Simon's heart broke. He knew. But his obsession and resentment ran deep, so he could only continue to be cruel to her. It was the only way he could heal the wounds of his childhood and make up for the suffering his mother endured for him over those years.Simon's expression remained indifferent. He silently picked up the necklace, walked over to her, and helped her put it on.Laura could feel his fingers gently brushing against her neck.Simon's voice rang. "You should always have a backup plan in life. Don't place all your hopes on Lionel. Otherwise, I'm afraid you'll end up losing terribly."With that, he walked toward the door, seemingly about to leave."Wait!" Laura called out to him. "How much did you pay to buy back this necklace? I'll pay you back."Simon glanced at her. She remained firm as if to salvage what little dignity she had left. Everything she had done and said showed she wanted to distance herself from him.Simon frowned. "Didn't you still have some unpaid wage
Indeed, Lionel had signed a contract with Patricia in order to keep his law firm afloat. If he won the case, Patricia would pay him two million dollars. However, if he lost, not only would he get no reward, but he would also have to pay Patricia two million dollars. Simon smiled at his embarrassed expression. "My guess was spot on, right?" Lionel gritted his teeth. "Simon, don't get too cocky. This case is as good as won. You will lose to me!"Simon was astonished by Lionel's confidence.Lionel continued, "You even got hurt for Laura and went up against someone like Michel. Doesn't that show how important Laura is to you? But don't forget, your woman is in my hands!" Simon hated being threatened, especially by someone like Lionel. He couldn't believe Lionel dared to say such things. Lionel thought he had found Simon's weakness and pushed on. "Simon, think about your lover. I know you'll make the right choice." Simon smirked. "I won't let Michel off. I'll also enjoy wat
Laura turned away to avoid Simon's gaze and ran off. It wasn't until she entered the lift that she realized she was crying. She quickly took deep breaths to calm herself and touched up her makeup. After waiting in the private room, Lionel finally entered with a middle-aged man.Laura quickly stood up. Lionel introduced, "This is the judge, Mr. Chime." Teddy chuckled. "Please don't call me that, it could be bad if someone overhears." He smiled at Laura. "Ms. Scott, my name is Teddy Chime. Since we're having dinner together, we're on the same side!" Laura studied him, her eyes filled with suspicion. Teddy had to be over 50, so wasn't he close to retirement? She had visited the courthouse for interviews before. And Teddy didn't have the air or demeanor of a judge at all. Lionel walked over to her and reminded, "Laura, why are you zoning out? Aren't you going to greet him?" Laura had no choice but to shake his hand. "Hello, Mr. Chime. I'm grateful for your help with my
Laura glanced at Teddy and bit down her anger. "I'm sorry, Mr. Chime. I'll think of another solution. I apologize for taking up your time." With that, she grabbed her bag and quickly headed for the door. Suddenly, her legs went numb, and her strength left her body. She collapsed to the ground, and a strange heat began to rise within her, growing stronger with each passing moment. It was so hot... Laura suddenly realized her situation. She mustered her remaining strength and glared at them. "What was in that drink?" Teddy and Lionel exchanged a perverse look. Lionel patted Teddy's shoulder. "She's yours now, Mr. Chime. But remember, we agreed you'd help me smooth things over with Michel's case!" "Don't worry!" Teddy smirked. "I've got several students working at the courthouse. I still have connections even though I don't work there anymore!" Laura finally realized that Teddy was no longer a judge. She never expected Lionel to be such a scumbag! After finalizing t
Laura thought she might be dreaming."Simon..." Laura weakly called out his name.Only when she fell into the familiar embrace did she realize Simon had really come to save her.Simon carried her in his arms, his lips pressed into a line, and his gaze cold. His steps were quick as he brought her back to the room he had reserved.Simon placed Laura gently on the bed. At first, he intended to return to deal with Lionel and Teddy. But just as he turned, a hand grabbed him."Don't go, Simon... Don't leave..." Laura whimpered in her dazed state.Her hair spilled across the bed, and her face was flushed. The mixture of innocence and allure made it impossible to look away.Simon realized they had drugged her. He pulled out his phone and called Alex. "Clean up the mess. I want Lionel to lose his standing in Haven City and Regalton within a week!"He tossed his phone aside after."Please, Simon... Help me..." Laura clung to his collar, rubbing against him. "I feel so awful."The vulne
Simon brushed it off in a joking manner. "Maybe we're connected that way." Laura's cheeks flush red. She didn't dare meet his gaze and lowered her head. "Thank you, you saved me again." Simon smirked as he pulled her back into his arms. "Then do you remember what happened afterward?" Laura paused, recalling the events after Simon rescued her last night. Even though her consciousness had been hazy, those moments of pleasure and exhilaration remained vivid. She thought of how she had clung to him, begged him not to leave, and pleaded for his help... She blushed an even deeper red and wished she could disappear into a hole in the ground. Simon found her reaction endearing. He chuckled and leaned in closer. "What's there to be embarrassed about? Haven't we done it many times?" Laura quickly pushed him away, hating herself for her dependence on him and her growing feelings. She loathed the difference between them and how their relationship could never go anywhere. If t
Laura was shaken to her core,Simon declared, "I'm the only one who can save your father. Otherwise, he'll grow old and die in prison." He started walking toward the door after. But before he could leave, Laura suddenly jumped out of bed and ran after him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her face against his broad back as soft sobs escaped her throat. "Simon, don't go… please. Can you give me some time and let me think about it?" Simon turned around and lifted her face to meet his gaze. "What do you need time to think about?"Laura felt overwhelmed and helpless. "So much has happened recently, and my mind is a mess. Can you give me some time? I… I need to consider this." The corners of Simon's lips twitched. "Will three days be enough?" Laura hesitated before nodding. Looking at the shy and fragile Laura, Simon couldn't help but recall the previous night. His arm snaked around her waist as he pulled her close. With his other hand, he tilted her chin and
As they exited the police station, Laura sighed in relief. She turned to Simon. "I've already taken up enough of your time. You don't need to drop me off. I'll just take the subway." Simon found this amusing and pinched her cheek. "Now you're worried about wasting my time? What about when you clung to me and wouldn't let me leave last night? Did you feel guilty then?" Laura flushed red. Though she had been drugged, she could vaguely recall how intimate it had been. And worse, she had been the one to initiate it. Simon's mood lifted at her reaction. He teased, "Have you remembered now?" Laura bit her lip, overwhelmed with shame and anger. Simon pulled her close and gently ushered her into the car before climbing in himself. Laura looked at him, confused. "Where… are you taking me?" "My suitcase is still at your place. Unless you'd prefer to go to my place instead?" Simon had developed a fondness for Laura's apartment. It gave him a sense of warmth and a sense of sim
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