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!"
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
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 aggressive—ready 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 drugged—she 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 scent—sweet but laced with the metallic tang of blood—hit 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, "Three…"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 said—he'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 you—save 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 twisted—and for