Michael swept a razor-sharp glance at Ivan. The atmosphere inside the club turned grim. Xander and Ivan were already used to Michael’s personality. Hence, they dismissed him. Instead, they laughed. Ivan sneered fearlessly. “Why are you staring at me? Are you feeling guilty? Did I say it correctly? Michael, it’s clear to see your hidden intentions. Even though we grew up together, I didn’t expect to see things through you so easily. I’m not going to get involved in this matter. Since you’re so worried about her, does she care about the same for you too?” The saying that good friends would stick their necks out for each other was a myth. Good friends were the happiest when they mocked, showed disdain, or put each other on the spot. The atmosphere inside the room turned colder. It was so cold that a sense of chill ran down their spines. The next moment, Michael said coolly, “I’ve never seen a proposal as good as Ivanka’s. I never let my personal feelings affect my professional j
Xander sneered, “Do you even have a brain?!” If the task would put one’s life in danger, Michael would handle it on his own. He would never let Ivan do it on his behalf. Ivan instantly recovered his senses and raised an eyebrow. “Fine! Cut it off! You guys always trick me!” Michael smirked. He continued drinking the wine. Ivan immediately flew into a fit of rage as he stared at Michael furiously. “It’s no wonder you’re still a bachelor even to this day! You’re so inconsiderate! Who would fall for a guy like you?! You’ll never get a wife!” After Ivan finished speaking, he was worried that Michael would instantly turn on him. He sprang up and lied to them that he needed to use the washroom. Xander’s lips twitched. His gaze was filled with mockery. Meanwhile, Michael glanced at Ivan indifferently and ignored him. After Ivan went to the washroom, Xander turned to Michael. “When are you laying your hands on them?” “The matter looks fine to me.” Michael was calm. It seemed
Theodore instantly fell silent. His expression was as black as thunderclouds. At that moment, he had no words to defend himself. Jillian stared at Theodore indifferently. “Mr. Lane, the best solution is to bring your wife to Barkworth’s Group and apologize to them.” No one refuted her. Even Theodore’s supporters did not side with him. At a moment like that, their personal interests came first. If their interests were at stake, Theodore was nothing to them. One of the shareholders on Theodore’s side said coolly, “If the party involved is just a small company, we could easily dismiss it. However, the party involved is none other than Barkworth’s Group. It’s our company’s main source of revenue. If we lose them, who would want to collaborate with us? Collaborating with us would only mean that they are working against Barkworth’s Group.” The other attendees nodded in agreement. “He’s right. Even though Sadler’s Group works in opposition to Barkworth’s Group, Sadler’s Group do
Thomas said, “So, are you going to execute the solution to this matter? We can only salvage the situation. I believe you can bear the hardships.” Theodore thought. “This group is driving me to the grave!” Meanwhile, Jillian said coldly, “This matter is very important. You might have difficulty putting aside your dignity during the meeting. Hence, I’ll go with you and meet Barkworth’s Group management.” She made it sound as if she was speaking for Theodore. In fact, she wanted to supervise him. Theodore was very concerned about his own dignity, and Jillian was worried that this would eventually lead to a failed negotiation. Everyone agreed with Jillian in unison. Jillian sided Thomas and spoke up for him. Hence, she was a core member. The members who were on Theodore’s side were worried that Theodore would retreat. With Jillian keeping an eye on him, they felt relieved. Theodore’s expression darkened. “Do you have any objections?” Everyone kept quiet. No one was agains
“Okay. I’ll send my address to you now.” After Ivanka finished saying that, she sent Thomas her address via WhatsApp. Thomas grinned. “Good. I’ll come now.” “Alright.” After they hung up, Ivanka walked out of the room. Sandy was getting up from her bed. Apparently, she overheard Ivanka’s conversation with Thomas. “What is it? Is my uncle coming over?” Ivanka nodded. “He’s coming to visit me and discuss the company’s affairs. I guess the meeting is over and they’ve come out with a new policy.” “Tsk! The shareholders and board of directors must have criticized Theodore. It must have been a spectacular scene. Theodore’s expression must’ve been priceless!” Ivanka’s lips twitched. They chatted for a while before Thomas came in with a basket of fruits. Sandy casually took the basket of fruits. She said casually, “Uncle Thomas, more than half of the fruits that you bought are my favorites!” Thomas laughed. “Really? I don’t know what your favorite fruits are. I casually pick
Ivanka sounded certain. After trying to persuade her to change her mind a few times, Thomas nodded silently after realizing that Ivanka’s words made sense. “Alright, then, you can work on your own projects for now.”Ivanka smiled wordlessly, but she looked calm. Sandy sat by the side and watched as the two people talked. There was a slight trace of bitterness in her eyes. Was she too naive?Why could these two always make predictions, while she could only stand by and listen like an idiot?She listened for a while before finally understanding what the two were discussing. Seeing that the two were still planning, she inhaled and said, “Wait a minute. So, after all that talking, you two still decided to continue working with Barkworth’s Group? And agreed to Michael’s request to collaborate too?”Ivanka’s eyes twinkled silently. Thomas nodded and said, “That’s right. Our company is not stable enough to break away from Barkworth’s Group, and their top priority now is Iv’s project.
