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
Meanwhile, Lionel asked Laura if she could stop by his law firm during her lunch break. She managed to visit him within the two-hour break."Ms. Scott, here's the situation. There's been a breakthrough in your father's case," Lionel said. "I have a friend whose uncle is one of the judges involved in the retrial."Laura couldn't contain her excitement. "Really? What do I need to do? Should I bring him something to smooth things over?"Lionel smiled. "You're quite sharp, Ms. Scott. When you ask for a favor, showing a little goodwill helps move things along.""So... How much are we talking about?" Laura hesitated, realizing that these things came with a price tag. She was already strapped for cash."My friend's uncle has a particular interest in antique paintings and calligraphy," Lionel said. "Recently, he had his eye on an antique teapot set, priced at over 400 thousand dollars.""That expensive?" Laura was conflicted. Before her family's bankruptcy, she could have easily afforded it, b
Simon continued talking with the woman who owned the store as if he didn't recognize her."Mr. Moore, I'm relying on you for this. My husband has already transferred a significant amount of assets, and I need to recover every last bit! And if you can help me secure custody of my son, I'll pay you triple your regular fees," said the woman.Meanwhile, Laura lowered her head and left the store hastily.After Simon finished discussing business with the store owner, he asked, "Ms. Woods, could you show me that necklace the young woman just brought in?"Sarah Woods smiled knowingly. "Do you know that lady, Mr. Moore?"Simon replied calmly, "Just a friend."Sarah had the clerk bring out the necklace.Simon hadn't expected Laura to have fallen to the point where she would sell her mother's necklace.He smiled helplessly. Laura was something else. She wouldn't seek his help even now.He turned to Sarah. "I'll buy this necklace."Sarah beamed. "There's no need, Mr. Moore. You've helped
Simon's gaze darkened.Yes, he was indeed bothered by this. Laura even trusted someone like Lionel. And she would rather sell her necklace in a run-down part of town just to draw a clear line between them.How could the proud Simon let this slide?So, naturally, Lionel became his outlet for anger. But Simon didn't show it. "Who she chooses to go to is her business. And whatever you choose to do is yours."Lionel sneered. "It's strange, though. Why would Ms. Scott come to me with a top attorney like you around? Could it be that she knows you too well and sees that your reputation is just for show?"Simon chuckled. "How long do you think your firm could stay afloat if Laura weren't coming to you? From what I know, since your office opened in Haven City, her case has been your golden goose. Do you have any other valuable cases?"Only someone as gullible as Laura would believe in a flashy but incompetent lawyer like Lionel!Lionel flushed with anger, but he couldn't retort.Indeed, he hadn
Simon pressed Laura against the wall and kissed her.Yet, this was what hurt her the most. He had never cared whether she wanted it or not. In fact, there were so many unresolved issues between them. However, Simon seemed utterly indifferent and showed no intention of addressing them. He kissed Laura for a while. Just when she thought he might take things to the next level, he abruptly stopped.Simon's breathing was unsteady, his voice low and hoarse as he said, "Go take a shower. I've got work to do and can't keep messing with you."It was only then Laura realized he had drawn her in. Now that he had stopped, her cheeks still burned, and she couldn't shake the lingering pull of desire he'd stirred.Simon seemed to notice her unease. He then asked with a smirk, "Or would you rather continue?"Laura's heart skipped a beat. She quickly pushed him away and lowered her head. "I'll go shower."As he stared at her retreating figure, the lust in Simon's gaze gradually faded. In the
In the next moment, Simon's lips curled into a smile. "It was Maxwell who called me and asked me to come help you with this. Don't forget, Jennifer isn't just your best friend. She's also Maxwell's wife and the mother of Caleb and Cassidy."Did you even check if Maxwell was okay with you staying at their place? Not everyone is as comfortable with you as Jennifer is."Laura wanted nothing more than to shut him up. However, she couldn't deny that he had a point. Apart from Harry, Jennifer was the only one who had ever treated Laura like family. While Jennifer might never push her away, that didn't mean everyone else would be as kind. That house belonged to Jennifer, but it was Maxwell's too.At that moment, Laura felt completely alone and helpless. …Just like that, she quickly packed a few essentials and followed Simon back to his place in the dead of night.He then pointed to a small wardrobe and lightly instructed, "You can leave your clothes here for now."After opening it,
Laura cried in Simon's arms for what felt like an eternity before finally lifting her head. Her voice carried a hint of grievance as she said, "Why wouldn't you believe me? I told you someone was following me, but you still didn't trust me."Simon gently wiped her tears away. "I'm sorry. That's on me."But Laura shoved him aside, her tone defiant. "Spare me the fake concern. I've reported it to the police, so it doesn't matter whether you show up or not."A flicker of amusement passed through Simon's dark eyes as he studied her. "Really?""Of course!" Laura lifted her chin, as if she weren't afraid of anything. "I'm trained in martial arts and can protect myself. Besides, the police are involved. Even without you, I'm not scared."Simon couldn't help but chuckle. Suddenly, his arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close again. "Who was trembling in fear earlier? The same person who stayed holed up in the bedroom all night because she was too afraid to come out?" he teased in
