"She thinks too highly of herself. She won't even have a drink when she's nothing more than a man's toy!"These were already some of the milder comments. The others were filled with vulgar words and obscene remarks that made one's stomach churn. Elijah's expression grew colder by the minute, and even the surrounding temperature seemed to drop around him."Fire him, and report him to the police," Liesel demanded coldly."I consider myself someone with a reputable standing in Ashthrone. Even heirs from prominent families would treat me with respect, and every bit of it was achieved through my own abilities. "Yet, despite that, I've become the target of his indecent livestream. Can you imagine what the other female researchers at the institute might have endured at his hands? "Can we even be sure that that bastard hasn't sexually assaulted them?" Liesel's every word resonated deeply with Elijah. "I'll get to the bottom of this and make sure you get justice. You stay here. I'll
Facing the camera, Liesel had an unmistakable cold smirk playing on her lips. Though she was smiling, her biting mockery cut through even through the screen. Everyone watching the livestream at that moment panicked. They frantically tried to exit the app, but it was impossible. It was as though their phones had stopped working, or as if someone else had somehow seized control of their devices, making it impossible to leave. These repulsive men, who only dared emerge at night and hide in the shadows to indulge their vile thoughts, were finally in a frenzy. Some of them smashed their phones, while others tossed their phones into water, thinking they had escaped the ordeal once the screen went black. But reality had different plans. Soon after, every single one of them heard a knock at their door. Even those who had destroyed their phones were all taken away. How could the police miss them when Liesel had already mapped out their coordinates? It was the easiest catch.Liesel d
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Natalie said calmly. Before leaving, Elijah seemed to sense something and glanced in their direction. A shiver ran down Natalie's spine as she squirmed in her seat."Nat, is Elijah looking at us?" Natalie's friends felt goosebumps rising all over. Natalie bit her lips. "What's there to be afraid of? They're the shameless ones behaving indecently. Why should we be scared?"Natalie clenched her phone tightly, where the screen displayed the photos and videos of Elijah and Liesel's intimate interactions. After the humiliation she faced today, she wasn't going to let Liesel off easy. Elijah and Liesel seemed so close. Who knew if the investigation results were even real? Maybe they had even planned this all along. Maybe they set her up to force her out of Ford Corporation. Natalie's face paled at the thought, and she grew angrier by the second. This time she was determined to strike back with precision. Since Elijah had been drinking, he
Natalie watched as the car disappeared into the distance. Her hands slowly clenched into fists at her sides. She sped back home, locking herself in her bedroom as soon as she arrived. She began drafting a post for the internet. The post explained how Liesel and Elijah had gotten together and colluded with each other, with Liesel helping Elijah seize control of the Hardin family. It also claimed Elijah had sabotaged the partnership just to help Liesel get back at her. After posting it online, Natalie finally let out a soothing sigh of relief. "Just wait. Both of you will be ruined by tomorrow!" she murmured. Meanwhile, after Liesel enjoyed the cool night breeze during the ride, Elijah dropped her off outside her apartment. It was only after Liesel entered her building that Elijah placed a hand over his chest. A faint smile formed on his lips. He had to admit that watching a composed Liesel tapping swiftly away at the keyboard in the private lounge, unfazed even when facing t
The research related to holography? Wayne froze, not expecting this to be the reason for Matthew's visit. However, he knew Elijah would surely kill him for revealing this information. "No, no, no… You don't know how Elijah is. He'll kill me!" Wayne trembled uncontrollably, but Matthew ignored his fear. After a while, Matthew frowned slightly. His tone was laced with a chilling edge. "If you don't talk, you'll die anyway. You're afraid of Elijah. Aren't you afraid of me?"Matthew's icy stare bore into him, and Wayne could feel the barely contained menace radiating from him. "Mr. Ford, please don't force me. I really…" Wayne wrapped his arms around his head, not daring to meet Matthew's gaze. One of Matthew's black-clad bodyguards grabbed Wayne by the head, forcing him to look up and meet Matthew's gaze. Even as Wayne continued shaking, Matthew stared at the panicked man before him with an unyielding coldness. Suddenly, for some reason, Matthew smiled gently. "There's no
It turned out that Matthew's research was focused on holography.In fact, back when she was still around, Heather had actually been doing research on holography. It was a mystery as to why Heather possessed such a comprehensive dataset back then. After he got hold of the data, Matthew hadn't been able to decipher the detailed data in it.He had been keeping a close watch on research institutes involved in holographic research and also on Liesel. He figured that since Heather could produce such cutting-edge data years ago, Liesel, her daughter, probably could do so as well. It eventually proved to be true. Upon finding out about Liesel's connection to Elijah, Matthew wasted no time and hurried back to Draskia. He knew that Elijah had been deeply involved in holography research. Given that Liesel was associated with Elijah, Matthew naturally assumed that Liesel must have had some involvement in the field as well.Having received a definitive answer from Wayne, Matthew felt a surge
