“Michael has already divorced once. He can divorce a second time. By then, I…”“Enough! Right now, you need to focus on getting married. Once you’re married, find a way to make Michael truly fall in love with you!”In essence, these were bedroom matters.Chiara inhaled deeply. She was on the brink of a panic attack.Lyla did not want to dwell on these matters any longer. She spoke coldly. “We’ve already destroyed the evidence. We can do nothing more. You can only deny and feign innocence. Don’t show any signs of guilt!”Chiara remained silent.Theodore’s expression darkened. “What should we do next?”“Find the person who plotted against us. And we need to get rid of Ivanka as soon as possible!”Theodore narrowed his eyes. “Getting rid of her won’t be easy, but it might be easier to arrange for someone to rape her.”Chiara’s eyes lit up. Her previous frustration vanished.“That’s right! Getting rid of her might be difficult and risky, but if we arrange for a few men to go afte
Ivanka’s eyes flashed with emotion. She eventually told them everything that happened in the past few days.Sandy guffawed. “Hahaha! What a tool! Let everyone see her true colors! These two really deserve each other!”Anna frowned. “I know it’s payback, but… then Michael won’t marry Chiara. He has been harassing you. If he learns what kind of person Chiara really is, he might grow even more obsessed with you in the future…”Her voice trailed off, and her eyes were filled with worry.Ivanka simply smiled and said casually, “No, Michael has better things to do anyway. Now, he merely thinks that I have ulterior motives. He’s still busy trying to help Chiara. When he sees her true colors, he won’t pester me anymore.”Anna frowned a little and glanced at Sandy reflexively. Sandy happened to look over at her as well. They both had the same expression and thought.Really?Was it that simple?Sandy hesitated for a while and could not help saying, “Iv, you better watch out for yourself.
After Ivanka woke up in the morning, she received a message from a Lane servant.Someone was serving as her eyes and ears.That person was an ordinary servant. She could not look after the Lanes closely, so they would not be too wary of her. Nevertheless, someone like that could make an efficient spy.Bonnie Clayton had worked in the Lane family’s residence for four to five years. She was not one of Hermes’ trusted employees, so the Lanes did not fire her.Little did they know that Ivanka had helped Bonnie repeatedly.She was secretly loyal to Ivanka, and she could observe the little things that happened in the house.However, something happened today.There was a bombshell. Everyone in the house knew about it.Bonnie: Ms. Lane, Mrs. Lane fired her assistant. She was furious. She kept asking the assistant why she would do something like that, then she kicked her out when the assistant said that she was framed.Ivanka smiled.Ivanka: Thank you, Bonnie. I still need you to watc
Chiara inwardly panicked and was at a loss for words.But Michael said nothing the entire time, so she dared not behave strangely and give herself away. She quickly said with a smile, “As usual, it’s about our partnership with your company. Iv’s friend is now hospitalized, and she is quite preoccupied, so my dad wishes to revisit certain discussions. Can we replace her? Many people are way more experienced than Iv.”If Ivanka was around, she would be impressed by how brilliantly Chiara had worded her request.Even under such a circumstance, she had not forgotten to drive a wedge between Michael and Ivanka.When Chiara mentioned that Ivanka’s friend was hospitalized, Michael’s expression darkened significantly.A flicker of excitement flashed in Chiara’s eyes. She suddenly thought that maybe she stood a chance today.Before Michael said anything, she quickly spoke. “I know… Mic. You admire Iv’s talent. Her proposal has amazed many people. But… sometimes, even if one manages to wri
After a pause, Michael picked up the phone.“What?” His voice was as cold as usual.Samuel, who was at the end of the line, was taken aback. Then he frowned and said, “Brat, how dare you speak to me like this!”Michael pursed his lips silently. He waited patiently.After a brief pause, Samuel said in a deep voice, “We have sent out all the invitations. There’s only half a month till your engagement date. Take her out for dates during this time. After the engagement, the two of you should go on a trip for a month.”Michael’s expression darkened. “Put my work aside for a month and travel with her for a month? What sort of idea is this?”“You…!” Samuel inhaled to suppress his anger. Then he said solemnly, “You don’t like Lane’s Group’s proposal, so hand it to your dad. Your dad will take care of the work.”Michael furrowed his brows. “I’m afraid that I might call off the engagement.”Samuel thought he had misheard his grandson. After a pause, he finally confirmed that Michael had
Ivanka was startled. She said in surprise, “Hanson, you finally woke up!”Hanson’s hands were weak. After he grabbed her, his arms turned into jelly and drooped weakly. But his eyes were filled with panic. He said with difficulty, “Don’t… go…”Ivanka quickly said, “I’m not leaving. I’ll call the doctors now!”Hearing that, Hanson heaved a sigh of relief.“... Alright.”Ivanka immediately pressed the call bell hanging from the headboard of his bed. Shortly after that, two doctors rushed over.They walked up to Hanson with surprise and astonishment in their eyes.“Mr. Jackson, you managed to regain consciousness so soon!”Hanson’s face was a little pale at the moment. He said nothing and only managed a faint smile.The two doctors immediately performed a full check-up on him with solemn expressions on their faces.Once everything was done, one of the doctors said happily, “It’s fortunate that you were able to wake up. But we’re still surprised to find that your condition is ste
