Simon went into the bathroom to shower. Suddenly, Laura remembered something and called out, "By the way, I don't have a new towel. I'll go downstairs and buy one for you."His answer came through the door. "I'll just use yours."Laura was surprised. Wasn't he a neat freak? Could it be that he had been faking it all along?She walked to the living room, muttering to herself, "What a weirdo!"Before long, Simon's assistant, Alex, arrived. "Ms. Scott, here are Mr. Moore's clothes. I brought two new sets for him."Alex was one of the few who knew about the relationship between Laura and Simon. Nevertheless, Laura still felt incredibly awkward. After all, only a handful of people knew the nature of their relationship. This made her feel as though she were being exposed in front of anyone familiar with them.Laura awkwardly took the clothes and thanked Alex, who gave her a knowing smile, probably assuming she and Simon were playing some kind of role-playing game that had brought them
Laura was incredibly frustrated. She didn't want to draw a line with Simon during the day only to have him barging into her life again that same night. After thinking it over, she said, "You could take a detour. It's not like there's only one way to get to your house."Simon glanced at her. "A detour? Easy for you to say. Do you know how far that would be? How much of my time would it waste? Laura, none of this would've happened if I hadn't come here to return your necklace."Laura glared at him angrily. "People weren't wrong when they said lawyers are petty down to the bone! You're so insufferable!""And yet you endured it for five years." Simon glanced at her. "What's wrong? Can't handle just one night?"Laura took a deep breath to resist the urge to punch him.Meanwhile, Simon acted as if he were at home. He grabbed a hair dryer from the bathroom and started drying his hair. Laura huffed angrily and decided to ignore him. She turned her focus back to the news and pretended he w
Laura clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. "Simon, do you have no shame?"But before she could react, he pinned her hands behind her and pressed his lips onto hers. She was about to resist when he whispered threateningly, "Laura, bite me again, and you'll see what happens."For some reason, even after they separated, she still feared him. Her fear of Simon felt innate as if it was etched into her bones. He murmured as he kissed her, "You might be able to tolerate the sounds, but I… can't."Over the years, when she and Simon got intimate, Laura was usually drawn into it. She didn't resist intimacy, but she did resist being humiliated by him. Now, with the sounds from next door adding fuel to the fire and Simon's teasing, Laura began to feel a spark too. After all, he knew all her sensitive spots and just a little coaxing from him was enough to turn her into a mess.It seemed he was punishing her for leaving without permission. That night, Simon was relentless, pushing her to the br
The more Laura thought about it, the more she felt that Simon was just too good at putting on a facade. She wondered if his clients would still trust him if they knew what kind of person he really was.Laura warned him, "Don't come looking for me anymore. I've already taken your mother's money, and I need to keep my word. Last night, you were the one who insisted on sleeping with me. I had no choice. But from today on, let's not see each other again."Simon cocked a brow. "Do you really think we can cut things off that easily?"Laura retorted, "Why not? Are you planning to keep Hailey at home as your wife, while keeping me as your mistress? Aren't you afraid your messy relationship will be your downfall?"Simon laughed coldly. "Seems like five years with me still wasn't enough to tame you. No matter. Laura, we have plenty of time."With some pressing matters to attend to that morning, Simon didn't linger and left quickly.After he left, Laura let out a sigh of relief. Yet his las
To avoid being alone with Simon, Laura suggested to the editor-in-chief, "Could Britney come along with me? She's been worried about securing a full-time position after her internship. If she writes a couple of articles on this, it might really help her solidify her place here."The chief agreed, "Sure! You used to be so reluctant to mentor new people. Seems like you've changed."Laura hadn't changed at all. She just figured that having another person present would make Simon less likely to try anything inappropriate.Meanwhile, a coworker, Doreen, overheard the conversation and clenched her fists. Doreen had joined the company two years before Laura, so if anyone deserved a promotion, it should be her. Why should it go to Laura?Britney was brimming with excitement. "Laura, thank you so much for this opportunity! I was really worried my trial articles were too basic to make a strong impression.""It's okay. We've all been there. You've worked hard," Laura encouraged her. The two
Britney noticed Hailey too and whispered to Laura, "Wow, that woman is so well-dressed! Her outfit looks expensive, and that fur coat! She looks very well-off."Laura sneered. As expected, Simon was toying with her. He had no time for her interview, yet he had time to go on a date with Hailey. Laura's heart tightened, but she chose to ignore it.The lobby of Valor Law Firm was spacious, and Laura and Britney were seated in a secluded area, making them difficult to spot. But Britney, who hadn't seen many famous figures before, stared openly at Hailey. Just as Hailey was about to enter the lift, she noticed them.Hailey immediately recognized Laura and was confused as to why Laura was there at this time. Nonetheless, she walked over."It's you?" She looked Laura up and down. "What's wrong? Did you get yourself into a lawsuit? Are you here to hire my husband?"Laura smiled faintly. "As far as I know, Mr. Moore is still single."Hailey's expression darkened with anger.Britney quickly inte
