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
It felt like the oppressive presence of someone who had long stood at the pinnacle of power and prestige. This was almost the exact same feeling Vivian got from Jacob.So, this was… his secretary? Vivian felt a lump in her throat. For a moment, she deeply regretted acting recklessly without much thought."Ms. Secretary…" Her voice was dry.Before Vivian could utter an apology, Liesel gently tapped the wooden railing beside her. On the railing sat a stunning bouquet of irises, which accentuated her beauty.Liesel's voice carried a faint hint of amusement. "I'm not his secretary anymore."It felt that she had deliberately chosen this moment to speak. "I'm just the manager. You can call me Ms. Sharp."So, Liesel was not his secretary. Her words seemed to draw clear boundaries between herself and Jacob.Vivian was stunned by her words. Yet, Liesel remained composed. She smiled calmly."Ms. Sharp, I didn't mean to bump into you on purpose. I just got too excited when I saw Mr. Ford.
Vivian's face turned pale at his words. Her lips trembled, and for a long moment, she couldn't find the words to respond.She couldn't blame Lucian for this.Lucian held a deep admiration for both Jacob and Liesel, and he was Liesel's mentor. He had often said that Jacob and Liesel were the most outstanding, intelligent, and courageous entrepreneurs he had ever taught.Lucian held Liesel in such high regard. If he knew she was twisting the truth to flatter Jacob, he would surely be upset.Vivian was at a loss for words.Her every thought seemed laid bare under their sharp gazes. Panic and fear flashed across her face as everyone watched her.She knew well that from the moment she tried to use her cleverness to get ahead, everyone had been waiting for her to fail.They were all jealous and envious, hoping to see her humiliated. No one wanted her to truly succeed and climb the social ladder.At this moment, Vivian was so nervous and frightened that she wanted to cry.Liesel look
Liesel gently sought her opinion.Vivian's heart fluttered.How could someone who had been admitted to Alden University and was valued by Lucian be anything but intelligent? Liesel certainly wasn't foolish.Liesel understood her situation. She knew that everyone was watching her. Those people were waiting for her to fail. They were hoping to see her embarrassed and humiliated. However, Liesel offered her an out and even lifted her up with praise.Liesel was like a living legend in the finance faculty at Alden University. The charity organizations she founded for disabled individuals and women who had lost the chance to attend school were still operating, and they were even profitable enough to help more people each year.That was her gift to Alden University, and also the greatest contribution to those in need.For this reason, she was seen almost as a figure of reverence among some students in the finance faculty. She was the example Lucian always spoke of, an outstanding gradua
"She admires you and has feelings for you. It's natural for her to feel hostility toward me. She simply bumped into me when she rushed over and said some half-hearted words. She ignored my contributions just to get closer to you in front of me. She has no real impact on me," Liesel continued."She's just a naive student. How could she possibly insult me? You're the one who's gone too far."A sharp glint flashed in Liesel's cold eyes as she fixed her dissatisfied gaze on Jacob.Jacob looked at her impassively and gave her space to explain. Liesel seized the opportunity and calmly said, "You know everyone was watching her. They were waiting for her to be humiliated and forced to flee. They were waiting for her to be crushed by your disdain. Just as they expected, you responded with cold, harsh words. Maybe you don't care, and maybe she won't affect you, but your actions could ruin her life."Vivian hadn't actually done anything wrong. She was bolder and more calculating than the ot
"Wait! My friend's a top talent agent! I'm sending this guy's photo to them right now. Seriously, that guy's face alone is going to make him jump for joy!" "He's standing next to Liesel and he still manages to stand out? That's what you call a real beauty!" Those who recognized Jordan's name were stunned. "Wait, are you guys seriously saying you don't know who Jordan is?" "Jordan! As in Shifter Corporation's vice president!" "Shifter Corporation? The multinational conglomerate that's basically untouchable? The same one with international influence, where even seasoned capital firms clamor for partnerships?"Yeah, Shifter Corporation. Do you want him to ditch all that to join the entertainment industry? Are you out of your mind? Do you have any idea how much he earns per second?" The chat slowed down for a brief moment before exploding in a torrent of frenzied comments. "Jordan lives up to the hype. That face could make anyone lose their train of thought." "So,
Liesel raised her gaze. Her eyes were cold as they locked onto Uriah. The chill radiating from her was impossible to miss. "And who exactly are you supposed to be?" she asked with one hand resting lightly on the edge of the table. "I worked at Ashthorne for three years and never once heard of some grand figure like you at Hardin Group." She made a shocked face. "Ah, Mr. Uriah. My apologies. It's been so long since I've seen you. You look so diminished. Have you lost your appetite? Or maybe you're just too weak to keep up." The remark was a blatant jab. Everyone in the room knew it hadn't been long since Elijah ousted Uriah from his position at Hardin Group—a coup that wouldn't have been possible without Liesel's support. To Uriah, Elijah couldn't have taken Hardin Group away without Liesel. She was the reason he had lost everything. He slammed his hand on the table as he stood abruptly. "Liesel! Without you, do you think Elijah would've had the guts to take Hardin Group
