodore could not issue directives unilaterally. He needed to confer with his team privately.After the meeting, Thomas immediately
Ivanka was worried it might be from Hanson’s side. She immediately picked up her phone. When she saw it was Michael’s number, she frowned and hung up without a second thought.Michael was about to speak, but instead, he heard a mechanical female voice.“Sorry, the number you dialed is currently unavailable...”Michael’s expression darkened.He tried calling again.But, it got disconnected just like before.He tried again. This time, his number got blocked.“Ivanka Lane!!” Michael gritted his teeth as he shouted her name.He immediately called Evan.“Give me your phone,” Michael ordered.Puzzled, Evan complied nonetheless. He headed to Michael’s office. As soon as he opened the door, Evan could feel the chilling atmosphere emanating from the office.In confused bewilderment, he handed the phone to Michael.Michael took the phone. He was about to call Ivanka again, but he glanced at Evan before saying in a low voice, “You may go.”Still wearing the puzzled expression, he n