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
Tobey grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her sharply toward him. He threatened her with a low voice, "Chelsea, enough with your little games." She had brought Yvette up on purpose.He knew Chelsea was smart, calculating, and ruthlessly vengeful. Anyone who crossed her would find themselves torn to pieces by her claws. Tobey understood all that, but he rarely intervened. He didn't care how aggressive she was with the world outside. As long as she wasn't the one being wronged, he could turn a blind eye. After all, this wild creature was tethered by a leash he had personally fastened around her neck. She could lash out anywhere else, but not here. In the end, he blamed himself. He was the one who had spoiled her, after all. Chelsea winced as his rough grip tugged painfully at her scalp, but she didn't cry out. Instead, her lips curled into a smile—one that was sharp and icy. Tobey bore into her with undisguised contempt. He saw right through her antics. He couldn'
The balcony doors had been locked long ago under Tobey's orders. His icy gaze hardened as he pinned Chelsea onto the wooden bench. Despite being held down with such force, Chelsea's breathy laughter filled the air. One moment, she was every inch the seductive temptress, and the next, she started adopting the unmistakable mannerisms of Yvette. She toyed with him to stoke his fury. Her lips brushed his ear as she whispered, "Doesn't this make it more exciting, Tobey?" When Tobey crushed her lips with his own, Chelsea wrapped her arms around him. She looked soft, but her eyes were cold. Chelsea was merciless. Since she couldn't fully pay Tobey back just yet, she'd drag him down with her, ensuring neither of them found peace. She relished seeing his hesitation when her movements mimicked Yvette's. It stopped him cold, forcing him to order her to drop the act. She would coo soft apologies to ease his tension just enough, only to pull the same stunt again moments later.The t
Liesel bit her lip. Her thoughts were racing. Suddenly, she realized something was off—the muffled noises from outside had disappeared entirely.Chelsea and Tobey were gone. "Elijah, there's no one out there anymore!" She raised her voice at Elijah.Elijah finally raised his head, straightened up, and brushed his lips against hers again while pulling her into his arms. "Sorry, I got a little too caught up to notice." As he spoke, his gaze fell on the woman in his embrace. Liesel's body felt soft against his, her delicate features flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and lingering frustration. It was all because of him. A sly grin crept across his face. Elijah couldn't help the warmth spreading in his chest. He dipped his head for another kiss, but they were interrupted by a sudden voice. "Mr. Elijah? You're here too?" Elijah reacted instantly, pulling Liesel closer and tucking her face into his chest. Her hair had fallen loose, cascading over her shoulders and
"You know how it is. It's always hard to strike a deal between two smart people."Charles laughed.He knew that when Liesel suggested a partnership with Ford Corporation to manufacture anti-cancer drugs, it was actually a huge trap.Liesel and Howard were both researchers. Who could say for sure that after they gave Ford Corporation the drug formula, they wouldn't refine the drug further and make something even more effective?Considering Liesel's and Howard's intelligence, there would undoubtedly be a more potent version of the drug. However, Liesel would never choose to continue working together with Ford Corporation. Therefore, he had decided to ask for a mile. He had asked to collaborate on the artificial intelligence project.It wasn't that he was being greedy.It was because Ford Corporation wasn't the same as it had been a year ago. He had to tread very carefully to avoid falling for someone's scheme again.Without Liesel and Drew, there were many tasks that only he and
"Do you not want to hug?" Liesel cocked her head at him. "Don't think I don't know you. I bet you already wanted to kiss me and hold me the moment you spotted Jacob. Otherwise, you wouldn't have tightened your arms around me."Hadn't Elijah done that to send Jacob a message that Liesel belonged to him?Having been together for so long, there wasn't anything that she didn't understand about him."In that case, thank you for giving me a chance and playing along." Since he couldn't think of an excuse, he just came clean. There was even a look of amusement on his face.He pulled her into his arms affectionately. She also hugged him back, like she was a child staking her territory."Should we add some more spice and kiss?"This was really becoming more and more provocative.Why not?A smile appeared on Elijah's face, as if he was saying to her, "Bring it on."And she did. She peppered Elijah's face with continuous pecks. Then, she yanked on his collar, like she was claiming him as
From a short distance away, Jacob could see Elijah's arm curled around Liesel's tiny waist. She seemed very dependent on him as she lay in his arms listlessly. It was a stark contrast to the way she behaved in public with other people.Whether it was with reporters or business partners, she always seemed like a steady pillar of strength. She was graceful and calm, but there was a hidden sharpness within her.Anyone who interacted with her could feel the hidden threat that was lurking inside of her.Yet, the Liesel now seemed to have shed all the sharp spikes on her body, revealing only the soft insides. She appeared gentle and submissive… Or rather, she only showed this side of her to her lover.He should have been the one to get all of this.He should have been her lover.He was the one who'd thrown all of this away. All he could do was watch as Elijah purposely pissed him off.He was a man too. Of course, he knew that Elijah was doing it on purpose.Of course, he resented Eli
