Beau might have been better off staying silent, but the moment he spoke, Niamh covered her face in frustration.That idiot! She barely stopped herself from cursing aloud.His hasty denial was as obvious as a guilty thief declaring innocence before being accused. Finnegan stepped toward Beau as his towering presence cast a shadow over the small boy. Beau looked up and felt as if a mountain was about to crush him."Why are you so sure there's no one down there?"He couldn't meet Finnegan's gaze, and his frail shoulders trembled uncontrollably. He stood frozen like a tiny shrimp caught in a beam of light. His mind was blank, unable to form a single word."What are you hiding?" Finnegan's sharp instincts immediately sensed something was off."Daddy!" Beau wailed in terror and darted behind Harvey, seeking refuge.Harvey's face remained ice-cold. He, too, realized his son was lying. Meanwhile, the plainclothes security team had already secured the safety ropes and swiftly descended t
Harvey had no patience to let Elara finish. The moment he realized she had fallen down the slope as well, he actually felt nothing but frustration.Casting a cold glance at Niamh, he turned to Elara and asked, "Are you saying Niamh pushed you and Xavier down?""Exactly!" Elara answered firmly."You and Xavier aren't hurt, are you?" Harvey's voice was calm, devoid of any emotion.Since they weren't injured, what was the point of holding Niamh accountable? Since no harm was done, wouldn't it be easier to pretend this never happened?Elara looked at the man in front of her. The sunlight fell just right, casting sharp shadows on them. Though he stood only a step away, the distance between them felt like an endless chasm.Among all these people, only she and Niamh appeared disheveled. Fortunately, Finnegan had taught her defensive techniques. As she tumbled down the slope with Xavier, she had done everything she could to shield him and herself from serious harm.Meanwhile, Niamh look
Later, when Elara's foster father passed away, Harvey had accompanied her to the cemetery. He had placed her hand inside the pocket of his down jacket, and wrapped his large, warm palm around hers.She had looked up and seen snowflakes falling onto both of their shoulders. At that moment, she had foolishly believed that sharing snow together that day meant they would grow old together for a lifetime.Harvey had once warmed her heart, but after marriage, she finally understood that coldness and indifference were his true nature.Finnegan's voice broke through her thoughts. "What did Niamh do to you?"He wanted Elara to confirm it on the spot."She pushed me and Xavier down the slope!""I didn't!" Niamh immediately denied it."Ugh!" Xavier let out a sharp sound, his brows furrowing in anger as he pointed at Niamh.He held up the chanterelle in his hands and then pointed at Beau.Beau immediately threw a fit. "What! This has nothing to do with me!"Xavier puffed out his cheeks a
Niamh screamed while flailing her legs in an attempt to kick Finnegan. But the moment she moved her injured foot, a searing pain shot through her, making her gasp in agony."Help! This is assault! Ahhh! Let me go! Harvey, save me!""Let her go!" Harvey barked.Finnegan, who was still gripping Niamh, walked to the edge of the slope. He then turned his head to look at Harvey."Alright," he said simply.And with that, he loosened his grip. Niamh tumbled down the slope once again."Ahhh!"She hit the ground with a heavy thud as her body landed like a sack of potatoes. Her mouth was now full of dirt. She lay sprawled on the slope, not rolling further but too weak to get up.Finnegan then turned toward Beau, his towering figure casting a shadow over the trembling child. "Do I throw you down, or will you go down yourself?"Beau's eyes widened in terror. He stumbled backward, shaking his head frantically before crouching behind Harvey, wailing, "I don't want to! Waah!"Harvey shielde
The pain was unbearable. Beau's left hand hurt so much that he could no longer feel it.Harvey tightened his grip around the bamboo stick, and his own palm was aching from the force he had exerted. But in front of Leonard, he had to maintain the authority expected of an heir."You will treat Xavier as your own brother. Do you understand? I had better not hear of you mistreating him again!"The only response he got was Beau's heart-wrenching sobs. Harvey thought that since he had punished Beau, Leonard should be appeased by now.Just as he was about to look at the iPad, Leonard's voice came through once more. "His misbehavior was because you failed to teach him manners. Harvey, you will take 30 strikes to the palm."Harvey froze. "Me?"Taking a deep breath, he handed the bamboo stick to one of Leonard's subordinates without saying much.With a calm and respectful tone, he said, "Please, Uncle Leonard, administer my punishment."Leonard's voice remained steady and unhurried. "Wai
Niamh was stunned. "Why is my dad coming here?"Leonard's subordinate replied, "We're the ones who informed Abel Jones to come to Mistvale Ranch. "Since Mr. Beau and Mr. Harvey were both disciplined by their fathers, it's only right that your father takes responsibility for you as well."As they spoke, Abel had arrived. Elara was equally surprised by this. Leonard's efficiency was terrifying. It had been less than 30 minutes since Xavier was put in danger, and yet Leonard had already issued punishments.Abel rushed onto the scene just in time to witness Harvey being caned. His eyes landed on the bamboo stick, now stained with fresh blood. A shiver ran through his entire body.On his way here, Leonard's subordinates had briefed him that Niamh had pushed Leonard's son down the slope. The moment Abel heard this, he was so terrified his legs nearly gave out.One of Leonard's subordinates stepped forward. Abel was scanning the area, but he couldn't see Niamh.In a daze, he mumbled