It was the kind of beauty that transcended the quality of the photo. Another internet user commented, "If it were me, I'd lose it too. I'd give up everything for her—company, sanity, and even my life! I'd surrender it all to her without hesitation!"And so, the post, which was filled with the perfect mix of beauty, corporate intrigue, inheritance struggles, and revenge, triggered a wave of intense discussion. In the aftermath, Ford Corporation's stock price took a nosedive.Dash, who had been watching the drama unfold from Eldoria, couldn't help but comment on the post as well, repeatedly complimenting Natalie for her professionalism and competence.Almost instantly, Ford Corporation's competitors swiftly reached out to Natalie online, hoping to bring her on board, and even contacted Dash to try to hijack the project. In a matter of hours, Natalie's actions had shaken the entire business world.At that moment, before Liesel even took her first bite of breakfast, Natalie had alrea
Liesel knew deep down that her heart was no longer capable of love. She had always considered herself to be a rational person. Yet, she understood that even the most rational mind could be overwhelmed by emotion.She had given all her love to Jacob. Although she no longer loved him anymore, Liesel found herself too emotionally drained to love again.Elijah was a decent man. If it was merely a matter of business, Liesel would gladly go along with him. If it was a matter of love, she hadn't even contemplated that possibility."You can rest assured, Chelsea. I'm fully aware of what I'm doing," Liesel said with a reassuring smile.…Upon arriving at Ford Corporation, Liesel could distinctly sense the employees' gazes. Yet, there was no ridicule in their gazes, just curiosity. Her colleagues knew firsthand of her abilities. They understood that the online rumors about her and Elijah were unfounded. They knew she had built her reputation long before Elijah, the playboy, had even made
Austin didn't get to witness Liesel's downfall, but instead, he found himself in trouble. His overwhelming desire to bring her down had made him reckless.Investigators from White-Collar Crime Division arrived at Hardin Group. They wasted no time as they launched an in-depth investigation. The theft of such a groundbreaking research project by foreign competitors was a severe blow to the nation's industry and had drawn top-level attention.No one was allowed to leave the premises, and all employees of the research department were under scrutiny.Austin's gaze was cold and venomous. He felt nothing but contempt for Elijah and the others. To him, these men were pathetic fools for degrading themselves for a woman. How could they still call themselves men?He didn't mind the investigation. They wouldn't find anything on him anyway.His dealings with Alisha had been carried out discreetly, leaving no trace. Alisha had handled everything. None of it could be tied back to him.He was in
"Mr. Hardin has always protected Ms. Sharp," someone whispered. "He left a will that stated he would give everything to her. But as long as he's alive, that will doesn't matter. No man could tolerate such betrayal. Ms. Sharp will definitely be kicked out of Hardin Group."By the end of her words, her voice had begun to tremble. Sobs broke out of her chest. She sounded utterly pitiful.Austin wiped his face again and heaved a heavy sigh to blend in. No one knew about the chilling malice and deep satisfaction hiding in his eyes.Just then, slow, deliberate footsteps echoed down the hallway, followed by the sound of the glass door being pushed open.Everyone's heads turned. The murmured discussions fell silent, and the tense air became heavy with a solemn weight.Austin lowered his hand from his mouth and arranged his face into an expression of anxious unease.The moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived. He wanted to see for himself just how far Liesel would fall and how
Austin's face was pale, and he looked down, seemingly like everyone else in the room. But a closer look would reveal that he was the most different of all.A sly smile tugged at his lips. There was even a flicker of light in his eyes, showing an air of ease and satisfaction. He was disconnected from the sorrows of those around him.How was Liesel doing now?The thought crossed Austin's mind, and he couldn't help but blink with interest.The peak of her life was just ahead. With one step, Liesel could have everything everyone dreamed of—applause, wealth, status, and a bright future.But at the closest moment to success, her outstretched hand was brutally severed, and her foot fell into an empty void.The pain must have been excruciating.Austin shook his head and sighed inwardly. Liesel was so pitiful.He put his freshly cleaned glasses back on his high nose bridge. Avoiding the gazes of others, he wore a most comfortable smile.He thought with satisfaction, "I climbed over you
