Jacob was already dating Natalie. Liesel couldn't bring herself to be intimate with him.After everything that had happened today, how could they possibly connect on that level?If she were to accept his kiss casually after experiencing all this, what would that say about her character?Breathing heavily, Liesel pushed Jacob off her. Her cold gaze was fixed on him as she slowly spoke."We're divorced, Jacob. So please, stop it."For a moment, it seemed like Jacob truly halted in his actions.His gaze lingered on Liesel's face as if he were searching for something or trying to understand the emotions playing across her features.Liesel's lashes trembled as she repeated, "Your girlfriend is Natalie."Not Liesel Sharp.Finally, Jacob released her.Whether it was her words that reached him or because he recognized who she was, he didn't continue further.Liesel lay back on the bed while trembling slightly in the chill of the night.Once she calmed down, she retrieved a blanket f
Just like what Elijah had told her that day. The rising sun symbolized her new beginning.Since it represented a fresh start, she shouldn't dwell on the past with Jacob. They were both set to embark on new lives."Mrs. Ford, why are you up so early?" Edgar, an early riser himself, had planned to take a stroll in the courtyard but found Liesel sitting on the swing, watching the sunrise."I couldn't sleep," Liesel replied with a smile.Edgar didn't pry further. Instead, he changed the topic. "What would you like for breakfast? I remember you love muffins. Should I have the kitchen prepare extra for you to take away?"Liesel shook her head. "It's quite a hassle to make muffins, and I have a lot to deal with. I don't really have the time to wait for them to be ready." She smiled again.Actually, she just didn't want to entangle herself further with the Ford family."Well, Mr. Ford was drunk last night and will probably sleep in today. By the time he leaves, the muffins should be rea
Liesel sat in her office chair. Her black-framed glasses conveniently hid the wound on her forehead.On someone else, they might have looked bookish or stiff.But perhaps it was her striking beauty that made even something as simple as black-framed glasses become a stylish accessory.She adjusted them slightly on her nose. She had cried the day before, so her eyes were still red and slightly puffy despite the cold compress she had applied. The coldness in her gaze seemed to have softened somewhat."I don't have time for these trivial guessing games. If you have something to say, say it. If not, you can leave whenever you want."She was so cold and distant, as she had raised her defenses once again.Even though Elijah had told her he was nothing like Jacob and urged her not to treat him the same, she hadn't taken his words to heart.She refused to be hurt again. As long as she didn't invest her emotions, she wouldn't be vulnerable to pain. That, she knew all too well.So, she di
Upon seeing this, Elijah leaned in to watch.Liesel's fingers flew across the keyboard as she quickly typed the latest code. She dismantled the existing foundation piece by piece and integrated more complex and profound coded data."The code your researchers have developed isn't entirely wrong. However, to create a fully functional holographic pod, you'll need to invest a significant amount of time deconstructing every single line of code. This data will eventually connect to our brains, so it's crucial to be careful and precise."As she spoke, she entered another long string of data. "Just like this. Here's another segment of more detailed coded data."Elijah didn't specialize in this area, but he had enough understanding to recognize the intricacies involved.He could clearly see the sparkle in Liesel's eyes when she discussed this research. It was entirely different from when she talked about finance and other collaborations.She seemed to be a researcher who truly understood
As the secretaries were gossiping, they fell silent upon seeing Elijah. They quickly greeted him. "Mr. Hardin."Elijah smiled. "Is Mr. Ford in his office?"The lead secretary replied, "Yes, he is. Do you need to speak with him?"Elijah smiled again. As he pushed open the office door, he immediately spotted Jacob sitting at his desk while rubbing his temples.Upon hearing the door open, Jacob looked up briefly. His gaze swept over Elijah before returning to his paperwork.His dismissive glance only widened the smile on Elijah's lips. "Mr. Ford, I've heard you're quite skilled. Care for a spar?"Jacob set down the file he was holding. His dark eyes glinted with a cold light.Elijah was quite interesting. Even before Jacob could reach out to him, Elijah came knocking first. Of course, Jacob wasn't going to turn him away.…Elijah entered unscathed but left with some bruising around his eyes and mouth.Yet he didn't seem to mind. Before he left, he flashed Jacob a grin that was a
Denzel never expected that the one injured would be Jacob's new lover.To be honest, he was generally friendly toward women.In Jacob and Liesel's relationship, he placed most of the blame on Jacob. However, he struggled to find a way to excuse Natalie's behavior.Those who interfered in others' relationships, regardless of gender, were just despicable.Denzel had intended to take a quick look and leave, but Jeffrey recognized him and greeted him with a sycophantic smile.Jeffrey claimed to be inquiring about Natalie's injuries, but he was actually more focused on ingratiating himself with Denzel.Denzel listened impassively as Jeffrey rambled on. When he saw Natalie making a pitiful call to Jacob, he merely raised an eyebrow and glanced at her without saying anything.However, Jeffrey tried to excuse her. "Nat is very dependent on Mr. Ford. She kept calling his name even during the surgery."Jeffrey spoke as if to highlight Natalie's deep affection.When Denzel heard the word
