"Ms. Sharp, you must foster such a capable employee," one of the senior executives who didn't get along with Liesel said, garnering everyone's agreement.How did Liesel feel, knowing that she'd been surpassed by someone younger than her?Was the position that she'd gotten because of her good looks secure? Did she feel threatened having met someone with true capabilities? Would she be able to sleep soundly at night in the upcoming days?Richard clapped slowly with mockery written all over his face.Up until now, he thought that Liesel had only reached this level because of her looks.Austin quickly thanked Liesel for giving him this chance.However, his gratitude felt more like a jab at Liesel.He clearly hadn't gone through Liesel, Howard, or anyone in the research department before submitting the document to Elijah. No matter whether it was intentional or not, he was already opposing Liesel and putting her in an awkward position.What kind of leader would allow their reports t
Austin stood next to Liesel. His gaze flitted between the other senior executives and his direct manager. He looked terrified, as if he'd been bullied by Liesel numerous times already.Everyone else shot Liesel meaningful looks. Suddenly, Liesel had become the central figure in this whirlpool, like she had been the one who caused everything to go wrong.Liesel kept a smile on her face."Enough. Liesel is now the CEO of Hardin Group; she has the right to make any decision!" Elijah said coldly.Elijah's older brother, Sam, spoke up gently. "Elijah, since you've already given your authority to your fiance, then you don't have the right to express your opinion. The shareholders are questioning Liesel, not you. You should understand that.""Exactly. You gave all your shares and assets to Liesel, so why are you getting involved? Also, wasn't it your assistant who'd sent us this proposal and asked for this meeting?""Everyone knows that Liesel is your fiance. Before we even said anythin
Liesel was smiling, but her expression told a different story—"You can express your opinion, but I am definitely not budging."The shareholders turned pale. Yes, they had somehow forgotten about Liesel's power of influence and wide network.The proposal that Austin had shared earlier was now completely unusable.Today's meeting wasn't actually a meeting. It was a stage that Liesel had set up for Austin to put on a show.Austin was the main actor, while everyone else here was part of the supporting cast. On the other hand, Liesel and Elijah were the audience who already knew the truth behind it all.The brave one, the villain, and the righteous one took turns appearing like characters in a play. Coming together for a group performance, they tried to work together to rip chunks of flesh from her body. It was truly a lively and ridiculous spectacle.Liesel was satisfied with the show that she'd just watched. After she'd played everyone as she had planned, she slowly applauded. She s
However, Liesel was different. With her current abilities and status, she was already a threat to many.Even Hardin Group was about to change to the Sharp family name.The Hardins were among those most upset by this.Richard flipped through the contract and forced a smile. The other senior executives also wore dark looks and unreadable expressions.If Elijah really transferred all the authority to Liesel, then what was the point of having senior executives? In the future, they would have to obey her instructions and rely on her for their livelihood. How ridiculous!In response to that, Liesel kept her composure. She acted as if she wasn't that excited by this.It was the truth. She had Shifter Corporation, so she never thought highly of Hardin Group to begin with."Elijah, rather than transferring all the power to Liesel, why not give it to the Hardin family and other executives? Ultimately, there's a limit to Liesel's abilities. If something really went wrong, then who would ta
At that moment, someone who was colluding with Richard was also feeling wary, but he had no choice but to put on a smile of admiration. However, on the inside, he was scheming about how to tear Liesel down.Liesel didn't say much today, but every time she opened her mouth, it was a direct stab to someone's heart.Sitting in the seat of higher management was like stepping into a warzone. Naturally, Liesel wasn't going to show kindness to her enemies, so she had always been ruthless with her attacks.Austin displayed great mental fortitude by still being able to stand. However, he had lost control of his expression. His face was bright red as if it could burst with a slight poke. He felt ashamed.Richard stood up so harshly that he nearly sent his chair toppling backward. He looked embarrassed by the screeching noise that sounded.Liesel was too powerful. In less than a few years, the entire Hardin Group would belong to her, not just the CEO position. She would even slowly get back
Only then did Liesel put on a smile and kiss him beside his ear. "Wait for me at home."Upon hearing that, Elijah gave her palm a squeeze before letting her go.Austin observed them from afar, not daring to go closer.Liesel's gaze swept over him. Her eyes glinted slightly.She had set up the stage for him to put on a show. Then, once it was over, she had torn it down so that he'd fall.She hadn't done that because she was petty and couldn't allow a subordinate to surpass her. She had other ideas.A desperate dog would try to jump over a wall, and a distressed rabbit would try to kick a hawk. A person would naturally lose their composure when they were anxious. Liesel wanted to see what Austin's real intention was.The elevator opened, and Liesel's subordinates entered one after another. Austin followed then, shrinking stiffly in a corner. They were all colleagues from the same department, but there was a clear divide between the two camps.Some were already quietly criticizing