Confused, Thomas looked at her. Ivanka stood up and said, “Since you don’t come by my place that often, you must stay for dinner before you leave, Uncle Thomas.”“Haha, it’s okay. You’re not quite well yet, and there’s always next time. Plus, I promised your aunt that I’ll be back for dinner today. She’s still waiting for me. Come to my place if you’re free next time.”“Okay, Uncle Thomas. We’ll get together when we have the time, so you can go home now.” Sandy laughed.Thomas patted her head fondly and said, “Stay by Iv’s side and learn more things, Kiddo. Don’t go wandering around every day.”“I’ve been very diligent lately!” Sandy flexed her arms up and proudly declared, “Look at my muscles. I’m now Iv’s personal assistant and bodyguard!”Thomas burst out laughing. “Alright, I’m going home now. Don’t stay up too late, you two,” he said while shaking his head.“Okay. Have a safe trip home, Uncle Thomas.”Thomas left. Ivanka and Sandy remained in the house. “Congratulations,
His voice was cold and sharp. Even with his calm eyes, people were afraid to look him in the eye.With a swift nod, Jillian replied, “Yes. We’re sorry to bother you, but we feel that Lane’s Group went too far this time. We shouldn’t have gone against Barkworth’s Group. So, Mr. Lane and I came to apologize to you. We sincerely hope you will overlook our mistake this time and forgive us.”Although Jillian had always been snarky, she suddenly changed her attitude for the better as she faced Michael at that moment.Theodore’s expression was dark. He was unable to say a single word. It was already difficult for him to control his anger, and he genuinely could not apologize!But the fact that he was present effectively indicated his standing. After hearing Jillian say so much, he did not dispute her. It showed that he had truly come to apologize. Besides, Michael was a kind man who would accept his apology and would not be hard on him.But again, Theodore was wrong about that. Michael
“I deserve everything that’s happening to me now. But please don’t involve my family in my mistakes…” Ethan clasped his hands together and sincerely begged everyone to spare his family. Ivanka spared him a brief glance before turning off her cell phone. Although she was helping herself to some meat, Michael could see how she felt at the moment. “Why don’t we…” Michael asked for her opinion. But before he finished speaking, Ivanka interrupted him. “Now that he’s released a video like that, if I continue to hold him accountable, I’d be the one in the wrong.” Michael immediately replied, “I can step in—” “You? It’s better if you don’t. Everyone knows your relationship with me now.” Before Michael could finish his sentence, Ivanka immediately interrupted him. Although they were not officially remarried, Michael often went out with her. If anyone else were to see this, what difference did it make? Michael understood, but he really could not bear to see Ivanka getting bulli
After they finished taking pictures, Ivanka greeted everyone politely. “After finishing your meal, go home early. It’s snowing, so drive safely. Bye…” Ivanka subconsciously reminded them. She belatedly realized she had been acting as though she was really an idol. Nonetheless, she treated them with sincerity. She had not done this for Michael’s sake. She did this mostly for the sake of the innocent, inexperienced young ladies who had yet entered the society. These young ladies raised their phones warily and asked, “Could we take a picture together?” They were so worried that their invitation would be turned down, so much so that when they talked, they almost bit the skin off their lips. Ivanka could not bear to reject them. It had not been easy for her to finally reach the private room. Michael teased her, “Our celebrity finally arrived. It looks like you’d best wear shades wherever you go in the future.” Ivanka glared at him and said gruffly, “Stop teasing me.” She paused
After that, Ivanka politely bowed to the people who had been watching the drama in the main hall. She smiled at them. “Sorry for making a fool of ourselves. We encountered two tricksters who wanted to eat the meals for free by calling themselves the friends of the restaurant owners. It happened that I know the restaurant owner, so we easily uncovered their tricks.” By saying that, Ivanka was able to save the hot pot restaurant’s and the Barkworth family’s reputation. Her statement could result in a win-win situation, and the reason was acceptable. Ivanka continued, “Sorry for causing a stir and affecting your dining mood. I’ll foot the bill for everyone who dined on the first floor. How does that sound?” She was not trying to curry favor with the people or to show off her wealth. She simply did not want the people to hate the wealthy. One could not deny that this method worked. Right after Ivanka made her statement, the crowd thanked her. The commotion was no more than ju
