Ivan grew even more irritated. “What? You don’t believe me?”Michael’s lips curled into a faint smile. “I will, once you get the thing you said.”Ivan was speechless.The elevator door soon opened. Ivan said with gritted teeth, “I’m only unable to get it from her at the moment. If I could bring myself to cross the line, there’s no way she manages to keep it for so long. I wouldn’t allow it!”The two of them got into the elevator. When they came out, Michael said nothing. He knew that Ivan was only venting and acting like a drunkard before he even touched the alcohol.Soon, they arrived at the bar. Ivan did not speak to Michael and instead downed a glass of wine. After a pause, he finally looked at Michael. “I questioned her earlier on. Hey, don’t you think that there’s something wrong with her? Didn’t she know that I was waiting for her so that we could dine together? What did she do instead? She went to dine with Ivanka without notifying me! I was the one who brought her here. Sh
At such a time, Ivan refused to wallow in sadness alone. He ought to make his friend suffer alongside him.As Michael drank expressionlessly and said nothing, Ivan started talking again. “I think Ivanka has really gotten over you.”The look in Michael’s eyes grew colder.Seeing that, Ivan was even more excited. “Technically, when she showed up at the party with Jonah and demanded a divorce, she had already given up on you.”Michael continued to drink in silence.Ivan clinked his glass against Michael’s. “See the things she did after that? She didn’t need you at all, let alone approach you. If you didn’t approach her yourself, she would simply disappear before your eyes.”Michael did not react, but Ivan thought that the wine glass nearly cracked in his tight grip.“Hey, look at you. Do you still refuse to admit that you have already fallen for her?”Michael immediately snorted coldly. “Does she deserve my attention?”“Doesn’t she? If not, why would you bring her out here? Is it
Seeing Michael’s grim expression, Ivan added, “So, you ought to explain everything to me!” “There’s nothing much to talk about.” Michael put down the glass. He had lost the mood for drinks.He did not want to tell anyone what happened that day, not because he felt humiliated by Ivanka’s treatment. It was because he did not want anyone to learn about their past.Ivan was speechless. He had wasted his breath for the past few minutes and learned nothing in return. Flummoxed, he said, “Damn you! I should’ve left you be. I have things to worry about myself!”Michael glanced at him expressionlessly. He had already given his take on Ivan’s situation. They did not need to discuss further.The two of them started drinking in silence.Once Ivan finished his last glass, he said through gritted teeth, “Sooner or later, I’ll give Sandy a taste of her own medicine!”“It’s not worth the effort.” With that, Michael stood up. “It’s getting late. Let’s head back.”They had drunk a lot, but ne
Ivanka sat in her seat quietly and said nothing else to Wyatt.Wyatt was not an obsequious man either. He did not cross the line, and he knew about the strange relationship between Ivanka and Michael. Hence, he said nothing to her apart from the greeting.Ivanka took out her phone. There were four people in the car, but it felt as if there was no one there because of the silence.Soon, they arrived at their destination.Looking at Michael and Ivanka, Wyatt said politely, “The development here is satisfactory, but the crime rate is a bit high and lots of things happen. Please watch out for yourself. I’ve assigned some bodyguards to this area. If any accident occurs, they will show up to protect us.” Neither Ivanka nor Michael said a thing, but Evan said with a smile, “We appreciate your caution, Mr. Perry.”“I’m just doing my job!” Wyatt glanced at Ivanka and Michael, then said with a smile, “Let’s head over and survey the place.”He led the way without a word.The other three
“You!” Samuel pointed at Rosie with a finger. Seeing that she refused to back down and even seemed determined to keep fighting him, he swallowed his rage and lowered his hand. “You’re unreasonable!”With that, he got up and walked out of the door.Rosie gritted her teeth and said, “If you intervene in their relationship again, I’ll definitely divorce you!”Samuel slammed the door shut with a loud thump.Enraged, Rosie screamed, “Don’t talk to me again!”Samuel heard her from outside the house. Pissed, he looked through the window and saw her getting up and heading upstairs.…Meanwhile, Ivanka and others were still surveying the location. But no matter how cautious they were, something unpleasant inevitably happened.Just as Wyatt planned to introduce them to more landmarks, many people who were taking photos in the area suddenly walked up to them and wanted to take close-up shots of the visitors. But Ivanka sensed something off with their emotions.The way they looked at he
They were really after Ivanka’s life! “Be careful!” Michael was talking. Of course, Ivanka had noticed. When the first person came over, she had already turned around and grabbed his arm. She lifted a leg and went straight for the man’s second head. Crash! This time, Ivanka was merciless. The man wailed. The person who followed behind them to kill Ivanka felt tension below his waist. Subconsciously, he slowed down a bit more. Ivanka’s high heels stepped on his wrist where he held the dagger. He was already in pain. When the sharp heel stomped right on the veins on the back of his hand. He broke out in a cold sweat from the pain. At that moment, Ivanka had already picked up his dagger. Michael’s gaze shifted. This was the first time he had seen Ivanka in action. He quickly finished the man up and went to help, but he did not expect several more men to come up. Wyatt Perry was panicking from the side! At least this area was under his jurisdiction. However, he did
Pfft! The blade drew blood! Michael’s pupils constricted violently! His expression changed drastically! Evan also panicked. Ivanka stifled a grunt and slapped the man away. She endured the pain and exerted her strength. Instantly, she removed herself from the man’s dagger! Just now, she had sensed the danger and dodged from letting it hit her vitals. The man’s dagger pierced the edge of her body. It was next to her heart and missed her bones. But… It was still a deep wound, and blood was already flowing out! “Damn it!” Michael’s voice was full of fury. When he saw the man’s dagger all stained with Ivanka’s blood, Michael sent him flying with a kick! He immediately came to Ivanka’s side with a rare gentleness. “Hold on!” Ivanka sucked in a slight breath and said in a low voice. “It did not hit my vitals. It’s fine.” Any other girl might have cried out uncontrollably or even fainted. But not Ivanka. Not only did she keep her voice as usual, but she was also able to
Other women would have cried out of pain or acted fragile if they were in such a situation. However, Ivanka did none of it. Everything was as normal. To her, it was like these were all small matters. She did not show a single sign of being dependent on anyone. After treatment, Ivanka even stood up. She did not seem bothered by the wound. The doctor also looked at her oddly. “Ms. Ivanka, you are the strongest woman I’ve ever met.” Ivanka smiled. “Thank you.” “You’re very welcome. This is my job. Don’t let your wound come in contact with water. Change your medicine daily. No strenuous exercise. Avoid spicy foods. Eat properly.” Ivanka nodded. “Alright.” Just like that, the group walked outside together. Just as Michael was about to come over and pick her up, Ivanka immediately said, “I’m fine, I can walk by myself.” Michael glimpsed at her heels. They were about ten centimeters tall. He did not bother to say anything to her and picked her up into a princess hug. Ivan
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