Elara glared coldly at Harvey. It was clear Harvey already knew everything that had happened in the auditorium earlier.The elevator malfunctioning, Harvey showing up hereâhis intentions were obvious.Elara's grip on Merida's hand tightened, her palm sweating. Harvey had truly lost his mind! He kept calling Merida his daughter, yet he didn't care about her safety at all.But without concrete evidence, he would never admit to having anything to do with the elevator malfunction.Elara suppressed the anger bubbling inside her. "Did you know about Rosalie targeting Merida?"Harvey replied, "She's been spending a lot of time with my mother latelyâĶ"In other words, Rosalie's bold behavior at school had Ethel's backing and encouragement behind it. Just then, the elevator doors opened, and several teachers from the arts department stepped out.They greeted Harvey respectfully, "Mr. Fisher."Merida recognized them. When she was in the lower grade, these teachers had been judges at the t
To emphasize his role and make his daughter feel the power of having a father, Harvey persisted."I can get you a professional team from. If you want to perform a dance, Daddy will connect you with top dancers from around the world. Merida, no matter what, you're my daughter, and I want you to rely on me as much as you need!"Merida looked momentarily stunned. In her memory, Harvey had never shown her this much concern before. For a moment, his sudden care left her feeling overwhelmed.She listened as Harvey said, "Merida, I hope you can try to lean on me. I know I've neglected you before, but you're only five. I hope it's not too late for me to make it up to you!"Merida couldn't tell how much of what Harvey said was genuine, nor could she analyze his underlying intentions.She simply responded to him based on her instincts and feelings. "All I want is for Mr. Harvey not to create obstacles for me and Mommy."Harvey immediately denied it. "Why would I create obstacles for youâĶ"
Merida's voice was innocent and pure, while the teachers standing behind Harvey exchanged amused, gossipy looks.Harvey froze, offering only a pale explanation, "I didn'tâĶ"He glanced up at Elara, and there was a wave of frustration bubbling up inside him. "Daddy has never slept with Niamh! That absolutely never happened!"His words seemed directed more at Elara, and he watched her reaction closely. However, Harvey's explanation still didn't resolve the logic in Merida's mind."But Aunt Niamh is your best friend, and Lesley is Mommy's best friend. Isn't it the same thing?""It's not the same!" Harvey denied.Merida puffed out her cheeks, her eyes filled with defiance as she looked at Harvey.She even began to lecture him, "Mr. Harvey, you can't be lenient with yourself and strict with others. That's just being hypocritical!"Harvey's breath hitched. This kind of topic, involving adults' private lives, was something he didn't know how to explain to a five-year-old.Suddenly, he
Afterward, Lesley and Elara walked downstairs with Merida.Lesley said, "I'm a bit confused now. Is Harvey trying to get custody of Merida, or does he regret divorcing you?"Elara's voice was calm. "I don't care what he thinks. Every day since leaving him and the Fisher family has been a day of freedom for me."Lesley voiced her concern, "I'm just worried Harvey might continue to cling to you and cause trouble."Elara frowned slightly, having considered this possibility herself.Lesley suggested, "Why don't you apply for a restraining order to keep him out of your life?"Elara replied, "He hasn't been violent, so a restraining order wouldn't be granted. Besides, Harvey is the type to go to extremes. If we restrict him, he'll only push back harder."Elara still felt a lingering fear when she remembered the time Harvey had abducted her.She concluded, "When dealing with Harvey Fisher, I think it's better to manage him than to block him. If he wants to show up in front of me, let
Finnegan was in charge of keeping the rhythm with a pair of drumsticks. He wasn't wearing a shirt, and his tanned skin glistened with sweat under the bright white lights, giving off a metallic sheen.The muscles on his arms were layered and defined, and his biceps were as solid as iron when flexed.Theodore narrowed his fox-like eyes and couldn't help but smirk. "Is your brother planning to perform on stage with Merida?"Elara nodded. "There's going to be some choreographed interaction between them. The routine Merida's preparing requires teamwork with my brother."Theodore let out a soft snort. It seemed Finnegan had put in a lot of effort for Merida this time. He teased, "Once your brother steps on stage, he's definitely going to gain a lot of admirers."Elara smiled. At that moment, Finnegan turned and began guiding Merida through a complex tap sequence on the raised platforms.Merida's feet tapped rapidly, but she stumbled slightly, losing her balance. Finnegan quickly steadi
Less than half a minute into the practice sessionâ"Ugh!"Harvey was forced back a step by Merida as a low groan escaped his throat. He felt like his ribs were about to break!Every muscle, connected to his nerves, throbbed with pain. Harvey quickly felt a metallic taste rise in his throat, and he choked, coughing violently.Merida, standing on the raised platform, immediately asked, "Mr. Harvey, are you okay?"Harvey clutched his chest, surprised that after taking a kick from Merida, he could barely straighten up.Before he could respond, a cool, mocking voice cut in. "Mr. Harvey, are you sure you can handle this?"Harvey turned sharply to see Theodore leaning against the wall. His posture was casual as he smirked at Harvey. His lips were curled into a grin, and his eyes filled with mischief.Everyone knew what Harvey's intentions were when he suddenly showed up to practice with Merida. But neither Elara nor Finnegan stopped him because they were well aware of the consequences
