The group's faces turned crimson. Their self-esteem was crushed under the weight of Howard's unrelenting words. Yet, they had to admit that Howard's criteria for selecting a partner were undeniably sound.Whether or not Liesel was truly exceptional, her ability to align seamlessly with his direction already placed her miles ahead of the rest.If they stirred up trouble now, they would only succeed in further embarrassing themselves.What made it worse was the presence of senior executives from competing firms. Any scene they caused would only amplify their disgrace. If the ground could swallow them whole, they would have gladly disappeared into the earth.Felix, meanwhile, silently thanked his lucky stars that he hadn't participated in answering the questions. Otherwise, it would have been humiliating.It was no wonder Liesel had risen so quickly. She must have grasped Howard's intentions long before the tests even began. Her ability to read people and position herself strategical
Liesel's true capabilities had always been underestimated. Many of the choices she made in life weren't born out of passion but necessity. For instance, despite her lack of interest in business or finance, she chose to major in finance.It wasn't because she wanted to get closer to Jacob. It was because she needed a faster way to accumulate wealth and climb to the top, where power and influence awaited.Liesel understood one unshakable truth: to have a voice of her own, she couldn't depend on anyone. Though her heart yearned for research, being a woman meant she was often seen as less capable. Few would trust her talent.Even if she achieved something groundbreaking, her name might be erased and replaced by some highly regarded figure in the field. In such a reality, she might be reduced to working in the shadows. She might become nothing more than a ghostwriter for others' successes.It was this awareness of the industry's darker side that prompted Liesel to study finance. She w
After seeing this kind of video, there was no way that people would go back to accepting normal video platforms and 2D videos. Howard leaned against the wall with a leisurely smile on his face. "You might have wondered why I picked Liesel, but I believe everyone knows the reason now."She is a financial guru who knows everything about the research equipment and is able to keep up with my pace. That's not all. She has even developed 3D conversion software on her own. Everyone, it's a no-brainer."He pushed his glasses up his nose. His eyes were slightly amused."When I have a question, I can't be made to wait several days for my partner to crunch the numbers for further discussion. I'm not someone with that much patience. I'm sure you understand, Mr. Fernsby, Ms. Turner."Of course, they understood!Cooper's expression turned dark. Great terror was hiding in the depths of his eyes.When it came to video platforms, Solstice Inc. also had their own. Times weren't the same as a dec
Liesel suddenly hugged Belinda. Because of her miscarriage, her body had gotten a lot weaker and skinnier. Still, she still felt soft and carried a sweet fragrance. Even someone as powerful as her could still be so sweet."You will also meet the person who's best for you, I promise."Belinda's eyelashes fluttered, and her lips curved into a smile.After a moment, she nodded solemnly. Her chin dug into Liesel's shoulder.Cooper was speechless.What?Hadn't Belinda just been on his side, launching attacks against Liesel with him? Just like that, she had retreated? What was this?Cooper put on a faux smile. He waited until Liesel and Belinda pulled away from their hug before saying faintly, "Ms. Sharp, after this is over, would you have some time to discuss a collaboration with me?"Naturally, the collaboration was about glasses-free 3D technology.Liesel couldn't stifle a laugh. She was beautiful when she smiled, but this time, the smile didn't reach her eyes. It was a fake smil
Actually, Liesel knew that she shouldn't accept this gift, but… this belonged to Howard. Howard must have something he wanted to tell her, and perhaps he'd hidden it in this drone. However, due to the security team following her around, he could only go for the second-best option and give her the drone so that she could investigate it in private.She pushed the joystick, and Howie flew around her while emitting a slight buzz. Then, she pressed a round button on the top left corner, and Howie let out a couple of beeps.Unable to control her facial expression, she broke into a grin.In truth, she liked these things, even since childhood.Smiling, she raised her gaze only to meet Jacob's dark eyes. She merely paused for a moment before her lips curved again. Then, she handed the remote control to Reuben. "Captain Buckner, please look after my gift. I want to bring this home."Reuben arched an eyebrow and nodded.Seeing that Liesel had accepted his gift, Howard let out a low chuckle.
