Chiara thought. “No way! That’s impossible! “Why did my dad sell off our properties all of a sudden? He’s the president of Lane’s Group. Why would he end up like this?” Chiara instantly refuted, “You’re lying!” At that moment, there was a hint of rebuke in Chiara’s voice. Yet, she was on tenterhooks and listened attentively to Ivanka as she did not want to miss a single word from her. Ivanka chuckled. “I don’t know if it’s true. After all, I did not have firsthand experience of it. I only learned it from others.” Chiara was angry. If Ivanka spoke with certainty, it could be true, and Chiara would be skeptical about it. However, Ivanka gave her an ambiguous answer. As such, Chiara grew increasingly uncertain and worried. She wondered. “How did we become like this?” She lost interest in talking to Ivanka. Ivanka seemed very understanding and said, “It looks like you’re unaware of it. Instead of calling me, ask your dad what he’s been up to recently. I also heard that some
Ivanka simply did not feel like talking to Chiara anymore.Her earlier words were enough for Chiara to understand what was going on.Chiara was smart; she probably had already figured it out. She would likely uncover more through arguments with Theodore and Lyla tonight.Ivanka smiled. She felt uncomfortable seeing Chiara lead such a leisurely life without any sense of urgency.Chiara had been anxious lately due to her involvement in various incidents that attracted the police’s attention. This had led her to depressive tendencies. Consequently, Ivanka surmised that Theodore would not inform Chiara about what happened to him. As a result, Chiara remained unaware of the situation and continued to live naively. However, Ivanka understood that this was not what Chiara desired. Therefore, it was only natural for Ivanka to help fulfill Chiara’s wish to uncover the truth.Just as Ivanka was thinking about this, her phone rang once more. She thought it was Chiara calling again, yet to
Jonah raised an eyebrow. “Are you already at your breaking point?”James’s expression changed. He could only awkwardly clear his throat and narrow his eyes.He touched his nose and said, “Mr. Sadler, you knew she was hurt, and you were really worried when you found out. Why didn’t you ask about her injury?”“Asking would just make her think I’m spying on her.”James was at a loss for words.Jonah watched Ivanka around the clock. Was that not basically spying on her?She would surely think he had crossed the line if she found out, even though he did not intend to harm or protect her.But James did not dare say that. He could only nod and say, “Mmm... Yeah, you’re right.”Whatever the boss said was right, no doubt!Jonah glanced at him casually. James tensed up and hesitated for a moment before asking, “So... should I continue preparing the item you requested last time? They might not return soon.”“Yes,” Jonah replied promptly.James acknowledged it. When he noticed that Jona
“You...”She spoke briefly before forcing herself to stop.Her quiet voice contrasted with Lyla’s loud enthusiasm as she exclaimed, “Chiara, Theodore, I made your favorite fish and chips today! Try them and tell me how they taste!”Chiara took a deep breath and decided to wait until they finished eating before questioning them.Theodore said excitedly, “Oh, that sounds delicious. Let me try!”Despite having no appetite, Chiara forced herself to eat because she did not want Theodore and Lyla to go hungry that night.After pushing herself to finish the meal, she calmly set down her utensils and observed her parents as they wiped their mouths with napkins.Her expression became stern as she said seriously, “I have something to ask you.”Theodore and Lyla glanced at her with puzzled expressions. Lyla frowned and asked, “What’s wrong? Why so serious?”Chiara ignored Lyla and directed her gaze solely at Theodore. “What has been happening recently? How long do you plan to keep hiding
Chiara took a deep breath as her frustration became more apparent. “Why are you still keeping things from me? Do you think I’m immature and that I’ll eventually reveal the secrets? Or do you doubt my ability to handle these matters or find solutions? Regardless, we are a family. I’m your only child. Why won’t you just share these matters with me? Let me help shoulder the burden with you!“Don’t keep things from me just to protect me. It’s unfair to me! You might think you’re protecting me, but all you’re doing is deceiving me!”Chiara was noticeably louder than before. She looked profoundly aggrieved.Theodore’s expression changed as he sighed helplessly, “What’s it going to take for you to trust us?!”Chiara shook her head in disbelief and looked at them incredulously. “I’ve told you so much! Yet you’re still keeping secrets from me!”Lyla quickly intervened, “Chiara, calm down. It’s not about hiding things from you or not. We’re genuinely puzzled by what you’re saying. Why would
Chiara was too smart. Even if she remained unaware of the matter, Ivanka would eventually tell her everything and possibly even exaggerate it, which would only agitate Chiara further!At that moment, Theodore shared the same thoughts. His expression darkened. He was unable to refute anything.Chiara realized that her guess was spot on!She fervently wished she had been mistaken!However, Theodore’s expression confirmed it enough. He had sold the houses and liquidated all assets just to hire someone to breach Barkworth’s Group’s secrets. Unfortunately, they failed at the final stage and lost the money. Chiara’s eyes twitched as tears streamed down her cheeks.Lyla quickly grabbed her hand and comforted her, “Chiara, calm down. No matter what, your father is still the chairman of Lane’s Group. In just a short time, he was already stacked with assets. He’ll earn them back in no time!”Chiara continued to sob as she smiled bitterly. “Earn them back? Since Ivanka knows about this, t
