Ivanka and Michael ultimately failed to reach an agreement with Matthias.Anais tried to intercede, but she was taken away by Matthias before she could say anything further.Ivanka and Michael returned home together.Mdm. Wright had prepared a full table of food. Seeing them enter, she warmly greeted them, “Come, sit down and eat.”Noticing the expressions on their faces, she assumed they had not won the championship and chose not to bring up the subject.They could not enjoy the dinner, as each of them was lost in their own thoughts. After finishing, Mdm. Wright set down her spoon and offered some heartfelt advice. “Sometimes, letting things take their natural course is the best option. As long as you’ve tried your best, regardless of the outcome, you should have no regrets.”Michael and Ivanka understood her message. It was a reminder that some things simply could not be forced.However, how could they easily let it go when they were so close to their goal?Ivanka managed a
On the boat, there were also two young girls and a burly man.Ivanka recognized him as the village’s best swimmer and most skilled sailor.She guessed this arrangement must have been Michael’s doing.If Matthias had wanted to monitor her closely, he could have sent anyone along. There was no need to assign the village’s top sailor.The two young girls were the sailor’s children.When Ivanka woke up, they rushed over. They spoke in slightly broken English, “You’re awake! Are you okay?”The girls were clearly fond of Ivanka for no other reason than that she was beautiful.People were naturally drawn to beauty.Ivanka, unused to their concern, simply shook her head.“I’m fine. I just need a moment alone.”Though a little disappointed, the girls did not press her. They nodded. They respected her need for space and left the room.Ivanka’s hands trembled as she picked up the envelope. Inside was Michael’s handwriting, one she knew all too well.[I’m sorry for lying to you. By the
Who would have thought that Candice would actually agree to the arrangement?No matter how often Mandy made things difficult for her, Candice had pulled through and stayed in the company all this time.She had even barged into the meeting room.They could have kicked Candice out, but doing so would have made them look suspicious, as if they had something to hide.In truth, they did have something to hide.Ferris shot Candice an impatient glance. “Board meetings are scheduled according to our schedules, so what if we decide to hold the meeting sooner or later? Ms. Ivanka has already passed away. Naturally, it’s up to the living to run the company properly. Why are you against that? Do you think she would want to see Lane’s Group close down shortly after her death?”Seeing how self-righteous he was, Candice wanted to cuss him out.“All I know is that Ms. Ivanka would never want to see her company end up in your clutch because you’re a sc*mbag!”At that point, Ferris was truly enr
Rosie absolutely hated despicable scumbag bootlickers who schemed against others. After learning that Ferris wanted to steal Ivanka’s company when she was not around, Rosie did not even bother to put on a smile in front of him.When she spoke, her words were harsh.Rosie shot him a glance and snorted coldly. “If I hadn’t come over, my granddaughter-in-law’s company would have ended up in somebody else’s hands, and my granddaughter would have been thrown out like a piece of trash!”With that, everyone in the room finally knew Candice’s real identity.She was Michael’s cousin!They all looked toward Candice, who stood behind Rosie.With her grandmother here, Candice finally had the support she needed.Ferris’s expression was a little grim.He did not understand why it was so difficult for him to take over the company even though Ivanka was gone.He pondered for a bit and said, “I call you Mdm. Barkworth out of respect. No offense, but I suggest you refrain from intervening in th
Candice followed Rosie out of the meeting room, but she was not pleased.Even though Ferris was obnoxious, he was right about one thing.Without shares in Lane’s Group, Rosie had no actual power. She had merely relied on others’ fear and respect toward her to turn the situation around. If Ivanka did not return after three days, there was nothing else they could do.Just as she brooded darkly, she received a phone call from an unknown number.After Candice answered, she nearly burst into tears.“It’s me. Are you alright, Candice?”It was Ivanka’s voice!Candice immediately handed the phone to Rosie. When Rosie heard Ivanka’s voice, she also stumbled back in surprise.She was a tough, powerful woman. Even so, she teared up at that moment.After all, she had already gotten old. Her biggest wish was to see the children in her family safe and sound.When she found out that Michael and Ivanka had both fallen into the sea, it had been like a bolt from the blue. She felt as if her
The ship sailed closer. The massive vessel alerted the islanders. They all stared at it vigilantly until Ivanka got off the ship.She wore a black tube mermaid dress that hugged her body tightly and accentuated her figure. Her almond eyes were breathtakingly beautiful and irresistible.Under the sun, her skin glowed like a pearl.She looked as if she had fallen from heaven.Ivanka stared past the crowd. Her gaze fell on Michael.Michael, too, managed to spot her among the crowd. They approached each other and slowly closed the distance between them.It took everyone a while to recognize Ivanka.By then, she and Michael were already embracing each other.Their embrace was innocent and had no romantic or sexual undertones.It was about gratitude.They were grateful to each other and themselves. It did not matter how many difficulties they had faced in the past. All was good as long as they were saved.“I’ve come back for you, you jerk.” Ivanka leaned in to whisper in Michael
