Chiara took a deep breath as her frustration became more apparent. “Why are you still keeping things from me? Do you think I’m immature and that I’ll eventually reveal the secrets? Or do you doubt my ability to handle these matters or find solutions? Regardless, we are a family. I’m your only child. Why won’t you just share these matters with me? Let me help shoulder the burden with you!“Don’t keep things from me just to protect me. It’s unfair to me! You might think you’re protecting me, but all you’re doing is deceiving me!”Chiara was noticeably louder than before. She looked profoundly aggrieved.Theodore’s expression changed as he sighed helplessly, “What’s it going to take for you to trust us?!”Chiara shook her head in disbelief and looked at them incredulously. “I’ve told you so much! Yet you’re still keeping secrets from me!”Lyla quickly intervened, “Chiara, calm down. It’s not about hiding things from you or not. We’re genuinely puzzled by what you’re saying. Why would
Chiara was too smart. Even if she remained unaware of the matter, Ivanka would eventually tell her everything and possibly even exaggerate it, which would only agitate Chiara further!At that moment, Theodore shared the same thoughts. His expression darkened. He was unable to refute anything.Chiara realized that her guess was spot on!She fervently wished she had been mistaken!However, Theodore’s expression confirmed it enough. He had sold the houses and liquidated all assets just to hire someone to breach Barkworth’s Group’s secrets. Unfortunately, they failed at the final stage and lost the money. Chiara’s eyes twitched as tears streamed down her cheeks.Lyla quickly grabbed her hand and comforted her, “Chiara, calm down. No matter what, your father is still the chairman of Lane’s Group. In just a short time, he was already stacked with assets. He’ll earn them back in no time!”Chiara continued to sob as she smiled bitterly. “Earn them back? Since Ivanka knows about this, t
“Why did you do it? Our family was doing great, but you ruined it! Michael surely knew it was your doing. Have you ever thought about what comes next?”She inquired with the company’s employees earlier in the office. They seemed unusually quiet, so she could not find out anything. This only meant that Theodore had not dared to tell anyone. Otherwise, Lane’s Group would already be in a panic.Theodore took a deep breath, put his hands down, and said helplessly, “I messed up, I know. But what’s done is done. We need to keep moving forward, Chiara. I understand your concerns, but Barkworth’s Group hasn’t acted against us yet. Do you honestly think it’s because Michael is too busy?”Chiara was taken aback. She instinctively looked at him. “What do you mean?”“He’s not looking to mess with Lane’s Group.”Lyla also looked at him with doubt. “Why not?”“It’s because we’re still cooperating with him. He can’t make a move right now.”Chiara, who was just starting to feel a little hope, p
Lyla’s expression changed instantly!The mysterious person who contacted Chiara was plotting to kill Ivanka! If Ivanka were to die, Lane’s Group would be in trouble!Lyla started to panic.Theodore looked puzzled as he asked them, “What are you talking about?”Lyla had never told Theodore about the mysterious person because she did not want him to get involved, mainly to avoid his interference in this matter.She was afraid that Theodore might contact that mysterious person again.Before she could think too much about it, Chiara directly explained the situation to him.Theodore was stunned. He frowned and said in a low voice, “You’re actually involved with someone in this kind of scheme?!” Chiara pursed her lips and stayed silent.Lyla said helplessly, “We couldn’t clear Chiara’s suspicion at that time. If it weren’t for that person, Chiara would still be hiding in the mental hospital. Do you want our daughter to continue living in that kind of situation?”Theodore frowned eve
Ivanka smiled nonchalantly and said, “Who knows?”“Tsk, he’s gutsy! That explains his round belly.”Ivanka chuckled and did not say anything, while Sandy could not help but laugh. “They must be feeling pretty miserable right now. They hate you to the core and have been scheming to get rid of you, but now they have to hold back without touching a single hair on your head.”Sandy saw through the situation immediately. If Ivanka were eliminated, Michael would definitely not indulge in them anymore.Without Ivanka providing benefits to Barkworth’s Group, Lane’s Group would have no reason to exist!Ivanka smirked. “You’re so smart, bestie.”“Of course. Otherwise, how could I be your bestie?”Ivanka could not help but smile. “Even if you’re silly, you’re still my bestie.”Michael heard those words as soon as he walked in. The look on his handsome face darkened a little as his sharp gaze landed on the door of her room.Sandy, with her back to the door, could not help but feel a chill
Sandy stood trembling on the side and watched in terror. When she saw the sight of Ivanka’s still bloody and unhealed wound, she went pale. She did not expect it to be so serious!Besides, it had been a whole day and night, her wound was still so severe!At that moment, Sandy felt so bad for Ivanka. Her earlier carefree demeanor had vanished entirely.Looking at the grotesque wound, Sandy felt a pang of heartache like never before. That back was supposed to be smooth and pristine, without a single flaw, but now...When the doctor was treating Ivanka’s wound, she had intended to distract her as she was worried that she would be in too much pain. However, when she displayed such remarkable endurance to pain at such a young age unflinchingly, the doctor stopped worrying and began carefully tending to Ivanka’s wound.The doctor’s precise technique and swift movements spared Ivanka from a lot of pain. It was not until all her wounds were treated that she straightened up and gave Ivanka
She was already injured. Besides, those people were after her. If she went out again, they might attack again. It would not be conducive to the inspection. So, Michael had to go alone.Michael said indifferently, “I went to the police station today and made a contribution.”Ivanka’s eyes flickered with understanding.She nodded. “Right, that’s the right thing to do.”She figured out what Michael was up to. Waterbridge was a great scenic area and should indeed be developed. In that case, it should not remain the same as it used to be.This area did not really belong to this country, so the order was somewhat lax. The country would only try to gradually bring it under control.They had to improve the security here and bring some order.“So, how long do you think we’ll need to stay here?”“Until you’re fully recovered.”Ivanka was a little stunned. “That’s not necessary. I can move freely now. We can go back anytime.”Michael snorted. He had just said she was pushing herself, an
As she watched Michael’s increasingly cold expression, she said indifferently, “Countless women want to marry you. In fact, the heiress of the Cullen family only wants you as her husband, and Master Barkworth has always wanted Ms. Tanya. As long as you’re willing, Ms. Tanya would immediately bear children for you. So, Mr. Barkworth, you can find someone else. Even if we remarry, there’s no love between us. We’d only spend our lives together like robots. That’s lying to Grandma, which wouldn’t be fair.”She had come to terms with it now. She did not want to deceive Rosie like she used to. Even well-intentioned lies had to be considered case by case.Besides, she did not see this as a well-intentioned lie. It was pure deception.In an instant, the room grew even colder!However, Ivanka did not seem to notice anything amiss. She just said wearily, “I’m tired and want to rest. Do you have anything else to say?”Michael chuckled in frustration. So, she was kicking him out?How proacti
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