Michael’s expression was calm. “Alright, I’m going to get ready for her surprise. Grandma, draft a post and help explain her situation.”Rosie immediately nodded. “Okay! You better put more effort into this, or else I’ll never let you hear the end of this!”Ivanka was speechless.Meanwhile, Michael had finished his meal. He put down his spoon and got up.“That won’t be necessary! Michael, get back here!” Ivanka cried out in a panic. She was worried that he would actually do it.But Michael did not stop walking. Rosie went to the bathroom to wash her hands with a smile. Then she sat back down at the dining table and said, “Ignore him. Let’s keep eating.”Ivanka had an odd expression on her face. She immediately finished all the food on her plate and said, “Grandma, it’s getting late. I have some work to do. I’ll head back now.”Rosie frowned. Seeing that Ivanka was about to run off, she seized her hand at lightning speed. “You can’t leave, dearie.”Ivanka was puzzled.With an a
A flicker of emotion flashed in Ivanka’s eyes, and she said nothing.She wanted to leave, but she could not.Meanwhile, outside the Barkworth’s family mansion, Michael had already driven off.But he did not go far. People simply could not see him from the house.He stopped his car and slowly produced a blue box from the trunk.He put it in the front passenger seat and returned to the driver seat.Michael was not in a hurry to start driving. He seemed to be waiting for the right moment.His cold expression did not betray much emotion.Suddenly, his phone started ringing. He snapped out of his reverie and answered the call.“What are you up to? Come hang out with us.” Ivan sounded rather frivolous.Micheal said calmly, “I’m busy.”Ivan immediately chuckled. “What are you busy with? I see you getting into the car, but you didn’t start driving. You call this ‘busy’?”Michael was speechless.In the next second, Ivan began chuckling again and said, “You finally know to make the
Ivan’s words felt like a venom that seeped into his heart and corroded Michael’s mind. Michael never believed that he fancied Ivanka. He simply thought they were a good match.That was all.Then, he said in a solemn voice, “If you have so much time on your hand, you might as well think about Sandy.”“Heck!” Ivan was relaxed just a moment ago. Once he heard this name, he exploded with rage.“Why do you have to mention her? What’s wrong with you?”Ignoring him, Michael snorted coldly and rolled up the car window. The glass panel raised and forced Ivan to withdraw his arm. He said with a sullen expression, “Shit, you really want to leave me here? My car broke down, and I don’t have a spare now. Let me in!”Michael frowned impatiently.But Ivan still saw him click something, and the car door was unlocked.Just as Ivan wanted to go over to the front passenger seat, Michael said in a somber voice, “Take the back seat.”Ivan halted in his tracks and did just that. He was grumblin
Ivan swaggered behind Michael. Seeing Rosie, he immediately greeted her enthusiastically, “Hi, grandma!”Only then did she notice the person behind her grandson. She quickly nodded with a smile. “You’re visiting too?”“Yeah, I miss you, so I dropped by to visit.”But as soon as he said that, Ivan realized something was off. After all, he came empty-handed…He instinctively looked over at Michael and saw the gleam of mockery in his eyes as well as the disdainful smirk on his lips.Ivan faked a cough and rubbed his nose. That was fine. If he was thick-skinned enough, there was nothing to be embarrassed about.Rosie immediately chuckled. She did not mind this at all. “You’re late though. You should have come during dinnertime.”“It’s alright. I’m just happy to see you. We can dine together some other time.”Ivanka furrowed her brows. She did not care if Ivan was around. What troubled her was the fact that Michael had indeed brought home a gift. There were surveillance cameras in t
Michael seemed like he was not paying attention to them. However, if they were to look closely, they would notice that he was observing them through his peripheral vision. “Quick, open it up and look!”Without hesitation, Ivanka lifted the lid of the gift box.When she saw what was inside it, she froze in stunned silence. Michael silently focused on Ivanka. He pursed his lips and subconsciously turned to face Ivanka to get a clear view of her.Even he was unsure if he was feeling nervous. As for Ivanka, her face was as white as a sheet.Michael sure knew how to humiliate her.She did not expect him to resort to such a method on her.She subconsciously reminisced about what had happened two years ago.On that day, they attended a banquet together. Naturally, they pretended to be a model couple in front of others.On that day, she wore a pair of uncomfortable, low-quality high heels Michael gave her.Her legs became red and swollen. She subconsciously took off her shoes
Rosie was about to ask Ivan what he meant when she saw Ivanka’s pale face.Ivan also noticed something off about Ivanka.He no longer felt like joking anymore. He looked at her and wanted to ask if she was okay, but Rosie spoke first. She asked her worriedly, “Iv, are you okay?”Ivanka had been perfectly fine earlier. Even though she had mentioned earlier that she wanted to leave, she still chose to stay for Rosie’s sake. Rosie thought she helped Michael buy enough time.But why did her expression change so drastically after seeing the gift?The gift box fell to the floor, and one of the crystal shoes tumbled out, revealing its eight-centimeter-high heel and delicate beauty.Ivanka recognized that these crystal shoes were a limited edition designed by Papaver.Back at Rosie’s birthday banquet, there was an issue with Ivanka’s shoes. Harvey told Ivanka that Michael was the one who gave her the shoes.Ivanka felt conflicted about it back then and did not believe it because she kn