Liesel was surrounded by people full of admiration for her. No matter how much they flattered and praised her, she still maintained her indifferent and proper demeanor.After those people wisely left her alone, Drew couldn't stop himself from approaching her. Only when he got up close to her did he realize how much weight Liesel had lost. Earlier, he'd thought that his eyes were playing tricks on him from far away.Not only was she skinnier, but her gaze had changed too. It was no longer gentle like water, but piercing. She was not bothering to hide the sharpness within.When Liesel saw that it was him, she hesitated for a moment before smiling. "Long time no see," she greeted Drew.Drew was caught off-guard for a second. For a moment, his eyes filled with tears. "Long time no see. I thought—"Before he could finish his sentence, Liesel had already picked up a cup of hot milk. Her eyes crinkled; this time, her smile looked genuine."I'm sorry."She was apologizing.Drew was stu
Charles always looked at problems with Ford Corporation's profits in mind. Just like Liesel said, he and Jacob shared a common interest.Because of Drew's good relationship with Liesel, his position became a conflict of interest after Liesel left Ford Corporation. He was excluded from a lot of the core information about Ford Corporation and even some of the partnerships.Was he still an executive secretary of Ford Corporation? He was, but his power was no longer like it used to be. It was as if he'd been stripped of his privileges."Do you want to join me? If you do, I would be delighted."Should he go to Hardin Group to be with Liesel, leaving behind Ford Corporation?Drew could understand the difficult place Liesel was in now. Before Elijah got hurt, he had been capable of controlling the entire Hardin Group. But now that he'd been crippled, everyone else wanted to drag Liesel and Elijah down and steal the throne for themselves.He had noticed everything that had gone down earl
"Congratulations on winning the opportunity with Howard."Charles said it as if he didn't feel like he'd lost to Liesel. Or perhaps, he was trying to act like he didn't care in front of her.Liesel stopped in her tracks. She looked at Charles, who was smiling gently.Charles always had this mask on, elegant and generous. Sometimes, he would seem cold and distant, but he would never let anyone see what he was truly thinking on the inside. He was powerful, yet terrifying.Even though she had worked at Ford Corporation for three years, she had never truly understood him.Or perhaps… she had never understood the dark side of him.She knew that Charles was a very thorough and meticulous person. She also knew that he put a lot of effort into his work. However, when she talked to him, she just never got that feeling from him."It's Howard who wants to work with me, not the other way round. You should know the interests or stakes in this," Liesel said lightly, not hiding the coolness in
"I'm willing since it's you." Liesel leaned forward, drawing her lips close to his ear. Her warm breath lingered seductively. It was almost as if she were about to lean into his embrace."Do you really like me controlling you?" Liesel asked Elijah, who hummed in response. "Do you really like being possessed? You've loved freedom for your whole life, but could you give it up for a specific person at certain moments?" Liesel asked. Elijah gazed at her. His expression was unchanged. "Yes, if it's for you."Liesel brushed her lips against his ear before asking in a low voice, "Did you pursue me back then because I didn't like you, and you enjoyed the feeling of not getting what you wanted?"Elijah paused after hearing her question. He scratched his nose and felt slightly guilty. He already had an idea of what Liesel was about to ask. Elijah had clearly gone quiet. Liesel also had an idea why he remained silent. She couldn't help but click her tongue."You lied to me that your b
Liesel's gaze was calm as she stared at Jacob, who was a few feet away. After a mere glance, she turned to leave. "Liesel," Jacob called out her name. "I had nothing to do with what happened today." Jacob had waited there so he could tell her that."What do you want me to say?" Liesel wasn't interested in saying anything at all. She merely found what he said ridiculous after hearing him out."You said you had nothing to do with what happened today. Which part had nothing to do with you?"Liesel's gaze remained nonchalant. "You said you care about me. You mentioned that you want a fresh start with me. "You said you want to marry me again and make me Mrs. Ford once more. Let me ask you. Do you know what it means when Natalie and Matthew are still around?"You're indulging Natalie by letting her hurt me without any restraint. You'll be permitting Matthew to do anything he wants and commit all sorts of crimes. "While Matthew has learned his lesson, he might still dream of takin
If Xavier really made any mistakes, Liesel would definitely back him up since she was powerful and reliable. He was very confident about that at the moment.In the past, Xavier came off as steady since he had matured early, but he was slightly immature now. It was as if he could afford to be stubborn and childish since he had Liesel as his older sister. Liesel mentioned that she could support Xavier since she was wealthy and powerful. What else did Xavier have to worry about? She was his elder sister.Liesel gazed at Xavier and spoke earnestly. "Xavier, I won't force you to make a decision, but have you truly made up your mind to major in performing arts?"No need to get nervous and change your decision because of me. I just want to know what path you want to take for your future.""I'll choose a performance major, but not immediately." Xavier continued to explain, "I'll go for a physics major first and produce some results. Then, I'll choose what I like later."Howard chuckled.
