Liesel had left Ford Manor not long ago, and this was Elijah's secret hideout. How had Jacob found her so quickly? If he hadn't spied on her, then what else could it be?Liesel's eyes darkened as the thought took root.No. Perhaps there was a tracker planted on her all along. And the only thing that could hold a tracker and that she carried with her regularly... was her phone.Liesel pulled out her phone and looked Jacob in the eyes. "The tracker is in here, isn't it?"While Jacob remained silent, Elijah smiled as he took the phone from Liesel. He asked, "Ms. Sharp, would you mind if I disassembled your phone?"Liesel shook her head and handed it over.With quick, practiced movements, Elijah disassembled the phone. Sure enough, there was a tracking device inside. He removed it, weighed it lightly in his hand, and toyed with it."It's a two-year-old brand. Looks like this tracker has been in here for quite some time."Elijah's smile lingered, but it was laced with coldness. "Mr.
Denzel's hands were elegant, with neatly trimmed nails and distinct knuckles. He moved with grace and poured tea into a glazed teacup. The delicate aroma of the tea quickly filled the room."I heard from Alex..."He looked up at Jacob and Liesel. Noticing the considerable distance between them, he couldn't help but smile. "Have you two gotten a divorce?"Liesel clenched her hands tightly. She said, "Our marriage was always more of a business arrangement. It was only a matter of time before we would part ways.""I see." Denzel sipped his tea with ease."Your decision is your own. I won't interfere, but I hope you don't regret it in the future."Denzel maintained a soft smile throughout. By the time he finished his cup of tea, he seemed to have shed the fatigue from earlier. "Ms. Sharp, let's go."Jacob was about to follow, but Denzel stopped him. "Jake, stay here. Since you two are divorced, you should keep some distance. I'll have a female doctor handle the examination. Once the
Liesel looked down, and her voice was barely audible when she said, "Actually, Jacob is also quite innocent. That night was truly an accident. He has done a lot for me by marrying me."On the first day of our marriage, he told me he had feelings for someone else and that we would eventually divorce." Denzel stared at her. "I understand Jake is innocent, but from the perspective of your marriage, everything he did as a husband was wrong. You're now carrying his child."Ms. Sharp, whether to keep the child or not is entirely your choice. You are the one who carries his child. You need to make a decision that you won't regret."Denzel was known for his deep aversion to wrongdoing. He had once acted impulsively, which led him to study psychology to calm himself.As the heir of the Johanson family, he was a genius physician capable of performing surgeries across various specialties. Even abroad, he had been involved in rescue missions and had helped many women give birth.He had wit
"Jake, my dad asked if Liesel was close to Elijah. He wants to discuss a collaboration with him."The mention of Elijah's name irritated Jacob. He replied indifferently, "What kind of collaboration could require your father to approach Elijah? Is Ford Corporation not on par with Hardin Group?""It's not that… My dad just doesn't want to bother you, Jake." Natalie sighed lightly and said, "Actually, Liesel should be close to Elijah, right?"Otherwise, he wouldn't have taken her to see fireworks and sunrise. He even targeted you, Jake," Natalie continued with a concerned look."I'm quite upset. Doesn't this seem like Liesel is cheating on you? I'm worried they might have been together before your divorce. Isn't this betrayal?"She pouted, appearing genuinely upset on Jacob's behalf."Are you angry for me?" Jacob asked. His gaze was cool.Natalie nodded vigorously as if she truly was upset.Jacob looked at the computer screen, where Liesel's medical examination report was displaye
"Ms. Sharp, you missed it yesterday. That new secretary, Natalie, made another mistake. This time, she messed up the decimal points on the financial report. Thankfully, our review was thorough enough to catch it; otherwise, that contract would have cost Ford Corporation a fortune."A secretary who had worked with Liesel before remarked when she saw Liesel entering the CEO's office. She was clearly not holding back her disdain for Natalie.She didn't address Natalie formally since Liesel shared the same surname, and it might sound like she was jeering at Liesel instead of Natalie."Exactly. She thinks everyone here has to clean up her mess. Ms. Sharp, you can't keep helping her out every time she makes a mistake," another secretary with glasses added with a hint of impatience."If she doesn't have the capability, she shouldn't be in that position. She's delusional to think she can match up to you. She's better off just sitting in the office and stamping papers."Those in the secret
What a joke.Liesel had always been polite and soft-spoken before Jacob, but right now, her anger made her appear animated.Jacob ran his fingers over the paper. "I just want Natalie to learn and grow from this. After what happened with Elijah, I'll get the other secretaries to review every contract she is in charge of before sending it out to ensure that there won't be any mistakes.""I hope you know what you're doing, Mr. Ford," Liesel said. Her eyes flashed.Just as she was about to leave, Jacob's low voice sounded from behind. "I saw your medical report. You should get some rest."Liesel did not turn around. She just nodded slightly before walking toward the door.Just then, someone knocked sharply on the door.Liesel opened the door. A young woman stood outside. She was tall and had a great figure. Unlike Liesel, whose beauty was hidden under a cold demeanor, the woman carried herself with grace and gentleness.When she saw Liesel, joy appeared on her face. "Oh, you're her