"I'm not crazy, but sitting in a wheelchair for negotiations is not my style." Jordan rubbed his temples. "Ms. Sharp, you're stunning enough. You could sit in a wheelchair and still be the most beautiful person in the room. Can you just be reasonable for once?" "No," Liesel shot back. "If I'm sitting in a wheelchair next to you, it'll make you look better than me. I can't have that." Jordan was annoyed. It wasn't his fault that he was good-looking. "Fine. I'll bring the wheelchair, but you don't have to use it. Just promise me you'll call if you feel like you need it. I'll be right there." Liesel trusted Jordan completely. But she knew that showing even a hint of weakness would give the board members ammunition to undermine her. They'd latch onto the fact that she was recovering from a miscarriage. They would turn that into a weapon to question her capability.When they arrived at Hardin Group, the board meeting was already underway. Employees gave Liesel suspicious loo
"The Hardins claim that Mr. Hardin was a hopeless romantic who foolishly left all his assets and shares to Liesel in his will. If they can't find Mr. Hardin's body, Liesel becomes the sole beneficiary. She'll inherit years' worth of the Hardin Group's wealth!" "Get rich and lose the husband? That's definitely suspicious!" "The issue is that Liesel cheated with Elijah. She moved on seamlessly, only to have her child with Elijah miscarried shortly after leaving Ford Corporation. And now Elijah's in trouble? Who wouldn't think Liesel's involved?" "If I were one of the Hardins, I'd be fuming too!" "If Liesel orchestrated all this, she needs to be investigated thoroughly. She's a cold-blooded murderer who doesn't see people as anything but obstacles to her ambitions!" "Liesel's no saint, but are the Hardins any better? Let's be real—they only care about what Elijah left behind. Otherwise, why call a board meeting at a time like this? Why not focus on finding Elijah? It's absu
Elijah's gaze remained cold. "You should know by now that the Hardins are eager for me to solidify ties with the Miller family through marriage. Liesel would never tolerate a betrayal like that."Matthew's eyes widened. He glared at Elijah with a hatred so intense, it was as if he were facing his mortal enemy."You're insane! With Liesel by your side, why would you even consider someone like Belinda?"Elijah hadn't contacted Belinda. He wanted to convince Matthew that his ties to Liesel were irreparably broken. He didn't want Matthew to continue to have a hold on her. He couldn't bear to be Liesel's weak link.Elijah clenched his fists as his expression clouded with sadness. He didn't need a doctor to tell him how broken he was. He was nothing more than a cripple now. Someone like him had no right to stand by Liesel's side.The woman he loved deserved a man who was exceptional in every way. And yet, that someone could never be him.Liesel was surrounded by extraordinary men like
Matthew stood still. His gaze was fixed on the large screen in the lab. Liesel's uploaded video was on an endless loop, and his eyes glimmered with unsettling obsession.The faint sound of movement behind him drew his attention. He turned and towered over Elijah who had just begun to regain consciousness on the hard floor."Mr. Hardin, we meet again."Elijah leaned against the icy wall while fighting to stay awake. His right arm hung at an unnatural angle. It was dislocated. With a sharp breath, he held it with his good arm, and with a sickening crack, he pushed it back in place.His lower body was in agony. He was in so much pain that his face paled. Sweat soaked through his shirt as he forced himself to meet Matthew's gaze."I suspected it might be you, but I didn't think you'd have hundreds of cars go after me just to prove me right. I'm flattered.""Oh, don't flatter yourself, Mr. Hardin. It wasn't just me." Matthew stepped closer."You've made a lot of enemies. Did you real
Neither outcome would satisfy Jordan. If Elijah was crippled, he would no longer be worthy of Liesel. If Elijah wasn't, then Liesel and Shifter Corporation were sure to suffer severe losses. Either way, Elijah had become an obstacle Jordan hadn't anticipated. He needed answers so he could act. The oppressive heat and humidity broke as rain poured down in torrents. Sheets of water blurred Liesel's vision as they slammed against the ground. The sharp, metallic sound of rain on the wreckage pierced the air and intensified the stench of the wreckage. Liesel clutched at her chest while trying to suppress the wave of nausea clawing its way up her throat. "Let's go back. I know Elijah is alive." She didn't elaborate further. She lowered her gaze as she headed back to the car. Once inside, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through Elijah's last messages. "Heritage Hotel just introduced a new seasonal dish. Should we take Xavier there after his exams?" Before Liesel could
Fragments of charred sports car debris lay scattered across the ground. Liesel's wheelchair couldn't navigate the terrain. Jordan was forced to help her walk into the chaos. The midday sun was hidden behind a sky darkened by thick clouds that cast an eerie gloom over the mountains. Black smoke rose in columns and merged with the clouds as if the earth was lamenting the devastation.The scene was grim as there were piles of smashed cars. Faint cries for help drifted from within some of the vehicles. When they drew closer, twisted wreckage of vehicles could be seen as jagged shards of metal glinted faintly amidst the shadows. Occasionally, sparks flickered from damaged car parts.The stench of burning rubber and gas was vomit-inducing. It forced anyone present to hold their breath.Flashing red and blue lights from police cars against the gray skies added an unsettling edge.It wasn't just law enforcement that came as paramedics swarmed the area. Their bright reflective vests s
If Liesel truly was the head of Shifter Corporation, it would change everything.Shifter Corporation had revolutionized domestic commercial capital.It was the first Draskian company to establish a foothold abroad. It broke into the Fortune 500 within a year and dominated the fields of renewable energy and cybersecurity in just three years. Now, it was a global powerhouse that businesses worldwide sought to partner with.The idea that such a company—one that inspired awe at the mere mention of its name—belonged to Liesel was staggering.Denzel sat silently on the couch for a long time.He raised his hand and pinched the bridge of his nose. At this moment, he couldn't say a single word. He even felt that anything he said now would be pointless.How deeply had Liesel once loved Jacob to the point of forgetting who she was?She had set aside all her glory, all her accomplishments, just to get close to him. And in return, she had received only indifference and harm.Denzel's throat