Sadness flashed in Ivanka’s eyes. She mumbled regretfully, “How could I upset him again? Ann, he… he’s my friend too.” Anna was startled. She eventually nodded wordlessly.Soon enough, the medical staff transferred Hanson to the normal VIP ward.Ivanka had already called Frank on the phone and informed him that Hanson had regained consciousness.After she and her friends pulled themselves together, they entered the ward.Due to Hanson’s health condition, the medical staff had to arrange everything from diet to treatment during his stay. Hence, his friends did not have to worry about all those things.Presently, the medical staff left the ward.Only four people remained in the room.Ivanka, Anna, and Sandy looked at the man in bed.The bandage on his face was still there, but he obviously seemed much better. His complexion was no longer sickly pale.There were multiple people in the room, but Ivanka seemed to be the only person Hanson could see.There was an expectant look i
Ivanka inhaled and said softly, “It wasn’t a dream. I said it.”With that, she lowered her head and avoided Hanson’s affectionate gaze.Both Sandy and Anna were nervous. They knew that Ivanka was too sheepish to face him.But Hanson did not think that much. He thought Ivanka was shy, and the smile on his lips broadened.He refrained from staring at her with such a loving gaze. He feared that she could not take it.Anna gazed at Hanson with a longing look in her eyes. She found his eyes lingering on Ivanka instead. She inhaled and said thoughtfully, “Since… you’ve woken up, we’ll head out and leave the room to you two. We’ll be resting in the room next door. We have been looking after you all these days. It’s exhausting.”With that, Anna got up and grabbed Sandy’s hand.Sandy looked at Anna, who faked a smile. She felt terribly sorry for her. She could only pick up where Anna left off and smile at Hanson. “Yeah, we don’t want to be the third and fourth wheels. We’ll leave you two
Egbert stormed off in fury, but Sandy’s rage had not cooled in the slightest. She even lashed out at Ivan. “You shouldn’t have stopped me just now! If I’d given him a good scolding, or even a beating, maybe it would’ve finally knocked some sense into him. Otherwise, he’ll keep coming back. He’s always trying to use me for his own purposes!”She was so angry she was practically grinding her teeth. Ivan pressed his lips together and let out a long sigh. “With the way you looked like you were ready to kill someone, what did you expect me to do? Just stand there and watch you commit murder?”He was really worried when he saw how Sandy was losing control. “What’s the point of that old b*stard still being alive anyway?” Sandy said coldly. If she could really get rid of that old man, she would do it so she could avenge her mother and let go of that grudge she had been holding on.Ivan shook his head and said in a low voice, “Then think about it, how hard did you work to get to where yo
Sandy exploded. “Eighty million? Why don’t you go rob a bank? Or better yet, see if that wrinkled old face of yours is worth anything as collateral!”Sandy was fuming.Egbert had not expected Sandy to be so vulgar. He turned back, enraged.His black eyes shot daggers like he could rip her apart on the spot. Sandy did not flinch. Instead, she lifted her chin and gave him a cold, mocking smile. “What? Are you so mad that you’re thinking about hitting me? Do you want me to remind you of the law? We have no legal ties anymore. If you so much as touch me, that’s assault. And let’s not forget, you barged into my workplace to cause a scene.”“Sandy, I don’t know what kind of twisted morals your birth mother and adoptive mother taught you, but just look at yourself now! Do you even resemble a proper human being?”Egbert was extremely disappointed in Sandy. The one thing Sandy hated most was when people brought up her birth mother and adoptive mother. Those two women were the most import
Egbert snapped at Sandy coldly. His gaze was pressing.However, that had no effect on Sandy. Her lips even curled into a mocking smile as she said, “I’m not one of your McNeil pets. That look, your words, they cannot intimidate me at all.”At the mention of “pets,” Egbert was so furious that he slammed his cane against the floor with a loud crack. “Listen to yourself! Is that any way for a lawyer to speak? Do you even understand the meaning of respect, decency, and manners? Is that how your mother raised you?”Sandy had been mean and harsh on purpose to kill whatever sliver of hope he held onto.Just as she wished, he was angered.Watching him lose his composure, Sandy even felt a flicker of satisfaction rise within her. Her mother and herself were thrown out and lived a tough life while her father stood by uselessly. Who else was to blame, if not this old man standing before her?“My mother raised me to be a decent person. She taught me never to push away what’s rightfully mine,
