Tears unconsciously trickled down Annaโs cheeks.She sniffed and composed herself before continuing to chat with them.... Rosie and the others were in the study room at the Barkworth familyโs mansion.Her expression soured upon hearing the news. โThis is absurd! Thereโs no way Iv is Black-eyed Susan! She wouldnโt do something so outrageous to Barkworthโs Group.โSamuel sneered at Rosie and said in a low voice, โSo this is the Iv youโve always defended, huh? Look at what sheโs done! She has gone too far! Sheโs such a selfish, ungrateful ingrate! Always wanting more. Whatโs the use of being so good to her? Just look at what people are saying on Twitter!โRosieโs expression darkened even more. โNonsense! Iโve been good to Iv, and sheโs been good to me too! If it werenโt for her, I would still be trapped in my own misery and might have died long ago! None of you know how to take care of me! All you know is how to upset me!โMichael remained silent.Samuel was about to retort in a
Samuel was furious. โIf we donโt step in soon, this company will soon be Laneโs Groupโs! Michael, you really disappoint me. When did you start having feelings for her?โ Rosie was delighted when she heard this!This was the way! He should be inseparable from Ivanka!Ivanka was such an outstanding lady! She was even Black-eyed Susan. Black-eyed Susanโs reputation was not to be underestimated. Rosie felt fortunate to have such a talented granddaughter-in-law!She looked at Samuel and said, โEach generation has their own destiny to fulfill! You should step down quickly and stop meddling in these messy affairs!โShe was elated! Previously, only she and Jay were siding with Ivanka against Samuel, Mindy, and Michael.At that moment, it was three against two! Samuel had no chance of winning!โMom... You shouldnโt indulge Michael like that. That woman is full of tricks. Who knows how many schemes she still has up her sleeve?!โSamuel then said angrily, โThatโs right! What kind of spe
Michael responded indifferently, โDo whatever you want.โHe then stood up and walked away without looking at Samuel.Rosie glanced worriedly at him. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared from her sight.She looked angrily at Samuel. โIโll divorce you if I find out you contacted Iv. Youโll never see me again in your life!โโRosie!โ Samuel exclaimed in frustration.She did not even spare him a glance and quickly walked away.He slammed his hand on the table.Jay looked calmly at him and said, โYouโre the head of the family. You can do whatever you want. But is exercising your authority more satisfying than potentially losing your family?โSamuel became even more furious and said, โWhat do you mean by that? Will you also break ties with me if I contact her?โJay just calmly replied, โParents tend to side with their children. Naturally, Iโll follow my son.โโYou...! Cough cough!โโDad!โ Mindy swiftly moved around the table and walked worriedly to Samuel. She patted his back and
Jay looked at Michael and asked calmly, โSo, whatโs your plan? Are you going to remarry Iv?โโYes,โ Michael responded briefly without hesitation this time.Jay was surprised. โHave you thought this through already?โโMm.โJay continued to look at him intently. โDo you actually have feelings for Iv now? Or do you still see her as just a suitable match?โMichael frowned and turned to Jay. โGiven Ivโs current attitude, do you think sheโs emotionally available to develop romantic feelings at the moment? Without the love factor, whoever she chooses to marry later wonโt be as compatible as me.โโIโm not asking about her. Iโm asking about you,โ Jay said seriously and waited patiently for Michaelโs response.Michaelโs frown deepened. โWhatโs the difference?โIvanka did not have romantic feelings for him, nor did she have feelings for any other men. Consequently, marrying for love was not in the cards for her. In this scenario, he remained the most suitable choice as her original partne
The next day, Ivanka went to work as usual. Gossip was particularly abundant. Evan already had someone to stop the spread of the gossip. Even though they had stopped gossiping, their gazes remained audibly curious. This was especially so when Ivanka showed up. Their expressions looked odd. Nonetheless, Ivanka did not pay them attention. She did her work as usual. Even if someone intended to set her up, she could not leave her tasks unattended. It did not matter whether the others believed her or not. What mattered most was if Michael believed her. Although she had verbally put Samuel on the spot, it was up to Michael whether he wanted to terminate his collaboration with Ivanka. However, if Michael really terminated their collaboration, Ivankaโs efforts would go to waste. After all, she had worked hard on it. Even though she could start over again by collaborating with Sadlerโs Group, it would be very inconvenient. Everyone kept exchanging glances. When no one was around
Ivanka looked away silently. Sometimes, she really did not know what to say to Jonah. He always had his mind in the gutter. This made Ivanka find the thought of getting into a relationship even more revolting. She had repeatedly warned Jonah to stop having dirty thoughts about her, but he refused to listen to her. After warning him multiple times, she had given up. Everyone knew Jonah had high EQ, but Ivanka was the only person who made him feel troubled. Regardless of what he did, she never felt touched. She also never had any sort of romantic affection toward him. If the others were to know about this, how embarrassing would it be for Jonah? But he could not help it. He still had to do what he needed to do. He certainly would not give up on Ivanka. โHave a look at the proposal first.โ Jonah then took out the proposal. He smiled gently as if nothing had ever happened. Since Jonah did not mention it, Ivanka calmed down. She took the document and read it swiftly. It did not
โYes. I know. Thatโs why my heart aches for you. Iv, must you run yourself to the ground?โ Ivanka stared at him silently. Jonah returned her gaze intently. After all the time they had spent together, this was Jonahโs first time being that sincere to her. Ivankaโs eyes flickered with some emotions. For a moment, she felt uneasy. The next moment, Jonah said with a magnetic and gentle voice, โI know you never like to rely on others. You want to win this battle and personally avenge your father. But this would only exhaust you. Friends are meant to help each other. Why do you have to reject my offer to help you? Have you never believed in my sincerity toward you?โ Ivankaโs eyes flickered with some complicated emotions. She said nothing. At that moment, she did not know what else to say. Could she trust him? Her silence reassured Jonah that his thoughts were real. He sighed in resignation. โEveryone says I have high EQ and am capable of handling various problems, but with yo
