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
"Lili, are you really set on Elijah?""I thought you already knew." Liesel wasn't denying her affection for Elijah."You must realize Elijah's legs are permanently damaged. I know your feelings for him are deep, but you need to think about your future." Neal spoke with the concern of an elder brother."Neal, I can help him stand again."Liesel's reply was resolute. Her eyes were shining with unwavering confidence. "I won't give up on him. I'll stay by his side until he's able to stand again."It was Liesel's promise, a testament to her unwavering love for Elijah.Neal knew Liesel wouldn't listen, no matter what he said. Instead, he placed a supportive hand on her shoulder.Liesel smiled and said lightly, "I'll prepare some materials."With that, she turned, waved without looking back, and strode out of the room. Her footsteps faded into the distance. Neal was left alone.He remained seated with his brows furrowed. He rubbed the bridge of his nose with a dark expression.Liese
The translators' expressions turned increasingly peculiar. Their gazes occasionally flicked to Liesel's radiant smile. It was a sight that made their hearts skip a beat.Their strained smiles froze, leaving them rooted to the spot.The reality was that their presence wasn't even necessary. Liesel herself could communicate flawlessly in multiple languages. Their sole role now was to relay the foreign dignitaries' remarks to Hardin Group's executives in Draskian.Already somewhat intimidated by Liesel, the translators now felt a sense of reverence. Her smile earlier seemed more like a silent warning for them not to disclose anything they shouldn't.They dutifully conveyed only the praise and admiration the foreign dignitaries expressed for Liesel while conspicuously omitting any mention of Shifter Corporation.The Hardin Group executives were entirely unsurprised by the high regard for Liesel. After all, she had been instrumental in numerous acquisitions during her tenure at the For
All they needed to do was target Shifter Corporation, and Shifter Corporation would support their rival companies, turning around to join forces against them.Capital always prioritized profit, and it was clear that Shifter Corporation could offer far greater returns. It naturally positioned Shifter Corporation as an unshakable entity abroad.Shifter Corporation was an enterprise pursued by international investors and strongly supported by domestic development initiatives. The network of connections Liesel held was unfathomably extensive.Julian couldn't shake the feeling that his son's brain must have short-circuited. But now that Felix had chosen to board Liesel's ship, there was no turning back. He could only hope that his son had made the right decision.The tranquil atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by a voice. The soothing background music abruptly stopped, as if on cue."You must be Liesel, the woman Elijah hides behind?"The man had a face radiating raw, feral aggressio
Liesel smiled. It was a smile that carried an edge of cold detachment.She hadn't sought Andre out, but he'd come to her. He was far too taken with his status and power to recognize the imbalance.Liesel said something in Gildrennian, and Andre looked confused.Andre wasn't Gildrennian, nor was he particularly curious or bright. He was a brute with more muscle than mind. There was no way he could understand what Liesel had said. The translator standing beside him, however, began to sweat.Andre glared at the translator, who forced an awkward smile and said, "Ms. Sharp says her one true love is Mr. Hardin."Of course, that wasn't what Liesel had said, but the translator didn't dare relay her actual words.Andre snorted. "You must really be into that whole platonic love thing."Liesel knew exactly what he meant. He was insulting Elijah.She idly fiddled with an experimental device on the Shifter Corporation's display table. Her fingers tapped lightly against the surface as her ey
How had the Orten family managed to dominate the pharmaceutical industry for so many years and rake in obscene profits?Their empire was built on cancer-related drugs and medical devices. None of their products could truly cure cancer, but who would pass up an opportunity to profit?The family knew full well that their treatments couldn't save lives, but they marketed them as capable of alleviating pain. Patients and their families, who were desperate for hope, paid exorbitant prices for those so-called treatments.In its early stages, cancer could be cured, but over 90% of patients were essentially left waiting to die for mid-to-late-stage cases. Ironically, it was the late-stage cases that provided the biggest windfall for the Orten family. Their reputation overseas was built on that grim reality.If Liesel were to announce that she had developed a drug capable of curing cancer, the Ortens' empire would crumble overnight.Years ago, Liesel had released a report on pharmaceutical
Austin didn't get to witness Liesel's downfall, but instead, he found himself in trouble. His overwhelming desire to bring her down had made him reckless.Investigators from White-Collar Crime Division arrived at Hardin Group. They wasted no time as they launched an in-depth investigation. The theft of such a groundbreaking research project by foreign competitors was a severe blow to the nation's industry and had drawn top-level attention.No one was allowed to leave the premises, and all employees of the research department were under scrutiny.Austin's gaze was cold and venomous. He felt nothing but contempt for Elijah and the others. To him, these men were pathetic fools for degrading themselves for a woman. How could they still call themselves men?He didn't mind the investigation. They wouldn't find anything on him anyway.His dealings with Alisha had been carried out discreetly, leaving no trace. Alisha had handled everything. None of it could be tied back to him.He was in
"Mr. Hardin has always protected Ms. Sharp," someone whispered. "He left a will that stated he would give everything to her. But as long as he's alive, that will doesn't matter. No man could tolerate such betrayal. Ms. Sharp will definitely be kicked out of Hardin Group."By the end of her words, her voice had begun to tremble. Sobs broke out of her chest. She sounded utterly pitiful.Austin wiped his face again and heaved a heavy sigh to blend in. No one knew about the chilling malice and deep satisfaction hiding in his eyes.Just then, slow, deliberate footsteps echoed down the hallway, followed by the sound of the glass door being pushed open.Everyone's heads turned. The murmured discussions fell silent, and the tense air became heavy with a solemn weight.Austin lowered his hand from his mouth and arranged his face into an expression of anxious unease.The moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived. He wanted to see for himself just how far Liesel would fall and how
