Drew's ridicule left Natalie as white as a sheet. Just as she was about to rebuke, she suddenly heard a voice whose tone was teasing yet clearly also mocking. "Your personal emotions and unobjective delusions have already taken over your rationality. You're already unable to think rationally. If this investment fails, how will you explain it to the others?"The new visitor was none other than Elijah. He leaned against the door, giving her a pressing stare."The investment won't fail. I'll stake my career on it," Natalie said. She emphasized each word through gritted teeth.Words like that couldn't be spoken recklessly!Even Drew cocked an eyebrow when he heard that. He gave her a long look. Right now, he had a feeling that Elijah had purposely dug that hole for Natalie to jump into.Yet, Natalie was completely unaware that Elijah had just forced her into a hole. She turned toward Jacob. With a determined gaze, she said, "Mr. Ford, Mr. Rayden gave me this contract, and I have a
Natalie couldn't accept it. Her heart ached horribly.Jacob gave her a profound look and said, "Liesel majored in Financial Management, and she also took other electives related to business. During her time in school, she saved numerous companies from unfavorable contracts. "She graduated from Alden University as valedictorian with a perfect GPA. The nonprofit companies that she proposed are still generating a profit and giving back to society today."Therefore, you and Liesel were never the same. Her proposals are visionary, while yours are worth nothing."Not to mention, she had been my wife at the time. She had dared to become the guarantor because even if something did happen, she had my deep pockets to back her up. I could help her repay those billions of dollars. "But what about you?" Jacob continued. "How much money can you fork out? Do you even have millions of dollars on you?"Natalie was completely dumbstruck. Meanwhile, Elijah was laughing heartily at the side, clear
"Did you say that I can't separate my personal life from my professional one?" Jacob said in a heavy tone. "Natalie, you're not wrong. Indeed, I haven't been able to separate those two."Natalie's furious face froze. "If I was really being fair, then the person who should be in your position now is Liesel and not you, Natalie. And, with your capabilities, you aren't even worthy of stepping through the doors of Ford Corporation."Actually, Jacob knew all of this deep down. However, he still opened the back door for Natalie to enter and sent Liesel to the project department. Now, Natalie actually had the gall to say that he wasn't keeping his personal and professional lives separate. It was ridiculous."If you want me to be fairer like you said, then you should leave Ford Corporation at once," he said icily. "Since you joined the company, you should already be aware of Liesel's abilities."Natalie had kept a constant watch over Liesel's performance. However, it wasn't out of care b
Liesel had a feeling that this deal was not going to happen. However, she'd never thought that Natalie could actually be so foolish. She was so idiotic that it made Liesel want to laugh.But was Jacob really going to do as he said?Liesel's solemn gaze slowly landed on him. "Mr. Ford, can you really make that decision?"Could he really ruthlessly chase Natalie out of Ford Corporation?Jacob looked down slightly, and their gazes met. He merely stared at her without any reaction, but that in itself was enough of a response.He wasn't sure.Indeed, he wasn't even sure if his heart would soften and if he would open the back door for Natalie again in the future.It was ridiculous. Earlier, he'd talked about separating his personal and professional life, but now, he couldn't even guarantee that he'd do this.What else could she ask for?Liesel's smile was mocking. "I won't ask this again."With that, she turned around to leave the office. But suddenly, she heard his voice. "Alden U
Elijah beamed. Evidently, he'd heard what Liesel said. The amusement in his eyes deepened. "It's really difficult to hear you say those words to me. Don't worry. Not only will I come back safe, but I'll even bring you some local specialties."With that, he drove off.Why had Elijah intervened in this matter?Actually, he could have rejected Dash's contract outright. Still, he came to Ford Corporation's office, and he didn't even try to retort when Jacob suggested he go overseas to evaluate the partnership.He and Jacob weren't considered good friends, so how was Jacob able to make him do something?Drew saw the truth—Elijah had come because of Liesel, and he was also going abroad to do the evaluation for Leisel.Even though Elijah had personal motives, at least he was sincere enough. He thought that someone as smart as Liesel would be able to spot it."From the perspective of Mr. Ford's secretary, I actually don't like Elijah that much. However, if I was looking at it from your
"Two years ago, at the negotiation meeting that was held at the Polly Hotel in Fruece, I had completely trampled all over Dash. In the end, he transferred the overseas project to Ford Corporation at a price 20 percent lower than the asking offer. So, why do you think Dash chose you and not me?" Liesel leaned down close to Natalie. There was an obvious chill in her voice. "He didn't choose me because I'm too intelligent. He chose you because you are stupid enough."Each word she uttered was dripping with ridicule."Liesel!" Natalie was so mad that she wanted to hit her.Liesel nonchalantly poured herself a cup of water. In the same cool tone, she said, "Do you really want to fight me now? Are you going to use the hand that's in a plaster cast? If so, I can indulge you."Natalie's eyes darkened. Even maneuvering the wheelchair made her hand hurt. How could she really go up against Liesel? She had no choice but to just gnash her teeth. "I'll prove to you that Dash didn't make a mist
