A rare trace of pity rose in Elijah's heart and he said, "You're just a joke."He was a joke, and so was Liesel."Jacob has to know what I know."The mischievous look in his eyes darkened, but his voice was calm, unusually serious compared to his usual carefree demeanor. "He knows you're the victim, but he still chooses to protect the perpetrator and even accepts everything about them. Liesel, what are you still holding on to?"What was she still holding on to?Liesel's fingers turned pale as she gripped the window frame tightly while biting her lower lip. "I just can't accept it."Of course, Elijah understood why she couldn't accept it.She couldn't accept losing to someone as despicable as Natalie, and couldn't accept the fact that the man she loved so deeply was so blind.As Liesel watched the three people outside, the bitterness in her heart almost made her cry out loud.Perhaps sensing her discomfort, a sharp and keen gaze suddenly swept over.Liesel froze for a moment
Natalie and Jeffrey were genuinely worried that Jacob might hold them accountable for what happened tonight. Although they were indeed involved, they still wanted to distance themselves from it.From a distance, they saw Jacob leaving the banquet and heading to his car. Hence, Natalie quickly ran up to him with Jeffrey following closely behind.They were panting heavily. Cold sweat broke out on their faces, and they looked anxious and innocent."Didn't you two leave just now?" Jacob stood still as he gazed at the father and daughter who had suddenly appeared.Yet, all he could think about was the image of Liesel's radiant and striking face accusing him of injustice. She had accused him of protecting Natalie and Jeffrey.The coldness was evident in his deep eyes when he looked at the two of them. "What do you two want?"Jacob's voice was cold, and his attitude toward them at that moment was as if they were strangers.Natalie felt anxious but still stepped forward. She clung to
"Oh my, what's wrong with Liesel? Why did she suddenly throw those things out? That's so weird, I don't know why she even did that."Of course, Natalie saw Liesel. At that moment, her heart leaped into her throat. She was afraid that she might do something unexpected.To her surprise, Liesel simply tossed out a few pieces of torn red fabric.She thought Liesel must have lost her mind. However, she could only make a veiled comment, suggesting that Liesel was going mad while fearing a hidden meaning might be behind her action."She's saying goodbye." Jacob pursed his lips and picked up a piece of red fabric from the ground casually as if he could still feel the warmth of her skin.He knew everything Liesel had done tonight was her way of saying goodbye to their past. Yet, her actions felt more like a provocation to him.Jacob's gaze deepened, but Natalie had no idea what was going on.She tried to steer the conversation back, but she heard the man's indifferent voice just as she w
The person in charge immediately accepted the card with a beaming smile.Only then did Liesel leave. She was unaware the young man holding the rag had turned around and that he was staring at her in a daze.The man beside him nudged him. "Xavier, what are you looking at?"The man, named Xavier Scott, shook his head. "I just felt that the woman from earlier looked familiar. It’s like I've seen her somewhere before."Hearing this, the man next to him racked his brain to figure it out. "Right, I remember now. Isn't she that senior from our school who almost scored full marks and got into Alden University? Her photo is still on our school's honor wall."Xavier paused. Was that why she looked familiar?At this moment, Elijah, who had been watching from a distance, raised an eyebrow.He thought he had caught Liesel doing something shady, but it turned out she was just helping out her juniors. How boring.Elijah clicked his tongue, walked over to the person in charge, and handed over
After much hesitation, Zack decided the idea was feasible.After all, Xavier was still young, and delaying his higher education for a few years wouldn't matter much. They might even make a fortune from it.After thinking about it for a moment, Zack agreed. "You're bringing this up out of the blue. Do you know someone?""Of course, I do." Sky grinned, scrolling through a list of names on his phone."These are all wealthy families. We'll see who offers the highest price, and we can have Xavier take the exam for them. Maybe just one exam could get us enough money to buy a house."Housing prices in Ashthorne were in the tens of millions of dollars, even in less desirable areas. Could Xavier buy them a house by taking one exam?Greed overwhelmed them and Zack's mind was completely filled with that idea.Why not have him take the exam a few more times since the money was so easy to make? Those wealthy people had money and influence. They certainly wouldn't get caught easily.Zack's f
To Liesel, Natalie was indeed a thief.She was a thief who had stolen her father's love for her, her husband, and her position. Maybe the thief even wanted to steal her identity and network of connections.Was it appropriate to describe Natalie as a thief? It didn't quite fit.Liesel chuckled lightly. "She's more like a robber compared to a thief."She didn't steal but brazenly robbed right before her. After that, she would flaunt it, making sure Liesel knew. How disgusting and shameless."You're right. Robber is a much better fit." Drew couldn't help but laugh and lowered his head to flip through the documents.The information was well-organized and clear, so he understood the key details after a quick glance.He had a sense of clarity but couldn't resist asking, "What exactly is Principal Davis talking about with the boss? It's been over an hour. She came so early in the morning and they're still talking."Principal Davis? "You mean Principal Davis from Ashthrone First High S