Rosie looked outside as she watched Michael chase after Ivanka. She then said worriedly again, “Something’s not right! I know Iv is disappointed in Mic. But despite that, I know she’s still not over him deep down. Normally, even if they’re having issues, Iv wouldn’t leave so abruptly. But today, she walked out without a word and looked all gloomy. And what’s with those shoes anyway? You mentioned the meaning behind giving shoes to girls earlier. What is it?”Ivan became puzzled.Oh man, could it be that the meaning of the shoes caused this? Did that mean Iv still had not moved on from Michael?So, did that mean she had been deliberately stringing Michael along for such a long time?Hmm, that did not seem right either.Rosie noticed Ivan’s strange expression and asked him, “Ivan, quick, tell me already!”She had not heard about this superstition beforeIvan stopped overthinking and quickly explained, “There’s a saying that lovers shouldn’t give each other shoes because it’s belie
Ivanka had to walk away since she did not have her car with her, which allowed Michael to catch up quickly.When he noticed that she was walking ahead without looking back, he decided not to waste his breath calling out to her. He walked in front of her and grabbed her wrist. This stopped her from walking any further.She frowned and gave him a cold look. “Let go.”Her sharp gaze made him pause momentarily, but he held onto her wrist firmly. Instead, he stared at her and asked, “Why?”“Why?” Ivanka was ironically infuriated. “You said what you said and did what you did. And now you’re here asking me why?”Was he expecting her to recount the humiliation she had faced?She found it amusing.Michael frowned and did not understand what Ivanka was talking about.He suppressed his annoyance, tightened his grip on her hand and asked again, “What exactly is this fuss about?”Fuss?Ivanka scoffed as her impatience and disgust became more evident. “How could you say such a thing?”Mic
Ivanka did not pay him any mind and got into the car. If Michael dared to chase after her again, she would most definitely kick him out of the car! She would do what she said she would!Michael did not catch up, but he blocked her with his arms wide open. His stance was clear: You can leave. But over my dead body! Ivanka could not possibly drive over Michael. But it was not a problem for Michael to keep blocking her way. Plus, she had just politely rejected his parents. So, it was even more impossible for her to turn back. Ivanka ran out of patience. She held her forehead and frowned. Michael had already drained her last bit of patience. She never imagined that Michael would actually cling to her to such an extent! How would she put it? All her positivity had been drained clean! “Michael, your parents are still at home. Aren’t you afraid they’ll see and laugh at you? I know Grandpa and Grandma are standing by our side now. It’s not like you and I haven’t been in
Ivanka would neither accept the carrot nor the stick approach. Michael had no choice but to persuade her with reason and win her over with affection. Ivanka snorted. “Have you ever given me a chance to have a meal with you before this? As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time for things to come to this state. Things might have passed for you but not for me!” Ivanka’s gaze was razor-sharp. Michael felt his heart clench up. At that moment, his throat was in so much pain that he did not know what else to say to her. Ivanka did not wait for his response. She pushed away his hand and headed out without hesitation. Michael did not stop her. Nonetheless, he went after her and followed behind her. Meanwhile, they heard the sound from the kitchen. Mindy prepared dinner in the kitchen, and Jay helped her out. They had heard their conversation. Out of courtesy, Ivanka went to the kitchen and greeted them. She said with a smile, “Uncle Jay, Aunt Mindy, I’m
Ivanka clenched her fists. Her gaze was filled with ferocity. She looked like she was really going to punch Michael. Michael noticed the anger in her eyes. But since the person was none other than Ivanka, he was willing to take the beating. He even took a step forward and held his head high. “Strike me if you want.” “You!” Ivanka glared at Michael. He truly annoyed her. She reminded herself to keep her composure. She sucked in a deep breath before saying, “Michael, I’ve treated you with respect. You’d better behave yourself.” Right after she finished the sentence, Ivanka left. Before she even took a step forward, Michael grabbed her. “My mom is preparing the dishes inside the kitchen. If you leave now, you’re not showing me any respect. Please stay around to have dinner. Even though we’re already divorced, and it’s impossible for us to get back together again, we’re still friends,” said Michael. Haha! He had been adamant. He was using the same approach to draw close
