Agreeing with the sentiment, everyone knew choosing Liesel was the right decision given her capabilities. She was more than ready for this.As Liesel stepped into the elevator, her destination was clear— the Research and Development Department. The display numbers rapidly decreased until they reached B5, where the doors smoothly opened.She walked out confidently, and everyone who passed her would pause to respectfully address her as "Ms. Sharp." Her expression remained gentle yet distant. She maintained a professional barrier.After dropping her belongings in her office, she headed to the Research and Development Center to meet Howard. The familiar whirring sound echoed through the brightly lit corridor, and before she could spot Howard, she noticed a red toy plane. The little aircraft's lights blinked as it circled around her a few times, then gracefully turned to lead her forward. As they passed through the corridor, they entered a vast laboratory that gleamed under brilliant l
"What do you think about it? Isn't it interesting?" Howard asked while flashing Liesel a playful smirk."Mr. Durham, you're truly a pioneer in scientific research!" Liesel chuckled softly."You're too kind, Ms. Sharp. I'm sure we'll get along splendidly." Howard stepped forward and extended his hand first."Of course," Liesel reached out to grab his hand, only to grasp at empty air once again.Liesel's expression darkened. Even with her usually pleasant temperament, she could not help but feel annoyed at being fooled twice.The red plane buzzed twice, flew forward a bit, and then turned slightly while beeping to signal Liesel to follow. The real Howard was supposedly ahead. Liesel rubbed her temple and continued forward reluctantly.Down the open corridor, Howard appeared in the distance, smiling and extending his hand. Liesel observed carefully. A knowing smile played on her lips as she continued walking without stopping."He's not real—he has no shadow," she thought as she w
Liesel had not noticed that her fingertips had brushed against Howard's Adam's apple. His throat moved as he swallowed hard. It was as if he was trying to contain something burning inside.After a long silence, Howard asked in a husky voice, "What about when we're not working?" Liesel noticed the dangerous intent in his eyes and thought he had completely lost his mind. They were both adults and knew exactly what he was implying. It was practically a confession. However, Liesel had not sensed any of this from Howard yesterday, and she found herself at a loss. Confusion was evident in her eyes. "Have you gone crazy?" she asked, genuinely believing he had."Who do you think I am?" Liesel looked up at Howard. Her tone was almost demanding.Who did he see when he looked at her? Howard stood frozen, momentarily lost in memories of a beautiful face from years ago. He remembered her gentle smile and how she had softly called his name, "Howard."Back then, he was just coming of age wh
"Liesel, we're in this together now—you can't afford to mess up! If you go down, I'm finished too!" Felix exclaimed anxiously."Don't worry. The only ones who'll be in trouble are those hiding in the shadows," Liesel assured him. Only after hearing her confidence did Felix relax enough to end the call. Even with everything going on, Liesel found herself playing with the toy plane Howard had given her. She appeared completely unconcerned about the plots against her.Just then, the office door suddenly opened, and the plane, which had been circling the doorway, collided with the newcomer's chest.Liesel's hand froze on the remote control. Her expression was momentarily blank. Neal glanced down at the plane in his arms, then up at Liesel, who was lounging in her executive chair with her feet propped on the desk, and raised an eyebrow.This relaxed demeanor was something he had never seen before. After all, Liesel was usually ruthlessly efficient in business, but here she was, secret
The meeting was about to begin when Neal and Howard finally arrived. They took their seats at opposite ends of the conference table. Their respective teams sat along the sides—Howard's researchers in white lab coats and Neal's executives in black suits.Everyone stood to greet the leaders except Liesel, who remained seated. She was quietly reviewing her presentation notes. Then, she began reporting on recent developments, using PowerPoint to showcase the research achievements that would be presented at the summit—each one promising to make significant waves in the industry.The group examined the materials with grave expressions as they discussed the implications. It was clear that Hardin Group was heading toward renewable energy research, along with developments in AI systems and pharmaceutical studies.These were all Howard's proposed initiatives. Since Hardin Group had welcomed back their prodigal genius, they could not exactly deny him research funding. This explained why th
The surveillance footage was clear and had timestamps and dates. There was no room for dispute.What should have been the end of the meeting dragged on for over twenty more minutes. Liesel, Howard, and Neal showed no signs of wrapping up, so everyone else had no choice but to endure. The researcher, who was visibly annoyed at first, now wore an awkward expression."Non-operators are prohibited from handling equipment, turning devices on or off, or tampering with tools and instruments. These rules were established jointly by me and Mr. Durham. I'm not about to be the one to break them. Since you all want to discuss this today, let's settle it."Liesel picked up her phone and cast another video onto the screen.Neal's subordinates sat on one side of the long conference table, while Howard's team of researchers occupied the other. Hardin Group's staff was visibly uncomfortable when one of Howard's researchers accused Liesel of breaking lab protocol by entering the lab in high heels. B
