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. Miller, there's no other way out. Liesel's family won't provide you with any protection. "If you marry Ms. Miller, you can get help from the Miller 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
Liesel Sharp had just unlocked her phone while waiting for her IV drip to be done when she received a message from her best friend, Chelsea Walden. "Jacob's back."She faltered. She and Jacob Ford had barely spoken throughout their month-long cold war, so she had no idea he was back.Soon, she received another message. "He's brought a young woman back with him."A photo had been sent with the message. The young woman in the photo resembled Liesel a little—she was Natalie Sharp, Liesel's younger half-sister. She'd been raised in the countryside.Chelsea continued, "The Sharp family is throwing them a welcome-back party. Do you want to crash it, Lili?"She knew what Liesel was like. Liesel would give Jacob a taste of his own medicine if he dared to do anything to her. There was even a chance she would set the Sharp residence on fire.Liesel checked her IV bag. She'd had a high fever for three days now, and the back of her hand was swollen from the constant IV drips she'd been on. S
Liesel had taken a week of sick leave. She'd only learned about the transfer when returning to work.A colleague gossiped with her, sounding pointed as they said, "I bet you still don't know this, Ms. Sharp. We have a new secretary whose last name is also Sharp. It looks like there's something special about her."Liesel didn't expect to hear that. Had Jacob actually given Natalie a job by his side?Soon, Jacob summoned Liesel to the CEO's office. When she entered and stood before him, he looked at her indifferently. "Since you want to stay at the company, continuing to hold the position of my personal secretary isn't appropriate."The project department manager was transferred to a branch company, leaving a vacancy there. The timing is just right."Liesel knew very well that Jacob had always been clear-headed. He would never allow her to cause Natalie any discomfort or disappointment. Rather than saying the transfer was his recognition of Liesel's abilities, it would be more accur
Liesel's heart twinged slightly, but she said calmly, "I reminded Ms. Natalie about the stock handover. The office has surveillance cameras. You can check the footage if you don't believe me, Mr. Ford."Natalie paled. Tears welled in her eyes, and she said pitifully, "I-I probably didn't hear you because my mind wandered. That's why I made such a mistake."Liesel ignored her. "We can't let Hardin Group manipulate us for stocks worth millions of dollars. I'll handle this, but the company also has rules to uphold. Natalie will need to be reprimanded accordingly."She turned and left the office to check on the stocks. Now that they'd already been accepted, from a legal perspective, Ford Corporation had no choice but to swallow its woes and live with the situation.Still, there was hope for this. Uriah Hardin, the third son of the Hardin family, managed Hardin Group. However, his brother, Elijah Hardin, was the second son and favored by his family. He also wanted to usurp Uriah's posit
Liesel held the pregnancy test tightly. "I'm not sure yet."Her period had yet to come this month, and the retching from before… She suspected something was up."What are you going to do if you are?" Chelsea looked at her hesitantly. "Will Jacob accept it?"Liesel dropped her gaze. Jacob would never want a child she'd brought into the world. Besides, they were already divorced—it was bad for them both if she were to keep the child… even if it was one she'd longed for in the past.After a long silence, she said, "No, he won't. There's no point in keeping lingering attachments or forcing someone to do something against their will. If I'm pregnant, I'll get an abortion."She'd waited for a baby that hadn't come over the past three years. Now, it was long past the time for that.Liesel was in a bad mood, so she didn't do the pregnancy test on the spot. Instead, she and Chelsea had some drinks. Well, she only had a sip or two of a drink with the lowest possible alcohol content.She o
Liesel looked at Jacob. Her tone was calm as she said, "I don't owe Natalie anything, nor do I owe you. Work-wise, I'm only her senior. Regarding my personal life, my mother didn't owe her anything."Natalie came knocking on our door when her mother chose to marry another. No woman can accept her husband's illegitimate daughter. She might have had Natalie sent to the countryside, but Natalie was also given more than enough money to survive there."I don't owe her, whether professionally or personally. Why should I be more accommodating and tolerant of her? Why should I back down when facing off against her?"When she finished her speech, silence descended upon the car. Jacob looked at her. She wore a simple dress that clung to her curves, and her delicate features were arranged into her usual mask of aloofness.There was something cold and tenacious about her. She was so brilliant that one could almost neglect her beauty.His gaze flitted over her eyes. After a moment of silence,
