Elijah leaned down, looking at Liesel from above.His hands reached for Liesel's shoulder as if to comfort her, but she turned to avoid him. Her eyes were red, but she didn't seem the least bit weak. Her cold gaze still held little emotion."You followed me."Elijah smiled, the corners of his eyes slightly lifting. His expression was slightly teasing. "I followed you? I wouldn't call it following. If you're upset about this, I can only say we're destined to meet here."Then, he raised his hand and pointed in a direction. "Today is also my mother's death anniversary."Liesel found it hard to believe him.There was always a smile on Elijah's face, but now it lacked that usual carefree arrogance. Now, there was a gentler expression on his face."That's why I said we're destined to meet here. Our mothers are destined too."Elijah's eyes weren't black but a light amber color. There was always a bit of casualness when he looked at people, making it seem like he was joking."We are t
Elijah's mother's picture was on the grave. In it, she had a bright, graceful face. Her dark eyes shone like stars in the night. A gentle smile played on her lips, and her eyes curved as if they were speaking to her. "Come meet your future mother-in-law." Elijah teased with a grin.Liesel's eyes widened in shock. "Are you crazy!"Liesel wanted to turn and leave, but she glared at him, placed the flowers he brought on the grave, and bowed quickly before hurrying off.Watching her flee, Elijah's smile didn't waver. He knelt on the cold ground, and the overcast sky seemed to brighten slightly at that moment."Ms. Zucker, I brought a young lady you might like and I'm pursuing her. You always told me to live freely and boldly when I was young, and she's exactly like that. Even though people try to control her, she still lives her own way. I think you'd appreciate her."Ms. Zucker, if you're watching me, maybe you could tell Ms. Mallone that I really like her daughter. I hope to look
Liesel had already gotten into the car before Elijah could continue rambling.As it was Elijah, even the color of his car was striking. It was a pink sports car, a shade that even Liesel wouldn't have chosen.However, his choice of car somewhat suited him perfectly."I just told Ms. Zucker that I really like you and am pursuing you. So, I've got her blessing," Elijah said with a cheeky smile.Liesel didn't even want to look at him and felt an urge to call him insane.Elijah suddenly asked, "It's your father's birthday today. How about I join you? I'm the new CEO of Hardin Group, I won't embarrass you."The Hardins might not be able to be as influential as the Ford family, but they weren't far behind. He firmly believed he was no less capable than Jacob. At least in understanding women, he thought he had Jacob beat.When they hit a red light, Elijah followed the rules and stopped the car on the roadside. He chuckled and said, "Look at us, me in all black and you in all white. We'
They didn't really shop around the mall. In the end, Liesel successfully picked out a few nearly-expired health supplements with Elijah's help. All the health supplements they picked up were set to expire in a week and were items no one wanted.Liesel didn't spend a penny and got these items for free.Meanwhile, Elijah managed to wander off somewhere and found two small flowers, one black and one white. As she was wearing a white dress, Liesel wore the black flower, while Elijah, who was dressed in black, wore the white flower. Dressed like this, they hardly looked like they were on their way to a birthday celebration with Liesel's eyes still red from crying at the cemetery.However, Elijah was particularly pleased with her outfit.Even Elijah was slightly taken aback when they drove to the Sharp residence. Calling it a villa hardly did it justice because it looked more like a modern garden estate. Anyone unaware would truly think the Sharp family was loaded."Your house looks p
"No more jokes. Let's go in." Elijah extended his hand to Liesel, and she looked down at it. This time, she finally didn't refuse his offer.Now divorced from Jacob, she truly needed a new source of support. Though often talkative and fond of joking, Elijah was still a gentleman with boundaries. Moreover, the Hardin family was powerful enough to rival the Ford family.With Elijah by her side, Jeffrey should understand that she was still not to be trifled with. She could rely on someone else even without Jacob. Until she became strong enough on her own, she couldn't allow Jeffrey to have any ridiculous ideas.Jeffrey's birthday celebration was bustling with activities as people laughed and mingled in small groups. Some were praising Jeffrey to his face, while others were trying to think of ways to hover close to Jacob. Many wanted to cooperate professionally with Jacob.Suddenly, the main door opened. The sound wasn't particularly loud, but the security was impossible to miss. About
Elijah didn't mind the pain. In fact, he just smiled and led Liesel into the venue.Knowing who Elijah was, the guests eagerly greeted him.After handing the gift to the Sharp family's butler, Elijah then guided Liesel step by step toward Jacob. He was clearly beaming. "Mr. Ford, we meet again."Jacob's gaze lightly swept over Liesel, who met his eyes with a cold expression and held onto Elijah's arm a little tighter.Elijah chuckled and said, "Lili, don't be nervous. You've been working with Mr. Ford for three years now; surely you're still not intimidated by him. Oh, right, not everyone is as approachable as I am."The remark seemed aimed at Jacob as a jab. However, Jacob didn't focus on that and only noticed Elijah calling her "Lili."Even he had never called her that.Jacob's gaze turned ice cold as he said, "It appears you two have a close relationship.""Very close indeed. We've even met each other's family members," Elijah replied cheerfully while making sure not to miss
