Fiona quickly turned to Simon. "Simon, raise your glass and toast William to apologize." Simon didn't want to, but he couldn't embarrass his mother in front of everyone. He lifted his glass and said to William, "I apologize for my thoughtlessness." William was determined to teach his future son-in-law a lesson. "That's it? A single toast? You should have three to start with! Simon, you're a lawyer. I'm sure you've had plenty of business dinners. I bet you can handle your liquor!" Simon didn't flinch and proceeded to drink with him. By the end of the exchange, William was drunk while Simon remained composed, with only a faint flush on his face.Hailey was fuming, secretly cursing her father for being so embarrassing. They were supposed to discuss their engagement over dinner. But instead, her father turned it into a drinking contest with Simon. And worse, he lost! Hailey wanted her mother to step in and salvage the situation. However, William had already begun ramb
Hailey pulled up at Lakeshore Estates, eager to get a glimpse of Simon's home. This was, after all, the most exclusive neighborhood in Haven City. The houses here were insanely expensive, and money alone couldn't secure a property.The Brooks family was well-off, thanks to their business. However, when William returned to the country and tried to buy a house at Lakeshore Estates, he found it impossible to secure one. So, Hailey found herself especially intrigued by anything to do with Simon. Just as she was about to step out of the car, Simon spoke. "Thanks for the ride. You can drive my car back.""I…" Hailey was momentarily stunned. Did he really see her as his chauffeur?She quickly parked the car, got out, and said with a hint of coyness, "Simon, it's my first time here. Aren't you going to invite me in?"Irritated, Simon rubbed his temples. "It's late. You can visit another day," he replied. "Besides, I've had quite a bit to drink tonight. I'm exhausted and not up for co
However, Simon was already on his feet. He nudged Haily toward the door, making it clear it was time for her to leave.Right then, Hailey spotted a pair of women's combat boots on the shoe rack by the door. She hadn't noticed them earlier because all the shoes were black. But these were unmistakably smaller. They definitely belonged to a woman. The sight of the boots sent her thoughts racing.On the other hand, Simon's pupils constricted sharply as he noticed them too. Was Laura still here?Without a second thought, he opened the door and said, "Ms. Brooks, I'm afraid I can't see you out."Hailey had been ready to call him out right there, but doubts crept in. What if she had misunderstood, or what if she couldn't find any solid proof?Simon could easily talk his way out of it. After all, he was a lawyer and had a way with words. In the end, she would become the unreasonable one. With that in mind, Hailey had no intention of leaving. She was determined to catch this shamel
Hailey strode to the balcony and quickly opened the door. Unfortunately for her, there wasn't a soul in sight. Simon studied her reaction, and finally, relief settled over him.Hailey's expression turned grim. She even began to doubt herself. Could it be that Simon hadn't hidden anyone here at all?Suddenly, a faint noise caught her attention. Both of them immediately turned toward the wardrobe in unison.A smug smile tugged at the corner of Hailey's lips. She glanced at Simon before heading toward the wardrobe.But in a flash, Simon grabbed her arm and snapped, "Hailey Brooks, that's enough! I've put up with you long enough! Since you got here, you've been searching every corner of my home. I've shown you the entire place, so what more do you want? My patience has limits!"He was usually the picture of composure. Hailey had never seen him particularly happy or upset. But now, he was visibly anxious. Did that mean he had something to hide?"Why are you so nervous? I just want
Laura's formal and indifferent demeanor sparked an inexplicable irritation in Simon, or maybe he'd had a bit too much to drink that night. But either way, he could feel a tension simmering inside him. He stared at Laura as she spoke, watching the way her lips moved. Suddenly, a surge of desire flared within him.Simon's gaze grew hazy, and he fought back the urge to pin her down before asking lightly, "Why are you still here so late? Were you waiting for me?""Your iron broke, and I spent ages fixing it!" Laura immediately shot back. "Don't worry. I only see you as my employer now. I'll do my job, take my pay, and that's it. I have no other intentions, least of all waiting for you to return!"Simon chuckled. A hint of intoxication softened his features, giving him an unexpectedly cool and gentle air.Then, he raised a hand. His slender fingers brushed over her flushed cheek as he asked, "Only see me as your employer, huh?"A pang of unease shot through Laura. She knew all too we
But in the end, Hailey hesitated. She was afraid of angering Simon, worried he might end things between them in a fit of rage.And so, she went home with that conflicting feeling gnawing at her.…Sophia, who had been dealing with her drunken husband, was still awake at this late hour.As soon as she saw Hailey walking in, she asked in disbelief, "Hailey, what are you doing back here? Didn't you leave with Simon? So, y-you two didn't—"Before Sophia could finish, Hailey burst into tears. Her fury boiled over as she complained, "I finally understand why Simon has been so cold to me! It's because he's seeing another woman!""W-What? Did he tell you this?" Sophia inquired, her face turning pale."How would he ever admit something like that?" Hailey sobbed while recounting everything that had happened at Simon's place. Sophia's anger flared as she listened. "Why didn't you confront him? I can't believe it! I always thought he was a decent guy and a perfect match for you. Clear