Laura knew perfectly well that her request was unreasonable. But she also knew that someone as clever as Simon wasn't afraid of an equally sharp opponent. What he feared was dealing with someone irrational because there's no logic in a person willing to go all out, like she was doing now.As expected, Simon smiled, though the smile didn't reach his eyes. He turned to Hailey and said, "Sorry, but I won't be able to go with you to pick up your parents tonight. I'm far too busy with work, and this interview was prearranged between our firm and the studio. This reporter has been waiting all day. It would be rude to send her away empty-handed."Hailey was taken aback. She never thought Simon would disregard her in front of Laura, who was a friend of her rival, Susan, and had openly argued with her last time. Hailey wasn't going to make a fool out of herself now.Hailey clung to Simon's arm tightly and argued, "No! We already agreed! My parents only come back a few times a year. She's just a
Just as Laura was about to take out her camera, Simon said, "Come back to me. I can pay you a salary."She froze, her hand holding the camera halting midair, unsure of what he meant.Seeing her confusion, Simon explained, "Come over every night to make me dinner, tidy up, and iron the clothes I'll need for the next day. I'll pay you a monthly salary. After all, your dad's case is a bottomless pit, and you still need to earn money. What does it matter whose money you make?"Laura finally understood, but then felt her pride trampled once again.She suppressed her anger. "Why stop there? Should I warm your bed for you too? Simon, let me be clear, I may need money, and I do want to earn it, but I'll never take it from you!"With that, she put her camera back in her bag and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.…The next day, Laura sat at her computer, wondering how she would explain herself to the editor-in-chief.She scolded herself silently. She shouldn't have been impulsiv
After visiting Harry, Simon left the prison with a heavy heart.He drove along a mountain road, letting the cool air blow against his face. He smoked a few cigarettes to clear his mind before finally heading home.It was late when he got back. Laura was in the kitchen trying to make something to eat. Simon sighed and walked over. "Go rest. I'll handle this."He took the ladle from her and began cooking.Laura didn't leave. Instead, she stood to the side, lost in thought. When had Simon started becoming this gentle? He used to be so distant and untouchable.She had been with him for five years, yet she had never known he could cook.Deep down, Laura wished he stayed the same cold and unreachable figure. At least then, she could keep her feelings in check.Simon asked, "Why aren't you resting?""I… I've been lying down all day. I just wanted to stand for a bit." She came up with an excuse. After a brief pause, she hesitantly asked, "Did you smoke?"Simon only then noticed the
Harry finally realized Simon had orchestrated everything. He had believed the Jensens were the mastermind behind this.Suddenly, thoughts of his daughter flooded his mind. He tried to stand up and confront Simon, but the handcuffs and shackles restrained him, forcing him to remain seated.Harry glared at Simon. "What have you done to my daughter? Tell me! What exactly have you done to her?"Simon smirked. "Nothing much. I simply taught her how to serve me, please me, and keep me happy."Harry's heart dropped. The thought of his daughter, whom he had lovingly raised and cherished, reduced to Simon's plaything after his imprisonment, tore his heart to pieces.It was a fate worse than death. "You! What happened to your father back then was my fault! I take full responsibility!" Harry's voice trembled, "But Laura is innocent. I beg you, let her go. Don't hurt her! You can kill me if you want. I'm begging you. Please, let Laura go!" Simon gazed at the desperate man before him. Ye
It was as if Simon blamed Laura for always asking stubborn questions.Their relationship was far from normal. He didn't understand why she insisted on getting to the bottom of everything.Laura's heart dropped. She returned to the bedroom, feeling utterly lost. Her heart ached. Simon was the most ruthless, selfish, and self-serving man she had ever met.Everything she had endured last night seemed insignificant to him. What mattered to him was that his mother hadn't caused her death, sparing him from any trouble.Around noon, Simon entered the bedroom.Laura was sitting on the rocking chair by the window, staring outside. The once-proud Laura now carried a sense of melancholy.Simon's heart tightened seeing her pale face. Unfortunately, apologizing wasn't his strong suit. He was too prideful for that.Still, he walked over to her and stroked her hair. "Don't take what I said to my mother earlier to heart. It wasn't aimed at you. Laura, you've been with me for five years. I thoug