TooMuchFreeTime: @HatesHaters, donโt you feel guilty for saying that? Youโre obviously paid to post positive comments about Ivanka, right? Everyone knows that Michael and Jonah hate each other, but Ivanka is flirting with them both. Donโt you think this is due to some โspecialโ reasons? Itโs so ridiculous of you to speak up for her! HatesHaters: Iโm not speaking up for her. Iโm just stating facts! OnlineDetective: Honestly, your โfactsโ remind me that during Ivankaโs divorce, she purposely showed up with Jonah at a banquet. She even linked arms with him and announced her divorce in public. This showed that she cheated in the marriage. After she and Michael divorced, she almost instantly helped Jonah with his lawsuit against Michael. Michael suffered a loss of tens of billions of dollars as a result, and it was a significant amount. She was clearly biased toward Jonah. Her collaboration with Michael on the project might be an attempt to create a smokescreen. Her real intention is to
Egbert stormed off in fury, but Sandyโs rage had not cooled in the slightest. She even lashed out at Ivan. โYou shouldnโt have stopped me just now! If Iโd given him a good scolding, or even a beating, maybe it wouldโve finally knocked some sense into him. Otherwise, heโll keep coming back. Heโs always trying to use me for his own purposes!โShe was so angry she was practically grinding her teeth. Ivan pressed his lips together and let out a long sigh. โWith 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?โHe was really worried when he saw how Sandy was losing control. โWhatโs the point of that old b*stard still being alive anyway?โ 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, โThen think about it, how hard did you work to get to where yo
Sandy exploded. โEighty million? Why donโt you go rob a bank? Or better yet, see if that wrinkled old face of yours is worth anything as collateral!โSandy 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. โWhat? Are you so mad that youโre 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, thatโs assault. And letโs not forget, you barged into my workplace to cause a scene.โโSandy, I donโt 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?โEgbert 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, โIโm not one of your McNeil pets. That look, your words, they cannot intimidate me at all.โAt the mention of โpets,โ Egbert was so furious that he slammed his cane against the floor with a loud crack. โListen 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?โSandy 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?โMy mother raised me to be a decent person. She taught me never to push away whatโs rightfully mine,
Thomas stated his purpose.Sandyโs reaction, however, was full of repulsion. She frowned. Even her tone was curt. โUncle, 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 werenโt for my mother taking me in, I wouldnโt be where I am today. Now that Iโve grown up and suddenly seem useful, he wants to claim me back? I was abandoned by the McNeil family the moment I was born. Iโm not stupid enough to become a pawn for your family!โSandy 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. โIt may not be as bad as you think. If you wonโt go, Dad will come find you himself.โThat was the truth. Yet Sandy did not spare the old man a shred of respect. She scoffed. โHe might be your dad, your head of the family, but heโs nothing to me. From the moment I was abandoned, th
Sandy was really surprised to see Ivanka. โWhen did you get back?โโToday,โ Ivanka answered honestly.โYou have quite a packed schedule for just one day.โ 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. โIโll only be here for a day or two, then I would have to leave again.โSandy was speechless. She rolled her eyes at Ivanka. โAre you going to become a full-time jet setter?โโShe canโt help it,โ Anna answered for Ivanka. Just as she finished saying that, Annaโs 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. โYou look exhausted. If you keep going like this, Iโm worried youโll wear yourself out!โ Sandy shook her head and expressed her concern for Ivanka. Ivanka chuckled. โI wouldnโt go that fa
When she heard what Anna said, Ivanka immediately teased. โWhy, canโt I even come to the firm?โโWell, of course, you can come. You are an important partner; why canโt you come?โ 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. โI donโt see Sandy. Has she gone to handle cases?โ Ivanka sipped a mouthful of tea, and immediately after, she asked Anna about Sandyโs whereabouts.Anna told Ivanka truthfully. โSandy 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 Jonahโs 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!โJonah, 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.โIvanka spoke solemnly toward Jonah and advised him. When he saw Ivankaโs 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 Ivankaโs 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 Jonahโs shoulder. There was no other meaning, she wanted Jonah to calm down.But this instead gave Jonah an opportunity. He grabbed Ivankaโs wrist. Then he tugged forward forcefullyโฆ 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. โIv, Iโm sorry. I lost control. I didnโt mean toโฆโโI know.โIvanka 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?โNo, Iv. youโre blami
โJonah, I donโt like you. I told you, I only see you as a friend. When Iโm unwilling to do something, no amount of moral coercion would work on me.โIvanka spoke up bluntly. She did not want Jonah to cling to something impossible.Jonah was silent.This was where Jonah and Michael were different.โLook, 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?โ Jonah raised his eyes to meet Ivankaโs. He wanted to hear Ivankaโs 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!โThe way you treat Michael and the way you treat me has always been so different. I know. A