Jacob recalled the days when Liesel was by his side. Her gaze used to be filled with earnestness and clear adoration for him. It didn't take long for her to seek comfort in Elijah, which seemed like a betrayal to Jacob.Jacob gazed at their tight embrace. The look in his eyes seemed to grow more bitter. Jacob stood under the bright light, quietly gazing at the kissing couple. Although the light emitted warmth, he merely felt cold. No one knew how long Elijah and Liesel had been kissing, but Jacob's gaze never left them. Despite feeling his chest ache, he still forced himself to watch Elijah and Liesel kiss each other. Once they finally separated, Liesel relaxed as if she could no longer continue kissing. However, Elijah carefully lifted her in bridal style. He laid her on the long chair outside by the hot springs, allowing her to lie down comfortably. Liesel's bright eyes were tinged with red. Her clear, dark pupils were filled with arousal. His kiss had caused her lips to t
"It was Liesel who put on a show and schemed for our wedding to happen. Are you assuming that I care about her? I definitely don't. From the day we married, I warned her that I would never fall for her in this lifetime!"To me, she's just a cheap woman to satisfy my physical needs. Ford Corporation needs her, and my body needs her. She'll never get any love from me."By then, Jacob already stepped out of the hot springs. He had loosened his tie and was staring at Elijah mockingly. "It's hard to believe that you care so much about her. I've already grown bored of the woman I married for three years before you could even touch her."Jacob grabbed Elijah by the collar and mocked him. "Her body has already gotten used to my needs long ago. "As long as I kiss her, she'll definitely respond to me. Why did you think she invited me here? She clearly wanted me to fulfill her physical needs. After all, you, as her new lover, couldn't even satisfy her desires."Everything Jacob said was i
The water in the wooden bucket was filled with ice shards. All of its contents were splashed on top of Elijah and Jacob. The iciness caused their anger to dissipate. Elijah's hoarse voice was filled with obvious fury. "Lili, I just wanted to get revenge on your behalf."After hearing Jacob say all that, Elijah was unable to take it anymore. That was why he hit Jacob. Liesel was Elijah's woman, so he would never allow anyone to humiliate her. Elijah also couldn't accept how Jacob casually dismissed three years of Liesel's passionate love for him. All Jacob said was Liesel deserved it.Jacob was being ridiculous and mean."No need to do that." Liesel wrapped the coat around herself tightly as if she was feeling cold. However, there was a faint smile on her face, which seemed warm and gentle. "I no longer care about whatever he said earlier." As soon as she spoke, Elijah and Jacob were taken aback. No one expected Liesel to hear everything. Elijah pushed Jacob aside and got t
Liesel had always been innocent. "Jacob, I've never hurt you before," she said as she stared at him, her cool gaze filled with hurt. "But why must you keep hurting me?" Why did Jacob have to hurt her? Why did he look down on her? Why did he not consider her human? Was it because she wasn't his beloved? Then, what did her passionate love mean to him all these years?It was okay for Jacob to not love her. But was it necessary for him to be so cruel by torturing her?Liesel clenched her fists tightly. Her face was pale as she pursed her lips weakly. "If I could go back in time, I never would have attended the party that night."I also wouldn't have wanted to marry you. Anyway, I've already divorced you, leaving you without a wife. So, you should let go of me now."Liesel stared at him while emphasizing every word. "Jacob, I don't love you anymore. Let me go."These words left Jacob feeling terribly choked. He seemed to have truly realized that he had lost someone very importa
Elijah cupped Liesel's face with his hands. A glint of helplessness flashed in his narrowed eyes as he looked downward. However, his warm gaze was filled with gentleness when he looked at her.That kind of tenderness might not even represent passionate love. Elijah happened to care for Liesel and was protective of her. Hence, he paid close attention to her.He kept wiping away her endless tears. Still, Liesel was gorgeous.At that moment, her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were red. Her eyes, which should have been filled with happiness, held only despair. It looked as if Liesel had applied blush to the tip of her nose as well. Tears fell from the corner of her eyes without stopping.Did Liesel run off so quickly because she knew she couldn't hold herself back from crying? Perhaps she didn't want Jacob to see how miserable she was. Despite knowing that Liesel was crying for Jacob, Elijah still couldn't help but feel sorry for her. There was a slight bitterness within Elijah'
Elijah made a small wish. He prayed that Liesel would still be by his side for his birthday celebration next year. Liesel opened her eyes and met Elijah's friendly gaze, which was filled with desire. The dim room was only lit by the faint candlelight, making his dark eyes sparkle."What are you looking at me for?" Liesel's cheeks burned slightly. She felt weak all over after sensing his intense gaze on her. Elijah instantly leaned closer, his face drawing nearer to hers while watching her look at him."I was thinking." His warm breath fanned her face, causing the atmosphere in the room to turn intimate. "For my actual birthday present, could you let me kiss you?"Liesel tilted her head, not wanting to meet his overly heated gaze. Elijah let out a low chuckle while grabbing her chin gently. Liesel didn't object as she raised her head to meet his eyes."Didn't you want that pen as your birthday present?" she retorted to his request. "I'm slightly greedy." Elijah cupped her
Elijah also wore the same black robe, but his demeanor was more reserved. He seemed much more carefree, though that didn't make him any less threatening than Jacob.Elijah looked up while stroking his thin lips. It was as if he was trying to show off or even declare his dominance.Jacob stood rooted to the spot, his darkened gaze fixed on Elijah's and Liesel's figures. He had no idea when Drew showed up beside him. Drew dutifully handed the information he'd gathered to Jacob, who frowned when he saw Natalie's gloating smile in the surveillance footage."Mr. Ford, what do you need me to do?" Drew asked. He had an idea of what likely happened last night.It was definitely Natalie who harbored sinister thoughts of ruining Liesel. She wanted Elijah to see Liesel and Jacob kiss, causing Liesel to lose Elijah's protection.Even Drew's gentle gaze had turned cold and filled with disdain toward Natalie. "There's no need to do anything."Jacob tore the documents before tossing the bit
A look of contemplation appeared on Liesel's cool face. "I'll be there," she finally said.After a pause, she looked up at Jacob. "I'll bring Elijah along."Once Liesel finished speaking, she did not stay any longer and left with Elijah. She only clenched her fists after getting into the car, unable to suppress the hatred in her heart. "Liesel, something's off about you."Liesel pursed her lips as she gazed at Elijah beside her, but she did not respond.Elijah did not bring it up again. To him, it was far better for Liesel to sit with her thoughts for a while. He guessed that her sudden change in emotions was because of Matthew. That said, based on their current relationship, they probably weren't close enough for Liesel to share everything with Elijah completely. …Since there was a meeting scheduled at Ford Corporation, Jacob returned to the company. Once the meeting was over, he learned that Elijah had dropped by for a visit.Jacob had no clue about Elijah's purpose for
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