The employees knew that if it weren't for Liesel securing such a substantial budget, they wouldn't be receiving doubled bonuses. They might even receive twice the amount of their bonuses at the end of the year. "Thank you, Ms. Sharp!""Ms. Sharp, you've been working overtime at the research department lately. Why don't you go back and rest? You don't have to work overtime tonight.""Exactly. Let us handle the budget report." Several employees hurried over and genuinely voiced their concerns. Perhaps that was simply Liesel's charm. She could be assertive and intimidate others, but she also knew how to reassure them gently. Liesel knew when to be firm or gentle. She would seize any opportunity that arose so she could climb ranks faster. In comparison to Liesel, Austin was still too inexperienced. He stood at the same spot and watched her leave with a darkened gaze. No one knew what was on his mind. Liesel walked into Howard's office, followed by his drone. "A warm welcome t
Once Liesel left Hardin Group, she received a call from Thomas. She paused for a moment and did not answer the call. Although she didn't care about him lying to her, she really hated being tricked. Since he hadn't taken the initiative to bring up the matter, she did not plan to expose him either. She would merely subtly keep her distance from him.Not only was there no moon that night but there were very few stars. Since it was already September, the wind was slightly strong, and the temperature had started to drop. Liesel put on her blazer and buttoned it up before heading for the parking lot.Thomas sat under a dim street light, carrying a grey kitten in his arms. Liesel paused for a moment before hurrying toward him.Once she got closer, she noticed that Thomas had unzipped his jacket and wrapped the kitten tightly inside. Although the kitten was nestled within his warm embrace, it was still shivering as the wind was slightly chilly.Liesel's nonchalant gaze unconsciously soft
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
"I want rewards as I did last time." Howard really wanted to meet Heather, so he began asking for more rewards this time. "I'll give you the latest codes." Liesel forwarded the codes to Howard's computer with a glint in her eyes. "I've rewarded you, Mr. Durham. Time for you to work. You might have to work overtime tonight since there's plenty to do." Liesel rested her chin on her hand with a lazy smile.Howard already started typing to work on the series of codes. After some time, he fastened his white coat with stiff fingers. "I only need to work overtime for one night? I don't mind working overtime for another ten more nights." Howard simply wanted more codes. He looked at Liesel with a darkened gaze before adding, "As long as you reward me."Liesel couldn't help but laugh. "One night will do. If it's not enough, I'll reward you accordingly."Her words caused Howard's eyes to light up. She then stood up and walked around to the back of the chair before placing her hands on h
"Let me explain things properly. The other person might forgive your deceit or even give you another chance."Even if the other person refused, Cameron would still pay for her to give Thomas another chance. Cameron had everything planned out.Thomas gazed at Cameron for a long time before finally saying, "It's Liesel Sharp.""Liesel Sharp. Ms. Sharp, right? Let me get ready before visiting her... Hold up! Who did you say you're in love with? Did you just say that you like Liesel?"I asked you to work at Hardin Group so she can mentor you. I never thought you'd actually fall for her! Have you lost your mind?"If Thomas had fallen for any other woman, Cameron might have been confident enough to use his own money or other methods to convince her to be with Thomas. But things were tricky if the woman Thomas had fallen for was Liesel.Cameron was wealthy, and so was Liesel. The Kellers were indeed the wealthiest family in Bloomfield and also somewhat influential. However, their influe
"Elijah.""Yes, I'm here," Elijah answered."Elijah," Liesel yelled again. "Yes, I'm listening," Elijah replied again. He stroked her soft, long hair with a warm gaze. "I assume you've thought things through," Liesel said. She assumed that he had considered everything and gave up on the idea of leaving her so someone else would take care of her. Instead, he would always be with her.Elijah understood what Liesel meant. He gazed at her gently before leaning forward to kiss her on the forehead. "Yes, I've thought things through."Elijah would not hold Liesel back. He would propose to her if she could heal him and give her everything. If she fell for someone else during that time, he also would not forbid her from leaving him.Elijah loved Liesel, but she would always have her freedom. He knew very well that he loved her, but he always wanted her to be free forever.He wanted her to stay by his side because she loved him, not because she pitied him. It was the only way he could
Liesel's gaze flickered as she waited for Elijah's response. Struggle was written all over his gaze as he looked past her. He was lost in a daze. Her words seemed to pull him into the future.Elijah watched Liesel slowly drifting away from him. He could only sit in his wheelchair as if he were a spectator and watch her run toward another man's arms from a distance.He saw how affectionate she was with the other man, doing things only lovers would do. The way she cast a charming smile at the other man…No. Absolutely not.Elijah was still unable to let Liesel go so easily. She was his lover, so he refused to let her leave. He drew her into his embrace with one arm and held her tightly. "Lili, I was wrong." The hoarseness in his voice was quite evident. "I can't accept the idea of you leaving me. I don't even want to imagine it. Please don't be with Thomas." To Liesel, the current Elijah seemed extremely fragile. A slight push could cause him to break down. She could feel his swe