Ivanka knew that she could not struggle her way out Michael’s arms, so she gave up. It was mostly because she was already feeling exhausted. She stared at Michael in disbelief, as if asking, “How could you say such a thing?”The look in her eyes irritated Michael for a moment.After a pause, Ivanka shook her head and asked, “Michael, how did you end up like this?”There was a grim look in Michael’s eyes.“Why would you throw away your dignity for business interest? You have made Barkworth’s Group a big, successful company, yet it still doesn’t satisfy your appetite? You would even try to control me. Where’s the Michael who used to be proud and aloof?”Michael suddenly felt suffocated.“You think I’m doing this out of business interest?”Ivanka immediately snorted. “Didn’t you say that yourself? You said we were a fitting match.”Michael was speechless.At that moment, he was suddenly at a loss for words, but he could not vent the rage within him. Ivanka’s words somehow acted
”Iv… I know that you’re no longer in love with that brat Michael. But you’re young, and you should remarry. You need someone to keep you company when you grow old.”Michael’s face darkened further. The look in his eyes became sharper than ever before.But Rosie was on the other end of the line, so she had no idea Michael was next to Ivanka. Rosie continued anxiously, “But that Sadler boy isn’t a good suitor. He is too much of a playboy. Who knows how many women he has been flirting with? I’m worried that he isn’t truly in love with you! Iv, you must find someone you can depend upon for the rest of your life, not someone like him.”Even though Rosie wanted Ivanka to be her granddaughter-in-law again, Michael did not pull his weight!Under such circumstances, Rosie could only help Ivanka scour for potential suitors so that she would not be tricked by awful men.Ivanka pursed her lips. When she saw that Michael’s face was dark and on the verge of exploding with rage any second, she s
Michael did not let her go. Instead, he stared at her coldly, “What are you up to this time?”Ivanka frowned and eventually said grimly, “It’s nothing against you, and it’s none of your business even if you find out.”Michael was so furious that he let out a bark of laughter. “You can choose to keep it secret. Let’s see how long we can remain in this position.”Ivanka was flabbergasted.She immediately looked at Michael in disbelief. “What’s wrong with you?”If she heard him correctly, he had implied that if she refused to come clean, he would keep holding her in his arms and refuse to let go.When Michael remained silent, Ivanka guffawed furiously. “Since when have you become so shameless? Michael, are you supposed to act this way? Where’s your pride?”Michael snorted coldly, “If one lies down with dogs, they will get up with fleas. With you around, pride has lost its meaning to me.”In other words, he was implying that she had been pestering him for the past three years.Her
Ivanka was startled. She glanced at him with astonishment.She wondered why Michael sounded that way.It even gave her the illusion that Michael was casting away his pride.A strange emotion glimmered in Ivanka’s eyes. She did not say a word.Michael did not let go of her wrist. Instead, he said in a cold voice, “What are you really up to this time?”Ivanka was puzzled.She knew it was an illusion. His tone and attitude were as bossy as ever. She might have been mad to think otherwise. Eventually, she snorted coldly. “Why would I tell you? Mr. Barkworth, when you’re planning something big, won’t you hide it from outsiders?”Outsiders.She did not emphasize this word, but it still grated on Michael’s nerves.How dare she say this?! Very well!Ivanka wanted to wrest herself free, but his clutch remained tight.At that moment, she became irritated again. “Michael, I don’t know what I should do to make you let go. Even if you really want to remarry me, do you assume that I’ll
Ivanka gave a faint smile. “Mr. Barkworth, from the way you acted, I’d have thought you couldn’t get over me, and that you have fallen for me. This does not look good on you.”Michael’s expression instantly turned grim. He looked at Ivanka icily. “Call off your collaboration with Jonah and work with me. I won’t treat you like how I treated you in the past.”“No, sorry. You snatched the previous project from Jonah a while ago, so I owed him once. Besides, I…”As she said this, she paused and kept the rest of her sentence to herself.She had meant to say that she would never work with Michael for the rest of her life.But if she said this aloud, it would only anger him and do her no good.She struggled with all her might.Michael gritted his teeth and released her. “Get lost! Ivanka Lane, get out and never think of setting foot in this place again. Don’t ask for my help ever again!”Ivanka forced another smile. “Don’t you worry. I won’t bother you from now on.”Michael was speec
The doorbell dinged.Sandy opened the door for Ivanka.Sandy smiled and said, “Are you here for me? I came over for dinner just now.”Before Ivanka replied, Thomas’ laughter rang out from behind Sandy. “Hahaha, move aside, kiddo. Let Iv in.”Sandy stepped aside with a chuckle. Ivanka closed the door, changed into slippers, and entered the living room.“Uncle Thomas, sorry for bothering you at this hour.”“Don’t be sorry, kiddo. You can come to me anytime. It’s never too late or too early.”Thomas genuinely admired Ivanka’s character and capability.If she visited, she must have something important to tell him, or else she would not have come over so late at night.Ivanka smiled. “As a matter of fact, I want to collaborate with Sadler’s Group soon, and I still need your help. We will hold a meeting tomorrow.”Thomas was a little confused. “What meeting? Let’s discuss it in my study.”With that, Thomas led Ivanka into the study. Sandy stayed outside because they would be talki
Once they entered Ivanka’s house, Sandy could not help asking, “Iv, are you really prepared? Are you going to take them down once and for all?”“I haven’t come to that point. Don’t worry about me.”There was a hint of doubt and hesitation in Sandy’s eyes. But she eventually signed. “Knowing that my uncle is helping you, I can rest assured. Regardless, you have to be careful. The Lanes are deplorable. They even hired someone to drive a car into you. I’m genuinely concerned…” She sighed again.After all, Ivanka had been targeted, and it wasn’t the first or second time this happened. She was indeed in danger.Ivanka nodded. “Don’t worry.”That was all she said about this. The two of them chatted for a while before washing up and heading to bed.The next day, after Ivanka woke up, she made breakfast. Sandy was still concerned. “Iv, are you absolutely ready?”Even though she still had no idea what Ivanka was up to, she could sense that it would be risky. Why else would Ivanka and Unc
Many people gave Thomas puzzled looks. He would not mention this person without a reason; there must be some business collaboration or potential partnership at play.Thomas had always been a sensible man. He would not exaggerate or speak about things unlikely to happen.As business-minded individuals, they naturally prioritized profit. When Thomas mentioned it, some began to anticipate potential outcomes. However, they did not want to raise their hopes too high.After all, everyone knew who Papaver was. Many have tried to curry favor with her but failed. Even Barkworth’s Group and Sadler’s Group were interested in cooperation, but there was no news about it, let alone collaborative products being developed. As for smaller companies, they could only dream about collaborating with Papaver.Someone in the meeting could not help but sigh inwardly and said helplessly, “Papaver is completely out of our league, Mr. Thomas. Why did you suddenly bring her up?” What he actually meant was t
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