"Dad only said one thing," Natalie said with a smirk as she looked at Liesel. "Can you guess what it was? He said, 'What a bummer!'"She chuckled. "He said Heather was really inconsiderate. Why did she choose to kill herself at his birthday party? If she had to die, it should have been at another time."Seriously! Why was Heather so inconsiderate? She could've chosen a good day to die instead of making you run around like this."Liesel knew Natalie was just trying to get under her skin, but she couldn't control the anger rising within her.She glared at Natalie, who was grinning smugly. Yet Natalie continued to smile and tossed her silver dress at Liesel."Do you think I like wearing a dead person's dress?"Natalie pulled out a new high-end dress and sneered, "I wore that just to see you lose it. And look at you—totally losing it."With no one else around, Natalie finally showed her true colors when facing Liesel alone."So this was all planned?" Liesel let out a chuckle."I k
Liesel acted as though Jacob didn't even exist, or maybe she just didn't care anymore.Jacob watched her retreating figure with a dark and heavy gaze.It seemed like their relationship was truly over. Only now did he feel that Liesel was truly leaving him.Instead of immediately pushing open the closed door to the room, he walked over to the window at the corner, where he could see Liesel and Elijah walking away together.Her words echoed in his mind. "I can give up Jacob's love and even the identity of Mrs. Ford!"If you want to steal something, go after Jacob."Those two lines felt like they were seared into his brain.She didn't care about him at all. At that moment, his heart simmered with a rage he could no longer suppress.But it was over between them. She was just his ex-wife, and he was only her ex-husband. He had no right to argue.In fact, this should have been what he wanted, yet inside, he was restless and frustrated.Frowning, Jacob pushed open the door, only t
Today was Heather's death anniversary.What had he done? Memories flashed through his mind. The last three years played back in his head in slow motion."Jacob, it'll be my mom's death anniversary in three days. Can you come with me to pay your respects?"Before she had even finished speaking, he interrupted her. "I have an urgent meeting in Fruece. If you need anything, just get it yourself."He handed her his black card and hurried away.Liesel frowned slightly, yet her smile remained.He recalled receiving a photo from Liesel while he was in Fruece."I told Mom I married an amazing guy."The sky was so blue. It felt like I could sense Mom's gentle smile when I said that."Jacob, could you come visit Mom with me next time?"And what was his reply? "We'll see."She had invited him each time during Heather's death anniversary, but he found various reasons to decline—work, meetings after work, or gatherings among friends that he could skip.He had continuously refused Liesel
Was marrying Jacob a blessing or a curse for Liesel?Jacob remained silent for a long time.He finally understood why Liesel had reacted so strongly when Natalie appeared in that dress during the party.What had he said?He had told Liesel to stop acting crazy.How could he utter such cold and cruel words to hurt her?Jacob's gaze darkened. "Contact the best designers in the industry and have them recreate that dress exactly."He sent Drew the picture of the silver dress Liesel had shared with him long ago.Drew said nothing and turned to leave.As Jacob watched Drew's hurried figure, his gaze wavered.…Meanwhile, Liesel got into Elijah's car.Moments later, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number. "Jordan, read the files I sent you. Create a strategy targeting Sharp Group. I don't want them to receive any collaboration offers for the next three months."Her eyes were red. Her exquisite features were overshadowed by the icy tone of her voice.Jordan Steele was the d
Liesel Sharp.On the surface, she was the legitimate daughter of the small Sharp family and a genius who graduated from Alden University in Ashthorne with perfect scores.But behind the scenes, she was the true mastermind steering the rising Shifter Corporation.With her background and identity, how could she not be worthy of Elijah's pursuit? Someone like her belonged with him.Their backgrounds, personalities, and everything about them indicated that they were a perfect match.Elijah had initially been unaware of Liesel's true identity. If he had known, he would have treated her with more seriousness.He had thought Liesel merely owned a business, never realizing she was the driving force behind Shifter Corporation, which was growing at lightning speed.Elijah asked, "Why is it called Shifter Corporation?"The name didn't seem to have any connection to Liesel at all.Liesel replied flatly, "Shift means to transform. I want to bring about change and innovation in our country.
Liesel made it perfectly clear and explicit. She wanted nothing personal to do with Elijah.Suddenly, Elijah scoffed, almost as if amused by her straightforwardness."Not bad. I get such benefits from just helping a little. I hope you'll remember me if opportunities like this come up in the future, Ms. Sharp."Liesel's gaze remained cold as she responded, "That depends on how much value you can offer me, Mr. Hardin."She truly was direct. She set firm boundaries without hesitation.Elijah stayed silent for a moment, locking eyes with Liesel for several seconds before speaking again. "Liesel, you can't put up walls with me just because you've been hurt by Jacob."Liesel looked at him and smiled faintly. "You had ulterior motives from the start, didn't you?"If his original purpose wasn't genuine, how could he expect her to respond with sincerity?Liesel understood this all too well.If someone's initial motives were selfish, how could she trust that person enough to build a dee
"Jacob, you've gone too far," Denzel couldn't help but comment."It's understandable if you can't accompany Liesel to honor Ms. Mallone because of work commitments, but you shouldn't have gone to Jeffrey's birthday party today. You're like stabbing her in the heart."Denzel's tone carried a distinct chill.Jacob's eyes darkened, and Alex sighed from the side. "If I were Liesel, I'd hate you for this. Jeffrey cheated on Ms. Mallone during their marriage and ended up having Natalie."We don't even know if Ms. Mallone was driven to her death on Jeffrey's birthday. And here you are, not only divorcing Liesel for this illegitimate daughter but also going to Jeffrey's birthday party on the anniversary of Ms. Mallone's death."Alex shook his head, exasperated.He thought about reaching out to Liesel, but he worried he might only hurt her further, so he held back his frustration.Jacob remained silent. His expression was grim as he downed glass after glass of alcohol.Denzel sensed the
"Are you not coming back with Lili for dinner tonight? It's odd. Lili would usually be heading back on this day. Did you snatch her away?" Vincent asked.Alex felt a wave of panic wash over him.Liesel wasn't avoiding Ford Manor because of Jacob. It was clear she didn't want to return because they were divorced.Jacob, with his bleary eyes, took a while to respond. "She left.""Left? What do you mean, Lili left? Where did she go?" Vincent fired off three questions in quick succession.Alex broke out in a cold sweat as he hurriedly grabbed the phone from Jacob's hand.He forced an awkward laugh and said, "Jake and Liesel had a fight. He couldn't swallow his pride to apologize, so he came to my place to drink. Liesel just left for some fresh air. It's nothing serious, Mr. Ford Senior. They'll be back to normal by tomorrow."Vincent frowned. "I knew you were the one who took him drinking."For heaven's sake! When did he ever take Jacob drinking? Jacob was here drowning his sorrows
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