Liesel couldn't help but advise Howard. "Mr. Durham, you said Xavier should decide his own future. You've gone too far.""Have I gone too far? Not only did you not discipline him, but you're lecturing me now?" Howard pointed at himself. "I can do much worse! Xavier, you listen to me. If you dare choose to enroll in a performance major, I'll break your legs! I'll break both of them!" Howard was being completely unreasonable. Liesel massaged her temples while thinking about how things were in disarray. Although she never expected Xavier to choose a performance major, it wasn't as if he wasn't allowed to. She retorted. "Didn't you just say that I can support him since I'm his older sister? That's why he won't have a hard time making a decision since I'll be his financial backer."Howard wasn't pleased. "But he has a super high IQ.""But I'm rich.""But he has a super high IQ." Howard refused to let go of the fact that Xavier was intelligent.Most importantly, Xavier was Heather
Howard had considered everything. Heather and Jason's children definitely had the best genes. Liesel and Xavier had the power to change everything, so why did they insist on learning finance just to earn money?"Like you said, you chose finance because you had no other choice, nor the money. You didn't want to be controlled, so you took that path. "But what about Xavier? Since he has you as his sister, would he even be short of money? You'll always donate money to the laboratory if he lacks any research materials, right?"Since you'll be supporting him, that kid can decide on his own future." Howard saw through it all, and he was also worried that a promising talent like Xavier would be ruined. Liesel glanced at Xavier and paused before asking, "What do you think?"Xavier was startled. He never considered all that. In the past, his biggest dream was to escape the Scotts. Even after getting away from the Scott family, Xavier faced many issues as well and didn't have the time to
Jeffrey only officially acknowledged two daughters—Liesel and Natalie. The upper class already picked Liesel's identity apart a long time ago. Yet she was calmly informing the onlookers that she had a younger brother. Since when did she have a little brother?However, no one asked on the spot. Despite feeling suspicious of Liesel and Xavier's identities, the crowd still smiled hypocritically. Liesel must have brought up Xavier at that moment to show her support for him.Zack and Sky rushed to the party, intending to make a fuss by ruining Liesel and Xavier's reputation. Yet she acknowledged her relationship with Xavier by letting everyone know that they were siblings. Liesel had a younger brother, and his name was Xavier.Xavier stood under the light, which cast a glow on his side profile and made him seem very tall. He most likely experienced a growth spurt when he was younger, so he had a tall and frail figure. Xavier was quite handsome. Despite his gentle demeanor, he cam
Exactly. Why did the Fords have to target Liesel?Howard was never a good person. If he were the king during the olden days, he would definitely favor ministers who flattered him instead of the decent ones. He would be driven by self-interest and only appoint those who were close to him as ministers.There was nothing Howard didn't know. Besides, Howard was on good terms with Heather and wasn't close with anyone from the crowd. They weren't even worthy when compared to Liesel. Liesel was Heather's daughter, and Liesel could even be Howard's future business partner. If Howard didn't take Liesel's side, who else would he side with?Edward's gaze remained calm. "Mr. Durham, you've spoken so bluntly. Don't you know what kind of rumors might spread among the upper class? They might end up hurting her badly.""Hurt her badly?" Howard chuckled. "I'm watching over her on behalf of my old friend, Heather. If any of these rumors start flying, I'll let those people have a taste of what it's
Despite being insulted, Howard's expression remained unchanged. "Look at how pitiful Zack and Sky are. They're covered in injuries all over. "Why didn't you take them to the hospital for treatment? Instead, they're dressed in luxury clothes that don't belong to them so they can attend the dinner party."Howard cocked his head before adjusting his glasses. His gaze remained sharp. "Can't you tell that your father and brother are trying to ruin Liesel and Xavier's reputations?"If you did, you're being malicious by acting innocent and standing up for your father and brother. If you can't tell what's going on, then you're really stupid. Ms. Ford. May I know which one you are?" Howard did not show mercy to Ophelia.A few people at the dinner party could no longer take it. They began massaging their temples while muttering under their breaths. "No one kicked you out yet, so why are you speaking up for them? Why are you triggering him? Serve you right for being humiliated." Others b
Edward said with a warm expression, "Aren't you being too authoritarian, Mr. Durham? Perhaps they had only come to the banquet because they had no other choice. Why don't you hear them out? I don't think you're a stone-cold person.""Oh, you Fords were the ones who brought them here."From just Edward's words, Howard had reached a conclusion.Edward was speechless. Even though Howard had said that, how was he so certain?The smile on Edward's face froze momentarily. "Mr. Durham, my father just thought that they were very pitiful, so he wanted to help them out.""Matthew is already in a wheelchair. No matter how you look at it, he's more pitiful than they are. He should help himself first," Howard said with a sneer. He was mocking them without mercy.The calm expression on Matthew's face turned rigid. "Do you know that this banquet is for the upper class as well as researchers?" Howard directed his aloof gaze toward Edward. "Which category do you think these two fall under? Do t