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
Based on Xavier's personality, Liesel assumed he would leave after the college exam. He would move out to his own villa once grown up. "Of course, I'll be there. Seeing how outstanding you are, the headmaster would probably ask you to go onstage and give a speech. I'll be watching you carefully." Liesel's voice sounded playful.Xavier seemed unsure how to continue the conversation with Liesel. He hummed in response before ending the call.Elijah was seated on the couch in the ward while going through his documents. He adjusted his glasses. "Was that a call from Xavier?"Liesel nodded. "He invited me to attend his graduation ceremony."Things had been far too busy lately, and Liesel often found herself in hot water. Hence, she felt much better after receiving a call from Xavier. "Do you think I should prepare a gift for him? What should I give to him? A pen?" Before Liesel could finish speaking, Elijah massaged his temples before speaking in a teasing tone."Babe, have you forg
Once it was time, Liesel and Elijah went to pick up Xavier at the villa. Xavier was startled for a moment after noticing Liesel's delicate makeup before looking away uncomfortably. He asked, "Why didn't you sit in the wheelchair? Don't be so stubborn if you haven't fully recovered.""I'm almost fully recovered." Liesel had just started explaining when Xavier turned to look at Elijah. "Where's her wheelchair?"Elijah deliberately chuckled at that moment, seeming amused at the sight of Xavier taking care of Liesel. Elijah merely shrugged and acted innocent after Liesel cast him a fierce glare. It went without saying that Elijah had told Xavier. Since he couldn't convince Liesel, he had secretly contacted Xavier. He had an idea that Liesel would not object to Xavier.Men were such scoundrels. Elijah leisurely paced back and forth beside Liesel at that moment and sighed. "Oh, someone's only willing to listen to Xavier and not me."Liesel stepped on Elijah's foot hard in revenge,
Helena had very high hopes for Xavier. Her words "I encourage you to take your future into your own hands and forge your path to greatness" had fully captured the hopes she had for him. Helena hoped that Xavier would become Alden University's top student.Xavier looked up at Helena. Although she was getting older, she still remained alert. She always had been gentle and elegant. He often received help from her while living with the Scotts for many years. In fact, Helena also proposed for the highest scorer to receive a scholarship so Xavier could receive the funds.After learning what happened to the Scotts, Helena changed the scholarship to fully exempt Xavier from paying the school fees. She also supplied free lunches and textbooks because she couldn't bear to see Xavier's talents go to waste. Xavier glanced at Helena with a determined expression before bowing. Helena smiled in relief. "Go ahead. Lead the other students and take the oath together to welcome the upcoming col
"Xavier's very happy. You don't have to feel so guilty about certain things." Elijah told Liesel, who looked downward a little with a faint smile on her lips. "Just because he's happy now doesn't mean he wasn't hurt before. I can only do my best to make it up to him.""Sometimes, you can focus more on yourself instead." Elijah reached out to pat Liesel gently on her head. He drew his hand back with a secret chuckle after Liesel glared at him.It was the night of Ashthorne First High School's prom night. Some female students were already secretly casting glances at Xavier. There were even students who began shoving a pretty girl to Xavier's side. Anna McCarthy had round cheeks and delicate features, and she looked gorgeous. At that moment, her face was completely flushed, yet she was still casting furtive glances at Xavier with pursed lips. "Xavier, will you dance with me?" Xavier put a hand in his pocket and looked into the distance with slightly pursed lips. "I'm really sorr
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
"If you're ever unhappy, you can come find me anytime. I'll always be here for you."This was Edward's promise.These were the moments when Ophelia had seen Edward smoking. Each time, it seemed to have something to do with her.She recalled the past. The way Edward always looked at her became even clearer in her mind. Back then, she might not have understood the struggle and yearning in his eyes.But now, she thought she understood.Her mind was filled with too many thoughts, and their embrace had lasted far too long.She wanted to push him away, but at that moment, he suddenly whispered in her ear, "Your first kiss wasn't him. It was me."What?Ophelia was stunned. She even thought that she'd heard wrong.When had she ever kissed Edward? How come she never knew about it?She pushed him away. Her doe eyes widened."You're lying. E-except just now, we've never kissed before!""The night before I left the country, you held onto my shirt and refused to let me leave. After you
Ophelia still remembered the melancholy and confusion that she'd seen in Edward's eyes. He had looked like a young boy who couldn't find his way home.The moment Edward saw her, he stubbed out his cigarette. Holding her hand, he led the bleary-eyed Ophelia back to the bedroom.Worried that she'd catch a cold from the freezing winds, he made her a cup of hot chamomile tea. She didn't like the taste, so he had to try his hardest to coax her into drinking it.Upset, she said to him accusingly, "Edward, I feel I'm turning into a chamomile plant."Edward laughed.He was handsome. Even when he laughed, he looked attractive. Amusement bloomed on his charming and elegant face.She complimented him dazedly, "Edward, you're really good-looking."Even though she was still mad that she'd been coaxed into drinking a whole mug of chamomile tea, she still found herself lost in his handsomeness. Edward's eyes were curved from his broad grin, and he reached out to rub her head."You're very goo