"Harvey, take out your phone."Leonard issued the command, and no matter how reluctant Harvey was, he had no choice but to comply.One of Leonard's subordinates stood beside him, ensuring that Harvey opened the group chat named Capitol Brotherhood.Harvey lifted his phone mechanically, aiming the camera directly at Niamh. His chiseled features that were usually striking were now as cold and sharp as a blade.Striking a snake at its weak spot would render it powerless—Elara had seized Niamh by the throat with a single move."Ahhh!"There was another smack and Niamh immediately shrieked while clutching her face in pain.No! They couldn't film her like this!If a video of her in this pathetic state was sent to the Capitol Brotherhood group, everything she had painstakingly built—her carefully crafted image among the city's elite—would be utterly destroyed.Leonard's subordinate issued the command, "Ms. Niamh, apologize to Ms. Elara and Mr. Xavier."Niamh's fingers clawed at the
Harvey could try to not send it. Try—and he'd be finished.Harvey drew in a sharp breath, and he said in a cold voice, "Niamh already knows she was wrong. She's still your sister, so don't take it too far."Zachary, who was standing off to the side, snatched Harvey's phone straight from his hands. "Why the hell are you dragging out sending a damn video?"Zachary knew exactly what was going on. If this continued any longer, Leonard would make Harvey suffer another round of punishment.And if both of Harvey's hands ended up useless, how the hell was he supposed to face the board tomorrow?Since Leonard had spoken, Zachary had to follow through. He tapped the send button without hesitation."Mr. Fisher Senior! Please don't send it!" Niamh's desperate, weak cry rang out.Elara's tone was light, but her words cut deep. "Mr. Fisher, do you really think that look in Niamh's eyes says she knows she was wrong? Damn, I didn't realize your eyesight was this bad."Harvey turned to Niamh, a
Harold smiled as he explained, "Of course, they're talking about the most prominent figure in all of Capitol."Although Angie had lived in Melcina for years, she still kept up with the major gossip surrounding Capitol's elite families.And when it came to the most famous heir of the Snapp family, none other than Theodore came to mind. His reputation was practically legendary—everything he touched turned to gold. It was as if, with just a flick of his fingers, he could rise to the top of any industry."Does he have any business dealings with Quantum Tech?" she asked.Harold replied, "Ms. Price is interested in having Mr. Snapp's firm, Polaris Law Firm, take over Quantum Tech's legal affairs."The moment Harold said this, Angie understood that Priscilla clearly had an ulterior motive. She must be looking to shift her business focus back to Eucon, and using Quantum Tech to pull Theodore into her orbit was the first step."So, that means Mr. Snapp's visit is to discuss a legal partne
When Angie realized what she'd been saying, she quickly apologized, "Sorry, Leonard, for making you listen to my complaints all this time.""It's fine." Leonard's cool voice resonated like a struck bronze bell, sending subtle vibrations through her heart.This was the first time Angie had managed to keep Leonard on the phone for so long, though their entire conversation revolved around Elara.Leonard showing such rare patience made Angie's lips curve upward in delight."Can I call you again in the future?" She ventured the bold question, though anxiety churned inside."You may call if it's regarding Quantum Tech matters."He had glimpsed an Elara who was completely different from the respectful woman he knew through Angie's words. So, she had a temper too—how intriguing.Angie's smile stretched ear to ear as she continued, "Leonard, thank you for listening to my grievances.""Oh, right."Suddenly remembering something, Angie added, "Quantum Tech has a front-end project collabo
Angie visibly flushed with embarrassment, and the other employees fell silent. Some immediately lowered their heads to focus on their meals, while others held their breath, pressing their lips together to control their expressions."Angie's been abroad too long—she's not used to strict workplace hierarchies," Samuel defended her, raising his voice."Elara, now that you're CEO, you just can't wait for everyone to bow and scrape before you, huh? You might not realize this, but modern workplaces emphasize equality—we all address each other as colleagues now."His mocking tone was unmistakable. As the eldest son of the Quinn family, he clearly didn't take Elara seriously.Elara met his disdainful gaze. "Fine."She continued calmly, "Then let's abolish internal titles at Quantum Tech. All employees will be leveled equally, with salaries determined by performance. Anyone above L4 will be downgraded to L4, so there's true equality across the board. That's the only way to eliminate workpl