Simon put on a serious expression and teased Laura further. "You really don't remember? Hugging and kissing me like that?"His words painted such a vivid picture that she was mortified at the thought of doing something so embarrassing in her sleep. Laura's cheeks turned red as she retorted, "Even if I was sleepwalking, why didn't you wake me up?"She then glanced down to check her clothes. Everything was fine, untouched.With a quiet sigh of relief, she headed to the bathroom to freshen up, grabbing a disposable toothbrush and toothpaste along the way with practiced ease.Laura quickly washed up and was ready to leave Simon's place. It was as though she were avoiding the plague.At that moment, Simon was reading a financial newspaper at the dining table.As Laura passed through the living room, she didn't even spare him a glance. She had hidden in his closet the night before to avoid his fiancée. Now, his place felt suffocating with the weight of her humiliation, and all she
Laura spat, "This is the last time! You'd better start looking for another cleaning service worker. And don't forget to settle my pay. You're a big-shot lawyer. Surely you're not planning to dodge me over a few bucks, are you?"Yet, Simon acted as though he hadn't heard her. A flicker crossed his dark eyes but vanished just as quickly."I'm taking my leave," he said coldly. Laura stared helplessly at the closed door. She knew he didn't care about a word she'd said. To Simon, it probably didn't matter how much she complained. As long as he held his ground, she wasn't escaping his control.…On the road, Simon had already noticed the black sedan following him from a distance.Without giving anything away, he turned down a different street, one that didn't lead to his law firm. Finally, he pulled into a dead-end alley.The place was desolate—a building project abandoned long ago. Now, the area was empty, even during the day. By the time the driver realized he had been led into
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
Meanwhile, Fiona had taken Hailey to Valor Law Firm, and they waited for Simon to finish work. Both of them knew that as long as he didn't return home, Laura would be left out in the storm.Even so, that wasn't enough to quell the hatred burning inside them.Simon had no intention of dining with Hailey, so he snapped, "How could you bring my mom out in this weather? The rain is pouring down. You're a doctor. Surely you know she can't be exposed to the cold with her condition?"Fiona quickly stepped in to mediate. "What's wrong with you? Why blame Hailey?" She scolded him gently."It's been a while since I last visited you at work. That's why I asked her to come with me. Besides, a friend gave me some premium truffles. Since you two are always so busy, tonight's the perfect chance for both of you to enjoy a good meal."Simon wasn't about to argue with his mother. Hence, he reluctantly agreed. "Fine. Let me wrap things up, and we'll head back."…Half an hour later, all three re
As she spoke, Hailey strode toward the balcony to check. She was sure she had seen a figure reflected in the glass door between the living room and the balcony. Laura had to be hiding there.Just as she was about to yank the door open and drag Laura out, Fiona stepped forward and locked it from inside. Then, she turned to Hailey and said with a smile, "Why are you so jumpy today? It's about to rain. The wind rattling things outside is perfectly normal, isn't it?"Fiona's actions made Hailey abandon her suspicion. After all, a thunderstorm was expected that night.With the door now locked, Laura was trapped on the balcony with no way back in. Hailey couldn't help but pray for the lightning to finish Laura off.The thought sent a wave of satisfaction through Hailey. "Alright, I trust you, Mom. Shall we head to Simon's law firm and then return to the Moore residence together?" she asked. "Sure! Having you two around makes me so happy," Fiona replied, patting Hailey's hand affectio
Violet hissed through gritted teeth, "Oh, it gets worse! That bitch Laura has moved into Simon's place! A friend at the police station told me Jonah caught them coming out of Simon's garage together. That was how he had those photos."Hailey clenched her jaw, her anger bubbling over. She had only been to Simon's house once, and even then, he had thrown her out. She couldn't believe that Laura had the audacity to move in. "I won't let that bitch get away with this! I'm holding back for now, but once I'm Mrs. Moore, I'll deal with her," Hailey declared.…Meanwhile, Laura returned to Simon's place after work. Without wasting time, she started packing her things.Now that Jonah had been arrested, the stalking nightmare was finally over. Hence, there was no reason to stay here any longer.Although moving back to her rented apartment wouldn't free her from Simon's control, at least it was her own place.When she finished packing, Laura glanced outside. The sky darkened as thick cl
Miguel sighed, cursing himself inwardly for his stupidity. How had it taken him this long to piece it all together? The last name "Moore" wasn't common to begin with. When Simon started appearing in his life again after all these years, he should have connected the dots sooner.If he had, Simon's obsession with his refusal to take Harry's case would have been obvious.Simon's piercing, oppressive gaze bore into Miguel as he closed the distance between them. "What do you know about my father's death? How much do you know? Tell me!" he demanded. His voice was low, but it carried a dangerous edge. For a split second, Miguel's mind went blank. But a moment later, he yelled, "I don't know! Stop asking! Simon, don't forget. I'm your mentor. No matter how successful you are now, this isn't how you talk to me!"But Miguel's reaction gave Simon all the confirmation he needed. Clearly, the former knew something about Anthony's death. Yet, infuriatingly, he still wouldn't talk.Simon le