Ophelia was the only one who could speak to Jacob so rudely. "Jacob, you're married. Are you having an extramarital affair? Have you been corrupted by high society as well?"She was shocked beyond coherence. "How can you be so immoral? The Ford family taught you better than that!" she continued babbling without giving Jacob a chance to reply. She looked shocked.The word "immoral" made Jacob laugh out of sheer anger. Lowly, he said, "Ophelia Ford, stop spouting nonsense.""I'm not spouting nonsense! You are having an affair. I'm just telling the truth!" Ophelia clenched her fists. "Don't worry, Liesel. I'll tell Grandpa when I get home. He'll teach his jerk a lesson!""Ophelia, Jacob and I got a divorce," Liesel said. She stopped Ophelia before she could do anything rash. Her voice was calm as if she was telling a story that she wasn't involved in. "Don't tell Grandpa. He's getting on in age and won't be able to take the shock."Ophelia stopped. She turned to stare at Liesel in sh
"Your sister? Who's your sister? Did you just call Liesel your sister? You—"Ophelia turned to Jacob and Liesel. She needed a proper explanation as to who Natalie was right now.Natalie looked upset. "Liesel is my elder sister, Ms. Ford."Ophelia was so shocked that she stumbled unsteadily on her feet."I know you despise me because of the circumstances of my birth, but how is that my fault? My mother made a mistake in the past. I didn't know anything about that when I was born. I'm innocent. I didn't even know that Jacob was my brother-in-law when I fell in love with him," Natalie sobbed.Ophelia felt as if a bomb had exploded in her mind, set off by Natalie's words.The circumstances of Natalie's birth, her mother's mistake, she was innocent…All this just to say that she was an illegitimate child born out of wedlock who became the mistress of her sister's husband.She looked at Natalie's frail demeanor, and disgust welled up in her heart. Unable to restrain herself, she slap
Thomas trembled slightly at the thought and smirked at himself mockingly.As he studied Elijah, Elijah was quietly observing him in return.This wasn't Elijah's first time meeting Thomas.On the day of the interview, Elijah had caught a glimpse of him in passing. Back then, Thomas had radiated confidence and defiance, like a proud lion ruling the prairie. But now, he looked like a rabbit with tear-streaked, bloodshot eyes.Although calling him a rabbit wasn't entirely accurate, the redness in his eyes was undeniable.Had he confessed again? It seemed he had been rejected yet another time.Elijah's hand rested on the armrest of his wheelchair as he gazed at Thomas calmly. He didn't question Thomas' relationship with Liesel because he trusted her completely. If anything, at this moment, Elijah found Thomas pitiful.Thomas didn't know what Elijah was thinking. Seeing Elijah's frail state filled him with shame. Pursuing Liesel behind Elijah's back now felt utterly disgraceful.He c
Thomas stood up stiffly. He kept his head bowed, and his devastated face was hidden in shadow."I'm sorry, Liesel," he said. His voice was choking with emotion. "But I really like you... I didn't want to cause you trouble. I just couldn't stop myself from falling for you."Liesel kept her gaze fixed on him. "I know," she replied calmly. "But I still have to say no."Her rejection was as straightforward as it was merciless. "My love is Elijah—now and always. Thomas, don't waste your time on me. Focus on your own life. "Pursue someone who's truly right for you. One day, you'll find the person meant to be with you." "I'm sorry," Thomas muttered. "I guess I've been too immature... but my feelings for you have always been genuine."He looked at her, and his words carried a depth of affection that refused to be contained. Then, without another word, he turned and headed for the door.Liesel silently watched the tall figure retreat. "Thomas, you'll find the right person someday,"
Thomas was momentarily stunned. After a brief pause, he hurriedly blurted out, "I'll go abroad with you!"His reaction was quick, but his words came out before his thoughts could catch up. It was an impulsive response."Then what about my career? What about my dreams?" Liesel gazed at him while saying firmly, "Will you ask the woman you love to give up everything she's worked so hard to achieve just to be with you? Do you even know how much effort it took for her to reach where she is today? "What gives you the right to destroy it all? What gives you the right to demand she abandon everything and start over from scratch?"Thomas, the least you could do for someone you love is to not make their life worse. Do you understand that? Do you realize how many people are already speculating about my relationship with you?"If you step forward now, they'll pounce on the opportunity to ridicule me. They'll say I'm promiscuous, that I dumped Elijah in favor of someone with greater wealth
