One day, Michael would stay by her side and treat her gently.No one would ever take her place again!With that thought, Tanya got into her car with her eyes downcast. Soon, Ivanka also arrived in her car.As she approached the driver’s side, Ivan ran over and opened the car door. He smiled at Ivanka. “I’ll drive! It wouldn’t be right for you to drive when we’re carpooling with your car. Let me take care of that.”Ivanka was speechless. Since when did she let them carpool with her?However, Ivan did not give her a chance to say anything. He immediately got into the driver’s seat. Ivanka frowned and went to sit in the back seat.To her surprise, Michael walked over and joined her by sitting opposite her.Ivanka frowned. She had chosen the back seat for its proximity to the driver’s seat and had no intention of sitting in the passenger seat because she had noticed Michael heading in that direction earlier.However, he ended up taking the seat opposite her. She was annoy
Michael glared at her as he said coldly, “Ivanka, can you just think before you speak?”He was livid.Ivanka frowned and looked at him in puzzlement. “I didn’t say anything wrong, did I? Let me go!”He did not loosen his grip on her chin, but he did not hurt her too much either. He thought this slight discomfort would make her come back to her senses. She needed to realize what foolish things she had just said earlier.Ivan had been a chatterbox a while ago. At that very moment, he just wanted to drive in silence.There were only Ivanka and Michael in the backseat.Michael felt a strong urge to rip Ivanka’s heart out to see if she truly had one. How could she say something so ruthless?He huffed as he gritted his teeth, “You didn’t say anything wrong? What you said was way out of line!”“Who’s really out of line here?!”He disrupted her whole life and always found ways to interfere despite her repeated requests for him not to. Why did he hate her so much? She had moved on from
Ivan was shocked when he heard this.Was that lunatic out of his mind?How dare he say such things!He had feelings for Ivanka, yet he adamantly denied them and chose to utter such hurtful words instead!Why? Why would he do that?!Ivanka’s face turned pale. She was completely taken aback by Michael’s words.The next moment, she could not help but laugh, “Yeah, I don’t deserve it. I know that. That’s why I’ve been keeping my distance from you.”She no longer wanted to talk to him. Words could not express how annoyed she was at him.Michael’s expression changed as he spoke those words. It seemed as though they had slipped out without much thought.When he noticed Ivanka’s pale face, he pursed his lips and turned away without a word.Ivan, who was still driving, could feel the awkwardness in the air and couldn’t stand being there any longer.He cleared his throat and quickly intervened for Michael’s sake, “Come on, you two! What’s the big fuss about? It’s not that serious! Mic
Damn it!Ivan had had enough! He decided it was time to teach him some lessons instead!Soon after, Tanya arrived.She frowned when she noticed Ivan grumbling.Had something unpleasant happened again earlier?She greeted him silently.Ivan turned to look at her and smiled when he noticed how quickly she caught up with them.Tanya set aside her complex thoughts. They then headed toward the office building.Everything seemed normal. However, Tanya’s arrival sparked a new wave of discussions within the company.Despite Barkworth’s Group and Cullen’s Group having worked closely together, Michael and Tanya seemed well-matched in terms of age, talents, and appearance. Everyone was aware that Tanya had feelings for him, but whether Michael reciprocated those feelings remained uncertain.No one really knew whom Michael liked or cared about at the moment. Could it be Ivanka? If not, why did he sleep with her that night?Everyone sensed the ambiguity in Michael and Ivanka’s relationsh
“If you have some time, find out what her entire plan is. Otherwise, it won’t be good for us if she keeps us uninformed.” “I know. I tried asking her, but she told me not to pry on things I shouldn’t know. Knowing too much could lead to trouble.” Chiara felt increasingly frustrated as Ivanka continued to cause trouble and having to deal with the strong-tempered backer.Lyla took a moment to think before suggesting, “Let’s be flexible for now. But we shouldn’t rely solely on her instructions. We should also take the initiative and act independently.”Chiara pursed her lips and did not want to say anything anymore. It was Lyla’s birthday, after all. It was better to leave things unsaid. ... Another three days passed. It was nearing the end of afternoon work hours when Ivanka got a call from Suki. “Iv, you free after work?”“What’s up, Suki?”Ivanka knew that Suki would not directly contact her unless it was urgent and to avoid wasting her time unnecessarily.“I’ve met mos
Samson had always been a flatterer. Before meeting Theodore, he was just an ordinary doctor. Since then, he has been promoted to a high position as the third-in-command in the hospital, a role he considered a great blessing.Of course, he remembered who Fernando was.Ivanka said softly, “Did he ask you to look into anything else when he asked you for those medications?”Samson frowned and looked displeased. “I’m sorry, but I can’t disclose it. That concerns Mr. Fernando’s privacy.” Theodore owned the hospital Samson was working in. Naturally, he had to abide by his boss’s decisions. Everything had to revolve around Theodore’s interests. He might be unaware of certain things. But even if he did know, he would not disclose it.Ivanka nodded calmly. “Hmm, it’s okay if you choose not to tell me.”Samson hesitated briefly. He felt a hint of panic but quickly calmed down.After all, what could she do even if she knew some secrets?Most people would not know about medicines or unde
The next moment, Samson spoke in a deep voice. “This list was originally for Mr. Fernando’s health regimen. These are all standard medications. On what basis do you accuse me of causing someone’s death? Just because you’re a lawyer, it doesn’t give you the right to make baseless accusations. I could sue you for this! I believe in fair law. It won’t bend just because you’re Iris!”Samson’s voice carried anger but contained a hint of hidden guilt that he forcefully tried to conceal.Ivanka was so furious that her hands were shaking.The culprit was right in front of her, yet she could not rip him to shreds!She tried to restrain herself and remained silent.Suki was concerned that Ivanka might get too worked up. She looked directly at Samson and said in a low voice, “Dr. Cooper, the fact that I was able to trace you down, are you sure you’re innocent? If you tell us everything you know, you might still have a shot at a peaceful retirement. But if you keep insisting on staying silent
Dr. Cooper froze. This was enough proof. Of course, there was no need for Ivanka to see if he exposed himself because Suki had already told her everything. Regardless of Dr. Cooper’s attempt to cover things up, it was pointless. At that moment, Dr. Cooper was both worried and irritated. He stayed inside the car and turned to Ivanka. “What exactly do you mean? How can you accuse me of doing something that had cost someone’s life based on this prescription alone? I’ve been in the medical profession for many years. I always treat my patients and save them. I’ve never caused anyone to lose their lives. You’re so unreasonable to accuse me based on a prescription that came out of nowhere! Besides, what’s wrong with this prescription?” He did not give that prescription to Ivanka. Ivanka snickered. “Didn’t you just admit that you gave him the medicine?” Dr. Cooper frowned deeply and said coldly, “I indeed prescribed him some medicine. But it’s been some time, so I don’t remember the
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