Liesel couldn't stay calm anymore. Though young at the time, she remembered Heather's elegance and beauty. She recalled her exquisite face that shone so brightly.Heather loved fashion dearly. Even before she passed, she made this gown just so she could leave with dignity.This was the last thing her mother made with her own hands. Something so precious wasn't meant to be sullied by someone like Natalie, a bug who should be living in the shadows!"Take it off." Liesel's hand tightened around Natalie's neck. She was using all her strength."Take it off!" She gritted her teeth as she enunciated each word.Liesel's eyes were red and misty. They were filled with hatred as she stared at the woman before her."Even if you're stupid, you must know what this dress means to me. I don't care about other things like Jeffrey's love, Jacob's affection, or even the title of Mrs. Ford. I can give it all to you! But you must take this dress off!"Liesel's vision blurred, and she could almost se
Jacob had never loved Liesel. He could lend Liesel his coat to save her from embarrassment in a moment of disgrace, but that coat was always ready for Natalie, and he could always solve any of Natalie's troubles.Jacob Ford. She silently repeated his name in her heart, wondering how much more he could disappoint her.Liesel lowered her head while letting out a soft laugh. Yet, tears streamed uncontrollably. Each teardrop hit the floor with a soft plop.Suddenly, her gaze locked onto something. She saw a broken photo frame not far away.Liesel froze, completely losing her grace and composure. She was no longer the refined young lady praised by others. She crawled over, and her slender fingers reached for the cracked glass of the photo.She vividly remembered this was the last picture her mother took with her before she passed away. Back then, her mother had told her, "Lili, you must live a happy and fulfilling life. Never, ever compromise yourself for anyone. I'm watching you from
Charles took out a tiny box containing a chip as large as a soybean and handed it to Sam. "This is the latest listening device. We'll have to trouble you to find an opportunity to plant this in Elijah's car. After all, only those closest to Elijah can get this done."These words seemed to mock Sam. It was ridiculous to know that Elijah's closest family was planning to betray him.Sam didn't consider any further. He snatched the box from Charles, earning a few chuckles from him. "We'll meet again, Mr. Hardin." As soon as Charles turned away, his gentle smile faded into a mocking smirk. What a foolish man.Sam knew nothing about the financial world, yet he thought he was worthy of becoming heir to the Hardin family. He should look at himself in the mirror.Now that Liesel was running Hardin Group, the company was no longer like it once was. If Hardin Group ended up as the winner at the financial summit, they would even surpass Ford Corporation. It wasn't just Ford Corporation
"Elijah is indeed talented and smart. But where are you lacking, Mr. Hardin?" Charles patiently guided Sam. Charles crouched down to meet with Sam's gaze. He saw hatred hidden in the depths of Sam's gentle eyes. "Mr. Hardin, you're merely crippled. Why must that ruin your chances of being the heir?" Charles continued with a chuckle, "Mr. Hardin, you are the oldest in the main branch of the Hardin family. You are the true heir of the Hardin family, right?Sam gulped. His gaze turned confused. It was Charles who sought Sam out a few days ago. It wasn't Richard who gave Sam information on Liesel. Charles was responsible for that.Sam actually wasn't very outstanding, but he wanted more than he deserved. His crippled state was the reason why he often remained in the shadows.Sam also wanted to fight for his rights, but Richard favored Uriah. At that time, Uriah was the heir to the Hardin family, not Elijah. Since Sam believed he wasn't capable of fighting Uriah, he held back his sin
On the surface, these CEOs were respectful to Liesel and praised her. However, they merely made fun of her for being a woman behind her back.For someone as brilliant as Liesel, all her efforts were wiped away just because she was once married."Did you think I was the one who chose Lili during our time together? No. From the start until now, I've always been the one who was chosen. Lili's the one who calls the shots." Elijah chuckled lightly. "Lili's amazing. She's my lover." He sounded determined. "I think you've really gone mad," Sam muttered. His gentle expression was gone. "I'm quite lucid. You guys have always been crazy. All these years, I still never learned all your old-fashioned ways. "I've always liked to be different. To me, my ideas are correct. My lover can only be Lili." Every word Elijah said was to express his love for Liesel. Elijah didn't hide his feelings for her. He wanted Sam to know what his choice was. With how things were going, there was no need fo