Liesel looked at Thomas, who was on the verge of tears, and couldn't help but pinch the bridge of her nose. "Don't cry," she said.The tears Thomas had been holding back streamed down his cheeks instantly. For the first time, Thomas disobeyed her."You rejected me, and now you won't even let me cry! I just feel so wronged," he said. His expression was heartbreakingly vulnerable, like a child abandoned by the world.And wasn't that exactly what was happening? Thomas was about to be cast aside by Liesel. How could he not be devastated?If Thomas let himself cry fully, he reckoned he would drown the world in his tears.He couldn't help it and reached out to grab Liesel's hand. "Can't you love me too? Please?"The tall young man knelt before her. He was being completely sincere."Thomas, I already love someone else," Liesel said softly. "I love Elijah, and he loves me. He treats me so well."You shouldn't waste your time on me. One day, you'll meet someone who's right for you. But
Thomas asked if the miscarriage hurt. "Did it hurt?"He didn't think about anything else. His first thought was whether Liesel had suffered and been in pain.Liesel's throat tightened. A self-mocking smile flashed across her face.Did it hurt?Of course, it did.She had felt pain when she divorced. She had felt pain whenever she saw Jacob. She had felt pain when she lost their child.For a long time, every time she closed her eyes, she would be haunted by nightmares. She would dream of a child calling her "Mommy." The child would cry and beg her not to leave.Compared to that, physical pain was nothing.Even now, whenever she saw children on the street, she would think of the life that never had the chance to be born.Liesel lowered her gaze in silence. Thomas felt his throat tighten.But it was only for a moment. In the next second, all the darkness and pain in his eyes disappeared. "I don't care! I only care if you're hurting!"Thomas wiped his face, discreetly brushing aw
Thomas was momentarily dazed by Liesel's words. After a few seconds, he took a deep breath and nodded obediently. "Ask me. I won't lie."There was no guilt in his expression. Other than his identity, he had never lied to Liesel.Liesel smiled slightly and asked, "Your name is Thomas?""Yeah." He answered immediately.His eyes were glowing with sincerity. He wouldn't lie to her.Liesel continued to smile at him. "Are you really called Thomas?""I am."Thomas started feeling a bit wronged. His name was Thomas. He wondered why she was questioning him about that.Liesel's gaze locked onto his. Her voice turned colder. "I'll ask you one more time. Is your name really Thomas? If you lie again, I won't give you another chance."To Liesel, trust was the bare minimum.Thomas felt even more aggrieved, but when he thought about his real identity, he straightened his back and answered seriously."I really am Thomas. There's a copy of my ID in my resume—you've seen it! My original name w
The entire drive, Liesel didn't speak. Thomas, sensing her mood, dared not say a word either. It stayed that way until they reached Liesel's apartment."So, your business is done? You're off leave and coming back?" she asked casually as if just making conversation."Yeah. It's done," Thomas answered.Liesel hummed in acknowledgment. She glanced at him briefly before leading him to a nearby restaurant. Inside a private dining room, she pulled out a chair and ordered, "Sit."Thomas obediently walked over, sat down, and tilted his face up to look at her. His eyes were innocent, and his gaze was soft.Liesel paused slightly at the sight of him, then quickly looked away. "Have you sorted it out?"She was asking if he had sorted out his emotions, his feelings. Thomas didn't answer.Because he hadn't. If anything, he had only become more obsessed. His mind was filled with thoughts of her. He wanted to be with her and protect her.Cameron had worried endlessly about Thomas' state of mi
Jacob stood in the sunlight, yet it felt as if he were engulfed in shadow. His eyes were darker than the night."Let's go." Liesel turned and started walking back.Jacob, who had been leaning against the car, immediately took a few hurried steps forward.He wanted to get closer but he also knew he no longer had the right. That kind of inescapable pain was the hardest to endure."Liesel, can we talk here? Just 10 minutes, that's all I ask." His bloodshot eyes looked even more exhausted than before.Liesel shook her head.Howard stepped in, blocking his view."Howard, this is between me and Liesel." Jacob barely held back his temper. He was already at his lowest. He didn't want to show an even uglier side of himself."And I have business with Liesel too." Howard smiled slightly.Jacob had had enough. He grabbed Howard by the collar.Howard didn't back down. He raised his arm and pressed it against Jacob's throat in retaliation.The two men locked eyes with burning hostility li
Even the esteemed heir of Ford Corporation, Jacob, had his bad days.Liesel didn't look back. She walked to a quiet corner and asked, "What's the situation with the case?""I provided the police with surveillance footage from my drone," said Howard."What footage?""Alisha took out a loan to buy a small apartment in Ashthorne. It was her little love nest with Austin. But because Ashthorne's housing prices are so high, her salary barely covers the interest payments. She ended up taking out multiple payday loans, and with the accumulating interest, she's in serious debt. "While at work, she used her computer to calculate the interest and even logged into WhatsApp to beg Austin for help. The footage captured their chat history. Turns out, Austin was the one who pushed her into this situation from the start.""If you want to control a weak-willed woman, you either manipulate her financially or emotionally. Austin went for both," Liesel scoffed.Howard nodded. "Judging by his method