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
"Mr. Durham," Liesel said as her fingers rested lightly on the edge of the table. She tapped on a newly issued research file and arched a brow slightly as she continued, "Your next task is to focus on cancer-related research. Beyond that, you'll need to delve into areas involving intelligent systems."I suspect you'll be very busy, Mr. Durham, so I suggest you take advantage of any opportunity to smile now."Because soon, you won't have much reason to smile."Howard's smile froze."Liesel, I'm not sure I can deliver what you're expecting in such a short timeframe."Unbothered, Liesel responded with the same coolness. "That's fine. If you fail to produce the results I need by the deadline, I have alternatives. Surely, Mr. Durham, you understand what I mean. Or are you already admitting that your abilities pale in comparison to the Mallones'?"The others around them didn't catch the subtext, but Howard did.She had made it clear that if Howard couldn't deliver, she'd take over her
Passing by the area where Ford Corporation was located, Liesel caught a glimpse of the company's latest proposal. She lowered her gaze slightly.She saw several high-ranking executives from Ford Corporation. There was Charles and even Natalie, but there was no sign of Drew. It was puzzling that Drew, who was Ford's secretary, wasn't present at such an event.Charles caught her gaze and casually raised the document in his hand, acknowledging her presence. But to Liesel, it felt more like a challenge than a greeting.It seemed that her conversation with Drew the night before had made his position at Ford Corporation even more awkward. But she didn't regret it. Drew would have to face those challenges eventually, and she had just expedited the process.When Drew left Ford Corporation for Hardin Group or Shifter Corporation, she would make sure he got the position he deserved, and he would never regret choosing her.There were so many companies attending the financial summit that Lies
"Looks like Mr. Lark treats you pretty well," Liesel said with a playful lilt. The remark immediately brightened Chelsea's mood, and it seemed like her energy had been restored.But Liesel wondered if Tobey was really treating Chelsea well.If generosity alone counted as kindness, then yes—Tobey was exceptionally good to her. His support was unmatched. It was the kind of indulgence few could ever hope to receive. He was like that even before their marriage.When Liesel couldn't secure investment while overseas, Chelsea simply spent one night with him, and he poured millions into the project. When Shifter Corporation faced a capital squeeze abroad, Chelsea approached Tobey again, and he discreetly pulled strings to ease the pressure.Tobey wasn't exactly a man of deep sentiment, but he was loyal to those he considered to be within his circle.But that doesn't mean that he would do anything for someone if they gave him enough chips.In fact, he might ask for double the chips.But
Chelsea had been exhausted from her intense training schedule on the talent show, but she spent the entire night dealing with Tobey's insatiable demands. That left her with barely any sleep. To his credit, at least he had the decency to press a cold compress over her swollen eyes afterward.When she woke up in his arms, Chelsea used all her strength to kick him off the bed. Tobey didn't have the chance to react to her antics.Tobey's face darkened. No one had ever dared to treat him the way she did in his entire life. Getting kicked out of bed was unthinkable.But Chelsea was no ordinary person.The moment she realized her mistake, she clutched her waist and groaned softly with tears brimming in her eyes. It looked like her tears were just about to fall.Chelsea was his wife, and he couldn't do anything about it.She'd just returned from following a grueling schedule, and while he had indulged himself enough last night, her kicking him out of bed had dampened his mood. He certain
Chelsea's tone carried a hint of smugness as she recounted her observations.Tobey was often likened to a cunning fox in public. He was calculating, ruthless, and unyielding. Yet, his presence at Ashthorne's financial summit was a testament to his brilliance.Though merciless in the corporate world, he had established several charitable foundations. Tobey's actions against opponents were always within the bounds of legality. While some of them might go overboard, no one could find any fault in them.But in front of Chelsea, Tobey was a completely different person.Five years ago, he might have still kept up appearances around her, but over time, even a beast with sharp claws and fangs would occasionally reveal its vulnerable underbelly.For instance, Tobey rarely drank excessively in public. Stories of him being visibly drunk were from so long ago that barely anyone had seen him in that state. But Chelsea had witnessed it.Tobey would lose himself when he was drunk. His body woul
Chelsea froze.Liesel turned slightly, and her eyelids twitched. It seemed like talking behind someone's back always backfired.Tobey let out a cold laugh. "I'm like your tamed wolfdog? I let you kick me out of bed, and then I hug you and whine?"Chelsea instinctively rubbed her temple. But in the next moment, she straightened her spine with righteous indignation. "Did I say anything that wasn't true? Don't you have morning tantrums? Haven't you hugged me and grumbled about not wanting to get out of bed?""Chelsea, why don't you try saying that louder?" Tobey's gaze darkened as he gripped her wrist and pulled her into his arms."If I say it any louder, everyone here will know my darling husband likes to act cute with me in the morning." She leaned into his chest as her fingers played with the edge of his tie. "And you know I love it when you do that, just like how I love calling you daddy. Isn't that just… our thing?"Her words dripped with teasing charm, expertly flipping the na
"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