Mr. Murphy was just about to walk over and talk to Ivanka after the call when he suddenly received another call. Mr. Murphy’s expression seemed to grow a bit more serious. He kept turning around and looked at Ivanka with an apologetic gaze. Ivanka picked up on it as well, and she was perplexed. Soon, Mr. Murphy walked toward her and looked at her apologetically. “Ms. Lane, I’m really sorry, but I’m afraid… I can’t sell the place to you anymore.” Ivanka’s eyes filled with confusion. “Is something wrong?” Mr. Murphy could not help but let out a sigh. “I blame myself for my lack of power. I can’t even choose the buyer of my mall. A big shot just gave me a call and said that I could only sell my mall to him, or he would…” He did not finish his sentence, but it must have involved Mr. Murphy’s other interests. Ivanka frowned slightly. “Are you at liberty to tell me who he is?” Mr. Murphy said resignedly, “People will find out who he is when he runs the place later, anyway. I gu
Mr. Murphy was a sensible man. If Michael had wanted to mess with him, checking the contract would be a pointless thing to do. He took over the card and signed the contract without any hesitation. He smiled and said, “Then, I’ll transfer the title to you tomorrow.” With a calm expression on his face, Michael smoothly put the contract in Ivanka’s hand. “This is for you.” Mr. Murphy was perplexed. Ivanka was completely baffled. As the contract slipped from her grasp, she hurriedly grabbed it. Then, she stared at him with puzzled eyes. Michael, on the other hand, snorted. “I know you hate me, but there is no need to let things get ugly. Since you want the place, I’ll buy it and give it to you. I just hope you will leave our family alone now!” The disdain in his eyes made Ivanka sneer. She casually threw the contract on the ground. “I remember telling you that all your stuff is filthy.” Mr. Murphy was shocked. Mr. Murphy thought, “So this Ms. Lane is… No wonder she called h
Early in the morning, when Ivanka went downstairs, someone already parked a blue Lamborghini in front of her building. Ivanka’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. The driver’s seat door suddenly opened and Jonah got out.He was dressed in an exquisite blue suit, which set off his fair skin. He did not look like a boy toy anymore. If anything, he looked like a warm and gentle guy.If she did not know him to be a cold-hearted guy, he looked like a regular, warm, and nice guy at that moment.“Morning.”Jonah came over and opened the passenger door for her, his eyes betraying a hint of amazement.Ivanka always surprised him at every meeting.Ivanka’s outfit today was simple. It was just a black formal dress.She was wearing formal attire too when he saw her at the law firm. However, the way she dressed today gave off a different feeling.She had tied her long hair into a bun. She looked clean and neat today. Jonah kept looking at her with a tender gaze.Ivanka did not find it odd.
Michael’s expression instantly turned icy. Ivan sensed that something was wrong and looked over. When he saw them walking side by side over there and that they appeared to be talking and smiling, the corner of his lips twitched speechlessly.“Your ex-wife has got someone new.”Michael’s expression was glum. Perhaps because his gaze was too stern, they both saw him.Before Jonah could say anything, Michael entered the room. Jonah curled his lip into a sneer.Ivan, on the other hand, glanced at Ivanka and gave her the middle finger before entering.Ivanka continued to enter without comment as Jonah sneered a little and gave her a sidelong glance.Michael had already arrived at the defendant's seat at this point and seated himself.However, his expression abruptly became even sterner when he noticed the sign in front of him!Ivan looked over as well. He was shocked. “Darn! Since when did Ivanka become a lawyer?”Michael clenched his teeth and said nothing.Ivan said frustratingl
It was a shame that they could not film in a courthouse. Otherwise, they would have filmed it from the beginning till the end.They would be able to share such an entertaining show with everyone.It did not cross anyone’s mind what Ivanka was capable of. All they wanted to see was the drama that was going to happen between them.While they were still waiting for the show to start, the personnel finally finished the summary.The judge looked calm. “Defendant, in regard to the plaintiff’s claims, do you have anything to say?”Ivan had long prepared for this before the hearing. He had speculated the various points the plaintiff would raise, so he spoke without any hesitation.“Objection.”Michael was sitting in his seat, but he was not listening to Ivan. His sharp gaze was focused on Ivanka.Jonah, on the other hand, cocked an eyebrow. He found this getting more and more interesting.“In response to the issues raised by the plaintiff, we have five points of objection.”“First, a
“Third, after the defendant developed the project, they had no regard for…”“Fourth…”“Fifth…”Ivanka laid out her arguments against the five points coherently. Every argument was well-founded. Even Michael’s expression stiffened for a second.On the other hand, Ivan had turned a little pale.He had been treating Ivanka like any other lawyer, but everything she had just said was spot on and hit him square in the gut!If he was unable to refute her five points, the certainty of victory had gradually shifted to an equilibrium.Jonah gave a small smile. She had not lied to him at all.Ivanka did not look at Michael from start to finish. She returned her gaze to the judge after she finished speaking with Ivan. “We have clarified the five points mentioned earlier. After that, I’ll make a statement about the lawsuit filed against my client.”The judge was surprised. He was clearly puzzled by Ivanka’s request, but given the situation, he still nodded. “Please proceed.”Ivanka nodded
