Elara's mind went blank. It was as if a tidal wave had crashed over her, tearing at her body and fueling a storm of anger and humiliation.Her expression remained calm as she reached out and picked up the necklace, while Niamh's eyes lit up with a mocking gleam.Harvey leaned against the sofa, and looked away. He was convinced that Elara was like a dog—neglected one moment but wagging her tail the next the moment he beckoned her.Elara hooked a finger under the necklace around Niamh's neck, pulling it forward. She then held the two necklaces side by side."Niamh, the mother-of-pearl on your necklace is of much better quality. How about we trade?"She didn't call out the fake necklace directly as Niamh would have no shortage of excuses to dodge responsibility. Elara wanted Niamh to silently swallow the loss.The delicate chain tightened against the back of Niamh's neck, and she froze awkwardly. Her earlier anticipation of Elara foolishly wearing the fake necklace out in public and
Elara handed Harvey the pen.Niamh widened her eyes at that moment, unable to hide the glimmer of hope shining within them. When she saw Harvey sign the divorce agreement, a secret sense of triumph lit up her face."Elara, you're being so dramatic! I'd wake up laughing in the middle of the night if I had a husband like Harvey!"Elara shot Niamh a faintly mocking glance. "Do you hear how desperate you sound?"Harvey tossed the signed divorce papers at Elara. "You can throw your tantrum, but don't vent your frustrations at Niamh."Uninterested in arguing further, Harvey lowered his voice and spoke to Bambi. "If you ever want to come home, you can always call Daddy."Bambi tilted her head up and looked at Harvey. She didn't say a word and only tightened her grip on Elara's hand.His gaze toward Elara was cold and indifferent. "Bambi is my daughter, so she's welcome to come back anytime, but you… It won't be so easy for you to return."Harvey seemed like a god perched high above as
Niamh's suggestion was tempting, but Beau hesitated. "But if I turn in such a simple project, I'll never get a star.""I can order tons of stars online and give them to you! Then you'll have plenty of stars!"Beau looked at Niamh as if she were an idiot. "Niamh, do you usually wear fake stuff when you go out?"Niamh immediately denied it. "I never wear fake things!"Beau raised his voice. "If I take those stars you bought to kindergarten, won't I just get laughed at by the other kids? Only the stars the teacher gives out are real stars! Haven't you heard of the story called The Emperor's New Clothes?"He huffed angrily before saying, "You're just fooling yourself!"Being reprimanded by a five-year-old left Niamh's expression a chaotic swirl of embarrassment and frustration. "Fine, fine! I'll help you finish building the space fortress."If Elara could build a space fortress out of plastic straws, there was no way she couldn't.Ten minutes later, Niamh accidentally crushed the n
Bambi protested, "The space fortress was something Mommy stayed up all night making for you!""Mommy's space fortress was junk! It already fell apart! Niamh made me a new one, and it's the best!" Beau boasted as his face brimmed with pride.Bambi clenched her little fists at his words.She and Beau had both seen how Elara stayed up late working on their craft projects. Why did Beau treat their mother's hard work like it was nothing?The truth was, Elara didn't want to push herself so hard either.She had once paid the household staff overtime to help finish Beau and Bambi's craft projects. However, the staff had reported her to Ethel."The reason we allowed a Hawke University genius like you to marry into this family wasn't so you could shirk your duties, Elara. Your only job is to dedicate yourself fully to raising the Fisher family's heir. "Beau's future is your life's work. How dare you delegate his homework to the staff?" That was what Ethel had said to her.While the hous