Harvey practiced with Merida for over an hour. By the end of it, his chest heaved violently, and his breathing was heavy and labored. The sound of it was echoing clearly in the empty basketball gym.Sweat poured from his head like a flood, drenching his dark hair, which clung to his forehead. It even softens his usually sharp features. It looked like he was standing in the rain as sweat streamed down his cheeks.Harvey had already taken off his jacket and the sweater vest he'd been wearing underneath. His navy-blue moisture-wicking shirt was soaked through, and the fabric was darkened by sweat.He bent slightly at the waist, relying on sheer willpower to keep himself from collapsing. But his legs felt like they were made of cement, and he could barely lift them to walk.Merida jumped down from the raised platforms. She was still in her performance outfit, her cheeks flushed and tiny strands of hair sticking to her sweaty forehead.She ran over to Elara, who handed her Merida's per
Beau opened his mouth wide, his wails echoing through the empty basketball gym. He clutched the container of oranges Elara had given him, but he looked like a small, abandoned animal."Mr. Beau!" The bodyguard hurriedly tried to comfort him, but had no idea how to stop Beau's crying.Harvey walked over. "Beau Fisher, why are you crying?"He was annoyed by his son's sudden emotional breakdown. "You're five years old. What's there to cry about?"Earlier, Harvey had seen Elara give Beau the container of oranges. As soon as Elara left, Beau started crying. Harvey now reached out to take the takeout box from Beau's lap."No!" Beau shouted.He immediately leaned forward to shield the oranges with his body, as if they were his most precious treasure.Harvey's expression turned cold as he warned, "Stop crying!"He didn't know how to comfort a child; he was just frustrated that Beau was crying in front of so many people.Afraid that Harvey would take the oranges away, Beau quickly grab
Theodore sat beside her, accompanying her home. Elara's eyes, usually clear and bright, now carried a faint mistiness. Suddenly remembering something, she pulled out her phone and made a call."Hello."Leonard's cool, water-like voice flowed into her ears, soothing her alcohol-fired nerves like a clear spring."Mr. Fisher, I've secured control of Joss Tech." Elara's voice brimmed with childlike excitement as she proudly announced her achievement to Leonard.Hearing her say "Mr. Fisher", Theodore's eyelashes fluttered slightly. She's talking to Leonard. He then turned his head to look at her.From the phone, Leonard's voice remained crisp as a mountain stream. "I'm aware of what Harvey did at Joss Tech today."Elara's lips curved. "He helped me eliminate Niamh, so I'll give him that much credit. But I'll never forgive him! His real target was Theodore!"Hearing his name, Theodore's smile widened until it nearly reached his ears.Leonard responded, "If he bothers you, I can trans
Elara found herself perplexedâwas Harvey deliberately asking such foolish questions?"You're the CEO of Fisher Corp. You have countless ways to exonerate yourself. I know perfectly well which is easierâdestroying you or destroying Niamh."When Harvey shifted all the blame onto Niamh, Elara had her own calculations. If she had exposed both Harvey and Niamh as co-conspirators then and there, she would have forced them onto the same side.Since Harvey wanted to ruin Niamh's reputation, she would let him do the dirty work first. The thought of Niamh being permanently silenced wasn't entirely unpleasant."Harvey, just try pulling another underhanded trick on Theodore again!"A bleak, mirthless laugh escaped Harvey's lips. His cuffs were soaked crimson, yet Elara hadn't shown an ounce of concern. She hadn't even granted him a glance."You may protect Theodore, but I know your heart still leans toward me!" Harvey's words seemed more for his own ears than hers.Elara probably avoided lo
Whispers rippled through the crowd as guests exchanged knowing glances."Everyone in the Capitol knows Niamh's obsessed with Mr. Fisher. She probably saw this public event as her last chance to force his hand!"She gambled that Mr. Fisher would quietly submit to save face, never expecting he'd stand his ground so firmly!""What an idiot," someone scoffed. "If Mr. Fisher wanted her, her sister would never have become Mrs. Fisher in the first place!"Elara motioned to several Jones Group staff members. "Take Niamh downstairs. The ambulance should be here by now."As employees lifted Niamh's unconscious body, her disheveled clothes barely covered her. Her head lolled to one side, lips still curved in a dreamy smile.The guests recoiled, their expressions dripping with disdain."Mr. Fisher." Elara's voice carried cold precision.Harvey's eyes instantly brightened at her address, hope flaring despite everything."You should accompany the ambulance to the hospital as well."The dis
