Because Laura had worn the necklace for so long, the clasp often loosened. It must have fallen off at Simon's earlier.Laura felt sad, and her first reaction was to retrieve it. However, she had worked hard to cut ties with Simon. Was she really about to walk back into the lion's den?As she showered, Laura muttered to herself, "Anyway, it was that woman who cheated first, who abandoned my dad and me. Why should I keep anything she gave me?"Her mother had never visited after all these years. If the necklace was lost, so be it. It was important to her yet meant nothing to her mother. Laura smiled sadly.After her shower, she began cooking some noodles, adding an egg and two slices of ham. It was nutritious and affordable.She hadn't eaten lunch, as she had been rushing to meet a deadline, so this meal was satisfying. Just then, her phone rang. It was Lionel.Laura quickly picked up, hoping there was some development with her father's case. "Hello, Mr. Fowler, is there news from t
"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
Maxwell had completely lost his rationality at this point.Whether it was the food or the drinks at the party earlier, something had gone wrong. Now, driven by desire, he found it difficult to control himself.As he touched the woman on the bed, her soft skin and fragrance aroused him considerably. The innocence in her responses and her helpless sobbing nearly drove him mad!An hour later, the man was finally satisfied and fell asleep. Jennifer felt as though her entire body had been crushed, the pain penetrating deep into her bones.Enduring the soreness in her limbs, she hurriedly got dressed and fled from the pitch-black room. In her haste, she collided with a young woman as she entered the elevator."Sorry."Jennifer's face was deathly pale. She quickly stepped into the elevator and pressed the close button.Rachel Walker immediately looked back after exiting the elevator, staring at Jennifer in disbelief before the doors closed.She recognized Jennifer as Maxwell's wife, t
Jennifer looked at him in a panic, choking out, "Hear me out. Yesterday I—""Enough," Maxwell cut her off, his gaze falling on the hickeys on her neckline. It was unmistakably the aftermath of a liaison.His tone remained calm and indifferent as he continued, "It's partly my fault for ignoring you these two years. I don't blame you for what you did. But, Jennifer, the Lance family can't accept a tainted woman as the lady of the house."Jennifer's mind went blank. All her explanations now seemed futile. Anyway, why would he listen to her when the truth was right before his eyes?Besides, even if she could prove that she had been framed by Bridget and Jocelyn, it was still a fact that she was tainted.Jennifer smiled bitterly. "So, are you asking for a divorce?"Maxwell nodded. "I hope you will make it clear to Grandpa that you're the one asking for a divorce. I can offer you a bit of dignity by keeping him in the dark about your infidelity."Jennifer felt her eyes sting with tear
Maxwell arrived home well past 11:00 pm. The villa was eerily quiet, with only a night light switched on in the living room. Jennifer sat on the couch, seemingly waiting for him.As Maxwell took off his coat and loosened his tie, he spoke impatiently, "Didn't we agree on the divorce? I won't shortchange you when it comes to assets. You can rest assured about that."He thought she wanted a larger share of the assets.Jennifer's voice was hoarse when she asked, "Maxwell, did you want a divorce because of that woman?"Maxwell's expression faltered slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He didn't want to hide anything from her, nor did he care to."Yes. I owe it to her. That's something I must do," he admitted frankly.Jennifer chuckled bitterly. "I only discovered today how hypocritical you are. You played the victim, making me feel guilty and pushing me to get a divorce. I bet you were secretly pleased, weren't you? You finally caught me making a blunder, and you're now f
Maxwell had never given her permission to address him as "babe".Just as he was about to reprimand her, Jennifer had already ended the call. Observing Rachel's displeased expression, Jennifer finally broke into a smile of unprecedented satisfaction."Ms. Walker, did you see that?" She shook her phone while saying, "My husband is coming to pick me up. Regardless of who came into his life first, the person he brings back to Lance Manor will always be me!"Then, she stood up and placed two 100-dollar bills on the table. "Enjoy your coffee. It's my treat."Having said that, Jennifer walked out of the cafe. At that moment, the burden that had weighed on her chest for so many days was finally lifted.…Before long, Maxwell's car arrived at the gates of Haven University to pick Jennifer up.Robert had raised him, and he held an eternal respect for Robert. It was for this reason that he personally came to pick Jennifer up, to avoid displeasing Robert.As she got into the car, Maxwell s
Jennifer understood the meaning behind his words and instinctively retreated to the corner of the bed. Without a warning, Maxwell effortlessly gripped her calf and pulled her toward him, pinning her down with his weight.Having been rendered immobile, Jennifer could only push at his shoulders, asking in alarm, "Maxwell, what are you doing?""What do you think? What else can a man and a woman do on a bed?" Maxwell's cool breath swept over her as his fierce kiss landed on her neck."No!" Jennifer struggled, frightened. "Maxwell, don't do this. Don't touch me!"His actions reminded her of that horrific night when the strange man seemed equally rough. Jennifer didn't want to recall it again. If Maxwell continued, she would break down.Seeing Jennifer crying miserably, Maxwell couldn't truly bring himself to punish her in this way, even if he was always harsh toward her.After all, if this were done without love, it would be a punishment for both sides.He stopped, but his hands rema
Maxwell seemed like he was smiling as he approached Jennifer. Then, he crouched down and took out a wet wipe with alcohol, helping her clean the dirt on her knees.It was only then that Jennifer snapped back to her senses. She had knelt on the ground for a full ten minutes, so deeply engrossed in saving a life that she hadn't noticed these trivial details.Now, she realized that her knees were not only dirty but also grazed."Ouch..." she murmured. "Be gentle."Maxwell said softly, "Bear with it."As he resumed with his head bowed, a strange emotion began to stir in Jennifer's heart. Her knees really hurt, but she felt warm inside.After cleaning the dirt, Maxwell stood up and said, "Your knees are injured. Do you want to go to the hospital to get them bandaged?"Jennifer smiled and casually brushed it off. "There's no need. A band-aid will do for this small injury. Let's go home quickly. Grandpa is waiting for us for dinner!"Then, she started walking toward where he parked th