“I’ve seen them.” “I can’t believe you’re so quiet. Come on out. Go ask him what’s going on and cheer me up.” Xander was a bit speechless. He finally said, “I’m coming over now.” … It did not take long for the few to get together. Michael was still the same as before. He did not talk much when he arrived.Ivan was always a loudmouth, but he did not seem particularly playful either. If it were in the past, he probably would not have been able to control himself to get to the bottom of things. He would be out to grill something out of Michael. Obviously, Michael and Xander both noticed that something was wrong. The men’s gazes met for a moment. Xander looked at Ivan, “What’s wrong with you today?” Ivan composed himself and shrugged. “What could possibly be wrong with me?” Michael looked at Ivan. “You called me today and said you were in a bad mood?” His voice was calm, but Michael was someone who cared about his brother. Xander blurted out. “What could possibly get
“Yes?” Xander smiled meaningfully. Ivan looked like he was about to blow up. “Of course! I even paid when I left. It was to make her feel touched!” Micheal looked faintly at Ivan blandly. . It was like he already knew what was going on. However as usual, if he could not realize it himself there was no use in him pointing it out. Xander instead looked at Michael. “Michael, what do you think?” “If he doesn’t realize it himself, what’s the use of others seeing through it?” His expression was indifferent. It was like he did not want to mention these things. Ivan suddenly laughed from exasperation. “I don’t realize it myself, but you can? Do you have any idea what kind of situation you are in with Ivanka?”Michael frowned. He instantly thought of what happened on Twitter today. The anger he had just suppressed suddenly rose again. The other two noticed something was wrong, and Ivan suddenly felt happy. “Look, you can’t even control yourself. Why the hell are you lecturing me? I
Xander smiled. Since he did not believe it, there was no need to give him further advice.Michael frowned. Xander’s words stabbed him in the heart like a knife. He could not help but keep thinking about it.“Think about it. Think about Evan. You’re just like how he used to be.”He could see it. Evan’s feelings for Sandy were gradually changing. It was evident in every sarcastic remark he made about her.What about himself?Did he feel something for Ivanka…?As this thought crossed his mind, Michael’s expression turned cold. Thinking of the trending topic on Twitter, he sneered. How could he possibly fall for that woman who fooled around with men?Both Jonah and Hanson danced at the palm of her hand.He would never fall for her for the rest of his life....After Ivanka and Jonah finished dinner, she went back home. Although she wanted to go see Elio right away, she still needed to inform him in advance. She also needed to verify some things from the past. She was afraid that
Anna sounded weary. She seemed to be speaking for herself as well as for Ivanka.Feeling similarly resigned, Ivanka was silent.Anna simply smiled. “All right, I have to go now. I’ll tell you how Hanson’s doing later.”“Okay, thanks.”“It’s nothing.”With that, they ended the call.Ivanka’s expression grew increasingly conflicted. She was unsure of how to handle the situation.She picked up her laptop, took a deep breath, and resumed her work.After about half an hour, Anna arrived at Hanson’s house.Emeralda warmly welcomed her and conversed for a while before directing Anna to Hanson.After all, Hanson was not doing well at all.Emeralda did not know what else she could do to help him.The trending topics kept popping up one after another. Hanson, upon seeing the latest trends, was too afraid to call Ivanka again.When he learned that someone had arrived at his house, he instinctively thought it was Ivanka who had come to explain things to him in person.When he raised
Why did it suddenly become so terrifying?Why did he change so drastically?Had he perhaps sensed something, or learned the truth, or was he trying to find out something from her?Amid Anna’s unease, Hanson opened his mouth. “About Iv...”Upon hearing this, Anna’s heart skipped a beat.Just as she focused intently to hear more, Hanson suddenly stopped talking.Anna was puzzled.She looked at Hanson with confusion. “What’s wrong with you?”“Nothing.” Hanson lowered his head again. He pursed his lips and fell silent.His condition could not be any worse. Anyone could see that he was no longer the cheerful guy he used to be.Anna could not bear it anymore. She instinctively stepped closer to Hanson and took a deep breath before saying, “Will you please pull yourself together? Is love really that important?”Hanson chuckled softly. “Ann, you haven’t experienced liking someone for as long as I have. The sense of insecurity of losing someone is really tough to bear. Maybe someday
Hanson’s gaze flickered with confusion. There was a strange look in Anna’s eyes.He pursed his lips and stayed silent, but he looked at her with a slightly puzzled gaze.Anna could not help but sigh inwardly. Then, she spoke again.“I’ve liked someone for as long as you’ve liked Iv. It may be even longer.”Hanson was surprised. “You...”For so many years? She had liked someone for so many years? But how come he did not know?Based on what Anna said, this guy must be someone they had known for a long time.But he had never noticed Anna getting close to any guy.Just as he was pondering this, Anna suddenly spoke again, “And, I often have to witness his deep affection for that girl. His love for her is no less than mine for him. I not only have to hide my feelings but also witness his pain, love, and suffer just as deeply. It’s the same for me.”Hanson’s expression seemed to change again.He clearly saw the affection in Anna’s eyes, and her gaze was directed at him.In an insta
Hanson frowned. After pondering for a while, he still had some doubts.Was Anna trying to make him give up on Ivanka by saying those misleading words?After all, over the years, he never...Just as the thought crossed his mind, his expression froze momentarily.He recalled a night three years ago when they were out together, and Anna got drunk.She had clung to his hand and was giggling foolishly.She kept talking to him and her gaze fixed on him.At the time, he did not think much of it. However, thinking back to her behavior that night and her actions over the years...Perhaps, if he had been more observant, he would have noticed some clues.At that moment, he suddenly did not know what to say.However, Anna herself knew that love was the most uncontrollable thing.Since he loved Ivanka, he would never be with her. Anna was well aware of that, so she tactfully never brought it up.Perhaps she had brought it up today just to talk some sense into him?Hanson lowered his ey
Anna shook her head and tried to control her emotions.“No, it’s not your fault.”Her voice choked slightly as she spoke.Today…She had finally voiced the feelings she had hidden for ten years. She never imagined that her confession would come out in such a subtle yet revealing way.Neither of them acknowledged it directly, but the current situation was already clear.Anna took a shallow breath. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have acted like this.”Hanson quickly shook his head. “No, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have caused you any negative emotions today.”Anna shook her head and sighed softly. “It’s not your fault. It’s just that sometimes, love is uncontrollable. I know you like Iv, but I couldn’t control my feelings. I didn’t mean for it to happen.”This time, Anna was more straightforward. She had not explicitly said it earlier because she felt embarrassed.But since he already knew it, there was no point hiding it anymore.Although she felt like something was missing by confes
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