“Why did you do it? Our family was doing great, but you ruined it! Michael surely knew it was your doing. Have you ever thought about what comes next?”She inquired with the company’s employees earlier in the office. They seemed unusually quiet, so she could not find out anything. This only meant that Theodore had not dared to tell anyone. Otherwise, Lane’s Group would already be in a panic.Theodore took a deep breath, put his hands down, and said helplessly, “I messed up, I know. But what’s done is done. We need to keep moving forward, Chiara. I understand your concerns, but Barkworth’s Group hasn’t acted against us yet. Do you honestly think it’s because Michael is too busy?”Chiara was taken aback. She instinctively looked at him. “What do you mean?”“He’s not looking to mess with Lane’s Group.”Lyla also looked at him with doubt. “Why not?”“It’s because we’re still cooperating with him. He can’t make a move right now.”Chiara, who was just starting to feel a little hope, p
Lyla’s expression changed instantly!The mysterious person who contacted Chiara was plotting to kill Ivanka! If Ivanka were to die, Lane’s Group would be in trouble!Lyla started to panic.Theodore looked puzzled as he asked them, “What are you talking about?”Lyla had never told Theodore about the mysterious person because she did not want him to get involved, mainly to avoid his interference in this matter.She was afraid that Theodore might contact that mysterious person again.Before she could think too much about it, Chiara directly explained the situation to him.Theodore was stunned. He frowned and said in a low voice, “You’re actually involved with someone in this kind of scheme?!” Chiara pursed her lips and stayed silent.Lyla said helplessly, “We couldn’t clear Chiara’s suspicion at that time. If it weren’t for that person, Chiara would still be hiding in the mental hospital. Do you want our daughter to continue living in that kind of situation?”Theodore frowned eve
By the time Ivanka and Michael got off the plane at Mirvania, it was already 9 p.m. Before boarding the plane, Ivanka had WhatsApped Vincent. Therefore, the moment they got off the plane, Vincent had Njord to pick them up. They saw Njord immediately after getting off the plane. The moment Njord spotted Michael behind Ivanka, his expression instantly turned black. Njord recalled how Michael had schemed him before this. “Why are you coming with Ms. Lane? Ms. Lane, have you hired him as your bodyguard?” Njord cussed at Michael before asking Ivanka. Ivanka was aware of the grudges between Njord and Michael. But since Njord came with a group of people, Ivanka looked solemn and rebuked him, “He’s my friend. Njord, you can’t say that to him.” “Ms. Lane, if he’s truly your friend, I’ll naturally show him my respect. But the truth is, after being with you for such a long time at the casino, how can a person like him be considered your friend?” Njord said without hesitation when ment
“Got it.” Chiara behaved submissively in front of Jonah. Jonah swept her a cool glance and did not reply to her. Their meeting with Margaret had ended up unhappily. Little did they know that right after Chiara left, Laura came. Compared to Chiara, Laura, at least, genuinely loved Jonah, and Margaret knew it. In the past, Margaret did not entertain her. This time, she allowed Laura to enter the house. This gave Laura false hope. She asked, “Aunt Margaret, are you willing to accept me?” “To be frank with you, if not for the fact of Jonah’s current condition, I wouldn’t have accepted you. I’ve only allowed you to enter the house because I’ve some questions for you.” Margaret spoke without hesitation. Her tone was cold. Laura looked at Margaret in puzzlement. “Aunt Margaret, what do you want to ask me?” Laura’s gaze was filled with expectancy. Margaret pursed her lips. Then she said coolly, “You’ve fallen head over heels for Jonah, haven’t you? Since you love him, could
Margaret had always wanted a daughter-in-law. Besides, the girl had to come from a wealthy family. Jonah had done so according to her will and took Chiara home, but Margaret refused to accept her. “I want a genuine couple relationship. What are you guys doing now?” Margaret’s expression was dark and cool. She took a step toward Jonah and did not even glance at Chiara. Chiara knew it was better to fall silent at that moment. Jonah said calmly, “We’re in a genuine relationship. She needs a husband. I need a wife. Would our union cast any doubt?” Melanie had just reunited with her family. Her family did not favor her, and she had to be hidden behind the scenes all the time. As for Jonah, he was a cripple who was bound to a wheelchair. He believed no one would object to the two of them getting together. On top of that, he was just using Chiara. “Indeed, no one will doubt your relationship. But I know what you’re thinking. I don’t mind the fact that you’re using her to stop