The craft enthusiast who helped Niamh assemble the space fortress had warned her that the large structure could easily collapse once the box was opened.They specifically told Niamh to handle it with extreme care, as any damage would be her responsibility.Beau nodded earnestly, placing his trust in Niamh.Bridget, however, spoke sternly. "Ms. Jones, you can't do this! Beau's craft project hasn't been displayed or voted on yet, so giving him a spot on stage is unfair to the other children!"Niamh responded with a carefree laugh. "Do you know Madam Fisher is a board member of this kindergarten? Or that Beau's father is coming to the auditorium today to hear Beau's speech?"Beau's eyes lit up instantly. "Daddy is coming to school?"Bambi could hear Beau's excited voice while sitting in her seat, and her heart skipped a beat. Her own eyes brightened as well."Daddy's so busy with work—why would he come to school?" Beau asked in disbelief.Niamh grinned smugly. "If I tell him to co
Elara's gaze froze as she looked at Harvey.It was unbelievable. It was as if the sun had risen in the west. She had tried countless times to get Harvey to attend the kindergarten's parent-child activities, yet Harvey always said he was too busy.Even Ethel had scolded her, telling her not to bother Harvey with such trivial school events. She told Elara that raising and managing everything related to the children was her duty as Mrs. Fisher.Yet now, Niamh and Harvey were standing in front of her."Elara, I brought Harvey with me!" Niamh declared brightly.Harvey noticed the unfocused look in Elara's eyes as she stared at him, and he found it amusing.How could she not love him? The way she looked at him still showed love—he was sure of it.Harvey sat down next to Elara, with Niamh taking the seat on his other side.The other wealthy mothers in the room turned their attention to them, already buzzing with interest as though they were watching a drama unfold."When Beau showcas
"Beau, hurry up and take out the space fortress!" Niamh said.She reached for the box, but Beau immediately closed it while shaking his head frantically. "No! We can't take it out.""Take it out!" Niamh barked in a low voice. "I worked so hard to make this space fortress for you, and now you're hiding it? This is embarrassing!"Beau threw himself on top of the box, pressing his body against it to stop Niamh from opening it. Niamh tried to pull Beau away, but he clung to the box with all his strength.Suddenly, the box toppled over.Plastic straws spilled out in all directions, scattering across the stage. Among the straws was a pink sticky note that fluttered to the floor.The words on the note were caught by the camera, and it was projected onto the large screen for everyone to see.It wrote, "You think 200 bucks is enough to make someone stay up all night building a space fortress? Dream on!"Beau collapsed onto the stage floor, staring in shock as the straws rolled across th
Niamh quickly covered Beau's mouth. "What's the point of calling your mom now? Do you think she can make you win first place?"Beau choked back tears, and his blurred gaze shifted toward where Bambi stood.Bambi's craft project was already labeled as an Outstanding Work. She was standing in line at the edge of the stage, waiting for her turn to present."Mommy can definitely help Bambi win first place!"Niamh scoffed with a sneer. "Bambi won't win first place!"Beau's tearful eyes were filled with disbelief as he stared at Niamh."You don't believe me?"Niamh smirked and gently squeezed Beau's shoulder. "Just watch me!"Nearby, Bambi had a large plastic bag beside her, containing her craft project. With a sly smile, Niamh walked over and casually pressed her foot onto the bag.Bambi noticed Niamh's movement out of the corner of her eye. Though she was much shorter than Niamh, Bambi was quick.She grabbed Niamh's ankle and flipped her over completely with a strong tug."Ack!"
