"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
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
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
"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
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
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
An elderly man sitting next to Richard said, "One month. Liesel has to go if things aren't settled in a month."Felix looked at Liesel, who nodded.And just like that, it was decided.Richard, along with his subordinates, left the meeting room. As they passed Liesel, Richard shot her a look full of disdain.Liesel stood there with a faint smile. She was completely indifferent to the situation.As the group walked by, Howard subtly extended his long leg.Richard tripped and went tumbling to the ground, landing face-first. As he scrambled up, he glared back with a grim expression.He could deal with Liesel and plot against Felix, but Howard was a different story. He couldn't do a thing to him."Let's go, Ms. Sharp." Howard stood up leisurely while casually adjusting his silver-gray tie. His Adam's apple sat perfectly at the collar of his shirt.Howard had once again reached new heights of attractiveness today.In the elevator, Liesel asked curiously, "You didn't even use a remo
Austin's face was pale, and he looked down, seemingly like everyone else in the room. But a closer look would reveal that he was the most different of all.A sly smile tugged at his lips. There was even a flicker of light in his eyes, showing an air of ease and satisfaction. He was disconnected from the sorrows of those around him.How was Liesel doing now?The thought crossed Austin's mind, and he couldn't help but blink with interest.The peak of her life was just ahead. With one step, Liesel could have everything everyone dreamed of—applause, wealth, status, and a bright future.But at the closest moment to success, her outstretched hand was brutally severed, and her foot fell into an empty void.The pain must have been excruciating.Austin shook his head and sighed inwardly. Liesel was so pitiful.He put his freshly cleaned glasses back on his high nose bridge. Avoiding the gazes of others, he wore a most comfortable smile.He thought with satisfaction, "I climbed over you
To Elijah, it sounded like Liesel was saying, "Tonight, I'll become yours."She pushed his wheelchair to the master bedroom. Right now, his inability to walk made things easier for her instead. Sitting on his lap, she hooked her arms around his neck, whimpering. In the end, any movement coming from them turned into a quiet moan from the back of her throat. He listened to her syrupy voice. She was the one forcing him, but in the end, she was the one who cursed him with a sob, "Jerk."Well, he was a jerk, wasn't he? She had to practically force him into doing this.What a jerk, Elijah.However… he was really pleased to be able to so clearly feel someone love him so deeply. She knew that he was pulling away, so she tried to pull him out of his shell."Thank you," he said. His voice was husky and listless with pleasure.She propped her chin on his shoulder, gasping for breath. Her body collapsed into a heap, and her mind was spinning. However, in the next moment, Elijah wrapped his
Become Liesel's? Did she mean that she wanted to do it with him?Elijah felt a little helpless. Before he could say anything, Liesel crossed her arms and looked at him. "Are you going to say that I'm messing around again?"Elijah, I'm not. I really just want to be with you. You know I'm a carnivore. If you keep me on a vegetarian diet, I'll get upset."She was already blatantly spouting nonsense.The reason they had never gone all the way in the past was out of concern for her health.Moreover, although Elijah looked like the epitome of a playboy who wasn't serious about relationships, it couldn't be further from the truth. In actuality, he was a purist when it came to love.He felt that since he hadn't properly proposed to Liesel and taken her to be his wife yet, he couldn't go all the way with her. It was out of respect for her.However, it was clear that Liesel wanted to completely ruin his plan.Elijah had a vague idea as to why Liesel was doing this.She understood him
"I have a guess as to who was behind this. Charles wouldn't do something crazy now, so it must either be Dash or Augustine. They must want to drag me down."Let me guess how those people are cursing at me right now. Has Thomas' real identity been found out? I bet that they think I'm trying to suck up to him in order to use the Keller family's power to help Hardin Group out of tough times. "Or perhaps, they think that I've betrayed you and chosen the Keller family over you."It had to be between those possibilities. Liesel could guess as much even with her eyes closed.She couldn't help but laugh quietly. "I bet people are already feeling bad for Mr. Hardin for getting kicked to the curb by an unfaithful woman like me."Mr. Hardin, have I dumped you?" She leaned closer to him. Her seductively warm breath wafted over his face. Elijah's face was reflected in her dark, glimmering eyes. "I haven't. We were kissing, right?"With that, she pressed her lips against his again. She kissed