Theodore's sharp eyebrows lifted slightly. Harvey was clearly putting on a pitiful act for Elara!Just moments ago, when Harvey was under the influence of the drug, he had been arrogant and aggressiveâready to tear Theodore apart. Yet now, he looked utterly wretched standing before Elara.A disdainful chuckle escaped Theodore's lips."Mr. Fisher, why don't you explain to everyone what happened? How did Niamh end up unconscious? Did you remove her clothes?"He wanted Harvey to admit, in his own words, the scheme he and Niamh had plotted.If Theodore and Elara exposed Harvey directly, it would only give him room to maneuver and counterattack. Instead, they wanted to see how Harvey would handle the mess he'd created."No!"Harvey denied it immediately. "Niamh was druggedâshe tore off her own clothes and kept trying to force herself on me! I had to knock her out!"His anxious gaze darted to Elara, desperate to gauge her reaction. The last thing he wanted was for her to think he'd b
Elara made her way toward the lounge. After discovering Harvey's scheme, she had immediately warned Theodore.She decided to turn the trap back on them, luring Harvey and Niamh into the very setup they had planned for someone else.Initially, she had wondered how to best expose their plan. If she were to confront them directly, Harvey would no doubt twist the truth and accuse her of orchestrating the entire thing. But now, with the opportunity Theodore handed her, she could expose them naturally and without suspicion.Elara ordered someone to bring the key and unlock the door. As soon as it swung open, a thick scentâsweet but laced with the metallic tang of bloodâhit her nose.Elara immediately coughed. She wrinkled her brows as nausea welled in her throat.Several curious heads popped out behind her, eyes widening as they peered into the room. Elara stepped forward, but Theodore reached out an arm to stop her."Careful," he said, and took the lead, entering the room first with E
Elara chatted with several executives from Snapp Group while glancing at her watch. By now, Harvey and Niamh had likely lost all rationality.Harvey's original plan involved collaborating with Niamh to publicly expose Theodore in a scandal during the acquisition ceremony's cocktail party.But his downfall stemmed from two critical miscalculations: choosing an incompetent partner and underestimating Elara's absolute control over Joss Tech.Harvey arrogantly believed he had successfully bribed several Joss Tech employees. What he didn't know was that these very employees reported his bribery attempts to Elara immediately after first contact.Elara instructed them to play along.Though Harvey exercised caution, ensuring each employee only knew their specific task, the fragmented information ultimately revealed his entire scheme when compiled by Elara.Some installed surveillance in the guest lounges. Others were tasked with serving Theodore a specific drink. A few slipped drugs into
Theodore spoke calmly, "I'll count to three. Decide by then, or neither of you gets the antidote."With a smirk, he looked at Harvey and began, "ThreeâĶ"A vein pulsed visibly beneath Harvey's forehead. Theodore was clearly toying with them by offering the antidote."Give it to Niamh!" Harvey's voice was ice. He refused to let Niamh take advantage of the drug's effects to maul him freely."Give it to Harvey!" Niamh shouted.Harvey felt his nerves throbbing beneath his skin, as if his blood pressure might burst through."Why the hell should I take it? So I can stay conscious while you assault me?"Niamh flinched at his harsh words; that was exactly what she'd been thinking.After berating Niamh, Harvey turned his fury on Theodore. "You're the one behind this! You had Elara's assistant lure me here using her name!"His voice was firm, convinced of his accusation. Sweat dripped down Harvey's face as he panted heavily, like a caged beast growling at Theodore.Theodore smirked and
Niamh stood up and moved toward him. Sensing her approach, Harvey whirled around to face her with a guarded expression."Don't bother." His voice was hard, his entire body radiating wariness toward her.Niamh didn't understand his refusal. "Let me get your phone! Then we can call for help!"Harvey didn't believe a word she saidâhe'd already seen the desire in her eyes. He knew Niamh had feelings for him.This woman would gladly use the drug as an excuse to devour him whole. His phone was in his pants pocket. If he let Niamh reach for it, who knew what lines she might cross?Harvey pressed his back against the door. "Stop! Don't move!"He tried to command her with his voice. "Stay away from me!""Harvey! Are you afraid you won't be able to control yourself?" Niamh couldn't suppress a smirk.She pretended to reassure him. "Don't worry about hurting me. If you keep holding back, you'll only hurt yourself!"Before she could finish speaking, the drug's effects surged through her, d
The moment he heard the name "Elara", Harvey's eyes widened in shock. That name pierced his heart like countless tiny needles, sending waves of pain through his entire body.Niamh cupped his face in her hands. "Harvey, I want to save you! Please, I'm begging youâsave me too!"Harvey tried to lift his leg, but with Niamh straddling him, he couldn't shake her off."Get off!" he roared as Niamh's face loomed closer in his vision.With a sudden twist, Harvey rolled violently, sending both of them crashing to the ground."Ahh!" Niamh screamed in pain while Harvey scrambled up in a panic, his body writhing as he desperately put distance between them.Niamh lay on the floor, writhing. "Harvey! How could you do this to me? It hurts!"Harvey glared down at her with an icy gaze. She was barely covered by scraps of fabric. Then, his heart lurched violently, pounding so hard it felt like it might burst from his chest.His vision blurred. As Niamh cried out in pain, her face twistedâand for