The hospital room door suddenly swung open from the outside. Benjamin entered to find Abel pressing a pillow over Niamh's face.Without hesitation, he charged forward, shoving Abel away with his body. Abel stumbled backward onto the nightstand, still clutching the pillow in both hands."What the hell are you doing?" Abel roared at Benjamin as he looked at him, as if the younger man had interrupted him trying to discipline Nimah.Benjamin saw Niamh's eyes rolling back. Her face had turned blue, mouth gaping but unable to draw breath. He immediately administered chest compressions, reviving Niamh just in time.Abel threw the pillow at Benjamin. "How dare you push me?""You nearly killed her!" Benjamin snapped back.Spittle flew from Abel's mouth. "She's disgraced me personally and ruined our family's standing in Capitol society!"Benjamin retreated a step with a cold laugh. "Then go ahead and kill her!"Saving lives was instinctual, but now he regretted intervening. Had he stayed
"Wah!" Beau burst into loud sobs, his cries weak but desperate."I want Mommy! Daddy! I only want my mommy!"Harvey's handsome face froze over with icy detachment. Without another word to Beau, he turned and left the children's room.When the door closed behind him, Beau's wailing became muffled.…Harvey returned to his bedroom, but even in the quiet emptiness, he still couldn't catch his breath. A cold sensation crept up from his feet.Striding to the walk-in closet, he yanked open every drawer. He pulled out ties, watches, cufflinks, and pins, scattering them across the floor.Did Elara give him this one? Did she buy him that? Frustration crept in as he realized he couldn't remember.The gifts from business associates stood out clearly in his memory, but he couldn't distinguish which items came from Elara versus his stylist. With growing dismay, Harvey realized he'd never properly looked at any present from Elara—not even once.Now he couldn't recall which accessories were
Beau was laying on the bed. His large, pitch-black pupils occupied most of his eye sockets, leaving only tiny whites that emitted a faint blue glow in the dim room.Harvey opened his mouth, only to feel as if someone had stuffed a wad of paper down his throat. His voice caught abruptly. Yet Beau's gaze was still brimming with longing and expectation.The boy tightened his grip on Harvey's sleeve."She already divorced me..." Harvey said slowly.How could he possibly reconcile with Elara? He would never return to what he'd left behind. After all, when they signed the divorce papers, he declared Elara would be the one begging him!When they obtained the divorce certificate, the thought of turning back never crossed his mind! Even if Elara had pleaded with him, it would still be impossible!Yet for Beau's sake, Harvey decided to make his greatest concession."If your mother comes begging for reconciliation, I'll consider it." As he spoke these words, Harvey clenched his fist—the st
"It's all over Capitol! You and Niamh took some drugs at Jones Group and carried on shamelessly!"Look! Every group chat I'm in is flooded with videos and photos of you two!"Ethel thrust her phone in Harvey's face. He saw it immediately—images and clips of a bruised Niamh collapsed on the floor circulating across countless group chats.Some guests lingering outside the door must have secretly recorded the scene. These weren't just random spectators but established elites, lending credibility to the footage.By now, the materials had been forwarded too many times to trace their origin. Niamh dominated most frames, with Harvey only appearing blurrily in a few shots.He returned the phone. "I'll have my team clarify that nothing happened between Niamh and me."Ethel exhaled in relief. "Thank heavens you didn't actually tangle with that mannish creature! So many elite daughters in Capitol would kill to become Mrs. Fisher!"Hmph, the members of the Jones family aren't even fit to po
Theodore continued, "Starting tomorrow, will you let me pursue you properly? One day, I'll become your rightful partner!"The darkness concealed Elara's expression, but their proximity allowed each to hear the other's breathing. When Elara looked up, only Theodore's eyes burned bright in the shadows.His breath hitched when she remained silent.Was she refusing?The fingers of the hand braced beside her head curled inward slowly.Just then, the elevator doors opened, flooding the hallway with light that illuminated Elara's profile and Theodore's gaze. There against the wall, he saw Elara's lips curve—her eyes sparkling with amusement.She had guessed right. Theodore would never willingly end things. Of course, this man sought to turn passive into active.A contractual relationship would only trap them in stagnation, and he refused to settle for that. As Theodore opened his mouth to speak, a new shadow loomed.Finnegan stepped out of the elevator and immediately saw Elara caged
Elara hurriedly said, "Goodnight."On the other end of the line, Leonard hung up. Setting her phone down, Elara turned to Theodore and pinched his cheek.To her surprise, his skin was so firm she couldn't get a proper grip. When she tried to pinch his cheek, there was barely any flesh to grab.Theodore tilted his face up, causing her fingers to land on his chin instead—making it look like she was harassing some innocent man."When did I bully the elderly? And Mr. Fisher isn't that much older than you! If he's old, what does that make you?"Theodore caught her slender wrist and nuzzled his face into her palm like an affectionate cat. He then said, "I'm in my prime—full of vigor and vitality! Leonard's always in that wheelchair, frail as can be!"His eyes sparkled like tempting black grapes as he suddenly turned apologetic."Did I interrupt your call with Leo? Sorry, I won't do it again! I just missed talking to you too much!"Elara chuckled again. "Don't be jealous of Mr. Fisher
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 perplexed—was 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 easier—destroying 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