"Mr. Ford, this is the latest document from Mr. Hardin."Liesel pushed open the door and entered. Her expression was calm and composed as her gaze swept past Natalie. She placed a printed document on Jacob's desk.It was a new contract.It was the new contract that Elijah had proposed.Elijah was someone who thought long and hard about things. Yet, he was now casually proposing a subsequent collaboration, as if he had set his sights on something and was certain that he would get it.Jacob frowned slightly, and his gaze slowly landed on Liesel.At work, she was always dressed in a pencil skirt. Her waist was slim and dainty, yet it gave off a feeling of tenacity.Her delicate and stunning features carried a hint of unapproachability, reminiscent of an edelweiss at the peak of a snowy mountain.She was cold and beautiful.The reason why Elijah had suggested they collaborate was most likely because he had his eyes on her."Elijah is trying to court you," Jacob said in a neutral
If the Ford Corporation's secrets got leaked, the penalty fee had to be exorbitant.The security guard tensed. Returning to his senses, he tried to chase Natalie out of the room.However, Natalie was one step faster. She ran up to Liesel into the meeting room.She widened her round, doe eyes, which gave off an illusion of innocence and harmlessness."As my sister, you can't do this to me, Liesel," she said. She made it sound as if Liesel had just committed a grave mistake.Sister?That was ridiculous. In what way could she be considered Natalie's sister?It was all thanks to Natalie's ability to put on an innocent expression and her calling Liesel her sister in such a pitiful tone."Natalie, my mother only has one child. I'm not worthy of being called your sister," Liesel said indifferently. "The project department is having a meeting today. If there's nothing urgent, then please leave, Ms. Natalie. Don't disrupt our work.""Liesel, I'm not here to disrupt your work. I came he
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. Miller, there's no other way out. Liesel's family won't provide you with any protection. "If you marry Ms. Miller, you can get help from the Miller 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
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. Miller 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
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 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
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
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
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. Miller 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
"Since Elijah is the heir of the Hardin family, the woman standing beside him must be pure enough. She should be of high status, elegant, pure, and outstanding. Not some woman who was once married and had a miscarriage."His blunt words pierced into Liesel's heart. She looked up at Richard with a darkened gaze before letting out a mocking laugh. "You truly did your homework, Mr. Hardin, but you don't represent Elijah's stance. If he cared about all this, he wouldn't have pursued me from the start."Of course, Liesel did not reveal who she truly was. She was rather sensitive and suspicious at the moment. She remembered very clearly that she and Elijah started off with him being interested in her. He only truly pursued her because she was the one leading Shifter Corporation. Her identity was also the reason why Elijah slowly got close to her and began to understand her. Indeed, she had agreed to Elijah's pursuit because he was heir to Hardin Group. Both of them had ulterior mot
Liesel had never called Elijah "Eli" before.However, she didn't mind purposely using an intimate nickname in front of Richard now. She wanted him to feel the closeness between her and Elijah.Richard's expression fell.That disobedient son!Of course, he had handpicked a woman that suited Elijah more. She came from a noble and spotless background, and she was also good-looking. Of course, she couldn't compare to Liesel when it came to beauty, but her background was enough to defeat Liesel completely.What did Liesel have?If Heather were still alive, then she would have been Liesel's biggest crutch! Everyone would have to worship the ground she walked on.But Heather was dead, so what was Liesel worth now?She was a rising star in the financial circle known for her intelligence, but she was still just a woman. Unless she stood at the very peak, she was bound to get dragged back down into the mud one day.The young lady he'd picked was better suited for Elijah. She could easil