“We have been a bother to you during our stay. We can’t possibly take things from you. We should be the ones bringing you gifts.” Ivanka held up her hands and insisted that she would not accept the rings.But Mdm. Wright said, “What are you talking about? Do you still see me as an ordinary acquaintance?“As she spoke, she frowned and looked at Ivanka with disapproval.Ivanka shook her head. “Of course not.”With that, Mdm. Wright smiled. “Then take the ring.”Ivanka wanted to turn down the gift, but Michael intervened. “Since Mdm. Wright has decided to give us the rings, we’ll just take them. Haven’t you brought her something too? You can swap presents.”Hearing that, Mdm. Wright laughed heartily. Even though the excuse sounded sloppy, it made both Ivanka and Mdm. Wright feel better.Ivanka accepted the ring readily.Mdm. Wright put the jade rings on Ivanka’s and Michael’s index fingers.The jade rings, which had become dull all these years, seemingly regained their glow on th
Ivanka shot Michael a glare.Michael smiled cheekily. “If you want to look at some muscles, I can show you when we get home.”Ivanka rolled her eyes.They had been through life and death together, and they had grown to trust each other. Therefore, the air between them was no longer tense and full of animosity. One could even say that they had grown very close.But Michael was bothered by the lack of romantic tension between them.Perhaps it was because Ivanka had always been calm and unabashed around him. Even if they behaved intimately around each other, those gestures never amounted to anything more intimate.Confused and troubled, Michael drank sulkily during the farewell party.Since he and Ivanka were about to leave, the islanders who had bad-mouthed or offended them came over to apologize.“Sorry, Ms. Ivanka. I shouldn’t have bad-mouthed you.”The person who spoke was Anais’ “sidekick”. She apologized to Ivanka timidly.“It’s okay.” A faint smile on Ivanka’s lips made h
Ivanka did not pay him any mind and got into the car. If Michael dared to chase after her again, she would most definitely kick him out of the car! She would do what she said she would!Michael did not catch up, but he blocked her with his arms wide open. His stance was clear: You can leave. But over my dead body! Ivanka could not possibly drive over Michael. But it was not a problem for Michael to keep blocking her way. Plus, she had just politely rejected his parents. So, it was even more impossible for her to turn back. Ivanka ran out of patience. She held her forehead and frowned. Michael had already drained her last bit of patience. She never imagined that Michael would actually cling to her to such an extent! How would she put it? All her positivity had been drained clean! “Michael, your parents are still at home. Aren’t you afraid they’ll see and laugh at you? I know Grandpa and Grandma are standing by our side now. It’s not like you and I haven’t been in
Ivanka would neither accept the carrot nor the stick approach. Michael had no choice but to persuade her with reason and win her over with affection. Ivanka snorted. “Have you ever given me a chance to have a meal with you before this? As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time for things to come to this state. Things might have passed for you but not for me!” Ivanka’s gaze was razor-sharp. Michael felt his heart clench up. At that moment, his throat was in so much pain that he did not know what else to say to her. Ivanka did not wait for his response. She pushed away his hand and headed out without hesitation. Michael did not stop her. Nonetheless, he went after her and followed behind her. Meanwhile, they heard the sound from the kitchen. Mindy prepared dinner in the kitchen, and Jay helped her out. They had heard their conversation. Out of courtesy, Ivanka went to the kitchen and greeted them. She said with a smile, “Uncle Jay, Aunt Mindy, I’m
Ivanka clenched her fists. Her gaze was filled with ferocity. She looked like she was really going to punch Michael. Michael noticed the anger in her eyes. But since the person was none other than Ivanka, he was willing to take the beating. He even took a step forward and held his head high. “Strike me if you want.” “You!” Ivanka glared at Michael. He truly annoyed her. She reminded herself to keep her composure. She sucked in a deep breath before saying, “Michael, I’ve treated you with respect. You’d better behave yourself.” Right after she finished the sentence, Ivanka left. Before she even took a step forward, Michael grabbed her. “My mom is preparing the dishes inside the kitchen. If you leave now, you’re not showing me any respect. Please stay around to have dinner. Even though we’re already divorced, and it’s impossible for us to get back together again, we’re still friends,” said Michael. Haha! He had been adamant. He was using the same approach to draw close