Thomas stated his purpose.Sandy’s reaction, however, was full of repulsion. She frowned. Even her tone was curt. “Uncle, I made it very clear about seeing him the last time we spoke. He never once considered me part of the McNeil family. If it weren’t for my mother taking me in, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Now that I’ve grown up and suddenly seem useful, he wants to claim me back? I was abandoned by the McNeil family the moment I was born. I’m not stupid enough to become a pawn for your family!”Sandy was furious.She had always treated Thomas with a certain courtesy, but at the moment, that line had clearly been crossed.Thomas, though only the messenger, could feel the weight of her resentment. “It may not be as bad as you think. If you won’t go, Dad will come find you himself.”That was the truth. Yet Sandy did not spare the old man a shred of respect. She scoffed. “He might be your dad, your head of the family, but he’s nothing to me. From the moment I was abandoned, th
Sandy was really surprised to see Ivanka. “When did you get back?”“Today,” Ivanka answered honestly.“You have quite a packed schedule for just one day.” Sandy teased her.When they had planned to take down Coco last time, Ivanka was not around. Then Michael returned. From what Sandy could tell, they were always either together or closely following each other.Ivanka did not respond to her teasing. “I’ll only be here for a day or two, then I would have to leave again.”Sandy was speechless. She rolled her eyes at Ivanka. “Are you going to become a full-time jet setter?”“She can’t help it,” Anna answered for Ivanka. Just as she finished saying that, Anna’s phone rang. It was another case to follow up on. She had to step away to take the call.Only Ivanka and Sandy remained in the office. “You look exhausted. If you keep going like this, I’m worried you’ll wear yourself out!” Sandy shook her head and expressed her concern for Ivanka. Ivanka chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that fa
When she heard what Anna said, Ivanka immediately teased. “Why, can’t I even come to the firm?”“Well, of course, you can come. You are an important partner; why can’t you come?” Anna laughed and looked at Ivanka, annoyed. Immediately after, she made a cup of tea for Ivanka.The tea was also of fine quality. She had bought it.Ivanka also remembered how she, Anna, and Sandy, the three of them, used to work hard together in the firm after she divorced Michael. Originally, she wanted to live on her own. However, one thing happened after another, and her plans got delayed. “I don’t see Sandy. Has she gone to handle cases?” Ivanka sipped a mouthful of tea, and immediately after, she asked Anna about Sandy’s whereabouts.Anna told Ivanka truthfully. “Sandy recently took over a very tricky case. She wants to make a not-guilty defense for that person. But the father of the deceased is the Groethe family, a rather prestigious family in Bostone. How could a commoner fight with a rich ki
But as time went on, things happened one after another. While they were in contact with each other, she also slowly understood Jonah’s personality.The most important thing was that Jonah was also honest with her later on.When Jonah mentioned this again, Ivanka could not help but scrutinize Jonah again.He was starting to become unhinged!“Jonah, you need to stabilize your emotions. Sometimes, when you feel impatient, you should just close your eyes and take a good rest. You should not have such emotions.”Ivanka spoke solemnly toward Jonah and advised him. When he saw Ivanka’s serious expression, Jonah instantly also realized that he had lost himself.Ivanka was not like Chiara, who could accept him losing control. If he lost control in front of Ivanka, it would affect Ivanka’s mood. That would make him courting death too! This would put a halt to all his opportunities!Jonah also realized this problem. He was very distressed. He could not even explain why his emotions had
When Ivanka said this, she pressed her hand on Jonah’s shoulder. There was no other meaning, she wanted Jonah to calm down.But this instead gave Jonah an opportunity. He grabbed Ivanka’s wrist. Then he tugged forward forcefully… Ivanka was caught off guard, and her whole body fell on top of him.He then took advantage of the situation and held Ivanka in his arms.The faint scent entered his nose, Jonah was intoxicated for a moment.But at that moment, he felt like he was waking up from a dream.Ivanka could not be so intimate with him. The sensations of touch and warmth in front of him were so real again. It was not an illusion, it was his compulsion!After realizing this, Jonah hurriedly pushed Ivanka away. He even more quickly apologized to Ivanka. “Iv, I’m sorry. I lost control. I didn’t mean to…”“I know.”Ivanka uttered softly, but her tone was cold.She knew. Neither did she blame him. But why was she using that tone, with that look on her face?“No, Iv. you’re blami
“Jonah, I don’t like you. I told you, I only see you as a friend. When I’m unwilling to do something, no amount of moral coercion would work on me.”Ivanka spoke up bluntly. She did not want Jonah to cling to something impossible.Jonah was silent.This was where Jonah and Michael were different.“Look, you still have so many things to do. By the time you remember me, we have already missed the best time. This time when you leave, did Michael go with you?” Jonah raised his eyes to meet Ivanka’s. He wanted to hear Ivanka’s answer from her mouth.Ivanka did not reply. But the look in her eyes already said it all.Her silence confirmed it all.Jonah felt that his heart grow incredibly heavy at the moment. He had a crazy thought: Was it true that if Michael died, Ivanka would be able to focus all her attention on him?However, he was an invalid and did not even have a chance to get close!“The way you treat Michael and the way you treat me has always been so different. I know. A