All the spectators were concerned about Ivan. The main thing was that Ivan was a well-known lawyer. It would be embarrassing for him if he was defeated by Ivanka, who had no footprint in the legal industry.Ivan finally responded with a third point while the crowd was still waiting.“Third, Ms. Lane’s claim does not fall within the scope of today’s appeal. According to...”Ivanka’s lip curled slightly. His counter-argument to her third point was a little shaky, but it was still acceptable.She was now regarded as a celebrity. Michael’s gaze remained fixed on her. He never once looked away.Ivanka, on the other hand, never looked at him. It was as if all she cared about was winning the case.“Plaintiff, please speak.”Ivanka was still rattling off her claims without pausing. The spaces in front of Jonah and herself were still devoid of notes. She spoke with such assurance that her statements were quite compelling.At that juncture, Ivan did not believe he could continue holding
She spoke slowly and with a calm expression.She did not waste a single unnecessary word, and she did not speak any less than usual.The courtroom was pin-drop silent. Even the judge, some auditors, and the staff were taken aback.Ivan’s fists were clenched.He abruptly stopped speaking at that moment, realizing that no matter what he said, he could no longer salvage the situation.As he looked at Michael, his expression darkened. “I apologize. I gave it my all.”Michael pursed his lips and remained silent. It was a total defeat.Ivanka only smiled briefly after the judge announced the final verdict. She turned to face Jonah. “How are you going to thank me?”Jonah chuckled. “Can I give myself to you?”Their microphones had remained turned on. Ivanka spoke in hushed tones, so no one else could hear her clearly.However, Jonah appeared to have done it on purpose. Everyone had heard him with crystal clarity!Michael’s stare was so cold that Jonah would have died if looks could
Ivanka knew why it would not work. It was because someone had already arrived at the police station ahead of her and wanted to bail out Ferris while leaving Mandy as the scapegoat. Seeing that Ivanka did not say anything, the leader was afraid of provoking the two, so he hurriedly exclaimed, “Of course we can do it! Arrange for it immediately.” The police officer looked reluctant. “About that… Ferris currently has visitors. If you want to meet him, you can only do so with all three of you together, and you may want to say something in private…” The police officer had a point. Ivanka did not force the issue either. She thought momentarily and said, “Then can I see Mandy at least?” The police officer kept nodding. In comparison, it was much easier to see Mandy. It was simple. She had no power. Ferris was the only one she depended on, and he was in prison. The two had even turned against each other. Needless to say, Mandy must be in bad shape. Although she was mentally
Ivanka subconsciously used a fork and stirred the pasta on the plate. Michael remembered her words to that day. It was a delightful meal. Ivanka ate to her satisfaction. After breakfast, Rosie finished taking her stroll. Ivanka and Michael coincidentally were about to leave the house. Rosie exercised while asking, “Where are you going? We’re going to have lunch in a while.” Michael glanced at Ivanka. She knew it was her fault, so she said nothing. Michael could have blamed Ivanka because such a chance was hard to come by. But he answered this instead, “We just finished our breakfast, so we’ll skip lunch. We’re going to the police station.” Rosie nodded in understanding. The corners of her lips curved upward. She knew everything that had happened since yesterday. So she waved her hand. “Go ahead.” Michael and Ivanka left together. Rosie and Mrs. Ruth marveled while watching their silhouettes from behind. “Look, they are so matching together. Even their backs comp
The next day, when the sunlight shone onto the bed through the gauze, Ivanka gradually woke up. She opened her blurry eyes and took her phone. She was shocked to see that it was already after 10 a.m.. It could have been due to it being a rare opportunity to relax after returning home. Perhaps it was also her overthinking that had kept her up very late last night. Regardless, Ivanka seldom woke up so late. She quickly washed up and went downstairs, only to realize Michael was sitting on the couch reading today’s newspaper. Meanwhile, Rosie and Candice were nowhere to be seen. When Michael heard a sound coming from upstairs, he turned around and saw Ivanka hurriedly walking down in heels. He frowned and said, “Slow down. Don’t be so nervous.” Upon hearing his words, she subconsciously slowed down. Michael stared at Ivanka. His gaze was filled with desire and love, and he refused to look away. Ivanka reached downstairs. She looked around and asked, “Where are Grandma a
Ivanka remembered something and turned to Michael. “Why are you here? Do you have anything to talk to me about?” “I went to your room but couldn’t find you. So, I looked around and finally found you here. Are you enjoying the night view?” After Michael finished his sentence, he looked up to see the sky. Ivanka looked up at the sky too. Michael rested his gaze on Ivanka. He glanced at her chin, then her fair and slender neck, after that her collar bone… The rest of her body was covered in clothes. Yet, the sight was very tempting. Michael gulped. “Tonight’s moonlight is beautiful.” Michael naturally said the sentence. When Ivanka heard this, she turned to him and looked stunned. Michael looked away and said somewhat unnaturally, “When I was downstairs, Candice said she had something else to handle tomorrow, so she couldn’t accompany you to the police station.” After Michael finished his sentence, he stared at Ivanka and observed her expression. He was disappointe
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