No one expected Liesel to be that fierce. Howard's researchers were frozen in place.Howard was usually cloaked in a perpetual smile but his façade had been utterly shattered. It was replaced by an unmistakable glint of cold calculation."Ms. Sharp, you've got quite the guts to fire my men. If that's the case—"He didn't get to finish.Liesel, who was sitting with one leg crossed over the other, casually tapped her fingers on the table. Her smile was razor-sharp."If that's the case, are you suggesting that you would leave as well? Perhaps you need a little reminder of your contract terms."For the next three years, you're bound to Hardin Group. Should you breach the contract, Hardin Group retains the right to freely use all your patents related to autonomous driving systems."The clause wasn't exactly balanced as leaving early meant surrendering valuable intellectual property as compensation. But Howard had arrogantly assumed Hardin Group wouldn't upset him. He had signed the a
Not making an enemy of Liesel was the smartest decision Neal had ever made. She was ruthless and calculating. If she could dismantle Howard, no one else stood a chance with her."Liesel, must you be so confrontational with me? I thought we had some kind of friendship—" Howard placed the contract down and sighed. He was trying to ease the tension.Liesel interrupted with a smile. "Mr. Durham, we don't have any of that. If there's a connection, it's between you and Ms. Mallone, not me."She had no feelings for Heather, much less Howard. Neal couldn't hold back a chuckle.Howard remained silent for a long moment before turning his glare toward Jacob. His frustration was palpable, but even in his anger, he refrained from directing his fury at Liesel.His veneer of arrogance and devil-may-care detachment had been stripped away. He had seen Liesel as an intriguing toy, but now he realized she saw him as nothing more than a tool.As his pride shattered, an unfamiliar emotion crept into
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
"So it is because of Stanley.""Well, I'm much older than you. Stanley is young so there wouldn't be a generation gap between you two. You must like someone younger."That's not all. Stanley has excellent grades. I naturally understand that you'd choose him. After all, he's the first guy you've ever called your boyfriend."You don't have to say anything; I understand. I'm not up to standard. Stanley will definitely achieve greater things than me in the future, so I shouldn't keep clinging to you…" I must have put you in a difficult position. If I had known that you had picked Stanley, I wouldn't have come back and disturbed you. I've disturbed the peace in your life."Every single word Edward said felt like a stab in Ophelia's heart.Was he crazy? Why was he talking about Stanley in every sentence?Ophelia tried her hardest to bite her tongue, but in the end, she failed to hold her anger in."You keep talking about Stanley, but didn't I already tell you that we've broken up? A
Ophelia snatched the junk food box in a huff to fill the gift boxes with snacks."You! Stop causing trouble!""Okay, okay! I'll stop messing around." With that, Joseph muttered, "It was just a few sweets…"Ophelia glared at him. Joseph immediately cleared his throat and no longer uttered a word. Instead of teasing her, he also began helping her pack the boxes. Not trusting him, Ophelia intentionally inspected each box. She only felt assured to hand him the boxes once she was certain none of the chocolates or snacks were missing.Not long after Joseph started packing, he began looking around absentmindedly. He looked down and noticed many private messages on Ophelia's phone. Those still part of Yvonne's fandom had sent those messages. They were scolding Ophelia.Ophelia merely glanced at the messages before nonchalantly turning off the phone screen. Not only were she and Joseph done wrapping the boxes, but Edward had finished preparing breakfast as well. Edward prepared all of
"Oh!" Joseph exclaimed. He whirled around and took a step back before patting Edward's palm. "Shouldn't you give me something in return for my advice? A present or something, right?"Edward came off as rather domineering as he asked icily, "Tell me which car you want. What model and series? When do you want it?"Yes, Edward had brought up cars. Joseph's eyes lit up. "I want the latest SUV from Land Rover within the next three days."It wasn't as if Joseph couldn't afford the car. He simply liked messing with his friends. After all, free things were the best. "Sure." Joseph continued flatteringly, "Bro, this is how it works. Women are usually more soft-hearted, especially someone like Ophelia at her age. You should give in sometimes."Be shameless if she ever tries to drive you away. Hug her and act pitiful by saying that you don't want to leave her. Say that you can't sleep or will have nightmares if you don't see her. You can even be more dramatic."Joseph was quick-witted enou
Ophelia was left dumbfounded after hearing Joseph's advice. What nonsense was he talking about? He was supposed to be on her side, not sabotage her. Edward shoved Ophelia out of the kitchen. "Something's wrong with his brain, so just ignore him. Go and rest."Ophelia was still perplexed as Edward pushed her out of the kitchen. However, she didn't probe further since she refused to speak to him for now. Once Ophelia was gone, Joseph immediately cursed. "You're such a beast. 28cm, 28cm. Why don't you cut off that thing of yours? Did you think your sweetheart is someone who appears in those adult films?" Edward's eyes twitched. He finally understood what Joseph had been blabbering about. Joseph was such a pervert through and through. Edward slammed the knife onto the chopping board. "I'm talking about my age. What's gotten into you?""Oh, it's your age." Joseph sighed in relief. He had been worried about how Draskia could have such a pervert like Edward.After a while, Joseph e