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
As soon as Matthew finished speaking, he saw Ophelia poke her head through the door. Her innocent gaze was adorable as she beamed. At that moment, Matthew felt as if Ophelia had washed away all the darkness within him. He smiled while waving at her. Her eyes lit up even more, and she rushed toward him."Dad! Dad! Dad!" Her voice sounded sweet as she called him a few times. Upon hearing her tone, he knew she had something to ask of him. "Tell me what you want. When have I ever said no to you?" Matthew always gave in to Ophelia. Her smile grew wider. "Mr. Matthew Ford, I have something very crucial to tell you. I may start dating soon."Matthew was never really strict as a father to Ophelia. To her, not only was he her father, but he was one of her best friends that she could talk anything about. In the past, she might have sought Liesel out and chatted about all this with her. Now that Liesel had divorced Jacob, and Elijah didn't seem to like any of the Fords, Ophelia didn't w
The financial summit was happening soon and would be held at Ashthorne this time. Although the financial summit had not officially commenced, it was scheduled to be hosted at Ashthorne's stadium.Many were placing bets on several large companies that were drawing attention for the financial summit this time. The speculators were guessing who would emerge as the financial summit's biggest winner.The companies mentioned the most were Hardin Group, Shifter Corporation, and Lark Corporation. Ford Corporation wasn't brought up because Liesel no longer worked there. On the other hand, Shifter Corporation got a mention because of Liesel's involvement.Liesel alone had caused chaos in the fight this time. As for Shifter Corporation, it remained consistently at the front. While it had expanded overseas in the past, the company successfully shifted its headquarters back to the country over the past two years.Since Shifter Corporation was a multinational corporation, it had far more conne
These perpetrators seemed to be fully prepared. They had intentionally made plans to target Liesel and Elijah. More specifically, the attack seemed to be aimed at Hardin Group.The financial summit was happening very soon. Who would benefit from the current scandal? The other businesses. Hardin Group was finally in trouble, so larger companies were taking turns to ruin it. Even smaller corporations were secretly targeting Hardin Group, hoping to benefit a little from the situation.Hardin Group's stock prices were starting to become affected and began to drop.Liesel was still weak since she hadn't made a full recovery. Her gaze darkened as she looked at the sarcastic remarks about her on the trending topics. Was everyone about to start criticizing her in public? The chaotic situation made it seem like someone was controlling this game of chess from behind the scenes. Who was the true mastermind? Who would benefit from all this?It seemed like someone familiar with Liesel h
Liesel massaged her temples while speaking lightly. "I never planned to expose or announce anything related to holography and 3D matters at a time like this. It's a shame that Matthew dug himself into a hole."Before Elijah could ask what Liesel was about to post, she was already speedily typing out large chunks of code on the computer screen. She quickly edited a video before sharing it on Twitter with a caption. "Hardin Group's holographic era is almost here. Are you ready?"It was a trap within a trap. While Matthew wanted to reap all the benefits, he should consider whether Liesel was willing to play this game. What did Matthew care about the most? It was holography. He prioritized the many years of holography research more than Ford Corporation and Hardin Group. Liesel simply wanted Matthew to have a taste of defeat and failure.Matthew wanted to research holography, so Liesel wanted to succeed before he did. She wanted him to know how far apart they were. Matthew wante
"If all this is real, Liesel has truly paved the way for the holographic era.""Does anyone recall Liesel cheating during her marriage? Have you guys forgotten about her marriage to Jacob?" Someone intentionally brought up Liesel's private life at that moment. Another netizen retorted immediately. "Are you crazy? Do you even know whether Liesel even cheated during her marriage?"These paparazzi and gossip sites keep blabbering about her scandal, but did you hear anyone from Ford Corporation say a word? If Liesel really did have an affair with Elijah during her marriage to Jacob, surely she would have been fired two months ago!"Why would they still act so friendly on Twitter? Someone's clearly trying to start a business war after learning that Liesel has been researching holography. "Can't you see that the financial summit's about to start soon? Liesel and Elijah are presenting Hardin Group. Without Hardin Group, the other businesses will have one less major competitor, and they