Liesel silently put her glass down and turned to look at Jacob.Today, he was wearing a midnight blue suit with a luxury watch worth millions. His platinum tie clip was in the shape of an iris. As one looked upward, they would be drawn to his strikingly handsome face.Midnight blue was his favorite color.Liesel glanced down at her red gown as she couldn't help but smile.From afar, many might see their red-blue combination and assume they were a couple. What a shame they were already divorced.After the divorce, Liesel's flourishing beauty was something Jacob had never seen before. It was as if she had transformed into a completely different person now.His eyes slightly darkened. As she raised her head at that moment, her composed gaze met his arrogant one. A hint of incomprehensible allure in her gaze seemed to tease him.Though it wasn't her intention, Liesel's misleading gaze would always contradict how she felt.Standing tall on the wide balcony, Jacob's dominant presence
Liesel's calm gaze matched her stunning face. Under the soft lights, she seemed breathtakingly gorgeous in her red gown.Her slender fingers brushed over the swing's ropes. She tightened her grip as she looked away from Jacob.The low hum of a cello came from the banquet hall, akin to a river flowing through the silent night. It was a performance by the students of Alden University's music faculty.Glancing at her watch, Liesel murmured, "Looks like it's almost Ophelia's turn."Earlier, she had promised Ophelia to go on stage for a piano duet with her.Jacob gave a faint grunt in response. He was paying no attention to this matter. Perhaps he thought this was nothing much as Ophelia could handle this on her own."I'll head backstage to meet Ophelia." Liesel glanced at him and was about to leave. Just then, a female student, Vivian Larson, suddenly rushed past and bumped into her.Liesel stopped in her tracks and turned around, only to see her delicate figure from behind. Dressed
How could Yvonne say that her fans were for her to exploit? That was one way to drive her fans away completely. They weren't pathetic for wanting to idolize someone.Yvonne's remaining fans tagged her on Twitter to demand answers, but she dared not respond at all. A few of her die-hard fans were left dismayed and completely disappointed in her. This prompted them to announce their departure from the fandom. Meanwhile, her remaining fans were clueless and couldn't make much impact.The video exposing Yvonne's true colors triggered a new trend "A Discussion About The Relationship Between Idols And Their Fans". Many inevitably brought up Chelsea, and Damian's fans chimed in that he was even more gentle and considerate. He even beat up a worker for stalking his fans, and that revelation earned Damian more fans.The fiasco this time had caused a wave of discussion about fans in the entertainment industry. Fans were made aware of their status so they would understand that they weren't
"I don't believe idols are superior to their fans. We're equals—our bond is mutual. We're responsible for accompanying each other and growing together."Chelsea popped a signed photograph into a paper bag and handed it to her loyal fan next to her. She continued, "Some became my fans because of my looks and performance. "All these are definitely important, but I hope they continue being my fans in the future because of my character and excellent talents."I hope my fans will notice my efforts, and they'll do the same as I did—walk toward the future with determination. The fans' support and admiration will give me more confidence, and my hard work will also inspire my fans to be better."Chelsea confidently walked away from the crowd to Ophelia and took out a wet wipe to dry the tears from the corners of her eyes. "Becoming a fan doesn't mean you should exhaust yourself. "Idolizing others is also a great way to improve yourself. An idol is like a guiding light. If she doesn't hel
While Ophelia had been quite harsh, her eyes turned red as soon as she spun on her heel. She had been Yvonne's fan for so many years and idolized her. It wasn't easy for Ophelia to simply dislike her right away.But Ophelia knew that she would really be a fool if she continued looking up to Yvonne. The snippet of the exchange ended there. After that, Ophelia and the others left the backstage area with reddened eyes. It was crowded outside the performance venue. Many held red LED boards, and some even held Chelsea's fan merchandise. One glance at them told Ophelia that they were Chelsians.While it seemed crowded, everyone was actually standing in two lines in an orderly fashion. Chelsea cheerfully handed out small gift bags to her fans. Afraid that Chelsea might exhaust herself, some fans took the initiative to help her hand out the bags. Others obediently distributed hot bubble tea Chelsea had bought as well. Since the weather was getting colder, she was worried that the fans wo