"Why are you here? Do you need something?" Jacob's gaze was cold.When he looked at Liesel, images of her standing alongside Elijah and those scattered pieces of fabric flashed through his mind.His heart sank a little, and his dark eyes deepened.Liesel's eyes fell on his face, but she didn't mention anything about last night. "Just now, I ran into Principal Davis outside. She's here to invite you to attend the motivational event at First High School. Did you accept?"Jacob looked at her. "I declined Alden University's invitation for a lecture last month."His words were more of a rhetorical question to Liesel. He had already declined Alden University's invitation, so why would she think he would agree to a high school's motivational event? It seemed even more absurd."Just because you rejected Alden University's invitation doesn't mean you have to reject First High School." Liesel pushed the thick stack of documents toward him. "Here's the information you need. In return, I w
Liesel halted in her tracks when she heard Jacob's words.She turned around and stared at Jacob for a long time before slowly nodding in agreement."Since you said so, I'll go." After saying this, Liesel didn't linger any longer.She was truly afraid that her heart would break into pieces if she stayed longer.Jacob didn't understand her, nor did he know anything. It was as if he had never known her. He was completely unaware of her pain.Jeffrey's birthday was also her mother's death anniversary. Asking her to attend Jeffrey's birthday party was like stabbing her heart with a knife.Yet, she would still attend Jeffrey's birthday party.…The Sharp residence was located in a bustling area of Ashthorne.Standing on the edge of the vibrant city, this building exuded luxury and elegance in every brick and tile. It was designed and built by a famous architect Jeffrey hired to showcase his wealth.Anyone unfamiliar with the Sharp family's background might have assumed they were pa
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
"Ophelia." As soon as Edward spoke, Ophelia glanced at him nonchalantly. "I'm starving."Edward was relieved that she was still willing to talk to him. "I'll prepare breakfast." With that, he cast a glance at Joseph. "Come and help me."Joseph scoffed. He got to his feet before stretching lazily. He hadn't slept for the whole night as he accompanied Ophelia playing video games and doing other things. He was indeed slightly exhausted.But Joseph was well aware that Edward did not want him to be alone with Ophelia. Regardless, Joseph was fine with helping Edward with preparing breakfast. After all, he was there for the drama.Every three days, a housekeeper would drop by Ophelia's condominium and replenish her fridge with all kinds of fresh vegetables and fruits. While studying abroad, Edward wasn't used to the local fast food. Hence, he became independent and learned how to prepare meals on his own. Now, he was an excellent cook.However, Edward was still at a loss on how to
Ophelia took a picture of the fan merchandise she had wrapped before posting it on Twitter, where Chelsians were still waiting for the giveaway. No one could be bothered with Yvonne, who was trying to stay relevant.Ophelia was still preparing the fan merchandise when she heard the doorbell ring in the middle of the night. Within the next second, she received a WhatsApp call from Joseph, which she answered."Ophelia, open the door for me."Ophelia was surprised. She wondered what was wrong with Joseph. Shouldn't he be sleeping now? Why had he dropped by in the middle of the night?She was no longer worried, knowing that Joseph was at the door. She opened it and watched Joseph squeeze through the door while holding a large bag of what seemed to be snacks."Shouldn't you be sleeping now? Why are you here?" Ophelia couldn't help but roll her eyes."You're not asleep either." Joseph went through the large bag before finally fishing out a game controller, which was also a limited-edit
Sebastian's face had turned ashen, having understood how grave the situation was. "I'll go and apologize to the Fords tomorrow. This matter mustn't drag down our family."Although Brandon doted on Yvonne, he refused to let her have her own way. "Dad, she should apologize for what she did, so you don't have to go. I'll take her to apologize to the Fords tomorrow to show our sincerity."Veronica refused to give in. She continued protecting Yvonne, feeling rather upset. "No! We should never allow our Yvonne to apologize!"Who did they take Yvonne for? Why should she apologize in person? The Fords are really misusing their power over these small squabbles. "If they want an apology, I'll go! No matter what, Yvonne's not allowed to go! She's a celebrity. If someone takes her picture, her journey to becoming a star is completely ruined!""Her journey to becoming a star is definitely ruined if she doesn't apologize in person! Mom, you need to understand. Without anyone's orders, would pe
"Dad, Mom. Yvonne has always been filming on set this whole time. How could she have offended Chelsea? It probably has nothing to do with Chelsea."As soon as Brandon finished speaking, Sebastian and Veronica thought his words made sense. However, Yvonne became sheepish and didn't say a word.She had sought out Sebastian, Veronica, and Brandon to seek justice for her, yet she felt extremely embarrassed. She continued sobbing, sounding sadder than ever."Yvonne, what's going on? Say something! I won't know what actually happened if you keep crying!" Veronica was so upset that she began tearing up.Yvonne threw herself into Veronica's arms. "Mom! What am I going to do? They're going to blacklist me from the industry. What should I do…"Brandon's eyes twitched. He felt that something wasn't right. He wondered if Yvonne had gone viral after offending someone in the entertainment industry.Brandon's heart raced as he scrolled through the Twitter trends. His heart sank instantly, and h