The door to the conference room swung open. Jacob emerged first. His gaze immediately landed on the scene before him. Under the cool lighting were two figures standing close to each other. They were Liesel and Elijah. Liesel's smile was soft and radiant.Jacob's throat tightened. He asked himself if Liesel had ever smiled at him like that in their three years of marriage.No, she hadn't. And, perhaps, it was because of him that she never had. Behind him, the executives of Ford Corporation filed out. Some of them were longtime supporters of Liesel while others quietly resented her presence. After all, she was a woman who occupied such a pivotal managerial role. She had recently turned down the partnership with Dash, sparing Ford Corporation from a disastrous deal. No one could fault her now, even if they wanted to. "You're late, Ms. Sharp. We missed your insight during the discussions!" "We panicked a little without your presence in the meeting.""Would you like t
"Just get some rest, and then come back to Ford Corporation." Jacob seemed desperate to escape. He wanted to avoid the conversation he knew was coming. Liesel remained motionless. Her gaze was fixed on Jacob's broad, retreating figure. "Jacob, I'm exhausted." Jacob didn't stop. "You really don't understand why I'm resigning?" Liesel stood in place as she continued, "Henry's death is tied to you."Jacob froze. "Natalie's feud with Bromwich—you were the one who mediated it."Jacob turned, but he couldn't face her eyes. Liesel wasn't done."And you've destroyed the evidence of Jeffrey's proxy test taker scandal. You let him walk away unscathed." Each accusation was a statement, not a question. "For three years, I worked at Ford Corporation and stayed by your side. And in all that time, I couldn't figure you out, Jacob. I couldn't see through you. I still don't understand how you could be so cruel to me."You knew who sent Henry. And Elijah's car accident? You know th
Liesel stood where she was with Elijah close behind her. Despite the tension in the air, Liesel maintained a serene smile, while Elijah tilted his head slightly as he challenged Jacob."Mr. Ford, she has said enough. It's time to let her go." He scoffed. "Besides, haven't you already let her go? You're divorced, yet you're still forcing your ex-wife to work here. Mr. Ford, that's a bit much, don't you think?"Elijah's words were a direct jab aimed at Jacob. Liesel didn't even look at Jacob as she fiddled with her phone. She seemed weary.There was a stark difference from the Liesel who would have once defended Jacob against any attack. Today, she stood in front of him but didn't even spare him a glance. It was as if nothing about him was worth her attention anymore.Jacob's fist tightened. His fury boiled over as he threw a punch at Elijah. "It's you who told her everything!"Elijah caught his fist with a firm grip and then retaliated with a forceful shove back. "You broke the agr
"The position of Hardin Group's president's wife is all hers if she wants it. I'll even step down and hand her the title of president itself. I'm prepared to give her everything I have. Can you say the same, Mr. Ford?"Don't give me that nonsense about getting tired of her, or about her leaving me one day. Even if that day comes, the money, power, and status that I'm offering now will still stand. It's enough for her to destroy me if she chooses. That's my sincerity. No one can match it."Elijah cast a final glance at Charles. "Only when your precious Mr. Ford is ready to give up everything willingly can he talk about competing with me."Charles stayed silent. It was undeniable that Elijah's offer wasn't just bait. It was a tangible, overwhelming promise. Charles had no justification to stop Liesel from accepting it. Elijah and Liesel had entered Ford Corporation together, and now, they left together. Drew ruffled his hair in frustration. "The Iron Triangle is down to two. Can the
If Liesel had stayed at Ford Corporation, the winner of the upcoming financial summit might be Ford Corporation itself. The saying that "Liesel from Ford Corporation could carry half the business world in Ashthorne" wasn't widespread, but those in the know had heard it.It spoke volumes about Liesel's reputation. She was capable of securing billion-dollar international deals single-handedly. What kind of storm could she stir up once she was free from constraints? Nobody knew for sure. All they could hope for was that Liesel wouldn't turn her focus against Ford Corporation after her departure. …"Big promises, offering me half your assets," Liesel remarked as she settled into the car. Her arms were folded and a faint smirk was playing on her lips as she glanced at Elijah. "What's this? You've got your eye on Shifter Corporation too?" Others might not know Liesel's true net worth, but Elijah did. Shifter Corporation stood toe-to-toe with Hardin Group in terms of statu
Elijah willingly played the fool when it came to Liesel. He admitted that he admired her, even liked her. It might not have reached the intensity of love, but she was firmly lodged in his heart. And for her, he was willing to lower his pride. If she still had feelings for another man or couldn't let go of her past, he was even willing to become a shadow. He was willing to mimic another person for her sake. He was ready to make a ridiculous sacrifice, all for the faint hope of winning her over. "Liesel," Elijah murmured. His fingers brushed against her earlobe. "If I give you my heart, will you accept it?" It was the most vulnerable and passionate declaration he had ever made. Liesel thought it was too much. Still reeling from the emotional wreckage of her last relationship, she wasn't ready to embrace such overwhelming affection—even though she had grown accustomed to Elijah's presence. Her silence was her answer. The car window was slightly open, letting in a warm