"Liesel!" All of Matthew's plans had gone to waste because of Liesel's retaliation. Matthew wanted to ruin Ford Corporation and Hardin Group. He even plotted against Liesel, who saw through his scheme. That was why she had ruined his schemes right away. "You're truly like your mother! So troublesome!" Although Heather was dead, Matthew couldn't even live peacefully. Meanwhile, Liesel was alive, ruining his defenses in every way. He had no other way out. Fine. Are you insisting on playing the game, Liesel? Matthew's expression darkened. He clenched his fists and slammed them on the table. Liesel couldn't blame him for what was about to happen. From today onward, Matthew planned to ruin everything Liesel wanted and anyone she wished to protect.After all, Liesel wanted to play with fire. She liked Elijah and cared for Xavier. Hence, Matthew would start things off by destroying them.He wanted Liesel to end up the same way Heather did. She wanted her to lose her loved ones
Heather exhaled lightly while caressing Jason's hand very gently. "Jay, you're going to lose all your muscles if you don't wake up anytime soon."She placed his hand against her own cheek. "Jay, you responded to me today, didn't you? Since you already responded, you should wake up as soon as possible."Heather's voice was very soft. "I'm not a good mother, but Lili and Xavier need a proper father. They're waiting for you to wake up."Heather always knew very well that she was a cold-hearted person. She had invested all her feelings in Jason. If her research for holography was successful, she was determined to trigger Jason into waking up. If the research failed, she would accompany Jason forever while he remained in a coma. Liesel and Xavier were the last of Jason's bloodline. Did Heather care about Liesel and Xavier? Of course, she did, but her feelings for them were just a drop in the ocean compared to how she felt for Jason.That was why Heather said Liesel and Xavier need
"Shut up!" Ophelia yelled in a rage.She immediately asked the food truck owner to give her another cup of coffee before pouring it all over Veronica's calf. She was paying her back an eye for an eye.Agonized, Veronica swayed on her feet. Then, she collapsed onto the ground while gnashing her teeth in pain.Ophelia had been raised by none other than the demon himself, Edward. Since she was little, he would always stand in front of her to protect her. Ophelia knew better than anyone how he liked to deal with matters.After Edward left, she had picked up a few things from him. Naturally, she would never let herself get bullied by others."Give me a serving of fries, a taco, some churros, and a hotdog." Ophelia pointed at the menu items on the food truck and rattled on about her order to the owner, who was gaping at her.Ignoring the probing gazes of the people around her, she minded her own business and brought some fries to her mouth. Only then did she feel herself come back to l
Ophelia was so angry that she wanted to cuss at Edward. However, before she could even get mad, she heard Edward's disappointed voice. "Are you regretting this already?"Ophelia was dumbfounded. However, Edward continued slowly, "After giving it a lot of thought, you decided to abandon me. Is that it? I know I'm not good enough… I don't blame you…"Ophelia felt a headache coming on, but the anger had vanished. "No, I'm not thinking of abandoning you."The kiss yesterday had left her so excited that she hadn't slept a wink the entire night.She thought to herself, "If I don't set the record straight, Edward's going to overthink and paint me as a playgirl."She took a deep breath. "After you kissed me… I was really happy, so I only went to bed very late."Edward was obviously also caught off-guard. He hadn't expected to hear that. With delight in his eyes, he said, "I was also really happy that you let me kiss you."Ophelia hummed, and her face flushed red. "I'm really tired," she
Brandon didn't respond right away. Fred continued, "No one taught your mother and sister how to act appropriately in society. Mr. Ford is spending his precious time teaching them what to do and what not to do. Thus, they will have to suffer a bit for this."Mr. Zima, if you really want to help them, then just give your parents the bare minimum financial aid from time to time. As for your sister… you have no obligation to provide for her. Do you understand where I'm coming from?"Brandon couldn't accept it. "My sister's reputation in the industry isn't great right now. If I don't help her, then she really won't be able to survive. Mr. Ford is also an older brother. He should understand what I'm going through."Jacob loved Ophelia, and Brandon also naturally loved Yvonne. It was because of this that he wanted to try getting forgiveness from Ophelia.Fred raised his voice. "Ms. Ford is very warm and never treats people haughtily. She has never used her family background to bully oth
With a serious expression, Brandon rattled on about the various compensations for Ophelia. Fred nearly couldn't keep his facial expression under control.It seemed like everyone already knew that Ophelia was a huge fan of Chelsea's. It couldn't have been easy to think of such a compensation.The elevator arrived on the top floor, but Jacob still hadn't given his response. Therefore, Brandon hurried into his office behind Jacob and Fred. Finally, Jacob looked at him. "There is some sincerity to it."Firstly, a public apology to Ophelia on his company's Twitter account would clear her name. Secondly, the shares would be considered as financial compensation for the mental distress caused.The third form of compensation was the key point that convinced Jacob to look up. He thought that it was too difficult for Ophelia to fight for concert tickets and produce fan merchandise herself. Now that there was someone readily available to do it, Ophelia wouldn't have to work so hard.This pers