Sandy pushed Ivan away. But she still held his flowers in her arms. It was a bouquet of pink roses. Pink was her favorite color. The bag he gave to her contained her favorite food. Ivan had put in extra effort. “Think about it carefully. I’ll come again tomorrow.” Right after Ivan finished his sentence, he turned around. Looking at his gifts, Sandy felt a surge of indescribable bitterness in her heart. She did not throw his gifts away. After all, Ivan gave them to her out of his kind gesture. Sandy carried the gifts back to the office. Anna instantly spotted her. Anna raised one of her eyebrows and chuckled. “Did Young Master Ivan give them to you?” Sandy only had Ivan as her male friend. She did not deny it. Nonetheless, Anna noticed Sandy’s dull expression. Anna hesitated first before asking, “Is there any problem between you and Ivan? You don’t look happy. Is your family objecting to your relationship with him?” Sandy and Ivan had always been a quarrelsome but lo
Sandy fell silent. She looked resigned and replied to Ivan honestly, “I can’t possibly allow you to pester me for the rest of my life. My family is urging me to get married soon. With you pestering me, I think I should marry somebody else to end all this once and for all.” “Do you think I would allow that to happen?” While saying this, Ivan took a step forward. His expression darkened. He exuded an intense sense of hostility like the most horrifying creature emerging from hell. Ivan’s murderous look seemed to state that he would go to the extent of stealing the bride at Sandy’s wedding ceremony if he was not the bridegroom that day. On top of that, he gave an impression as though Sandy would either be his bride or a ghost bride. Seeing Ivan in his current demeanor, Sandy did not know if she should laugh or cry. Prior to that, she was worried that Ivan was just using her. At that moment, she finally realized the disparity of status between them. Ivanka had always believed that m
In the past, Ivan did not understand the conflicts between his parents. He thought his mother had been so cruel that she cheated on his father and abandoned him. Later, Ivan learned his mother had not been the one at fault. So, a heartless sc*m like his father was not in the position to rebuke him. If not for his parents, Ivan would not have let himself go wild and had so many girlfriends. Reuben York sounded indifferent. He made himself clear by saying, “You should, at least, marry someone with a clean background and whose parents are still around so that they could assist you—” “Does that mean I need to accept an arranged marriage by you? I’m not your only child, you can instill your way of thinking on your other children!” Right after Ivan finished his sentence, he hung up. His expression turned dark. The next moment, he accelerated the speed of his car. He carried a bouquet of flowers and Sandy’s favorite food when he showed up in front of her. For a moment, Sandy was
Ivan had not lived with his mother for a long time. Meanwhile, Sandy was her adopted daughter and the direct heir to her estate. Legally, the necklace could be considered part of that inheritance.Following that logic, Ivan had no right to speak on the matter.But to him, Sandy was just an adopted daughter. He was the biological son. Their separation had been caused by a misunderstanding. Since the truth was out, it was only natural for him to take back his mother’s belongings.If things went to court, it would be a battle between them. Both had an equal claim.By blood, Ivan had an undeniable advantage.From the way he spoke, Sandy could hear his confidence and condescension. She knew exactly what he was implying. He was prepared to fight her for the inheritance. But things had not escalated to that point yet.Even if they did, she had no fear of going to court with him. In fact, she was ready to fight.“Ivan, Mom left it to me. She never said it was for you. Whatever happened
Sandy heard the same automated response as the one on Ivanka’s phone.Did that mean they had all left together?Realizing this, she did not press Candice further. Instead, she smiled casually. “It’s nothing. Get back to work. I’ll head out now.”As she turned to leave, she pulled out her phone and sent Ivanka a message.Sandy: Call me when you turn your phone back on. Just as she was about to get in her car, her uncle, Thomas, walked up to her.The moment he saw her, he frowned. “Still upset?”“Uncle, I don’t want to think or talk about it. If you’d been through what I have, you wouldn’t be trying to change my mind.”Addressing him as “Uncle” was Sandy’s way of maintaining politeness while creating emotional distance. She hoped Thomas would get the hint and back off.Thomas was caught off guard. He fell silent and was unsure how to respond.Before he could, Sandy got in her car.On her way out of the law firm, her phone rang. It was Ivan. “My baby, Sandy, where are you?”
Chiara’s tone was sharp. Her eyes darkened with determination.James noticed. So did Jonah.Jonah snapped out of his thoughts. Chiara was trying too hard to prove herself. It was clear she wanted to use him to elevate her own status.Fine. He would let her think she was winning only to watch her fall even harder.“They’re just regular people. They aren’t worth your energy,” Jonah said. “Let’s go home and see my mom first. Tomorrow, I’ll visit yours.” He had already made all the arrangements.Chiara had no objections.Even so, she sent Katiana a message.Katiana replied right away.Katiana: Since he’s coming, I’ll gather the whole family. You’ve finally brought some honor to us. Just do your part, and I’ll handle everything else.Chiara was not surprised that Katiana would invite the entire Levine family. As the second daughter of the Levine family, she had always been under scrutiny. Katiana had pinned all her hopes on her. Katiana wanted her to make a name for herself and sec