The door to the private room opened.Liesel wasn't surprised to see Elijah. She merely raised an eyebrow, and her gaze brushed over Thomas. She gave him a small nod and said, "Head home early."Then, she walked toward Elijah. As soon as she approached, his assistant instinctively stepped aside. Liesel took hold of Elijah's wheelchair and began pushing him out of the room. The two of them chatted and laughed as they left.Thomas remained seated on the cold, hard floor with his back pressed against the icy wall. A deep ache spread through his chest.Both of them were so comfortable with each other. The way Liesel looked at Elijah was warm and filled with joy—completely different from how she looked at him.When Liesel looked at him, her eyes held a hint of appreciation, but nothing more. Just as she had said, she admired him, but her gaze had never carried the emotions of a woman in love.To her, he was nothing more than a fleeting presence in her life. But when she looked at Elija
Thomas trembled slightly at the thought and smirked at himself mockingly.As he studied Elijah, Elijah was quietly observing him in return.This wasn't Elijah's first time meeting Thomas.On the day of the interview, Elijah had caught a glimpse of him in passing. Back then, Thomas had radiated confidence and defiance, like a proud lion ruling the prairie. But now, he looked like a rabbit with tear-streaked, bloodshot eyes.Although calling him a rabbit wasn't entirely accurate, the redness in his eyes was undeniable.Had he confessed again? It seemed he had been rejected yet another time.Elijah's hand rested on the armrest of his wheelchair as he gazed at Thomas calmly. He didn't question Thomas' relationship with Liesel because he trusted her completely. If anything, at this moment, Elijah found Thomas pitiful.Thomas didn't know what Elijah was thinking. Seeing Elijah's frail state filled him with shame. Pursuing Liesel behind Elijah's back now felt utterly disgraceful.He c
Thomas stood up stiffly. He kept his head bowed, and his devastated face was hidden in shadow."I'm sorry, Liesel," he said. His voice was choking with emotion. "But I really like you... I didn't want to cause you trouble. I just couldn't stop myself from falling for you."Liesel kept her gaze fixed on him. "I know," she replied calmly. "But I still have to say no."Her rejection was as straightforward as it was merciless. "My love is Elijah—now and always. Thomas, don't waste your time on me. Focus on your own life. "Pursue someone who's truly right for you. One day, you'll find the person meant to be with you." "I'm sorry," Thomas muttered. "I guess I've been too immature... but my feelings for you have always been genuine."He looked at her, and his words carried a depth of affection that refused to be contained. Then, without another word, he turned and headed for the door.Liesel silently watched the tall figure retreat. "Thomas, you'll find the right person someday,"
Thomas was momentarily stunned. After a brief pause, he hurriedly blurted out, "I'll go abroad with you!"His reaction was quick, but his words came out before his thoughts could catch up. It was an impulsive response."Then what about my career? What about my dreams?" Liesel gazed at him while saying firmly, "Will you ask the woman you love to give up everything she's worked so hard to achieve just to be with you? Do you even know how much effort it took for her to reach where she is today? "What gives you the right to destroy it all? What gives you the right to demand she abandon everything and start over from scratch?"Thomas, the least you could do for someone you love is to not make their life worse. Do you understand that? Do you realize how many people are already speculating about my relationship with you?"If you step forward now, they'll pounce on the opportunity to ridicule me. They'll say I'm promiscuous, that I dumped Elijah in favor of someone with greater wealth
Liesel looked at Thomas, who was on the verge of tears, and couldn't help but pinch the bridge of her nose. "Don't cry," she said.The tears Thomas had been holding back streamed down his cheeks instantly. For the first time, Thomas disobeyed her."You rejected me, and now you won't even let me cry! I just feel so wronged," he said. His expression was heartbreakingly vulnerable, like a child abandoned by the world.And wasn't that exactly what was happening? Thomas was about to be cast aside by Liesel. How could he not be devastated?If Thomas let himself cry fully, he reckoned he would drown the world in his tears.He couldn't help it and reached out to grab Liesel's hand. "Can't you love me too? Please?"The tall young man knelt before her. He was being completely sincere."Thomas, I already love someone else," Liesel said softly. "I love Elijah, and he loves me. He treats me so well."You shouldn't waste your time on me. One day, you'll meet someone who's right for you. But
Thomas asked if the miscarriage hurt. "Did it hurt?"He didn't think about anything else. His first thought was whether Liesel had suffered and been in pain.Liesel's throat tightened. A self-mocking smile flashed across her face.Did it hurt?Of course, it did.She had felt pain when she divorced. She had felt pain whenever she saw Jacob. She had felt pain when she lost their child.For a long time, every time she closed her eyes, she would be haunted by nightmares. She would dream of a child calling her "Mommy." The child would cry and beg her not to leave.Compared to that, physical pain was nothing.Even now, whenever she saw children on the street, she would think of the life that never had the chance to be born.Liesel lowered her gaze in silence. Thomas felt his throat tighten.But it was only for a moment. In the next second, all the darkness and pain in his eyes disappeared. "I don't care! I only care if you're hurting!"Thomas wiped his face, discreetly brushing aw