Veta asked this question for the sake of the project as a whole.Ivanka glanced at Michael from the corner of her eye and noticed that he did not intend to say anything. He wanted her to solve this problem herself.If she was not aggressive in this situation, her job would become much harder afterward.If this project had nothing to do with Ivanka, she might not care much about the question. She could push the responsibility to someone else and say that it was Michael who invited her over, and there was nothing she could do about it.But if this project brought them a ton of revenue, Ivanka could secure her position in Lane’s Group.Under everyone’s gaze, she said calmly, “Ms. Lopez, do you doubt my ability to lead the team because you have never heard of my experience in this regard?”“George McClellan, for example, was one of those generals who looked ‘good on paper’, so everybody said. But when it came to the actual battle, things would inevitably go wrong. Our project is a hu
Checkmate!Veta was indeed in charge of this aspect of the project.Earlier on, when she brought this matter up, she had meant to challenge Ivanka a little. But since Ivanka had pointed out this fact, Veta could not keep pushing, or else it would reflect badly on her ability. It was her job, after all.Veta nodded. “Yes, good point. Let’s move on to the second question.”No one else said a word. Deep down, they were excited to see what happened next.They thought. “Indeed, Ivanka is competent.”She was a prodigy in every aspect.Ivanka nodded without a word.Veta cleared her throat and said, “I notice that the late stage of the project requires many talents. We need at least over two hundred people, the best from each industry. Although our company is never short of talented people, we still need those with different expertise. I wonder what you do about this issue?”“When it comes to talent acquisition, I’ll take care of it myself. Those who meet the requirements will be hi
As expected, Michael averted his emotionless gaze from Ivanka and turned to the others.“We’ll begin executing the plan tomorrow. Everyone will cooperate with Ms. Lane and listen to her.”“Sure, boss.”Some people responded, while some nodded.Ivanka, on the other hand, said nothing. After talking for so long, her throat felt a little parched.In the next moment, Michael got up and left the room.Evan immediately said, “The meeting is adjourned. You all may get ready for the work we’re about to do.”The staff said nothing. They gathered the documents they had brought and left one after another.Ivanka was assigned to Barkworth’s Group as a director rather than starting her career in this company. Everyone’s attitude toward her varied. Some were neutral. Some disliked her because they thought she was all empty talk. Some chose to observe her and did not get involved. She did not care about their thoughts and actions.After all, there were always challenges in everything she d
Michael opened the document, which contained a bunch of data.This was not in Ivanka’s job scope at all.The sight of the document puzzled her as well.“Have a look at the data. It needs two people working together to crack the software. Help me out?“ Michael’s voice sounded calm. Even though she was asking for her help, his tone of voice did not sound that way. To be even more accurate, his request sounded like an order. Just as she hesitated for a moment, Michael had already taken out a laptop from his drawer and handed it over.Ivanka was speechless. Still, she took the laptop. Since Michael had not stopped her when she hacked his company’s security system a while ago, she opened the laptop calmly.Michael gave her the flash drive, and she opened it as well. Then, the two of them started cracking the software.The only noise in the quiet office was the sound of them tapping on the keyboards.The two of them were staring at the computers attentively. As they cracked the soft
Ivanka pursed her lips and did not bother to say anything. She ignored Michael as she stood up and walked away.Michael remained seated and motionless as he watched the leaving Ivanka with an intensely piercing gaze. Others would have succumbed to the pressure with trembling legs and shaking hands, but not Ivanka; she stormed off. She could not stand him any longer.In the past, she would have felt sad because he did not like her. But she felt extremely disappointed because everything he did seemed to be motivated by selfish motives. She realized how blind she had been.However, if Jonah had said those things instead, Ivanka would not become overly angry or upset.Even though his intentions were more obvious than Michael’s, she considered it normal.Perhaps it was because the expectations from someone you once loved were different.Realizing that the person she once loved had become someone terrifying made her feel indescribably agitated.Once she was back in her offic
Everyone turned to Ivanka. Since David had spoken up, those who sought his favor would not let this pass.Jake, a young man in his early thirties, turned to Ivanka and said without hesitation, “Ms. Ivanka, Mr. David did nothing wrong. We also feel that your handling of this matter is inappropriate. During the interviews, you mentioned how, besides skills, you also consider the person’s character. We do agree with you. However, today’s candidate seemed quite peculiar in terms of his personality. Yet you simply went ahead and hired him without a second thought. You even gave him a pay raise.”He paused intentionally before continuing, “Not only did you put Mr. David in an awkward position, but you also criticized him in front of so many people. How is this his fault?”David had the upper hand when it came to winning people over to his side. After all, he was a senior figure in the company and excelled in terms of his capabilities in the industry. Moreover, he worked in Barkworth’s G
Jack was speechless as his face turned red.He then said angrily, “Everyone’s just having a regular meeting. Ms. Ivanka. Why are you recording it? You know that’s illegal, right?”Ivanka pursed her lips and said, “Illegal?”The expressions of the other people in the meeting changed.Rachel Adams, a lady who admired Ivanka, looked at Jack and said annoyedly, “Did you not sleep well last night? Why are you always so confused? Ms. Ivanka is Iris. Surely she knows what she can and cannot do.”She did not directly say it, but what she meant to ask was, “Was he stupid or something?!”“I—” For a moment, he was at a loss for words.David’s expression darkened.Even though Rachel did not mention his name, David felt implicated because he was the one who brought this topic up first.He clenched his fists under the table, struggling to control his anger.Ivanka looked calmly at David. “Mr. David, what do you think?”He had been vetoing her from the start.Even though he was just the
“Whatever Mr. David did in this department before has nothing to do with me. But from now on, anything under my leadership is all on me,” said Ivanka as her voice remained firm.David’s expression soured further, while Ivanka coldly surveyed everyone.“Michael’s orders for you are to obey me without question. Remember this rule. I won’t screw over anyone even if there’s a financial loss. It’s just because Michael has more money than sense. He’s willing to trust me, so you all have no choice but to obey.”What she said sounded presumptuous, but nobody thought she took advantage of Michael’s authority to do as she pleased.Instead, the attendees were overwhelmed by her dominance.She even openly addressed him by name and stated that he had more money than sense...This stirred up various emotions among many people in the meeting.What was more, Evan was in the meeting as well!Would he tell Michael what Ivanka said?At that moment, everyone looked at him discreetly.To their su
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