Jacob stood frozen as he watched the scene unfold from a distance. He felt as if coarse salt had been mercilessly ground into his broken heart. The searing pain radiating from his chest rendered him incapable of rational thought. All he could do was stand there as the sight before him burned itself into his memory. He wondered why he was there. It wasn't his job to deliver a proposal. There were others—Drew, Charles, countless subordinates—anyone else could have done it. But not him. Yet there he was. Just to catch one last glimpse of her. Nothing would come from seeing her. It would only deepen his wounds and magnify the pain. Jacob lowered his gaze to the proposal in his hands. His grip tightened as disgust welled within him. He didn't move closer. Whether out of pride or self-respect, he straightened his spine, turned on his heel, and walked away as the CEO of Ford Corporation. He told himself he wouldn't falter. He wouldn't give his heart to Liesel. He had long ma
"Can someone please explain to me how beauty like this even exists?""I mean, seriously! I knew Ford Corporation had a so-called 'Iron Triangle,' but no one told me the only female in the group, Ms. Sharp, looked like this! With her talent, I was expecting more of a nerdy, academic vibe—not someone who could put on a potato sack and still look like a movie star!" "I'm done. This face would guarantee peace for generations in ancient times. Add her brain to the mix, and she'd overthrow the king, declare herself ruler, and run a kingdom better than anyone else! She's giving serious 'modern-day Cleopatra' vibes." "Honestly, who cares where she works? She needs to step into the public eye and bless the rest of us already!" The Internet was reeling at Liesel's beauty.One particular image that made the rounds showed Liesel standing in the same frame as the glamorous actress Lara. The comparison was brutal. Lara, dressed impeccably in designer clothes, was utterly eclipsed by Liese
"I'll never leave him." Not ditching Elijah meant Liesel was rejecting Jacob. After speaking, Liesel refused to talk to Jacob any longer. She didn't even see the struggle and pain in Jacob's eyes as she turned to leave. Even if she noticed, she probably didn't care anymore. Elijah and Liesel got into the car. Xavier didn't get into the same car with them, but he was still tactful enough to hitch a ride in Reuben's car.Liesel drove in silence toward the apartment lobby. "Stop being angry, okay? I apologize." Elijah drew Liesel into his embrace.Although she didn't struggle, she didn't return his hug either. Without a word, she held the remote and drone Howard had given her.Although Elijah held Liesel in his arms, seeing her current expression made him feel terribly empty inside. He kept kissing Liesel's cheeks and ears while murmuring his apologies. "I like you." His hoarse voice sounded pleading. "I said all that because… Lili, I don't want to manipulate you into staying w
Jacob remained standing from a distance while watching Liesel and Elijah's interaction in silence. Jacob became lost in his memories as he recalled that Liesel had never been that affectionate with him before.She wanted to get close to Jacob, but he never opened up to her. Whenever Liesel got close to Jacob, he would handle things with her in a professional manner. They had an employer-employee relationship at Ford Corporation, but they acted more like strangers back at their apartment.Liesel and Jacob couldn't even be considered friends. They would only communicate whenever they needed to satisfy their physical needs.Jacob had seen the most charming side of Liesel, and she only showed him her gentle side. However, Liesel was only ever that carefree with Elijah. In the future, they might be much more affectionate with each other. Elijah… Why didn't he die in the car accident? Why did he survive?Jacob's gaze darkened. His eyes were filled with obvious disdain. "Elijah,"
"I'm willing since it's you." Liesel leaned forward, drawing her lips close to his ear. Her warm breath lingered seductively. It was almost as if she were about to lean into his embrace."Do you really like me controlling you?" Liesel asked Elijah, who hummed in response. "Do you really like being possessed? You've loved freedom for your whole life, but could you give it up for a specific person at certain moments?" Liesel asked. Elijah gazed at her. His expression was unchanged. "Yes, if it's for you."Liesel brushed her lips against his ear before asking in a low voice, "Did you pursue me back then because I didn't like you, and you enjoyed the feeling of not getting what you wanted?"Elijah paused after hearing her question. He scratched his nose and felt slightly guilty. He already had an idea of what Liesel was about to ask. Elijah had clearly gone quiet. Liesel also had an idea why he remained silent. She couldn't help but click her tongue."You lied to me that your b