Only then did Maxwell understand the reason behind Jennifer's anxiety. He grabbed her arm and said, "Why does it have to be you? What about Simon? Didn't you say they had made up? "This kind of damsel-in-distress situation should be his job. It feels like we're overstepping if we take matters into our own hands, don't you think?""What's wrong with that? Laura is my best friend! If I don't help her now, who will?" Jennifer shot Maxwell an irritated look before adding, "This is the perfect chance to show Laura that she can't rely on Simon. Otherwise, she'll just fall deeper for him. Well, unless he's willing to marry her. Do you think he will?"Maxwell softened his tone and replied, "Let's set aside the question of whether he will marry her or not. Think about it. If Laura stays with us, she'll have to watch us all lovey-dovey, living our happy family life. How do you think that will make her feel?"I know she's your best friend, but this is just how humans are. We can't help but
Laura anxiously waited as the police retrieved the surveillance footage. But in the end, all they told her was that the alley she had mentioned was in an area slated for demolition. Hence, no cameras had been installed there. When she suggested they start investigating from the street where her office was located, the officer replied, "Miss, if we follow your suggestion, it would require a massive undertaking."We have other cases to handle as well. Please, go home and wait. If we find anything, we'll notify you immediately, okay?"Laura's urgency stemmed from how terrified she felt. After all, it was the first time she had been followed. Still, she didn't want to make things difficult for anyone. Since the police officers had made their stance clear, she decided not to press further and relented. Before leaving, she couldn't help but plead, "Please, do your best to look into this as soon as possible. Contact me immediately if there's any news."With that, she left the station,
Laura's heart pounded violently in her chest. She immediately pulled out her phone, instinctively thinking of calling Simon. However, she remembered they weren't on speaking terms, so she dialed Jennifer's number instead. A nurse answered the phone. "Hello, Dr. Susan is currently in surgery. Please call back in two hours."Left with no choice, Laura reluctantly called Simon. His deep voice came through almost immediately. "Hello, what is it?"Simon's voice, though pleasant, held an icy undertone. Laura knew he was still angry. But right now, someone was following her. She couldn't afford to care about anything else—not even her pride.She gripped the phone tightly, her voice trembling as she said, "S-Someone's following me. Can you come pick me up?""What?" Simon's response was indifferent. Then, he mockingly added, "Aren't you a martial arts expert? A good fighter, right? What's there to fear from a thief?"After all, Britney hadn't been able to secure her interview with hi
Simon finally looked up from his computer screen and gave Alex a stern look. "Do you not understand what I said, or do you have nothing better to do? Should I assign you more tasks?""No… No need for that! I'll leave now." After being scolded, Alex left the office dejectedly. Britney was still waiting downstairs. Seeing him come out, she rushed up eagerly. "So? How did it go?"Alex scratched his head and forced a smile. "Mr. Moore said… Ms. Scott needs to come in person." Britney sighed, disappointment written all over her face. "I knew it!" Alex was about to console her when she suddenly broke into a bright smile. "Still, coming here today wasn't a total waste. At least I ran into my high school classmate and got your number!"She winked at him playfully and added, "We're both from out of town. So, we've got to look out for each other!"Alex was flustered and nodded. "Of course!""Well, I'll get going then. Let's keep in touch!" Britney shrugged off the rejection. Althou
Britney hesitated but finally gave in. "Fine, I'll give it a try." … With Laura's task weighing heavily on her shoulders, Britney set off for Valor Law Firm solemnly.As expected, it turned out exactly as she had imagined. She was turned away almost immediately.She recalled the last time she had come here with Laura. Back then, Laura had also waited for a long time. Determined to ace the interview, Britney decided to stick around and wait. Surely Simon would meet her, considering how she always supported him and Laura and had even tipped him off before. "Britney!" A voice suddenly called out. Britney turned around and her eyes lit up with surprise. "Alex? What are you doing here?" Britney added, "I had some business here. Wow, you've changed so much since high school! Do you work here? Everyone here looks so formal in their suits.""Yes, I work here." Alex was happy to see a classmate. "Are you here because of some trouble? Do you need a lawyer?"Britney explaine
After leaving Simon's office, Laura headed straight to the studio. The workday had ended when she arrived, and all her colleagues had left. Laura sat at her desk, turned on her computer, and began writing down everything she had seen and heard today. With her fingers furiously typing away, she poured out the full story of Brooks Group's workplace incident. Whether it was out of anger or agitation, the keyboard clattered loudly beneath her hands.In just 20 minutes, she had completed a full article. As she typed the last word, she began to calm down. Looking at the article that was filled with sympathy for Nick's family and criticism of Brooks Group, Laura realized she was betraying her journalistic integrity.She hesitated before deleting the draft. After all, she was a reporter. She shouldn't bring her personal feelings into her work. This article contained too much of her own bias. Such a news piece would be unprofessional. Laura sighed. She checked her phone but ther