Sam almost never spoke to Elijah in such a tone. Elijah almost wanted to laugh.Elijah used to act like a loser. None of the ladies from wealthy families were interested in him and would just flirt with him. Only families that weren't as well-off wanted to get close to him and rub shoulders with the Hardins.As for Liesel, although she didn't have the perfect background, everything else about her was enough to make up for it. Apart from that, Heather was Liesel's biological mother. That alone was enough for Liesel to stand out among everyone else."It's better for you to say I'm not good enough for Liesel. Someone as brilliant as her could have anyone she wants. Why do you think she chose me?" As soon as Elijah finished speaking, Sam interrupted him."Because she was once married and had Jacob's child. No matter how brilliant she is in the future, everyone else thinks she's no longer pure. "Do you actually think these sly old men in the elite circles are truly stupid? Why would
Richard was even more delighted. "While Elijah was studying at Alden University back then, his lecturers kept his grades down. At that time, he was considered their genius student."Ms. Miller also participated in several projects with Elijah, so she truly understands what he's capable of. In fact, she brought up the marriage first. "Since she suggested marriage, it would be far too rude of us to reject her. That's why we need you to step aside."Richard didn't actually mean for Liesel to simply step aside. He wanted her to get lost. Liesel's gaze remained calm. She looked downward while estimating the time in silence. A faint smile formed on her lips."It's no use talking about all this with me. Why don't you wait for a few more minutes? He'll talk this out with you personally."Liesel was clearly seated in the wheelchair but did not seem like a victim at all. She looked up at Richard while speaking sarcastically. "If Elijah agrees to the breakup, I definitely won't bother h
"Since Elijah is the heir of the Hardin family, the woman standing beside him must be pure enough. She should be of high status, elegant, pure, and outstanding. Not some woman who was once married and had a miscarriage."His blunt words pierced into Liesel's heart. She looked up at Richard with a darkened gaze before letting out a mocking laugh. "You truly did your homework, Mr. Hardin, but you don't represent Elijah's stance. If he cared about all this, he wouldn't have pursued me from the start."Of course, Liesel did not reveal who she truly was. She was rather sensitive and suspicious at the moment. She remembered very clearly that she and Elijah started off with him being interested in her. He only truly pursued her because she was the one leading Shifter Corporation. Her identity was also the reason why Elijah slowly got close to her and began to understand her. Indeed, she had agreed to Elijah's pursuit because he was heir to Hardin Group. Both of them had ulterior mot
Liesel had never called Elijah "Eli" before.However, she didn't mind purposely using an intimate nickname in front of Richard now. She wanted him to feel the closeness between her and Elijah.Richard's expression fell.That disobedient son!Of course, he had handpicked a woman that suited Elijah more. She came from a noble and spotless background, and she was also good-looking. Of course, she couldn't compare to Liesel when it came to beauty, but her background was enough to defeat Liesel completely.What did Liesel have?If Heather were still alive, then she would have been Liesel's biggest crutch! Everyone would have to worship the ground she walked on.But Heather was dead, so what was Liesel worth now?She was a rising star in the financial circle known for her intelligence, but she was still just a woman. Unless she stood at the very peak, she was bound to get dragged back down into the mud one day.The young lady he'd picked was better suited for Elijah. She could easil
Richard had met Heather before.At the time, when Heather's reputation was at its peak, Richard had been a renowned playboy in their circle. He'd had many paramours and lovers, but the only one he wasn't able to forget was Heather.Heather's beauty wasn't just surface-level. Her beauty was capable of making people aware of her strength. Her elegance was akin to a highly valuable brocade. Whether one was seeing it from afar or up close, one would still get lost in the intricacy of its beauty.However, only when one held up a magnifying glass or an even more precise tool would they be able to see past the ornate patterns on the brocade. Only then would they be able to see the tiny encoded numbers below.Her stunning beauty coupled with her astounding intelligence could crush anyone around her.Liesel only resembled her by 70 percent or so, but both of them radiated the same aura.Heather had been more gentle, but there was a hidden danger lurking beneath the gentleness. A small smi
Denzel fell silent.He was clever enough to guess that Liesel must have lied to Jacob to provoke him.Liesel must not want Jacob to know that it was their baby. She must not want Jacob to continue to bother her, and she must not want anything else binding them together. Therefore, she'd made the decision to bluff Jacob that it was Elijah's child.Since it was Liesel's choice, he had no right to get involved.Denzel sighed heavily. "If you let her go, you would also be letting yourself go."Jacob's gaze darkened, and a snide laugh escaped his throat.Denzel knew that it would be futile to try to talk sense into Jacob, so he didn't bother.Before he left, he saw the danger lurking in Jacob's dark eyes. He couldn't help but feel worried for Liesel.He felt like Jacob had changed too much. He didn't know what kind of crazy things Jacob would be capable of.All he could do was pray that Jacob still held onto a shred of his rational side.…Elijah was in the middle of discussing t