"Well, that's a relief."Liesel logged into her Twitter account, uploaded all of Howard's research data without altering a single word, and tagged a small anonymous Twitter account.She captioned her post, "Thank you, Mr. Durham, for this opportunity to collaborate. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at the dinner party." To top it off, she included a photo of Howard's handwritten letter.Reuben raised an eyebrow. "You posted all of it?"Liesel crossed her arms. Her expression had a subtle hint of amusement."Didn't you say there wasn't anything that couldn't be made public? Mr. Durham's brilliant work deserves to be shared with the world."The sloppy, near-unreadable handwriting was enough to invite mockery from anyone who saw it. It was a calculated strike.Liesel would make sure to flip someone's world upside down before they could even react if they ever crossed her.Still riding the wave of attention from her public confession to Elijah, Liesel's latest post quickly ca
Hardin Group didn't even include Liesel's name on the list of candidates for the upcoming dinner party. Liesel's gaze darkened when she saw the list."Do you think any of you would've been invited by Howard without me?" "Liesel, why don't you admit that you exposed Howard's location and attracted other companies' attention? Now, it's not just Hardin Group but every competitor is about to jump on this opportunity! If you had contacted Hardin Group earlier, we could've secured a private deal with Howard!" Liesel leaned back against the long table, seemingly unbothered by the fact that the chairman himself was occupying the seat that should have been hers. "Let's bet on it, then. Add my name to the list. If I fail to secure this deal, I'll sell my shares and leave Hardin Group for good." Her calm, unwavering delivery silenced the board members instantly. The board member wasn't there to negotiate deals as he knew Howard's research could rake in money. He didn't even und
When Liesel arrived at the research facility, a familiar figure was already standing at the entrance. "Mr. Donner," she greeted with a faint smile. He was Felix Donner—one of the vice-presidential candidates and the youngest son of a major shareholder, Julian Donner. His backing was as solid as they came. "Ms. Sharp, you're here too," Felix said, turning around with a smirk. "I heard through the grapevine that Mr. Durham doesn't like working with women. So, Ms. Sharp, no matter how beautiful you are, it might not help." To some, Liesel's achievements were often attributed to her appearance and her connections with powerful men. It was laughable. Felix, equipped with his privileged background, arrogance, and narrow-mindedness, genuinely believed there couldn't be a woman as competent as Liesel. That belief made him look down on her. Liesel's eyelids twitched, but her smile didn't falter. "Rumors travel fast. But if Mr. Durham truly thinks that way, then someone with yo
Liesel's lips curved into an amused smile when she heard Felix's request. Felix was a few years older than Howard, yet here he was, humbling himself with a deferential "Call me Felix" introduction. She questioned where the arrogance he'd shown earlier had gone. Felix's ability to adapt and swallow his pride when necessary was undoubtedly a strength. His success wasn't entirely due to his father's influence. As Liesel mused to herself, she found she'd wandered closer to the group.She didn't step forward to offer a handshake, introduce herself, or interject. Instead, she stood back with her arms crossed and watched the interaction unfold like a spectator at the theater. She wanted to know how Felix intended to discuss the collaboration.Felix was a useful probe, and Liesel wanted to gauge Howard's attitude toward working with their company. Felix launched into his pitch with enthusiasm. His voice was steady and unrelentingHoward, however, remained focused on the small dr
Liesel felt her head spin. Was she being hit on by a drone?Meanwhile, Felix, whose mouth was as dry as sand from all his talking, stood frozen. "What the hell?" he thought. "Wasn't Howard supposed to be the type who's completely uninterested in romance? Or was it just that no one before was hot enough to catch his attention? Does it just boil down to Liesel's looks?"He stole a glance at Liesel with a bitter taste rising in his mouth. Given Howard's power and status, Felix could only swallow his frustration.Felix pulled out his business card with a smile. "Mr. Durham, how do you find our terms? If there's anything you're not happy with, feel free to let us know. Here's my card; you can contact me anytime to discuss further."After a moment of deliberation, Felix decided it was time to retreat. Howard was too busy messing around with his drone, using it to entertain himself at Liesel's expense. He wasn't listening to a word he was saying."Let's go. I'll drive you," Felix said to
Liesel turned around with a calm expression. "Mr. Durham, is there something you wanted to discuss?" Felix shot her a warning look, which she ignored entirely. Taking a few steps forward, Liesel continued in a detached tone, "Go ahead. We'll do our best to meet your requests." Her words promised cooperation, but her delivery couldn't have been icier. Felix felt his stomach tighten. He quickly plastered on a smile. "Yes, yes! We'd be happy to help with anything you need." "I've heard that you have quite the expertise in automotive engineering." Howard was unfazed by Liesel's frosty demeanor. "As it happens, I've done some upgrades on the prototypes your company developed. Care to take one for a spin, Ms. Sharp?" Howard was baiting Liesel. He was letting her know that he'd been keeping tabs on her. It raised the question of how Howard had gotten access to Liesel's car data. It was no mystery. The vehicles involved in the accident, including Elijah's car, had all been
Felix stood to the side, gushing with praise for Howard's so-called "brilliance." But no one paid him any attention. Not even a glance. His voice had become nothing more than background noise."Liesel, you're wasting your intelligence," Howard said. His tone was biting as he tapped his temple. "You've let yourself get tainted by the stink of money. You were born to be someone like me. We should be the same."Liesel's expression was unchanged. "Every breakthrough you make needs funding. You can't stand people chasing profit, but you still need to bleed them for investments. What's your take on that, Mr. Durham?"Howard chuckled as he held her gaze. "You haven't passed my test yet. I'm not interested in having this conversation with you. So, are you going to help me test my new car?"Felix, who had been rambling for the better part of five minutes, froze as the words finally sank in. Howard hadn't listened to a single thing he'd said. Still, Felix forced a strained smile and let out
The two cars sped up on the track. They were like arrows released from a bow. If their driving skills didn't match the speed, an accident was almost inevitable."They're helping me test the performance of the smart driving system. Mr. Ford, don't you think it's interesting?" Howard said with a grin. He was aware of the past between Jacob and Liesel, and his words only seemed like provocation."You let Liesel test your smart driving system? Are you out of your mind?" Jacob snapped. "Tell her to stop. I'll take over."Howard raised an eyebrow at Jacob's command. His eyes darkened with a cold, assessing gaze. He smirked. "Mr. Ford, do you think you're qualified?"As the two cars roared past them, a gust of wind followed in their wake."Howard, it's too fast! Make her stop. I'll drive!" Jacob's brow furrowed deeply as he stared at the cars with concern.Howard laughed lightly. His amusement was tinged with sarcasm. "Mr. Ford, this is a bet for Hardin Group. I doubt the Ford family ha
"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