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
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