Simon's words comforted Laura.After finishing the soup, she burrowed back under the covers. She peeked out to gaze at Simon, who was working on the couch. She could never get enough of him no matter how long she looked.Even though she knew she was being pathetic, she couldn't help herself. She was charmed by Simon. Every move he made exuded the poise and charisma of a mature man. Especially when he was focused on his work, it always stirred a sense of admiration in her.Eventually, drowsiness took over, and she drifted off to sleep again. She wasn't sure how long she slept. But later, she groggily heard Simon's voice as he spoke on the phone.Simon was on the balcony, talking to Fiona. Fiona feigned innocence. "How would I know she was on the balcony? I just noticed it was about to rain and wanted to close the balcony door for you."Simon's tone sharpened. "Mom, there's no point in making these excuses. We're mother and son. I can see right through you. If you pull another st
Laura understood Simon was technically still single since he wasn't married yet. She could still deceive herself and live in denial. But he would become someone else's husband once he married. Would she want to be his mistress?If it came to that, even she would despise herself.Simon hummed. "You can decide for yourself when that time comes. You can leave if you don't want to stay with me. But my promise will be void. You'd better believe me when I say, only I can save your father."Looking at Simon's emotionless face, Laura suddenly realized how cruel and cold-hearted he truly was. The feelings she thought they shared, the love and devotion she had poured her heart and youth into, were but a transaction in his eyes.Laura nodded. "Then let's set a deadline. I'll give you one year. If, after one year, my father's case remains unchanged, then we'll… cut ties."Simon replied calmly, "Fine, as you wish. Now get some rest."Only then did Laura close her eyes and stop resisting his t
Simon didn't give Laura any chance to react. He took a sip and then lowered his head before capturing her lips.Laura's eyes widened as Simon forced her to swallow the soup. She pounded on his shoulders before Simon let her go.He demanded, "I'll have no choice but to feed you like this if you don't drink the soup and take your medicine."Laura glared at him, her face flushed with both anger and embarrassment. She grabbed the bowl and downed the soup in one go. Then, she took the cold medicine he handed her.Simon finally relaxed and tucked her in. "Sleep."But how could Laura possibly fall asleep? Especially when Simon lay down beside her, pulling her into his embrace. She gritted her teeth. "Can you not touch me? I'm begging you. Don't touch me!"Simon didn't respond. He held her tightly, his warmth radiating through the thin fabric of her pajamas.Later, he noticed Laura was trembling and thought she was cold.When he turned her to face him, he realized her eyes were red, an
A sharp pain pierced Simon's chest. In the next instant, he held Laura tightly, as though trying to shield her from the cold. But still, she trembled uncontrollably. Without hesitation, he rushed to fill the bathtub with warm water and slowly placed her into it.Simon stroked Laura's pale face, then gently instructed, "Stay in the bath for a while. I'll make you some peppermint tea. If you start running a fever later, we might need to go to the hospital."Having said that, he turned to leave the bathroom. But as soon as he closed the door, he heard her crying.Simon froze in his tracks, then turned and rushed back in. He quickly undressed and stepped into the tub before pulling her into his arms. "I'm sorry, Laurie. I'm so sorry I came home so late," he apologized in a hoarse voice. "I-I didn't know they would—""Go away! Don't touch me!"Laura shoved him away with all her strength. Her voice broke as she screamed, "While you were happily spending time with your family, I was
As soon as Simon finished speaking, he froze. He had repeated what Laura had told him that day, almost exactly.He was a lawyer. Yet, his response was far from professional. Laura's words and actions had crept into his thoughts without him even realizing it. The realization unsettled him, leaving him feeling irritated.Meanwhile, William avoided Simon's gaze, guilt written all over his face. "Why are you bringing this up again? I've already told you. Those people came from some poor countryside. They don't deserve one million dollars."Besides, who in the right mind would complain about having too much money? If I can settle this with 200 thousand dollars, why should I pay a million? Didn't you say you found evidence to clear Brooks Group of most of the responsibility?"Simon had indeed found such evidence. That crucial piece meant Nick's family couldn't demand much compensation. Yet, a tightness gripped his chest, as if something unseen was pressing down on him. For some reaso
Fiona fixed her gaze on Simon, then replied, "Tell me honestly. Do you really only see Laura as the daughter of our enemy? If so, why do you keep putting off your engagement to Hailey?"Is there something else on your mind? Let me warn you. If you've developed any sympathy for that bitch, I'll end my life right in front of you!"Simon's heart sank as he heard that. He could clearly see the unwavering determination in her eyes. He would never doubt Fiona's words. After all, it was Harry who had caused Anthony's death, and that had shattered her life completely.The humiliation and torment Fiona had once endured flooded Simon's mind. He clenched his fists, unwilling to dwell on it any longer.He knew that Fiona would never accept Laura. The incident was something Fiona could never get over. Suddenly, she became agitated and grabbed Simon's arm tightly. Her voice was desperate as she demanded, "Tell me now. Do you have feelings for that bitch? Answer me!""Mom, calm down. I promi