Jacob could really be heinous.Who wanted to listen to Veronica's blabbering?Most people thought that Tobey was sly, cold, and heartless. However, they didn't know that Jacob was the one who was truly wicked.In his youth, he had once been kidnapped because one of the medicines that the Ford family manufactured had threatened to undermine the profits of others. During that time, he'd suffered through endless torment.When he was rescued, his personality had turned ruthless.Although he could be monstrous, he placed great importance on his family and friends. And, Ophelia was his beloved little sister.How could he let Yvonne off the hook for scheming against Ophelia? He had to teach Yvonne that the world could be a harsh place.Not only was Yvonne stupid, but she was also very unfortunate.At first, Jacob could still tolerate how Yvonne had used Ophelia. He had just planned to give her a small taste of her medicine and stop there. However, Veronica had decided on her own accor
Vincent's expression turned cold. He wanted to kick her out of the house, but suddenly, Jacob's cold voice sounded from afar."Since our family is powerful and influential, why should we swallow our anger and surfer in silence?"Jacob had left a document at home, but because his assistant, Fred Foreman, didn't know where it was kept, he had to come home himself to get it. Unexpectedly, he overheard Veronica's haughty words when he returned.Well, a woman who was only pretending to be wealthy in a remote place was now acting superior in his home. Who would allow that to happen?All these years, Veronica had never been defied by someone younger than her before. Because she was much older, she considered herself superior. She didn't care if one was the heir to the family or the eldest son of the main family. At that moment, Jacob's words had made her rage boil over."Look! Look at the children that the Ford family has produced!"Jacob raised an eyebrow. He massaged the spot betwee
Edward chuckled quietly in her ear. "Where do you want to go tomorrow, Ophelia? Should I take you on an overseas getaway? Or perhaps, we could take a stroll nearby and watch a movie.""I can't go overseas; I'm not on break yet. Let's go watch a movie," Ophelia replied. "I've only watched a movie with you as my brother. This time, I want to try watching a movie with you as my boyfriend."Although Edward was still the same person, his identity had changed.She could now touch Edward openly. She could hold his hand, hug him, and kiss him.It was… really great."Alright, get some rest today. I'll come pick you up tomorrow," Edward said.Ophelia nodded and walked him to the door. As soon as she shut the door, she pressed her hand to her chest, feeling her heart thudding rapidly from the kiss earlier.She hopped into bed and rolled from side to side.After Edward got into his car, he finally let out a loud laugh. He pressed his fingers to his lips, reminiscing about the aftertaste sh
As their tongues intertwined, Edward could taste a sweet and sour flavor on Ophelia's tongue. It tasted like she just had a piece of strawberry candy that made her entire mouth taste sweet.Even her breath smelled like this refreshing and saccharine fruity scent. It was as if she was enticing him to take a bite of her and swallow her.The more they kissed, the more forceful Edward got. The air around them felt syrupy and intimate."Are you sure you really have never dated before? Am I really your first? If I am… then why are you so good at kissing?" she asked like it was an interrogation.She didn't know how to kiss and was very inexperienced. However, Edward had practically conquered her. He kissed her until her knees went weak.At the thought of Edward doing this to another woman, her chest began to ache terribly.Edward played with her hair, which had become messy from the kissing. "Like I said, you're all I dream about. I don't even know how many times I've kissed you in my d
"How would you know that I also didn't have the same kind of thoughts when you secretly kissed me all those years ago?"You said that I was born in a tall tower, but I didn't get to choose my background. Meanwhile, you have climbed your way up to where I am to be with me."In ancient times, we would have been innocent and carefree childhood sweethearts. We would've been considered a match made in heaven."Edward, what I'm saying is the truth." Ophelia said each word solemnly. She stared unblinkingly at Edward as she spoke. "While you were struggling with these emotions, who said I was not struggling too?"However, I just couldn't forget you. I couldn't accept a future without you. What I wanted was to have you by my side. I wish you were my lover, and I want to be with you, Edward Ford."Her response was firm and resolute. It echoed with conviction.At the same time, she seemed to be giving her answer to the Edward who had been hiding his feelings in fear and panic for many y