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
"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