Austin's face was pale, and he looked down, seemingly like everyone else in the room. But a closer look would reveal that he was the most different of all.A sly smile tugged at his lips. There was even a flicker of light in his eyes, showing an air of ease and satisfaction. He was disconnected from the sorrows of those around him.How was Liesel doing now?The thought crossed Austin's mind, and he couldn't help but blink with interest.The peak of her life was just ahead. With one step, Liesel could have everything everyone dreamed of—applause, wealth, status, and a bright future.But at the closest moment to success, her outstretched hand was brutally severed, and her foot fell into an empty void.The pain must have been excruciating.Austin shook his head and sighed inwardly. Liesel was so pitiful.He put his freshly cleaned glasses back on his high nose bridge. Avoiding the gazes of others, he wore a most comfortable smile.He thought with satisfaction, "I climbed over you
An elderly man sitting next to Richard said, "One month. Liesel has to go if things aren't settled in a month."Felix looked at Liesel, who nodded.And just like that, it was decided.Richard, along with his subordinates, left the meeting room. As they passed Liesel, Richard shot her a look full of disdain.Liesel stood there with a faint smile. She was completely indifferent to the situation.As the group walked by, Howard subtly extended his long leg.Richard tripped and went tumbling to the ground, landing face-first. As he scrambled up, he glared back with a grim expression.He could deal with Liesel and plot against Felix, but Howard was a different story. He couldn't do a thing to him."Let's go, Ms. Sharp." Howard stood up leisurely while casually adjusting his silver-gray tie. His Adam's apple sat perfectly at the collar of his shirt.Howard had once again reached new heights of attractiveness today.In the elevator, Liesel asked curiously, "You didn't even use a remo
Felix nodded at Liesel, who was standing on stage. Just as he was about to speak, his phone began buzzing loudly.Every phone call was crucial during such a critical moment. Felix waved his hand, gesturing for everyone to wait for a moment. He checked his phone and saw that he had received more than ten of the same videos over and over again. On the video thumbnail was a silhouette of Liesel embracing Thomas.Felix's fingers twitched as he looked up at Liesel, who was still waiting for his response. At the same time, all the other executives' phones vibrated. Everyone had received the same videos. The crowd stared in shock at the sight of Liesel and Thomas in those videos. She had cheated on Elijah by hooking up with Thomas. Didn't that imply it was actually possible for her to betray Hardin Group? That was the crucial moment Richard had been waiting for. He couldn't help but give some sarcastic remarks. "How exciting for you, Ms. Sharp. You've used my son to take everything aw
Howard paused, but he wasn't surprised that Richard was trying to cast the blame on Liesel at that moment. Felix also instantly looked up with a fiery gaze. He really didn't understand why they weren't coming up with a solution at that moment. Instead, Richard wanted to continue the internal conflict and fight for some power that outsiders would consider insignificant.Dakota hurriedly placed a hand on Felix's shoulder and hinted for him to calm down. Dakota continued, "Mr. Donner, the same technology with the exact specifications happened to be released before we could even launch it."Things can't be that coincidental. We must get to the bottom of this, but we shouldn't panic and lose our composure either."The turbulent emotions within Felix faded away instantly as he ordered, "As long as the matter isn't clear yet, no one is allowed to make any statements that would negatively impact the company or their colleagues!" The first order of business was to keep everyone's mouths
"No. Ms. Sharp wants to achieve a global market share of 35%.""Wow! That target is insane! If Ms. Sharp succeeds, won't our company be making a fortune? Those two are our most profitable projects!""We can't be sure how much our company will earn since those amounts are way beyond our imagination. We might as well think about how much bonuses we'll receive this year.""I think I can use my bonuses this time to pay a down payment for a house in Ashthorne. I might even be able to get a nice car."Everyone's excited voices drifted across the spacious office. Their eyes lit up with excitement and hope. Austin tossed the files aside before reaching for his phone to send a text. "It's time." After sending the message, he deleted it instantly, and the chat vanished as well.A moment later, an overseas car manufacturer suddenly announced some earth-shattering news, causing a stir across the automotive industry.At the same time, Augustine's family also revealed their cancer treatment
These new projects were worth hundreds of millions in the market, and Liesel was the reason everyone could enjoy the profits. Before the announcement was even over, rounds of applause echoed across the meeting room several times.The optimized cancer treatment medication was enough to surpass the related treatments that foreign countries had always dominated. The medication had outperformed those of the Bergs' family company, which led to Hardin Group capturing their market share.Everyone in the meeting room beamed at Liesel on stage. Even Richard was amazed by how profitable these projects were.Howard held a remote as he leisurely controlled a colorful drone. Despite being present at such a crucial meeting, he remained carefree and indifferent. However, no one dared to criticize him. He was the only one who could develop the blueprint Liesel had drafted. Hardin Group could only go as far as Howard's strong capabilities.The executives' faces had gone red from excitement, and s
Of course, Thomas heard of Elijah before and became indignant instantly. "I can definitely achieve whatever Elijah has! He always spends his time flirting with women. How could I not be better than him?" Thomas was disdainful. To him, Elijah was a spoiled heir just like himself. "You've not kept up with Elijah for so long." Cameron seemed to have aged a lot in a moment. "He's been pretending all this while. Have a look for yourself."Cameron had ordered someone to organize all information related to Elijah last night so Thomas could have a look once he was awake. Thomas looked through every page. The more he read, the more despondent he grew.Elijah pretended to be useless, but Thomas was truly incompetent. If Thomas had to make a point, the Kellers were far wealthier than the Hardins. In terms of looks, Elijah was known for being attractive. Thomas was even once worried that Liesel might find him too muscular.Thomas' eyes lit up as he read the last part of the files. It deta