An elderly man sitting next to Richard said, "One month. Liesel has to go if things aren't settled in a month."Felix looked at Liesel, who nodded.And just like that, it was decided.Richard, along with his subordinates, left the meeting room. As they passed Liesel, Richard shot her a look full of disdain.Liesel stood there with a faint smile. She was completely indifferent to the situation.As the group walked by, Howard subtly extended his long leg.Richard tripped and went tumbling to the ground, landing face-first. As he scrambled up, he glared back with a grim expression.He could deal with Liesel and plot against Felix, but Howard was a different story. He couldn't do a thing to him."Let's go, Ms. Sharp." Howard stood up leisurely while casually adjusting his silver-gray tie. His Adam's apple sat perfectly at the collar of his shirt.Howard had once again reached new heights of attractiveness today.In the elevator, Liesel asked curiously, "You didn't even use a remo
Felix nodded at Liesel, who was standing on stage. Just as he was about to speak, his phone began buzzing loudly.Every phone call was crucial during such a critical moment. Felix waved his hand, gesturing for everyone to wait for a moment. He checked his phone and saw that he had received more than ten of the same videos over and over again. On the video thumbnail was a silhouette of Liesel embracing Thomas.Felix's fingers twitched as he looked up at Liesel, who was still waiting for his response. At the same time, all the other executives' phones vibrated. Everyone had received the same videos. The crowd stared in shock at the sight of Liesel and Thomas in those videos. She had cheated on Elijah by hooking up with Thomas. Didn't that imply it was actually possible for her to betray Hardin Group? That was the crucial moment Richard had been waiting for. He couldn't help but give some sarcastic remarks. "How exciting for you, Ms. Sharp. You've used my son to take everything aw
Howard paused, but he wasn't surprised that Richard was trying to cast the blame on Liesel at that moment. Felix also instantly looked up with a fiery gaze. He really didn't understand why they weren't coming up with a solution at that moment. Instead, Richard wanted to continue the internal conflict and fight for some power that outsiders would consider insignificant.Dakota hurriedly placed a hand on Felix's shoulder and hinted for him to calm down. Dakota continued, "Mr. Donner, the same technology with the exact specifications happened to be released before we could even launch it."Things can't be that coincidental. We must get to the bottom of this, but we shouldn't panic and lose our composure either."The turbulent emotions within Felix faded away instantly as he ordered, "As long as the matter isn't clear yet, no one is allowed to make any statements that would negatively impact the company or their colleagues!" The first order of business was to keep everyone's mouths
"No. Ms. Sharp wants to achieve a global market share of 35%.""Wow! That target is insane! If Ms. Sharp succeeds, won't our company be making a fortune? Those two are our most profitable projects!""We can't be sure how much our company will earn since those amounts are way beyond our imagination. We might as well think about how much bonuses we'll receive this year.""I think I can use my bonuses this time to pay a down payment for a house in Ashthorne. I might even be able to get a nice car."Everyone's excited voices drifted across the spacious office. Their eyes lit up with excitement and hope. Austin tossed the files aside before reaching for his phone to send a text. "It's time." After sending the message, he deleted it instantly, and the chat vanished as well.A moment later, an overseas car manufacturer suddenly announced some earth-shattering news, causing a stir across the automotive industry.At the same time, Augustine's family also revealed their cancer treatment
These new projects were worth hundreds of millions in the market, and Liesel was the reason everyone could enjoy the profits. Before the announcement was even over, rounds of applause echoed across the meeting room several times.The optimized cancer treatment medication was enough to surpass the related treatments that foreign countries had always dominated. The medication had outperformed those of the Bergs' family company, which led to Hardin Group capturing their market share.Everyone in the meeting room beamed at Liesel on stage. Even Richard was amazed by how profitable these projects were.Howard held a remote as he leisurely controlled a colorful drone. Despite being present at such a crucial meeting, he remained carefree and indifferent. However, no one dared to criticize him. He was the only one who could develop the blueprint Liesel had drafted. Hardin Group could only go as far as Howard's strong capabilities.The executives' faces had gone red from excitement, and s
Of course, Thomas heard of Elijah before and became indignant instantly. "I can definitely achieve whatever Elijah has! He always spends his time flirting with women. How could I not be better than him?" Thomas was disdainful. To him, Elijah was a spoiled heir just like himself. "You've not kept up with Elijah for so long." Cameron seemed to have aged a lot in a moment. "He's been pretending all this while. Have a look for yourself."Cameron had ordered someone to organize all information related to Elijah last night so Thomas could have a look once he was awake. Thomas looked through every page. The more he read, the more despondent he grew.Elijah pretended to be useless, but Thomas was truly incompetent. If Thomas had to make a point, the Kellers were far wealthier than the Hardins. In terms of looks, Elijah was known for being attractive. Thomas was even once worried that Liesel might find him too muscular.Thomas' eyes lit up as he read the last part of the files. It deta