Maxwell refused to believe that a woman like Madison could ever change for the better. Turning to his subordinates, he instructed, "Take Ms. Hackett to rest."Once Madison was escorted away, Maxwell took control of the microphone and announced, "Thank you all for attending today's press conference. Please report the facts honestly."As for my mother's past actions, I've only just learned of them. I've already contacted the police, and my wife and I will cooperate fully with the investigation."Terrified, Camila rushed to him. She gripped his arm tightly, pleading, "Maxwell, you can't involve the police. Please, don't do this! Let's go home and discuss it. We can't let this escalate any further!"The thought of spending the rest of her life in prison was unbearable—especially at her age.Yet, Maxwell calmly said, "Mom, all you need to do is cooperate with the investigation. I'm confident the police won't wrong an innocent person, but they won't let a criminal go either."At that m
Madison felt a chill run down her spine, seeping into her very core. She quickly nodded and dropped to her knees before Maxwell. "Mr. Lance, I-I promise I'll be careful with what I say! I won't cause you any trouble. Just don't harm my mom and sister, please!"Maxwell let out a cold chuckle. "Don't worry. As long as I'm satisfied with the outcome and once you and Camila have faced the consequences, I'll personally see that your mom and sister get home safely."Nearby, Jennifer observed everything in silence. "Why did you bring her here? Couldn't you have handled this at the office?" she asked in a low voice.Maxwell looked at her, his gaze brimming with tenderness. "I wanted to make sure justice was served and that she apologized to you in person. You let her off once, and she turned around to work with Camila. She doesn't deserve sympathy."After saying that, he signaled the bodyguards with his eyes. One of them immediately grabbed Madison by the collar and forced her to kneel
Hugo scoffed. "I don't accept your apology. I came here today to celebrate the New Year because I wanted to see my sister. This has nothing to do with you! If you ever mistreat her again, we'll be enemies. And I'll still beat you up!"Maxwell had long since gotten used to Hugo's sharp tongue. However, he knew that underneath it, the man had a soft heart. After all, they both had a common goal—Jennifer's happiness. There was no point in holding a grudge. So, Maxwell softened his tone. "You're welcome to keep an eye on me, Hugo."Hugo couldn't help but chuckle in resignation. "My sister's four months pregnant, and the wedding still hasn't happened. Don't call me by my first name just yet. Wait till everything's official, then you can call me Hugo."…Meanwhile, Laura and Jennifer were busy preparing lasagne and chatting."By the way, aren't you worried about those two fighting in the kitchen?" Laura whispered.Jennifer smiled and replied, "It's not the first time they've fought.
After all, Simon had kept Laura by his side for five years, yet he hadn't lifted a finger to get Harry out of prison.The last time Simon had ordered someone to rough Harry up inside, it became Laura's breaking point. She vowed to find a way to save her father. Only then would she escape Simon's control, and only then would Harry be free from his torment.…The lawyer before Laura was Lionel Fowler. He looked to be around Simon's age, with a courteous and polished demeanor.After reviewing the documents she handed him, he said, "Ms. Scott, there's a chance to overturn this case. For one thing, the sentence your father received seemed harsher than the crime itself would warrant."A spark of hope flickered in Laura's eyes. "Really? Mr. Fowler, can you take on my father's case?""Yes, I can. But cases like this are difficult to fight. You'll need to be prepared for the legal fees," Lionel replied.Given her young age and the troubled backstory she had just shared, he doubted she wo
Fiona snickered. "Simon is still on Balsira Island. I came back early, so don't expect him to rush to your rescue. Besides, I'm just here to talk, not to intimidate you. What are you so afraid of?"Laura couldn't stand the contempt Fiona shot her way. With no choice, she said, "I understand. Just say whatever it is you came to say."With that, she followed Fiona into the café.Once seated, Fiona gave Laura a condescending glance. "Ms. Scott, I have to say, I admire your courage and your shamelessness. I warned you last time, didn't I?"Yet here you are, still hanging on to Simon. It seems like you don't take me seriously at all."Though Laura was nervous at first, she wasn't the type to back down, especially not now. Despite Fiona's biting sarcasm, she calmly replied, "Mrs. Moore, I believe you've spoken to Simon before coming to find me."If he had agreed to end things, you wouldn't be wasting your time here with me. You'd be better off going home and keeping your son in check.
When Fiona noticed Laura's pale face and silence, she assumed Laura had finally come to her senses. Satisfied, Fiona smiled and remarked, "So, you've realized how far out of your league Hailey is, haven't you? A woman like you could never marry Simon. But don't worry. Our family settles its debts."With that, she pulled a check from her bag before adding, "Here's one million dollars. Consider it your compensation. Take the money and keep your mouth shut. "Don't go around telling people about your relationship with Simon. Oh, and sign this confidentiality agreement. Once it's signed, the money is yours."Laura glanced at the agreement Fiona slid across the table. The dense paragraphs made it hard for her to focus on the details.But the gist was clear. Laura was to stay silent about her relationship with Simon. If she slipped and caused him trouble, she'd owe ten times the amount in penalties. So, this one million dollars was hush money.Laura couldn't help but tighten her gri
Michel stared at Laura in disbelief, his gaze reflecting his surprise and confusion. "What are you doing here?" he asked.Laura couldn't believe her luck. Of all the people she could have run into, it had to be him. It turned out Michel was the one in the neighboring unit, indulging in such a shameless act. It seemed like he was everywhere she went, popping up whenever she least expected it.With a look of disdain, she retorted, "If you're allowed to be here, why can't I?"Her words had barely settled when the door to the next apartment opened. A woman stepped out, holding the money Michel had given her earlier. She looked displeased and demanded, "You promised 500 dollars last time! Why is it only 300?"Michel's face turned red with embarrassment. The Jensen family's business was in shambles, and they had already mortgaged everything of value.If it weren't for that, he never would've ended up in a place like this to look for a prostitute. Not wanting to embarrass himself fur
"Madam, it seems Mr. Lance won't be coming home tonight. Perhaps you should rest first?" Martha Zayne kindly spoke upon noticing the still-lit bedroom. A hint of disappointment crossed Jennifer Yale's eyes. Just then, the sound of an engine revving came from the yard. She didn't care to put on her slippers as she rushed to the window to peer outside.Sure enough, it was Maxwell Lance's silver Bentley pulling into the garage.Jennifer took a deep breath, glancing down at her sensual lingerie while her heart pounded like a drum. Despite being married for two years, Maxwell had always slept in the guest room, and he never touched her.She knew their marriage was arranged by Maxwell's grandfather, Robert Lance, and it was not his choice. However, two years had passed. They couldn't possibly continue on like this.Did Maxwell not like her because she was merely an undergraduate with no experience in relationships? Was it because he found her too passive?With these thoughts, Jennifer