Elijah seized Liesel's wrists while chuckling coldly. "So what if you're someone's wife? If I wanted you, all I'd have to do is tell him. Then, he'd definitely have someone clean you up nicely and send you straight into my bed."He lifted her chin with his finger. "Do you think that your husband is a decent man? Do you think that he'd disobey me for you?"Liesel swallowed. She was enraptured by the look in Elijah's eyes right now.He nibbled on her ear while patting her panicked and pale face. "If you're obedient, I'll treat you well. If you're unwilling to play along and make me happy, I'll kill your husband and lock you up in my home. You'll never see the light of day again."Stripping off her clothes, Liesel bit his earlobe and whispered, "It's such a waste that you didn't go into the acting industry with Chelsea."Elijah chuckled quietly, letting her hands roam all over him. They left a trail of fire in their wake. When he was all riled up and ready to go, Liesel suddenly hugg
Liesel left.Charles gazed at the still-warm cup of tea on the table. There was a chilling look in his eyes.This was one of the times he'd made the wrong move.After walking out of Charles' office, Liesel wasn't surprised to see Jacob. However, she didn't even stop and simply walked out.He trailed after her leisurely until she was nearly out of Ford Corporation. Just as he was about to call out to her, he heard a cheerful, gentle voice calling her name."Lili, I'm here to pick you up." Jacob's eyes darkened. When he looked up, he saw Elijah sitting in a wheelchair and smiling at Liesel.Liesel didn't mind at all that he was a cripple. With a grin on her face, she crouched down next to him. Then, she grabbed his hand and placed it against her cheek.Jacob's chest clenched when he saw that. It felt like arrows piercing his heart.Liesel could still feel Jacob's eyes on her, but she didn't care. She even pecked Elijah lightly on the lips in front of Jacob. Then, while pushing
"Charles, even though we worked together for three years, you still don't understand me at all."Liesel tapped her fingers against the desk. While it was quiet, it also sounded indescribably threatening."Have you not seen what happened to Dash?"If someone tries to snatch something from me, not only will I make their wishes come true, but I'll also make them pay the price."You can only take what I give you. If you insist on snatching what I'm unwilling to give… then you will find out the price you'll have to pay."She grinned, but it carried an obvious iciness.Dash was indeed the best example.He had tried to snatch collaboration opportunities from her, so she squashed him. And that wasn't all. She also bought his land and assets from him for dirt cheap.Dash tried to steal her data and establish his own vehicle manufacturing plant in Draskia, so she simply chased him and all his businesses out of Draskia.Anyone who tried to plot against her and steal from her suffered hor
"If you have something that even Jacob doesn't, you must be very loyal to him.""Thanks for the compliment." Charles chuckled quietly. "Of course, I am loyal to Mr. Ford. It's because I'm loyal to Mr. Ford that I kept the evidence just in case."If Matthew decided to betray Mr. Ford one day, then I could use this to retaliate against him. After all, you also know that Matthew is far from a nice person."Jacob placed a lot of importance on Matthew because his parents had passed away early, so he'd been raised by Matthew and Vincent since he was younger. He ended up viewing Matthew as somewhat of a father figure. His love for his family had ended up blinding him, making him unwilling to bring harm to Matthew.However, Charles was different. He didn't have any significant feelings toward Matthew. He only cared about protecting Jacob's interests.Matthew was a selfish person who only cared about his own interests. This was why Charles had gone against Jacob's orders and kept the evi
If it had been Elijah who'd done this, what would Liesel have done?Could she still be so righteous?However, Jacob's words only made her stifle a laugh. Without even turning around, she said sardonically, "If Elijah was this kind of person, then I would never have gotten together with him."Whether it comes to family or lovers, first of all, they should have the right principles. They should know what they should or shouldn't do."Even a child can tell what's right from wrong, but an adult like Matthew doesn't know where to draw the line. Jacob, one day he will pay the price for everything that he's done."In the end, Jacob didn't stop her from leaving.He couldn't help but clench his fists. His eyes darkened.Liesel had always been strongly opposed to evil. Making things worse, Drew was the scapegoat for Matthew's misdeeds this time.Over the years, Jacob had already gotten Matthew out of trouble countless times. He was getting tired of it.He really wanted to call out to Li
Natalie wanted to destroy Ford Corporation as soon as possible.Once there was a new leader in Ford Corporation, would Jacob still be so arrogant?Natalie laughed coldly. Then, she remembered the words she heard in the hospital, and her expression frosted over.She thought that since she was already in the same boat as Edward, and that Edward might become the future leader of Ford Corporation, she could go for him instead.After all, Edward was tall and handsome. In her eyes, he wasn't inferior to Jacob at all.However, she never thought… that Edward already had a lover, and that it was his sister, Ophelia, of all people.Till today, she still remembered how that bitch, Ophelia, had once insulted her because of her background. To defend Liesel, Ophelia had mocked her for being a bastard child.How come Ophelia deserved to be with Edward? They were siblings! Even if they weren't related by blood, they had still grown up as brother and sister. Weren't they afraid of getting expose