If Liesel ever seriously considered starting a business, with the influence she had now, people would probably think they were getting a deal by investing in her—if she even allowed them the opportunity.Liesel looked straight at Natalie. "You can go ask Drew and Charles. They'll show you how much of a joke you are."One last thing. I've already left Ford Corporation. From the start, I've never clung to Jacob. I'd suggest you take care of your own man. Don't let him keep bothering me. It's just causing me trouble."Her voice grew sharper as she spoke, "Also, instead of coming to me, you might as well focus on keeping your man in check. Since he was able to land you recently, he could easily find someone else tomorrow."With so many women out there, can you really control him? There's always one who doesn't mind being the other woman. If you're going to confront anyone, it's better to start with him."You're willing to trust a man like that and stick with him? I wouldn't have the g
Liesel asked, "Are you planning to step in and save her? Since you're from the same company, you probably should. But Natalie won't appreciate it."She'll think you're stepping in as Ford Corporation's executive secretary and are snatching away her opportunity. Worse, she'll see your presence as making her look even more foolish. She might think that if you stayed out of it, she'd somehow manage to handle everything on her own."She's just too arrogant. In her mind, she's no less than you, me, or Drew."Liesel chuckled at her own words. She found the absurdity of the situation genuinely amusing."As you know, I'm Ford Corporation's secretary. I can't just stand by," Charles replied.Liesel knew that, of course.Charles was emotionally distant. Jacob was the only person he saw as his close friend.Even though Liesel had worked with Charles for three years, their relationship remained nothing more than that of ordinary coworkers. For him, profit always came first.Natalie's feeli
Cesar was stunned. "Wait… D-Didn't you say on Twitter that you already left Ford Corporation?"Liesel looked as though she had just heard a hilarious joke."Mr. Baker, Ford Corporation is a massive enterprise. Before I leave, I have to wrap up all my responsibilities. Everyone wants to work with Ford Corporation, but we also need to be cautious about who we choose to work with, don't we?"Her voice was polite, but there was an unmistakable chill beneath it. Her implication was clear.Cesar had deliberately targeted Ford Corporation this time by using Natalie as a way to push for a deal. But he had picked the wrong target.Liesel looked up. "Mr. Baker, the Ms. Sharp Mr. Ford referred to is Liesel Sharp, a member of the Iron Triangle of Ford Corporation. Not just anyone can take my place."I'm the Ms. Sharp who can represent Ford Corporation. So, are you here to discuss a collaboration with me? You should be aware of my rules, Mr. Baker. Without a full project proposal, you won't e
Cesar and his group slowly left, but not before casting mocking glances at Natalie.Natalie bit her lip. Her voice trembled with frustration as she asked, "Why did you say that?"Liesel gave her a cold, disdainful glance. "A fool like you is not worthy of speaking to me."Without another word, she turned and walked away."Liesel." Natalie wanted to shout her name out loud. However, fearing rumors of a rift between them would spread, she could only hold back and glare at Liesel's figure with intense frustration."Why call her?" Charles' tone dripped with mockery. "She already went out of her way to help you, and you still want more from her?" He cast a cold look at Natalie."She didn't help me. She just wanted to see me make a fool out of myself!""So, you know you're a fool." Charles looked down at Natalie. "If Liesel hadn't stepped in, how do you think this would've ended? Mr. Baker is notorious for being difficult."He could have made it public that you'd agreed to a partners
Liesel was surrounded by a group of people, exchanging pleasantries for what felt like an eternity. She was growing tired when she finally received a message from Elijah, which lifted her spirits slightly.The message contained his location. Elijah was on the balcony of the banquet hall, not far from her.Liesel raised an eyebrow, curious how he managed to slip past so many people. Maybe he was feeling just as restless as she was.The balcony jutted out from the banquet hall, with railings extending to the sides of the walls. It formed a concave shape. On either side of the balcony, there were small viewing spaces.Liesel didn't go to the hidden corners by the walls. Instead, she avoided the spot directly facing the balcony entrance. Leaning her arms on the railing, she gazed at the night view of the courtyard. She was lost in thought as she stared at the distant stars.The cold wind outside was biting, but it felt refreshing to her. It helped her clear her scattered thoughts.Su
"Stop it," Elijah whispered into her ear. "I just wanted to take a few pictures of you." Liesel extended her hand, and Elijah handed over his phone without hesitation. The photo showed Liesel in quiet solitude. Her side profile was radiant yet touched with a faint trace of melancholy. "Who's this stunning beauty? If no one claims her, she's mine." Elijah chuckled. "It'd be even better if this beauty could smile more. Do you think she could grant me one? I'll make it my phone wallpaper." Raising an eyebrow, she held up the phone and activated the front camera. She tilted herself slightly into Elijah's embrace. The camera captured them with a subtle air of intimacy.The warm yellow light in the distance added a soft glow that accentuated their features. Liesel obliged when he requested a picture for his wallpaper. She always had a soft spot for indulging her beloved. Elijah's heart warmed at the gesture, and he instinctively tightened his embrace, pulling her closer. He b
Chelsea was trying to mess with Tobey again. Tobey knew Chelsea's tricks inside and out. Coincidentally, he had a weakness for it. They stood close enough for him to see himself reflected in Chelsea's mischievous eyes. It was almost as if she was falling for him. But Tobey wasn't naive. Behind that deep gaze was a cold, calculating heart. His throat tightened slightly. While it was a balcony, it was fixed with air conditioning that blew cold wind to keep the guests comfortable. The breeze carried Chelsea's sweet scent with it. "I just had some candy. Want a taste?" Every word and every movement felt deliberate, like a trap carefully set to reel him in. She leaned closer. Tobey froze when her face grew too close. Chelsea's eyes sparkled with amusement as she cupped his face. Tobey frowned and leaned back but Chelsea pouted. She leaned in even closer."I want a kiss." She was relentless. When Tobey stopped resisting, she lit up like a child and leaned in. She brushed h
Chelsea certainly knew how to redirect attention. One moment, her words were drenched in teasing allure, but in the next, she would retreat just enough and take on the guise of an obedient figure. Her eyes fixed on him as if the entire universe reflected in them was solely his. Tobey paused. He was about to speak when his phone suddenly rang. The name "Yvette" lit up the screen. Yvette was the nation's sweetheart and one of the hottest stars of the moment. Chelsea had caught Tobey's attention because of her slight resemblance to Yvette. Yvette was Tobey's childhood friend. Chelsea's eyes darkened, but her lips held their gentle curve as if waiting for Tobey to take the call. He answered it. Chelsea watched him soothe another woman with a voice as soft as a caress. She seemed indifferent, yet her sharp, unreadable eyes carried a chill. When Tobey hung up, his gaze flicked back to her. Chelsea put on a pouty expression. His sharp features tightened. The warmth fro
"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