Regardless of whether Liesel was truly responsible, Natalie had already attributed all blame to her.She and Liesel weren't on good terms.How could Liesel, injured at Jeffrey's birthday party, not seek revenge?Lately, Natalie hadn't offended anyone else. The only person she had crossed was Liesel. If it wasn't Liesel, who could it be?Moreover, how could it be such a coincidence?Liesel had a cut on her forehead, and Natalie had one too. Liesel injured her hand, and Natalie had a similar injury as well.Wasn't it obvious that Liesel was deliberately hurting her to let her know that this was all her doing? How could she not report this to Jacob?She needed to tell Jacob and let him know how malicious Liesel truly was.Suddenly, Jacob's expression darkened. His voice was cold. "You think it was Liesel who did this?"Natalie shivered at his gaze. Her lips trembled as she asked, "Wasn't it her?"Even at this point, she still wanted to drag Liesel down."You can ask her." Jacob
Natalie immediately retorted, "How can you say that about me, Liesel? I'm Jake's secretary now and a member of Ford Corporation."As soon as she said that, Liesel replied coolly, "So, are you calling to discuss the recent business contracts? Do you want to talk about the new energy initiatives or Ford Corporation's recent market expansions? Or perhaps the electronics sector?"Liesel's words left Natalie momentarily speechless. As an art student, she had no knowledge of these topics.The only reason she could enter Ford Corporation was because of Jacob. Mentioning any collaboration proposal made her feel completely lost."I'm not calling about that, Liesel. I just wanted to ask if this car accident has anything to do with you." Natalie spoke cautiously, as though she were being bullied.Liesel paused for a moment. "You had a car accident?"Natalie responded with a whimper, "Yeah, when I was on my way to the office this morning. I happened to hurt my hand and forehead."This was a
"How would you know that I also didn't have the same kind of thoughts when you secretly kissed me all those years ago?"You said that I was born in a tall tower, but I didn't get to choose my background. Meanwhile, you have climbed your way up to where I am to be with me."In ancient times, we would have been innocent and carefree childhood sweethearts. We would've been considered a match made in heaven."Edward, what I'm saying is the truth." Ophelia said each word solemnly. She stared unblinkingly at Edward as she spoke. "While you were struggling with these emotions, who said I was not struggling too?"However, I just couldn't forget you. I couldn't accept a future without you. What I wanted was to have you by my side. I wish you were my lover, and I want to be with you, Edward Ford."Her response was firm and resolute. It echoed with conviction.At the same time, she seemed to be giving her answer to the Edward who had been hiding his feelings in fear and panic for many y
"If you're ever unhappy, you can come find me anytime. I'll always be here for you."This was Edward's promise.These were the moments when Ophelia had seen Edward smoking. Each time, it seemed to have something to do with her.She recalled the past. The way Edward always looked at her became even clearer in her mind. Back then, she might not have understood the struggle and yearning in his eyes.But now, she thought she understood.Her mind was filled with too many thoughts, and their embrace had lasted far too long.She wanted to push him away, but at that moment, he suddenly whispered in her ear, "Your first kiss wasn't him. It was me."What?Ophelia was stunned. She even thought that she'd heard wrong.When had she ever kissed Edward? How come she never knew about it?She pushed him away. Her doe eyes widened."You're lying. E-except just now, we've never kissed before!""The night before I left the country, you held onto my shirt and refused to let me leave. After you
Ophelia still remembered the melancholy and confusion that she'd seen in Edward's eyes. He had looked like a young boy who couldn't find his way home.The moment Edward saw her, he stubbed out his cigarette. Holding her hand, he led the bleary-eyed Ophelia back to the bedroom.Worried that she'd catch a cold from the freezing winds, he made her a cup of hot chamomile tea. She didn't like the taste, so he had to try his hardest to coax her into drinking it.Upset, she said to him accusingly, "Edward, I feel I'm turning into a chamomile plant."Edward laughed.He was handsome. Even when he laughed, he looked attractive. Amusement bloomed on his charming and elegant face.She complimented him dazedly, "Edward, you're really good-looking."Even though she was still mad that she'd been coaxed into drinking a whole mug of chamomile tea, she still found herself lost in his handsomeness. Edward's eyes were curved from his broad grin, and he reached out to rub her head."You're very goo