The young lady did not know what to do, so she turned to the restaurant manager. The restaurant manager nodded in approval. It was only then that the young lady left the restaurant. Before she left, she glared at Coco. Coco glared back at the young lady and pointed at her viciously. Coco shouted, “Come back! I’m not done with you yet! Who permitted you to leave now?!” The young lady’s body shivered a little. Still, she gnashed her teeth and left. Ivanka watched the young lady’s back as she drifted away. Ivanka stood in Coco’s way because she did not want Coco to chase after the young lady. Ivanka did not want to make a big deal out of the situation. Otherwise, the Barkworth family would be the one who suffered disgrace. After all, Coco stayed in the Barkworth family’s mansion, and everyone knew that Rosie doted on her. If it continued, Ivanka was worried about Rosie’s later years… Ivanka rubbed her temples in resignation. It looked like she needed to resolve the issue as
The restaurant manager thought for a moment before saying, “Ms. Fishbourne, the restaurant has its own rules. Only three types of VIPs could reserve our private rooms while the rest could only enjoy normal seats. I have reasons to believe that our front desk told you the same when you called. We may not have empty seats now, but we’ll have one shortly after.” Coco recalled the situation and remembered that it was exactly like what the restaurant manager had mentioned. So what? Things have changed these days. Coco was no longer an ordinary woman. Her words could even move the earth. With that thought in her mind, Coco chuckled. She kept her tyranny and mockery to herself before locking her little finger with the young lady’s at the front desk. The young lady at the front desk looked down at her finger before glancing at the restaurant manager helplessly. The restaurant manager himself, too, was caught in trouble, so he could not do anything else to defend the young lady. C
Little did Coco know that her behavior was no more like a clown in the crowd’s eyes. Ivanka felt disgusted. Although she could not put herself in Coco’s shoes, she could understand the thoughts of a sensitive person. Ivanka could sympathize with a sensitive and cowardly person. But she could not find herself sympathizing with Coco. Coco’s low self-esteem should not be the reason for her to behave like a crook. Michael, on the other hand, already finished discussing with the restaurant manager and entering the private room. Ivanka lagged behind him. She had no intention of entertaining Coco, much less inviting her to eat together. No doubt that the private room was able to accommodate four people. But based on their relationship, Ivanka thought she had been kind enough to not find fault in Coco, much less eating together. Meanwhile, Coco continued to argue with the restaurant manager. She argued until her face reddened. Although the restaurant manager already made hims
The temperature was above freezing point, so the snowflakes melted before they even reached the ground. The trees were covered in snow. At a glance, they looked like a blanket of pristine snow. The big trees looked as if they had been covered in snow-white new clothes. Ivanka was a little surprised at such a scenery. Even though she often went for business trips in the north and had experienced snow, skied, and various other experiences, it was a rare sight to experience snow in their city. Instead of snow, they looked more like an ice sheet. The snow there was different from the cities in the north. They easily fell on their hair. In just a while, their hair turned snowy white. Ivanka took out her phone and took a photo. Then she shared it with her friends in her WhatsApp group. Meanwhile, Michael took photos of Ivanka. Michael hardly posted anything on Twitter. After a moment, he uploaded a photo of Ivanka taking photos of the scenery.The caption was: Experiencing
Michael glanced at Ivanka.Ivanka kept her eyes lowered and focused on nothing in particular. Both of them tacitly agreed not to bring it up.“Let’s go out to eat,” Michael said. Ivanka agreed without hesitation.If they got ready and left at this time, they would be just in time for lunch.She went upstairs to freshen up. Michael did not rush her. He just smiled, as if he was telling her to take her time.Ivanka felt a little embarrassed and touched the tip of her nose. Truthfully, she was the one in a hurry because she was the one starving.Five minutes later, she came back down.She had changed into a long black down coat that reached her ankles. It was practical and warm.But the weather was still unbearably cold. This winter was harsher than usual.“Let’s go.” She rubbed her hands together and looked at Michael.Michael was on his phone. He was smiling and looked relaxed. With just a glance, Ivanka could tell he was probably making a reservation.Their long-standing
Ivanka slept in the next day. By the time she woke up, the sun was already streaming through the window, casting light across her bed and face.In a way, the sunlight had forced her awake.She frowned slightly before slowly opening her eyes. The brightness left spots in her vision, so she instinctively raised a hand to shield herself before getting out of bed.It was already past 10 a.m.She had no idea how she managed to sleep so much, especially after napping all afternoon the day before.Then again, maybe she was just that exhausted. So much had been going on lately.Fortunately, it was Saturday, so she did not have to go to the office.That was probably why her internal clock had not woken her at seven as usual.Come to think of it, her body’s internal clock was quite accommodating.On workdays, no matter how tired she was, she always woke up at seven sharp. But on weekends, that never happened. She could sleep in as much as she wanted, which was pretty great.She lay in