“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
Under Jillian’s gaze, he finally spoke again. “Mr. Barkworth, I went too far this time. I apologize to you, and I ask that you give Lane’s Group another chance.”Theodore had swallowed his pride. No matter how angry and embarrassed he was in front of Michael, he could only hold it in.Michael looked at Theodore and calmly said, “We can collaborate, but under some conditions.”“Thank you, Mr. Barkworth. Please do tell,” Jillian quickly said.Theodore nodded slightly. He no longer wanted to speak. “First, as part of our renewed partnership, Barkworth’s Group will receive a ten percent increase in profits. The term’s duration is likely to be set for one year. Secondly, we need to work on Ivanka’s project. She is the only one who can lead it,” Michael said calmly. Theodore was taken aback. It was similar to what they discussed at the meeting. Since the two companies had collaborated for such a long time, they were still able to make predictions based on their respective busin
Jillian stared at him coldly, and she was not afraid to be blunt to him.Theodore was sitting in the back seat. He was suddenly speechless.Jillian did not want to pay him any more attention and started driving. The two of them returned to the company together. Surprisingly, no one said anything and accepted it when they knew about the outcome. Some were even relieved that they were able to secure the collaboration despite losing out on ten percent of their profit. Also, Ivanka’s plan was beautifully made, and Michael agreed to fund the whole thing. In general, it was a win for them rather than a loss. It produced the image that everyone had been hoping to see. It was comparable to their previous collaboration with Barkworth’s Group. Ivanka’s plan was freely given to them.Thomas called Ivanka and informed her about the news.Sandy was a little suspicious. “Lane’s Group’s calculations are too accurate. They agreed?”“Are you sure it’s because Lane’s Group had accurate guesses?”
Ivanka raised her eyebrows and asked, “I’m just here to see my cousin. What’s wrong with that?”Sandy laughed out loud. “I just know you’re up to no good.” Ivanka was calm and just laughed. “Let’s go.”Sandy raised her eyebrows and followed. …At that moment, Theodore was already in Chiara’s ward. They were at the mental hospital. Lyla was worried that her daughter was really depressed. Since then, she had been by her side because she was afraid something would happen to her.Looking directly at Theodore, both mother and daughter had angry looks on their faces.Chiara, who had been silent the entire time, looked at him and suddenly lost it. “Why do you have to let Ivanka do it?! What will happen later on if she does it?”Lyla also had a dark expression on her face. She looked at Theodore and said, “You cannot help Ivanka grow like this. Do you know how things will turn out in the end?”Theodore scoffed. “It’s all your fault! How could the company end up in this situation i
As soon as she finished speaking, Lyla’s phone suddenly rang.It was a call from her assistant, and Lyla answered it.“Ivanka came here with her friend and said that she wants to see Ms. Chiara, Madam.”Lyla’s face immediately fell. She was about to say something unpleasant when she realized that Ivanka was most likely standing next to her assistant. As a result, she eventually spoke quietly.“I understand. You can let them in.”“Alright.”Chiara and Theodore still looked annoyed. They also heard what the assistant said. Chiara had already turned to face her mother and was frowning a little.“Why did you let that b*tch in?! I don’t want to see Ivanka and I’m done acting.”The whole internet was now criticizing her for going too far and for being a cruel and ungrateful person to have the audacity to attack her own cousin.Though the police were unable to draw any firm conclusions due to the lack of clear evidence, everyone was clearly aware of the situation and thought she ha
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