"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
"Lili, I'm still waiting," Elijah teased. He raised an eyebrow and flashed her a crooked smile as he extended his hand again. Liesel glanced down at his well-defined hand. His long, slender fingers seemed elegant. Slowly, she placed her hand in his, and he tugged her closer to the railing.Elijah released her hand and placed both of his on her waist, effortlessly lifting her. Liesel instinctively bent her knees, helping him as she swung over the railing. But as she came down, she stumbled forward and landed squarely against his chest. Elijah stood firmly on the ground and caught her with ease. Her palms pressed against his shoulders for balance. Her face had lightly bumped against his chest just now, and she caught a whiff of his scent. It made her dizzy, and she flushed.The warmth of Elijah's hands on her waist seemed to burn through the fabric of her dress. Without warning, he slid them onto her bare back and pressed them directly against her skin. Liesel trembled at his
Liesel found Elijah's personality to be full of contradictions. At times, he seemed like a carefree playboy, but sometimes he would show the refined manners of a gentleman. He could be thoughtful and attentive one moment, only to turn around and tease her the next. That complexity made him feel real to her. She could tell that Elijah was showing her parts of him that he didn't reveal to others. He was quietly inviting her to walk into the space he had opened for her. She was walking into his heart. Liesel tilted her head up. Her gaze landed on Elijah's sharp profile. Hotel lights illuminated the night, casting a glow that wasn't quite daylight yet not fully shadowed either. The soft lighting made the angles of his face stand out more sharply. From her vantage point, he looked like a masterpiece brought to life. Liesel found herself staring at him. Elijah chuckled. "I used to think being born with a pretty face didn't mean much, but judging by the way you're looking at me
"But… But… Liesel said…""Why does what Liesel said matter? Ophelia, we are your family. Liesel divorced Jacob. She chose to leave Ford Corporation to join the Hardin Group. She's already made her choice—she opposes both the Ford Corporation and the Ford family. "Stop listening to Liesel, Ophelia. Trust me and Dad. We would never hurt you. We're the ones who love you the most."Ophelia's eyelashes fluttered as the foundation of everything she'd been taught since childhood began to crumble.She had a feeling that Edward was forcing her to make a choice.Though she could be naive at times, she wasn't an actual fool. She could discern truth from lies.By saying this much, Edward was essentially telling her that the world wasn't black and white and that they were standing in a gray area.He wanted Ophelia to choose and realize that she and Liesel were not allies. He was her ally.Deep down, Ophelia knew that Howard was right. But did that automatically mean that her brother's word
Liesel's smile reached her eyes after she heard Elijah's decisive response.Something warm filled his empty heart as Elijah gazed at her bright smile. His restlessness and irritability settled instantly. The vague pain and inconsolable fear he felt had been mollified.He pulled Liesel into a tight embrace as if trying to make her part of himself.…After Matthew and Edward left the dinner party, Ophelia felt too humiliated to stay any longer.She had grown up in a world where everything was either right or wrong. She always believed that her father and brother were the paragons of goodness. They embodied everything that was right. She saw them as her role models. How could they possibly be the villains described by Howard?Ophelia had met so many people who praised her for her beauty and brilliance. No one had ever called her cruel, let alone foolish.Everything she experienced today was too much for her to process. She felt as though she was falling apart."Why did you do that
"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