Michael was no longer in the mood to handle his tasks in Barkworth’s Group. His expression had been dark all day. After a moment, he got up, walked to the window, and looked out. His office was on the top floor. If he looked down, there was not much to behold. But if he looked up, he could see the sky and clouds. The weather outside was pleasant. The air was fresh and clean. Michael opened the window. When he felt the cold breeze, he became calmer. No one knew how long he stood by the window. He stared off into the distance. It was as if he were looking at something. ... Five days passed. Everything seemed calm. Theodore and his family were eating dinner. After a couple of peaceful days, they were no longer that tense and felt more relaxed. Theodore even drank today. After drinking a mouthful of whisky, Theodore parted his lips and exhaled. He ate some food before saying with a grin, “As we expected, Ivanka was just lying to us.” Seeing that Theodore was in a good m
Chiara said through her gnashed teeth, “I wish that day would come soon. But that person just keeps observing the situation and hasn’t attacked Ivanka. How much longer is she going to wait? Why isn’t Ivanka dead yet?!” “Ivanka will die eventually.” Lyla looked grim. Theodore and his family lose their appetite for food because of Chiara. Upon seeing the delicious dishes served on the table, Theodore took his cutlery. “Eat the food now. Don’t starve yourself. We need to save up energy and try to fight back against Ivanka. If we starve ourselves to death, we won’t get any chance to fight back against her. Lyla nodded and turned to Chiara. Lyla took Chiara’s cutlery and passed it to her. “Eat now.” Chiara bit the bottom of her lips. She wordlessly took the cutlery from Lyla. But, a phone call made them completely lose their appetite for food. The moment Theodore’s phone rang, he and his family frowned. Their expressions turned dark. Apparently, they somewhat disliked answer
Within the blink of an eye, it was the day of the court. Theodore and his family had waited for Ivanka to come to them over the past few days. Unfortunately, Ivanka never bothered to entertain them. Theodore and his family panicked. They believed Ivanka could not possibly take any action against them based on the agreement on the transfer of shares. They thought she was just scaring them. Hence, they decided to wait. The worst scenario would be to show up at court. After all, Theodore and Ivanka had already fallen out, and everyone knew what was going on. Regardless of whether Theodore returned Ivanka her and her father’s shares, everyone had already gossiped about the issue fervently. Theodore thought they might as well enjoy the profits earned from the shares. With the power in his hands, people would stop gossiping about him.” While Theodore and his family were conflicted about the issue, it was time for the lawsuit. Ivanka had already taken her seat. Theodore hired an
Under the crowd’s gazes, Ivanka finally pointed out the loopholes. “Please look carefully at the clauses on the agreement. Clause 24 explicitly stated that…” Ivanka read the loopholes sentence by sentence. Theodore’s lawyer became dumbfounded. One could not see anything wrong with that clause alone. However, with Ivanka’s professional ability, when she combined two clauses together, it unexpectedly led to loopholes. How did it become like this?! Theodore did not understand what Ivanka was reading. But, he saw with his own eyes that his lawyer’s expression had turned as white as sheets. How did it become like this?! He subconsciously whispered to his lawyer. “What’s going on?” “She’s too good…” the lawyer whispered to Theodore. The lawyer sounded like he had run out of ways to refute Ivanka. Sandy had the photocopy of the agreement on the transfer of shares with her. While Ivanka was pointing out the loopholes in the clauses, Sandy read the agreement carefully. Her
“Who do you think you’re badmouthing, woman?” Sandy’s words all died on her tongue. Even her eyes were filled with surprise! Was she hearing things? Without any further thought, she gradually turned her head around. When she saw that Ivan was sitting behind her with a dark look on his face, Sandy’s eyes were filled with shock! “Why are you here?” Sandy felt as if she had seen a ghost! How could this be?! When did Ivan come, and how did he end up sitting behind her so silently? How was this possible? Not only was Sandy surprised, but even Suki was in disbelief. When did this happen? Ivan’s expression was darker than a thundercloud. He clenched his teeth and said, “Why can’t I be here?” Sandy was dumbstruck. For some reason, at that moment, she actually felt a little guilty. However, of course she could not show it on her face. She just sneered, “You’re right. No one can stop you where you want to go.” After saying that, Sandy turned back and refused to
Theodore’s expression grew darker. He knew this was his only way, but he could not stand it! Also, Lyla was not done talking yet. She looked at Theodore grimly. “As for the income for these past few years, it doesn’t matter if she had cheated us of those. At least, we are not going to give her that again. Otherwise, not only do we need to give her the shares, we’ll also need to pay her extra money on top of that. We’ll be losing out big time.” Theodore gritted his teeth. “No! That’s not a good idea! How could I return the shares to her? We already put in so much effort to kill Fernando in the first place. She has already cheated us of two billion dollars, and we’ve lost all of our income for the past few years. If we let her take the shares back and let her demand an extra billion or so more of our profits, then not only will we not earn a single cent, we’ll also have to compensate her with two billion after all our troubles. How are we going to pay her, then?!” Lyla frowned. Th
“About that, I want to ask for your advice. Can you help me contact the judge? Tomorrow’s case will be Ivanka’s case against me. I wonder if the judge can…” Theodore sounded a little helpless, but he did not finish his words. He was being very obvious. If the assistant could not tell, then he was not fit to stay by the judge’s side. When the assistant heard this, he finally sighed in resignation. “Mr. Lane. I’m really sorry. I can’t help you with such matters.” Since Theodore had made it clear, he could reject it outright. Theodore’s expression instantly changed, but once he thought that this might be the other party’s attempt to ask for more, he quickly spoke again, “Please, Mr. Berg. I know this is an inconvenience for you, but these shares are really important to me. I really need your help to mention this to the judge. Rest assured; your efforts will be rewarded. I will definitely show you my sincerest thanks! You could even state your price!” The judge’s assistant sig
“Mr. Theodore has taken my father and my assets. Before this court session, I have discussed this matter with him multiple times, but to no avail. So, I have no choice but to sue him. I have the right to demand that Mr. Theodore return all of his shares and all the profits over the years in full.” Theodore was shocked! He was about to explode from rage! She demanded he return all the profits in full? Even so, before he could dwell on it, Ivanka said, “When I request for Mr. Theodore to return all of his shares, I mean all of it. Mr. Theodore will not have a single share left.” Theodore was dumbstruck. Chiara and Lyla’s expressions were ugly beyond words as they watched from the audience seat! “Has Ivanka lost her mind?!” Chiara gritted her teeth, but she did not dare to talk too loudly. She said in disbelief, “No matter what, Fernando gave the shares to Dad back then. In fact, they had a proper contract. How could she do this?!” However, just as she said that, she sens
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