Richard was even more delighted. "While Elijah was studying at Alden University back then, his lecturers kept his grades down. At that time, he was considered their genius student."Ms. Turner also participated in several projects with Elijah, so she truly understands what he's capable of. In fact, she brought up the marriage first. "Since she suggested marriage, it would be far too rude of us to reject her. That's why we need you to step aside."Richard didn't actually mean for Liesel to simply step aside. He wanted her to get lost. Liesel's gaze remained calm. She looked downward while estimating the time in silence. A faint smile formed on her lips."It's no use talking about all this with me. Why don't you wait for a few more minutes? He'll talk this out with you personally."Liesel was clearly seated in the wheelchair but did not seem like a victim at all. She looked up at Richard while speaking sarcastically. "If Elijah agrees to the breakup, I definitely won't bother h
Sam almost never spoke to Elijah in such a tone. Elijah almost wanted to laugh.Elijah used to act like a loser. None of the ladies from wealthy families were interested in him and would just flirt with him. Only families that weren't as well-off wanted to get close to him and rub shoulders with the Hardins.As for Liesel, although she didn't have the perfect background, everything else about her was enough to make up for it. Apart from that, Heather was Liesel's biological mother. That alone was enough for Liesel to stand out among everyone else."It's better for you to say I'm not good enough for Liesel. Someone as brilliant as her could have anyone she wants. Why do you think she chose me?" As soon as Elijah finished speaking, Sam interrupted him."Because she was once married and had Jacob's child. No matter how brilliant she is in the future, everyone else thinks she's no longer pure. "Do you actually think these sly old men in the elite circles are truly stupid? Why would
On the surface, these CEOs were respectful to Liesel and praised her. However, they merely made fun of her for being a woman behind her back.For someone as brilliant as Liesel, all her efforts were wiped away just because she was once married."Did you think I was the one who chose Lili during our time together? No. From the start until now, I've always been the one who was chosen. Lili's the one who calls the shots." Elijah chuckled lightly. "Lili's amazing. She's my lover." He sounded determined. "I think you've really gone mad," Sam muttered. His gentle expression was gone. "I'm quite lucid. You guys have always been crazy. All these years, I still never learned all your old-fashioned ways. "I've always liked to be different. To me, my ideas are correct. My lover can only be Lili." Every word Elijah said was to express his love for Liesel. Elijah didn't hide his feelings for her. He wanted Sam to know what his choice was. With how things were going, there was no need fo
"Elijah is indeed talented and smart. But where are you lacking, Mr. Hardin?" Charles patiently guided Sam. Charles crouched down to meet with Sam's gaze. He saw hatred hidden in the depths of Sam's gentle eyes. "Mr. Hardin, you're merely crippled. Why must that ruin your chances of being the heir?" Charles continued with a chuckle, "Mr. Hardin, you are the oldest in the main branch of the Hardin family. You are the true heir of the Hardin family, right?Sam gulped. His gaze turned confused. It was Charles who sought Sam out a few days ago. It wasn't Richard who gave Sam information on Liesel. Charles was responsible for that.Sam actually wasn't very outstanding, but he wanted more than he deserved. His crippled state was the reason why he often remained in the shadows.Sam also wanted to fight for his rights, but Richard favored Uriah. At that time, Uriah was the heir to the Hardin family, not Elijah. Since Sam believed he wasn't capable of fighting Uriah, he held back his sin
Charles took out a tiny box containing a chip as large as a soybean and handed it to Sam. "This is the latest listening device. We'll have to trouble you to find an opportunity to plant this in Elijah's car. After all, only those closest to Elijah can get this done."These words seemed to mock Sam. It was ridiculous to know that Elijah's closest family was planning to betray him.Sam didn't consider any further. He snatched the box from Charles, earning a few chuckles from him. "We'll meet again, Mr. Hardin." As soon as Charles turned away, his gentle smile faded into a mocking smirk. What a foolish man.Sam knew nothing about the financial world, yet he thought he was worthy of becoming heir to the Hardin family. He should look at himself in the mirror.Now that Liesel was running Hardin Group, the company was no longer like it once was. If Hardin Group ended up as the winner at the financial summit, they would even surpass Ford Corporation. It wasn't just Ford Corporation
Elijah let out a sarcastic snort. He raised an eyebrow, clearly mocking Richard. "I've always been a fool. Did you just learn that today? Stupid people have stupid children. Isn't that what you deserve?" Richard didn't care much for Elijah. Not only because he didn't like Laura but also because Elijah's attitude was far too infuriating. That year, Richard forced Elijah to go overseas because he didn't want to see Elijah. Elijah's terrible temper was quite irritating. Most of what he said was rather sarcastic. As soon as he came back, he unplugged the air conditioner immediately. Was it worth going against Richard for a divorced woman? Richard was so angry that he kept patting his chest. He feared Elijah might trigger him into getting a heart attack."Since you're back, you better give me an explanation. Ms. Turner was once your junior. She understands you well and admires you very much. Not long ago, she expressed her interest in marrying you. What do you think?" Richard c
Elijah sneered. "I'm the actual head of the family now. Do you still need me to remind you of this? You already lost to me. "You didn't let me take over. I stole it from you. What makes you think that I would listen to you?" Elijah looked at Richard with a sinister gaze. He was threatening Richard.Richard inhaled sharply upon noticing Elijah's gaze. He forgot Elijah had matured a long time ago. He had ruthlessly kicked Richard aside and took the chance to become the CEO of Hardin Group. Elijah called all the shots at Hardin Group today. Why would he listen to Richard?"Elijah, you need to get this clear. If you've truly decided to reject Ms. Turner, there's no other way out. Liesel's family won't provide you with any protection. "If you marry Ms. Turner, you can get help from the Turner family. You figure out which is more important." In the end, Richard couldn't help but advise Elijah.Elijah's gaze remained malicious as he continued to sneer. "If I chose that shortcut, I wo
Uriah was still dreaming of inheriting Hardin Group. He had no idea that not only did Charles seek him out, but he also met Sam as well. Aside from Elijah, everyone in the Hardin family was a fool.The Hardins would have to fight internally, which would ruin Elijah. They could not be as united as the Fords, and Vincent was still alive. After all, Richard would only make things worse. Sam was the eldest legitimate son who had been consumed by his sorrow after being crippled for many years. Now, he wanted to vie to become heir.Uriah, who Richard loved very much, wanted to make his comeback as well. Both sons would definitely aim for Elijah first. Who was Elijah's weakness? It was Liesel. Who was Liesel's weakness?In the past, it would definitely be Xavier. However, Xavier had been rescued from the Scotts. Hence, her current weakness was her past marriage to Jacob. Liesel was once married. That alone was a crime. Those who propped her high up could cut off her wings, ca
"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