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
Aside from Elijah, Liesel couldn't think of anyone else who would do this.Neal hadn't returned to the country yet. And even if he had, he wouldn't resort to such childish methods of revenge.As for Jordan, he wouldn't concern himself with someone as insignificant as Natalie. But that made him overlook how much of an impact someone like her had on Liesel.Despite Natalie's humble origins and low character, she had inflicted deep emotional and physical wounds on Liesel.Jordan and Neal weren't in the country and were unaware of what Natalie had done.The only ones who knew the truth were Jacob, Elijah, and Natalie herself.With Jacob defending Natalie so fiercely, how could he possibly harm her? Since she hadn't done it, the only person who could take action against Natalie was Elijah.He was pretty decisive, perhaps with no intention of sparing Natalie.Compared to what Natalie had done to her, Elijah's retaliation was considered quite ruthless.Elijah had returned to the head
"Both of us want to start fresh, so there's really no need for the dress." Liesel declined with a smile.Of course, it wasn't just a dress.Ever since Natalie had ruined the dress Heather made, Liesel had developed a strong aversion to such gifts.She had vowed not to accept anything from Jacob again. She believed that if they were to sever ties, it had to be done completely.Drew let out a sigh. He was clearly taken aback by how things had turned out. "I thought you and boss would last."He had even picked out baby names and gifts for the couple. Who would have thought that they would end up divorced in just three years?"I'll pass your message along to him."After a pause, he offered some earnest advice. "I know you're upset with him after yesterday, but… I really hope you can take a serious look at your relationship.""I'm really serious." Liesel stood up to pour him a cup of coffee.Having worked together for three years, they had become close friends, and Liesel didn't in
"Are you sure this won't get found out? I mean, it's cheating on the college entrance exam," Zack said. No matter what, he was still a teacher and acutely aware of the consequences.Sky shrugged nonchalantly. "Dad, you've been teaching long enough to know that some people get away with bending the rules. Those with money and power don't want things like this going public."That was true. Though Zack felt uneasy, the large sum of money that Sky mentioned while draping an arm around his neck blinded him.As long as the payoff was substantial, sacrificing Xavier didn't seem like a big deal.The two of them were plotting openly in the living room, unaware of the need for discretion.By then, it was midnight. Xavier, who had just returned from his part-time job at a nightclub in the city center, overheard them.The two probably assumed Xavier wouldn't be back tonight, so they didn't bother to lower their voices.Xavier was still in his work uniform, with lipstick marks on his white s
This wasn't the first time Sky and Zack saw Xavier in this state. Sky clapped his chest reassuringly. "Don't worry. Xavier is just drunk. He won't hear a thing. He has no idea about our plans."Despite his words, Zack felt a nagging sense of unease.But before he could dwell on it, Sky had already brought up how much money they could get, and Zack simply stopped worrying about what felt off.Once back in his room, Xavier locked the door and finally let out a sigh of relief as he lay on his bed.He felt utterly lost and betrayed. His father and brother were using him without a thought for the consequences he might face.He needed to find a way to thwart their plans. He couldn't let them succeed.The stress weighed heavily on him, and he barely slept that night.The next day at school, he slept through the morning classes.Fortunately, his excellent grades meant the teachers turned a blind eye.…In the afternoon, sunlight filtered through layers of leaves, casting dappled shad
Xavier couldn't shake the feeling that he recognized Liesel. It was a strange mix of familiarity and unfamiliarity.People flowed around them, but their gazes remained locked.Noticing Liesel's attention on Xavier, Helena quickly signaled to a department head to call him over and introduce him to Liesel."Liesel, this is Xavier Scott, our all-around genius. He's likely a top scorer for this year's college entrance exam." Helena spoke with a hint of pride at the mention of Xavier.Liesel could sense that Helena genuinely had a positive impression of Xavier, which brought her a sense of happiness. "That's wonderful."Smiling, she said, "Principal Davis, since you think so highly of Xavier, how about I give him a little incentive?"Xavier, if you can achieve a top-three score in the Ashthorne college entrance exam, I'll cover all your expenses during college and graduate school. Plus, I'll throw in a special gift. What do you think?"This offer was exceptional. It practically gave
Xavier watched Liesel as she handed him her business card and murmured his thanks.Liesel stood beneath a sycamore tree. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, scattering them softly onto her shoulders. Her long hair danced in the wind, occasionally veiling her cool yet gentle eyes.With a warm smile, she looked at Xavier. "Contact me if you need anything."With that, she turned to leave.Xavier's gaze dropped to the card she had given him, which read, "Liesel Sharp, Project Department Manager, Ford Corporation."Her name struck him as beautiful.He recalled her words and wished she could really fulfill his wishes. He hoped to shed his past, an unspeakable chapter of his life, and start anew.But why would someone he had just met actually want to save him? Those trapped in the mire needed the ability to rescue themselves.Tightly gripping the card in his hand, Xavier remained rooted in place. His eyes followed Liesel as she walked away."You're really lucky to catch Liesel's eye,
"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