Mindy’s expression instantly darkened. “What’s with us being prejudiced against her? Had I ever targeted her when she married Michael from the beginning? “She knew how well Rosie had treated her. It’s her own fault for failing to bond with Mic. How could you blame us?” Mindy had always disliked Ivanka. She believed Samuel’s intervention had been the reason for their marriage. It was an arranged marriage. There was no need for the Barkworth’s family to have an arranged marriage. At the end of the day, it was all up to Samuel to choose the bride for Michael. Ever since Ivanka married Michael, aside from the deliberate arrangements, they had hardly shown up together as a couple in public. Mindy did not have any particularly hard feelings for Ivanka. She believed the two would live happily together after getting married. After they divorced, Mindy thought Michael could start all over again. But she did not expect to see their current relationship was no different from when they
It was Jay and Mindy. When Ivanka saw them, a thought came across her mind. She took out a syringe and inserted it into Michael’s arm to unmute him. Michael felt like he had been stung by a bee. It was as though he had been put in jail, only to be freed all of a sudden. Ivanka took away the syringe and gave him a glance with displeasure. “Get out of the car now. Your parents are here—” “Aren’t you entering the house?” Before Ivanka finished her sentence, Michael interrupted her. When he looked at her, his eyes were filled with sincerity and seriousness. But Ivanka rejected him coldly. “Quick! Get out of the car! I’m not joking with you. Get out now!” “Let’s go in together. After all, you’re already here. Are you worried about seeing them?” Michael was undaunted by her emotions and tone. Instead, he stretched out his hand to try to grab Ivanka. Nonetheless, she avoided him with ease. Meanwhile, Jay and Mindy saw them. They walked over to them. Mindy glanced at th
It was no wonder Jonah asked for so many details. All these were facts.Ivanka did not avoid answering his questions. She gave a light smile. “The longest will be half a year.”If the treatment was ineffective after half a year, she would go to Silvania with Vincent.After all, it was not just about her.Upon learning of Ivanka’s decision, Jonah smiled wryly. “Iv, I don’t think it’s an easy feat to treat my legs. How about you go and deal with your stuff first? You can always treat my legs afterward.”Ivanka initially planned to do it that way. But George, Florence, and Margaret had interrupted her plan.Since she had returned to Bostone, why was there a need to travel back and forth again?She might as well treat Jonah’s legs.Besides, Vincent had informed her that it would be highly uncertain whether they could still return to their home country after arriving at Silvania.Ivanka said, “No. I don’t want to make so many trips. I’ll treat your legs for half a year and see if i
It was not an overstatement to say Michael was crossing the line. Nonetheless, Ivanka could not just sit there and watch the two men get into a conflict. Hence, Ivanka pulled Michael to the side and glanced at him. “If you don’t want to be kicked out, you’d better wait here.” But Michael was undaunted by Jonah. Although Jonah had the power to rebuke him in his own territory, Michael refused to allow Jonah to get the upper hand. Ivanka saw the determination in Michael’s eyes. She was very worried that the two might get into a fight. She quickly pulled him back. “Stop making me worry about you. Just wait here! If you dare to come after me, I’ll…” Although she did not finish her sentence, her intention was clear enough. If Michael disobeyed her, she would make him a statue! Understanding this, Michael did not follow Ivanka. But when Jonah turned around and left, the provocation in his eyes was evident. Still, Michael listened to Ivanka. He did not want to offend her. He
Jonah narrowed his eyes while questioning Michael. Still, Michael did not respond to him. Ivanka pursed her lips. She looked displeased when she answered Jonah, “Jonah, there’s no need to speak so harshly. Do you still want me to treat your legs?” She had temporarily made Michael mute. She did that to stop Michael from talking endlessly about those things. Nonetheless, he had still insisted on coming along with her, only to end up being targeted by Jonah. Ivanka had no intention of making Michael mute in front of Jonah. Upon hearing Ivanka’s words, Jonah looked at where she currently stood. She stood in front of Michael. It looked like she was trying to protect him more. As the saying went, true love was portrayed in hard times. This saying was true indeed. It was true that Ivanka cared about Michael. Jonah said gently to Ivanka, “I want you to treat my legs, and I only speak harshly to specific people. I already showed him much respect when he barged into my terri
Michael remained resolute.Ivanka rolled her eyes. “Then stay stubborn. I’ll only fix it when you stop pushing me away.”After she was done speaking, she turned to leave.Michael followed.He even opened the passenger door and got in her car. He was determined to follow her.But Ivanka would not go easy on him.Once inside, she warned him coldly, “Not being able to speak is harder than you think. Follow if you want. Michael, are you sure about this?”Even after her warning, he kept staring straight ahead.She said nothing more and started the engine.Within half an hour, she arrived at Jonah’s mansion.Jonah came out to greet her personally. The moment Ivanka parked the car, Jonah immediately spotted Michael in the passenger seat.The sight of him stirred up bitterness in Jonah. Yet there was nothing he could do.Before Ivanka exited the car, she said to Michael, “Wait here.”Without glancing at him, she walked straight toward Jonah.Her attitude made Michael decide t