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
For some reason, everyone in the meeting felt envious.Some sneered inwardly, “Did she seriously think she could get away with anything just because she has got a bit of talent? Would Michael let her have her way?”Michael and Ivanka were locked in a silent gaze, both with cold and indifferent expressions.For some reason, the rest of the people in the meeting room felt as if they were non-existent to the two of them, unable to blend in anymore.No one dared to even take a deep breath. They were uncertain about Michael’s mood. In fact, some had already begun to fear his wrath might be unleashed upon them.Amidst everyone’s contemplation, Michael turned to look at them and said nonchalantly, “Did you all hear that?”Everyone was at a loss for words.They were bewildered and wondered if they had misheard him.But the next moment, they realized he was actually agreeing with Ivanka’s approach!Seriously? How could he?!David was the last to come back to his senses. He was so f
Michael ignored everyone as he continued to watch Ivanka until she was out of his sight.As he stood up, Evan also rose from his seat and glanced at his watch before saying, “It’s getting late. Let’s head back and get back to work.”No one uttered a word as Evan followed Michael out.They were moving sluggishly in the meeting room as they exchanged glances.One of them could not help but say, “From now on, let’s just obediently follow orders, or else we might really face consequences.”David’s expression darkened. Even so, he had no dignity left. Michael had stripped him out of it just to protect that flower vase!He took a deep breath and suppressed his anger as he walked out briskly.Many people in the room looked at him with contemptuous smirks.His good times there would eventually come to an end if this continued.He deserved it.Jake, who previously spoke up for David, was now nervous and confused. He walked out in a daze, unsure what to do next. ... The entire comp
“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