Liesel's gaze was calm as she stared at Jacob, who was a few feet away. After a mere glance, she turned to leave. "Liesel," Jacob called out her name. "I had nothing to do with what happened today." Jacob had waited there so he could tell her that."What do you want me to say?" Liesel wasn't interested in saying anything at all. She merely found what he said ridiculous after hearing him out."You said you had nothing to do with what happened today. Which part had nothing to do with you?"Liesel's gaze remained nonchalant. "You said you care about me. You mentioned that you want a fresh start with me. "You said you want to marry me again and make me Mrs. Ford once more. Let me ask you. Do you know what it means when Natalie and Matthew are still around?"You're indulging Natalie by letting her hurt me without any restraint. You'll be permitting Matthew to do anything he wants and commit all sorts of crimes. "While Matthew has learned his lesson, he might still dream of takin
If Xavier really made any mistakes, Liesel would definitely back him up since she was powerful and reliable. He was very confident about that at the moment.In the past, Xavier came off as steady since he had matured early, but he was slightly immature now. It was as if he could afford to be stubborn and childish since he had Liesel as his older sister. Liesel mentioned that she could support Xavier since she was wealthy and powerful. What else did Xavier have to worry about? She was his elder sister.Liesel gazed at Xavier and spoke earnestly. "Xavier, I won't force you to make a decision, but have you truly made up your mind to major in performing arts?"No need to get nervous and change your decision because of me. I just want to know what path you want to take for your future.""I'll choose a performance major, but not immediately." Xavier continued to explain, "I'll go for a physics major first and produce some results. Then, I'll choose what I like later."Howard chuckled.
Liesel couldn't help but advise Howard. "Mr. Durham, you said Xavier should decide his own future. You've gone too far.""Have I gone too far? Not only did you not discipline him, but you're lecturing me now?" Howard pointed at himself. "I can do much worse! Xavier, you listen to me. If you dare choose to enroll in a performance major, I'll break your legs! I'll break both of them!" Howard was being completely unreasonable. Liesel massaged her temples while thinking about how things were in disarray. Although she never expected Xavier to choose a performance major, it wasn't as if he wasn't allowed to. She retorted. "Didn't you just say that I can support him since I'm his older sister? That's why he won't have a hard time making a decision since I'll be his financial backer."Howard wasn't pleased. "But he has a super high IQ.""But I'm rich.""But he has a super high IQ." Howard refused to let go of the fact that Xavier was intelligent.Most importantly, Xavier was Heather
Howard had considered everything. Heather and Jason's children definitely had the best genes. Liesel and Xavier had the power to change everything, so why did they insist on learning finance just to earn money?"Like you said, you chose finance because you had no other choice, nor the money. You didn't want to be controlled, so you took that path. "But what about Xavier? Since he has you as his sister, would he even be short of money? You'll always donate money to the laboratory if he lacks any research materials, right?"Since you'll be supporting him, that kid can decide on his own future." Howard saw through it all, and he was also worried that a promising talent like Xavier would be ruined. Liesel glanced at Xavier and paused before asking, "What do you think?"Xavier was startled. He never considered all that. In the past, his biggest dream was to escape the Scotts. Even after getting away from the Scott family, Xavier faced many issues as well and didn't have the time to
Jeffrey only officially acknowledged two daughters—Liesel and Natalie. The upper class already picked Liesel's identity apart a long time ago. Yet she was calmly informing the onlookers that she had a younger brother. Since when did she have a little brother?However, no one asked on the spot. Despite feeling suspicious of Liesel and Xavier's identities, the crowd still smiled hypocritically. Liesel must have brought up Xavier at that moment to show her support for him.Zack and Sky rushed to the party, intending to make a fuss by ruining Liesel and Xavier's reputation. Yet she acknowledged her relationship with Xavier by letting everyone know that they were siblings. Liesel had a younger brother, and his name was Xavier.Xavier stood under the light, which cast a glow on his side profile and made him seem very tall. He most likely experienced a growth spurt when he was younger, so he had a tall and frail figure. Xavier was quite handsome. Despite his gentle demeanor, he cam
Exactly. Why did the Fords have to target Liesel?Howard was never a good person. If he were the king during the olden days, he would definitely favor ministers who flattered him instead of the decent ones. He would be driven by self-interest and only appoint those who were close to him as ministers.There was nothing Howard didn't know. Besides, Howard was on good terms with Heather and wasn't close with anyone from the crowd. They weren't even worthy when compared to Liesel. Liesel was Heather's daughter, and Liesel could even be Howard's future business partner. If Howard didn't take Liesel's side, who else would he side with?Edward's gaze remained calm. "Mr. Durham, you've spoken so bluntly. Don't you know what kind of rumors might spread among the upper class? They might end up hurting her badly.""Hurt her badly?" Howard chuckled. "I'm watching over her on behalf of my old friend, Heather. If any of these rumors start flying, I'll let those people have a taste of what it's