Mindy’s expression instantly darkened. “What’s with us being prejudiced against her? Had I ever targeted her when she married Michael from the beginning? “She knew how well Rosie had treated her. It’s her own fault for failing to bond with Mic. How could you blame us?” Mindy had always disliked Ivanka. She believed Samuel’s intervention had been the reason for their marriage. It was an arranged marriage. There was no need for the Barkworth’s family to have an arranged marriage. At the end of the day, it was all up to Samuel to choose the bride for Michael. Ever since Ivanka married Michael, aside from the deliberate arrangements, they had hardly shown up together as a couple in public. Mindy did not have any particularly hard feelings for Ivanka. She believed the two would live happily together after getting married. After they divorced, Mindy thought Michael could start all over again. But she did not expect to see their current relationship was no different from when they
It was Jay and Mindy. When Ivanka saw them, a thought came across her mind. She took out a syringe and inserted it into Michael’s arm to unmute him. Michael felt like he had been stung by a bee. It was as though he had been put in jail, only to be freed all of a sudden. Ivanka took away the syringe and gave him a glance with displeasure. “Get out of the car now. Your parents are here—” “Aren’t you entering the house?” Before Ivanka finished her sentence, Michael interrupted her. When he looked at her, his eyes were filled with sincerity and seriousness. But Ivanka rejected him coldly. “Quick! Get out of the car! I’m not joking with you. Get out now!” “Let’s go in together. After all, you’re already here. Are you worried about seeing them?” Michael was undaunted by her emotions and tone. Instead, he stretched out his hand to try to grab Ivanka. Nonetheless, she avoided him with ease. Meanwhile, Jay and Mindy saw them. They walked over to them. Mindy glanced at th
It was no wonder Jonah asked for so many details. All these were facts.Ivanka did not avoid answering his questions. She gave a light smile. “The longest will be half a year.”If the treatment was ineffective after half a year, she would go to Silvania with Vincent.After all, it was not just about her.Upon learning of Ivanka’s decision, Jonah smiled wryly. “Iv, I don’t think it’s an easy feat to treat my legs. How about you go and deal with your stuff first? You can always treat my legs afterward.”Ivanka initially planned to do it that way. But George, Florence, and Margaret had interrupted her plan.Since she had returned to Bostone, why was there a need to travel back and forth again?She might as well treat Jonah’s legs.Besides, Vincent had informed her that it would be highly uncertain whether they could still return to their home country after arriving at Silvania.Ivanka said, “No. I don’t want to make so many trips. I’ll treat your legs for half a year and see if i
It was not an overstatement to say Michael was crossing the line. Nonetheless, Ivanka could not just sit there and watch the two men get into a conflict. Hence, Ivanka pulled Michael to the side and glanced at him. “If you don’t want to be kicked out, you’d better wait here.” But Michael was undaunted by Jonah. Although Jonah had the power to rebuke him in his own territory, Michael refused to allow Jonah to get the upper hand. Ivanka saw the determination in Michael’s eyes. She was very worried that the two might get into a fight. She quickly pulled him back. “Stop making me worry about you. Just wait here! If you dare to come after me, I’ll…” Although she did not finish her sentence, her intention was clear enough. If Michael disobeyed her, she would make him a statue! Understanding this, Michael did not follow Ivanka. But when Jonah turned around and left, the provocation in his eyes was evident. Still, Michael listened to Ivanka. He did not want to offend her. He
Jonah narrowed his eyes while questioning Michael. Still, Michael did not respond to him. Ivanka pursed her lips. She looked displeased when she answered Jonah, “Jonah, there’s no need to speak so harshly. Do you still want me to treat your legs?” She had temporarily made Michael mute. She did that to stop Michael from talking endlessly about those things. Nonetheless, he had still insisted on coming along with her, only to end up being targeted by Jonah. Ivanka had no intention of making Michael mute in front of Jonah. Upon hearing Ivanka’s words, Jonah looked at where she currently stood. She stood in front of Michael. It looked like she was trying to protect him more. As the saying went, true love was portrayed in hard times. This saying was true indeed. It was true that Ivanka cared about Michael. Jonah said gently to Ivanka, “I want you to treat my legs, and I only speak harshly to specific people. I already showed him much respect when he barged into my terri
Michael remained resolute.Ivanka rolled her eyes. “Then stay stubborn. I’ll only fix it when you stop pushing me away.”After she was done speaking, she turned to leave.Michael followed.He even opened the passenger door and got in her car. He was determined to follow her.But Ivanka would not go easy on him.Once inside, she warned him coldly, “Not being able to speak is harder than you think. Follow if you want. Michael, are you sure about this?”Even after her warning, he kept staring straight ahead.She said nothing more and started the engine.Within half an hour, she arrived at Jonah’s mansion.Jonah came out to greet her personally. The moment Ivanka parked the car, Jonah immediately spotted Michael in the passenger seat.The sight of him stirred up bitterness in Jonah. Yet there was nothing he could do.Before Ivanka exited the car, she said to Michael, “Wait here.”Without glancing at him, she walked straight toward Jonah.Her attitude made Michael decide t