A twisted expression crossed Yvonne's face. "Your love for me has always been superficial! You supported me because of my looks!"Once better and prettier idols debut, you'll immediately switch sides and support them! Why should I give back so much to fans like you?"Yvonne pointed at the door. "Look how many people have shown support for Chelsea after she debuted? How many of my fans have turned into Chelsians and how many of them even started insulting me online?"Your support has always been ridiculous and superficial! What's wrong with me for taking advantage of people like you? "Fans who stan idols have always been childish and ridiculous! Serve all of you right for being so useless! Those in their right minds would never keep up with any idols!""Have you gone mad?" Ophelia couldn't help but push Yvonne aside. Ophelia couldn't believe that Yvonne, whom she had admired for so many years, had uttered such unkind words. Ophelia threw the LED board to the ground. The utter fo
The paparazzo burst into laughter. He held his stomach as he rolled on the couch in glee. "Oh, wow! You still invited your fans here in your current situation. They're really your diehard fans."A vein throbbed on Yvonne's forehead. She couldn't help but hiss under her breath. "Aren't you my fans? Since you are, you should be on my side and continue helping me!""We might be fans, but does that mean you can treat us as fools?"While Ophelia's eyes had gone red, she did not hold back as she lashed out at Yvonne. "You already knew that we're just useless female students. Why did you even message us privately and invite us to the performance venue?"We worried about you. We showed up with light sticks and gifts, just hoping to let you know we were still here and that we still had your back. "And what did you do? What are fans to you, Yvonne? Are we even people in your eyes? Or are we just tools—things you can use and toss aside whenever you feel like it?"Yvonne froze. Meanwhile, t
Yvonne opened the door and was startled by the sight of Ophelia and her friends. She patted her chest. "When did you guys arrive? Don't you know how to knock on the door?"Ophelia and her two friends stared at Yvonne with reddened eyes and did not respond. Yvonne recalled the public's opinions toward her as well as the online criticism toward her fans. Their expressions made Yvonne feel rather sympathetic toward them. Since their eyes had turned red, she believed they must have cried out of exasperation after learning that Yvonne was being bullied in the group. They really did seem to be her true fans. "Come in." Yvonne gestured with her chin. After the three entered the lounge, Yvonne handed them three bottles of juice. "Have something to drink for now. I'll take you out for a bite later."Ophelia held the bottle of juice but did not drink it. Finally, Yvonne noticed that each of them was holding a cat doll. "Are you giving me these cat dolls as presents?"The three did not say
Yvonne's chest ached, making it hard for her to breathe. The words Ophelia once said had left her feeling extremely miserable. Yvonne sat at the table and sobbed."Chelsea became what others have always dreamed to be because she didn't need any persona. She always shone the brightest on stage. Chelsea can lead her fans into a brighter future, and you'll only lead us into darkness and nightmares."Those were Ophelia's last words before leaving. Until now, her words haunted Yvonne like a relentless nightmare. It was like a projector that couldn't be switched off, replaying over and over that she was nothing compared to Chelsea.How did that happen? Ophelia was Yvonne's fan, and Yvonne believed Ophelia, the daughter of the Fords, should always be her fan. Yvonne wiped her tears away. As soon as she turned around, she saw the cat doll Ophelia had given her as a final gift. These days, Yvonne took the cat doll with her everywhere. She still kept it with her even while filming a self-
At Ashthorne Studios, the director announced, "Alright, cut! That's a wrap, everyone. Great work today! You can all head off to the hotel and get some rest." Crew members chuckled and began filing out. They were chatting as they made their way to their rooms.But Yvonne, who was still on set, was fuming as she clutched her phone. She had seen Ophelia's reply, and it only made her angrier.One of her assistants, who was trailing behind with genuine concern, asked, "Yvonne, are you alright? Feeling unwell?""Get lost!" Yvonne snapped, glaring. "You're an eyesore!"The assistant shrank back, clearly frightened and hurt by her harsh tone.Yvonne hurried off to her hotel room with her phone clutched tightly as she replayed a particular video over and over. There was no mistaking that the person in the video was one of her biggest fans from back in the day, the same fan who had once waited for her at the airport in Huntaria.A seething mix of jealousy, anger, and bitter resentment chur
Ophelia was done with Yvonne. Unable to hold back her emotions any longer, she took to Twitter to attack her."Did you really think that every gift I painstakingly made was worthless? After years of devotion, the person I once adored has become completely unrecognizable. When I confronted her, she acted as if nothing was wrong."She even claimed that because I was her fan, I had no right to criticize her. I find that utterly absurd."I once asked her what a fan meant to her, and she dismissed us as shallow, saying our love was something that could be discarded. I always believed an idol should be the pillar of her fans' dreams, a beacon of hope. "But the Yvonne I loved—the one who shone so brightly in pursuit of her dreams—was gone."So, from that day on, I severed all ties. The doll I once gave her on Twitter was my final farewell gift. It was a proper goodbye, not a sign of regret. I stopped logging into that account because I wanted to leave with dignity."And don't say Chels