When Elara came to her senses, she noticed Leonard was already gone—and Angie had disappeared with him.The nature of Leonard and Angie's relationship was undeniably intriguing, but since Leonard chose not to share, Elara felt it would be improper to pry into her elder's private affairs.She then joined the other Quantum Tech employees in seeing off the city officials. Harold immediately seized the chance to cozy up to her. "Elara, I'm dying to know—how did you become Quantum Tech's leader?"He continued eagerly, "I've been helping out at Quantum Tech recently. Ohm Technologies and my lab are collaborating on a project with them."Elara merely nodded, showing no interest in further conversation.Undeterred, Harold pressed on. "Let me introduce you to everyone at Quantum Tech."His enthusiasm was purely for show—he wanted the company to know he had special connections with Elara."You know Mr. Quinn, right?" he asked, making introductions.Elara glanced at the sharp-featured man
"Elara, you're the developer of the Prism project? Why have I never heard you mention this before?" Harold blurted out in confusion.After processing this information, he suddenly remembered Priscilla's second statement. He blinked, wondering if he'd misheard.He immediately turned to Samuel beside him. "Did I hear that wrong? It's so noisy here—what did Ms. Price just say? Who's Quantum Tech's leader?"Samuel's expression stiffened visibly.Meanwhile, Angie stared at Elara with suspicion. "What kind of deal did you make with Ms. Price? How could you possibly be Quantum Tech's lead?"Her instincts told her there had to be some mistake. She'd investigated Elara earlier. She was just a woman who dropped out of her direct PhD program at Capitol University to get married and become a housewife, without any substantial work experience.Someone like Elara might qualify as a janitor at Quantum Tech at best."What qualifications does she have to lead Quantum Tech?" Samuel muttered under
"My apologies, Ms. Price, the alarms in the data center are too loud. Let's switch to a video call."As she spoke, Elara connected her phone to the projection system. Priscilla tapped her screen to enable video, and in the next second, her face appeared on the large display.Everyone looked up at the screen in surprise. Angie even gasped. "Ms. Price?" From Priscilla's perspective, her phone only showed Elara's face through the camera feed."Ms. Price, I'm already in the data center. Please give your instructions," Elara continued.Her tone remained perfectly neutral. Priscilla responded, "You're Quantum Tech's leader. What professional guidance could I possibly give you?"Elara turned on the speakerphone, amplifying Priscilla's voice through the room. Amidst the urgent wailing of alarms, Priscilla's words sounded almost surreal. The surrounding crowd struggled to process what was happening."Elara Jones, do you realize city officials are inspecting Quantum Tech today? With the
Angie led the group into the digital data center."Good afternoon, Ms. Shelton." The employees greeted her with deep respect, their gazes filled with admiration.Angie maintained an aloof demeanor as she asked, "How's the testing on Prism's data coming along?""The basic framework is stable now. We're currently fine-tuning the details of Prism's database."Angie nodded. "Run the Prism system for our guests.""Uh... About that—"The staff hesitated. "We haven't fully mastered this framework yet..."Angie frowned. "After all this time, you still haven't figured it out?"Seeing their uneasy expressions, she sighed. "This framework's structure is elementary. Fine, I'll do it myself."The researchers' eyes lit up with excitement upon hearing this."The Prism model's framework design is incredibly complex—it completely defies conventional understanding. Yet Ms. Shelton mastered the entire codebase so quickly after joining!""No wonder she's Aempleforth Street's most sought-after g
Samuel sneered. "I bet she's just clinging to Prof. Fisher by exploiting her past connection with Harvey."Harold pressed his lips together, silently agreeing with Samuel's words.As Angie finished her introduction of Quantum Tech, she took advantage of the officials' hushed discussions to glance at Elara. Remembering the photos Rosalie had sent her—showing Elara painstakingly building rapport with Xavier—Angie let out a cold, mocking laugh through her nose.She strode directly to Leonard's side to ask, "How's Xavier doing?"Elara was slightly surprised by the question. Angie bore some resemblance to Xavier, so she wondered what exactly their relationship was.Leonard ignored her inquiry and instead asked, "How long do you plan to stay at Quantum Tech?"Their exchange suggested familiarity."My goal is to join Dragonheart!" said Angie.She met Leonard's gaze with blazing confidence, but his expression remained as cold and detached as an eternal glacier.Craig interjected, "Pro
The mayor, Craig Strickland, was both surprised and delighted by Elara's words. "So, Quantum Tech has made such rapid progress on the digital project under Ms. Jones' leadership!"He turned to his secretary and ordered, "Clear my schedule for the next two hours. I'll be accompanying Ms. Jones to inspect Quantum Tech."Elara's voice drifted to Leonard's ear. "Would Mr. Fisher like to join us as well?"Leonard let out a soft scoff. "You do enjoy making trouble for people."Elara volunteered eagerly, "I can push your wheelchair!"Only after she had wheeled Leonard onto the MPV did he speak again. "Do you plan to use me as your shield at Quantum Tech too?""Mr. Fisher, I need you." Her voice, that was soft yet earnes,t sent a ripple of something unnameable through Leonard's chest."I need your guidance. I want you to watch over me a little longer."She settled into the seat beside him as the MPV door slid shut. Leonard's expression tightened imperceptibly, his right index finger re