"So it is because of Stanley.""Well, I'm much older than you. Stanley is young so there wouldn't be a generation gap between you two. You must like someone younger."That's not all. Stanley has excellent grades. I naturally understand that you'd choose him. After all, he's the first guy you've ever called your boyfriend."You don't have to say anything; I understand. I'm not up to standard. Stanley will definitely achieve greater things than me in the future, so I shouldn't keep clinging to you…" I must have put you in a difficult position. If I had known that you had picked Stanley, I wouldn't have come back and disturbed you. I've disturbed the peace in your life."Every single word Edward said felt like a stab in Ophelia's heart.Was he crazy? Why was he talking about Stanley in every sentence?Ophelia tried her hardest to bite her tongue, but in the end, she failed to hold her anger in."You keep talking about Stanley, but didn't I already tell you that we've broken up? A
Ophelia snatched the junk food box in a huff to fill the gift boxes with snacks."You! Stop causing trouble!""Okay, okay! I'll stop messing around." With that, Joseph muttered, "It was just a few sweets…"Ophelia glared at him. Joseph immediately cleared his throat and no longer uttered a word. Instead of teasing her, he also began helping her pack the boxes. Not trusting him, Ophelia intentionally inspected each box. She only felt assured to hand him the boxes once she was certain none of the chocolates or snacks were missing.Not long after Joseph started packing, he began looking around absentmindedly. He looked down and noticed many private messages on Ophelia's phone. Those still part of Yvonne's fandom had sent those messages. They were scolding Ophelia.Ophelia merely glanced at the messages before nonchalantly turning off the phone screen. Not only were she and Joseph done wrapping the boxes, but Edward had finished preparing breakfast as well. Edward prepared all of
"Oh!" Joseph exclaimed. He whirled around and took a step back before patting Edward's palm. "Shouldn't you give me something in return for my advice? A present or something, right?"Edward came off as rather domineering as he asked icily, "Tell me which car you want. What model and series? When do you want it?"Yes, Edward had brought up cars. Joseph's eyes lit up. "I want the latest SUV from Land Rover within the next three days."It wasn't as if Joseph couldn't afford the car. He simply liked messing with his friends. After all, free things were the best. "Sure." Joseph continued flatteringly, "Bro, this is how it works. Women are usually more soft-hearted, especially someone like Ophelia at her age. You should give in sometimes."Be shameless if she ever tries to drive you away. Hug her and act pitiful by saying that you don't want to leave her. Say that you can't sleep or will have nightmares if you don't see her. You can even be more dramatic."Joseph was quick-witted enou
Ophelia was left dumbfounded after hearing Joseph's advice. What nonsense was he talking about? He was supposed to be on her side, not sabotage her. Edward shoved Ophelia out of the kitchen. "Something's wrong with his brain, so just ignore him. Go and rest."Ophelia was still perplexed as Edward pushed her out of the kitchen. However, she didn't probe further since she refused to speak to him for now. Once Ophelia was gone, Joseph immediately cursed. "You're such a beast. 28cm, 28cm. Why don't you cut off that thing of yours? Did you think your sweetheart is someone who appears in those adult films?" Edward's eyes twitched. He finally understood what Joseph had been blabbering about. Joseph was such a pervert through and through. Edward slammed the knife onto the chopping board. "I'm talking about my age. What's gotten into you?""Oh, it's your age." Joseph sighed in relief. He had been worried about how Draskia could have such a pervert like Edward.After a while, Joseph e
"Ophelia." As soon as Edward spoke, Ophelia glanced at him nonchalantly. "I'm starving."Edward was relieved that she was still willing to talk to him. "I'll prepare breakfast." With that, he cast a glance at Joseph. "Come and help me."Joseph scoffed. He got to his feet before stretching lazily. He hadn't slept for the whole night as he accompanied Ophelia playing video games and doing other things. He was indeed slightly exhausted.But Joseph was well aware that Edward did not want him to be alone with Ophelia. Regardless, Joseph was fine with helping Edward with preparing breakfast. After all, he was there for the drama.Every three days, a housekeeper would drop by Ophelia's condominium and replenish her fridge with all kinds of fresh vegetables and fruits. While studying abroad, Edward wasn't used to the local fast food. Hence, he became independent and learned how to prepare meals on his own. Now, he was an excellent cook.However, Edward was still at a loss on how to
Ophelia took a picture of the fan merchandise she had wrapped before posting it on Twitter, where Chelsians were still waiting for the giveaway. No one could be bothered with Yvonne, who was trying to stay relevant.Ophelia was still preparing the fan merchandise when she heard the doorbell ring in the middle of the night. Within the next second, she received a WhatsApp call from Joseph, which she answered."Ophelia, open the door for me."Ophelia was surprised. She wondered what was wrong with Joseph. Shouldn't he be sleeping now? Why had he dropped by in the middle of the night?She was no longer worried, knowing that Joseph was at the door. She opened it and watched Joseph squeeze through the door while holding a large bag of what seemed to be snacks."Shouldn't you be sleeping now? Why are you here?" Ophelia couldn't help but roll her eyes."You're not asleep either." Joseph went through the large bag before finally fishing out a game controller, which was also a limited-edit