Everyone finally realized why Laura could always ace an interview with Simon. As it turned out, Laura was Simon's woman!Everyone's gaze shifted to Doreen.Doreen paled and forced a smile. "Sorry, Mr. Moore. I… I didn't know Laura was with you."Simon didn't spare her a glance. Instead, he turned to the pale Finn. "What did you say earlier? You wanted to challenge her boyfriend to a drinking contest, right?""I…" Finn was sweating buckets. After all, Simon was the legal advisor their company had painstakingly secured. His father had practically begged Valor Law Firm to allow him to hire Simon for a steep price.Finn nearly forgot that their collaboration wasn't because Simon needed them. Their company had been entangled in lawsuits recently and was desperate for a good lawyer like Simon to resolve them.Finn picked up his glass and stammered, "Mr. Moore, I… I was wrong. Only you are worthy of a woman as outstanding as Ms. Scott!"That… didn't sound quite right either. Finn was
Inside a silver Bentley, Laura was held tightly in Simon's arms, lost in a passionate kiss.Simon's kiss was domineering yet tinged with tenderness, greedily savoring the taste of alcohol on her lips.It took all of her strength to push him away.Laura stared timidly at Simon through glossy eyes. He felt so close yet seemed utterly out of reach."Simon, what did you mean by what you said at the table earlier?" Her voice trembled as she questioned him. Unbeknownst to Laura, the alcohol had painted her cheeks red. Despite her accusatory tone, she still exuded an irresistible charm.Simon's breathing quicken. He reached out, gently brushing his thumb over her reddened lips, and replied huskily, "What's wrong? Do you find being my woman humiliating?"Laura's heart tightened at his words, but she knew there could never be anything real between them. He had never respected her. Everything he did was nothing more than a passing whim."I... I need to go." Laura turned to open the car
Laura could only offer an awkward smile. "I… I shouldn't use work hours for personal matters. I still have an article from yesterday to finish." She turned on her computer and acted as if she were fully engrossed in her work. Her colleagues whispered among themselves, wondering why someone who had snagged Simon, a lawyer earning tens of millions a year, would still care so much about a job paying only a few thousand a month. She was definitely just putting on a show!The editor-in-chief quickly pulled her aside. "You don't need to work on those basic articles anymore. Let Britney handle them from now on. Laura, let's be honest. How have I treated you? Wasn't I always on your side when Doreen bullied you?" Laura replied awkwardly, "Not… Not really?" The editor-in-chief cleared his throat to cover his embarrassment. "Well, at least you can admit I mentored you, right? Now that our news department is in a critical situation, don't you think it's time for you to step up?" L
Laura thought Simon would finally agree to see her if she went alone this time. However, she realized that his words from the night before were not mere talk upon arriving. Simon did not want to see her even if she came to him now. The receptionist apologized. "Ms. Scott, Mr. Moore has instructed us not to accept any appointments from you in the future. Please don't make things difficult for us. Perhaps it's best if you go back." Laura wished the ground would swallow her whole. To the receptionist, she probably appeared as nothing more than a shameless, clingy woman who refused to let go. Just then, her editor-in-chief sent her a message. "Laura, you have to succeed this time!" She sighed. She might lose her job if she failed this time. After all, an exclusive interview could draw in readers, and more readers meant more revenue. If she succeeded, the bonuses for the entire news department next month would multiply. But if she failed, everyone would blame her for the los
Laura suddenly realized something. According to the housekeeper, Simon hadn't brought Hailey back here since Laura had left.How else could the housekeeper have mistaken someone else for his fiancée if Hailey had been here? For some reason, Laura beamed at the realization.After sending the housekeeper away, she headed to the kitchen to start cooking. In the past, Laura had never cooked a meal in her life since she was born with a silver spoon. But after being with Simon, he demanded she prepare his outfits and cook the dishes he liked. He even signed her up for a training course where she spent three months learning domestic skills. It was as if her entire existence revolved around him and she had to do everything to please him. Simon had turned a pampered young woman who never lifted a finger like her into someone who had to tread carefully every day, learning to read his moods. Laura couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness at this. ... An hour later, Simon re
Simon knew Laura was a master of playing innocent. Maybe she was even secretly cursing him in her mind right now. Yet she stubbornly held the cherry near his mouth. She pouted. "My hand is getting sore, Mr. Moore." Simon finally let out an amused laugh. "Your hand is sore from just this? What else can I even count on you for?"Laura blushed as memories of their past flashed through her mind. She stood up abruptly, deciding not to keep trying to appease him. Just as she was about to turn away, Simon suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms. Laura's heart raced as she sat stiffly in his lap, not daring to push him away. Simon murmured, "Weren't you just trying to feed me fruit?"Laura's face flushed a deep red as she shakily held the cherry up to his lips. This time, Simon ate it but immediately frowned. "It's sour." Laura weakly responded, "I tried one earlier, and it was sweet." In the next moment, Simon cupped the back of her head, and the swee
Laura blushed instantly. She quickly corrected herself. "I… I know you and I are worlds apart. I'd never dare to think of becoming your wife. Only Ms. Brooks is worthy of that. Me? Forget about it!"Simon frowned.Laura thought he was offended by the term and quickly smiled. "Mr. Moore, I promise to stay as far away as possible as long as you help me complete this interview. I won't ever interfere in your relationship with Ms. Brooks. I swear!" Simon didn't know Laura was throwing her self-respect out the window when she said this. But Laura masked her feelings too well. Simon couldn't see how difficult it was for her to utter those words. All he heard was her relentless attempt to push him away and sever ties with him completely. She still wouldn't ask him for anything even when she was at her lowest point. True. Laura had pinned all her hopes on Lionel. Why would she harbor any feelings for him? But the proud Simon refused to mention Lionel. He would never let her think
Thus, Laura and Simon finally reached an agreement, and she managed to fulfill her editor-in-chief's expectations.…The next day, Laura submitted her interview draft to the editor-in-chief, whose face lit up with delight. "Oh, Laurie, you're truly the star of our news department!" The editor-in-chief immediately instructed the team to publish the interview and clapped his hands. "This is great! The collapsed bridge caused many casualties, so the public is concerned about the individual responsible for the construction. It's all thanks to you that we got some insider information from Mr. Moore! Don't worry, I'll make sure to highlight your contributions to the higher-ups by the end of the month." Laura waved it off. "I don't care if you give me credit. But you did say before that the bonus would be doubled, right?"The chief nodded. "Not just double, I'll triple it this time!" When Laura left the chief's office, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing how thrilled
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