That also meant Jennifer was very important to Maxwell.Maxwell smiled and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"Jennifer thought he was such a good guy, but sadly, he wasn't hers to keep. Even if he bought her that pink diamond necklace, it didn't mean anything. He was still going to divorce her.After all, Rachel would never give up!Jennifer blinked her slightly moist eyes. "I'm starting to feel reluctant to leave you."Maxwell was slightly startled. He bent down to kiss her forehead. "Then stay by my side forever, okay?" Jennifer looked at him with confusion. She didn't understand what that meant. If they got divorced and she stayed by his side, then she would be no different from Rachel....Meanwhile, Bridget was driven back to the Yale residence by the Lance family's driver. She felt exceptionally honored.Walking in with her head held high, she addressed her parents, "Mom, Dad, when are you available? Mr. Lance Senior said he wants to invite you over to discus
"You scoundrel, Jennifer is your sister!" Zion erupted in anger. "I knew you had no good intentions. However, if you dare do anything to harm your sister, don't expect me to acknowledge you as my daughter!"Bridget replied indifferently, "Do you think I care? Now that I'm pregnant with Jordan's child, my future status might be beyond your reach."Having said that, Bridget didn't spare a glance at Zion, and she hummed to herself as she walked upstairs. Just as she reached the second floor, she encountered Jane Horst, who had previously cared for Jennifer.Since Jennifer's marriage, Zion had assigned Jane as the housekeeper for the Yale residence. In normal times, they maintained a peaceful coexistence under Zion's strict rule. Despite Jennifer not living at home anymore, Jane, who had a soft spot for her and had looked after her since she was young, continued to come weekly to tidy up her room."Hold on!" Bridget called out and blocked her path.Jane had never liked Jocelyn and Bri
Immediately, Bridget felt a shooting pain in her lower abdomen as the blood gushed out from between her legs and drenched her skirt. Grimacing, she pressed a hand on her abdomen and took deep breaths.Jocelyn hurried over upon hearing Bridget's scream. She was stunned by what she saw. "Oh my god. T-This is… Bridget, what happened to you?" Jocelyn frantically attempted to help Bridget up from the ground, but she was aghast at the amount of blood on the floor.Meanwhile, Bridget, who was struggling to breathe, mustered her energy to remind Jocelyn, "Do not call anyone for help. Call the private hospital, and keep this a secret.""Okay, okay. I won't tell anyone. Your dad just left home because he was mad. There's no one else at home now."Soon, Bridget was transported to a private OBGYN hospital with only Jocelyn by her side. There, a surgeon performed an abortion on Bridget. Jocelyn cried her heart out, partly because she felt sorry for Bridget, but also because Bridget had li
Zion cast her a powerless expression. "I can never not worry about you. If he doesn't celebrate your birthday this year, just come home. I'll throw a party for you.""Dad, I'll take photos of my birthday celebration this year as proof." The thought of celebrating her birthday with Maxwell excited her. She wondered, "How will he plan it?"At that moment, Jocelyn came home looking exhausted. Her expression stiffened when she noticed Jennifer.Zion glanced at Jocelyn and asked, "Where did you go with Bridget again? Where's Bridget?"Jocelyn jumped a little from the shock. She tried to conceal her emotions. "What's wrong? Can't Bridget meet up with her friends to vent, since you find her an eyesore?""Who is she meeting? Besides, she's pregnant and soon to be married. She'd better not meet up with some problematic friends and ruin her reputation," Zion nagged unhappily.Jocelyn scoffed at him coldly. "What is it again? Why do you always pick on Bridget? Jennifer always stayed out lat
"Did you mean that… the blood was Bridget's?" Jennifer felt her heart leaping into her throat. She mumbled, "That doesn't make sense. She was fine when she humiliated you. So, why did she suddenly bleed? She can't possibly be on her period since she is pregnant. Isn't that right?"If Bridget had truly lied about the pregnancy to marry Jordan, Jennifer couldn't imagine how Robert might perceive the Yales if the lie was exposed in the future. He might even look down on Jennifer, thinking that she was no different from Bridget.Jennifer had wanted to inform Zion about the discovery right away, but Jane held her back. "Ms. Jennifer, you can't do that now. Mr. Zion will not believe in your words if you don't have any solid evidence. He might even think you were trying to come between him and Ms. Bridget.""But what do I do? I can't watch as Bridget drags our family through the mud." Jennifer was worried sick. She had thought of getting advice from Maxwell, but he had boarded a flight abr
Ever since Bridget had gotten pregnant, Jordan had never initiated contact with her. Clearing her throat and collecting herself, she answered his call. "Bridget, I looked for you at the Yale residence, but I was told you were not around," Jordan addressed her with patience, which was unusual. "Since we're about to get married, Grandpa made me visit your family with some gifts for them."Bridget nearly dropped her phone from the shock. She stammered, "Uh… I… I'm occupied today. I'm not at home now. Why don't you pay a visit at another time?"After a pause, he said humbly, "Bridget, I do have feelings for you. Ours is a marriage of love. But we're still young and in our prime. It's the time to focus on our careers. I'm worried that having a baby might…"She questioned, "Do you mean that you don't want the baby? Do you still insist on an abortion?""Well… It's not that I don't want the baby." He played along with her with whatever patience was left. "I'm saying that it's not the b
A wicked gleam appeared in Jocelyn's eyes. She spat, "Old hag, I will not give you that chance since I caught up to you. You'll come with me!"Clutching tightly onto Jane's sleeve, Jocelyn was determined to pin down Jane and stop her from ever going home to the Yale residence.However, Jane broke free from Jocelyn's grip and ran across the road. At that moment, a screeching sound echoed in the air. Jocelyn watched helplessly as a truck collided with Jane, throwing Jane out. Jane lay in a pool of blood as the bystanders went up to her. They had thought that it was Jane who broke the traffic rules by jaywalking.Jocelyn quietly slid away from the crowd, thanking the heavens for the car accident. Jocelyn had thought that she was in hot water after Jane learned the truth. Thankfully, luck wasn't on Jane's side; Jane would not be able to tell the truth anymore.…Soon, Jennifer received the bad news about Jane. She rushed to the hospital and found Zion there. He contacted Jane's fa
On the other hand, Jennifer examined Jocelyn with a doubtful look.Heart sinking, Jocelyn dodged her gaze and said, "I shall not disturb your sweet reunion. Hmph, you see me as an eyesore anyway!"With that, she escaped to the second floor.Feeling suspicious and confused, Jennifer asked Zion, "Dad, were there any maids around you when you got the call about Jane?""No." Zion fell into deep thoughts. "I got the call at work, and I rushed to the hospital."Frowning, Jennifer analyzed, "Isn't that quite odd? If that's the case, how did the family maids learn about it? Aunt Josie wasn't with you today. How exactly did she learn about Jane?"Meanwhile, Jocelyn had called Bridget. In a whisper, she cautioned Bridget, "Bridget, get discharged tomorrow. That Horst bitch got into an accident at the entrance of your hospital. I had a slip of the tongue just now. That shameless bitch Jennifer is starting to get suspicious of us."While speaking, the door to her bedroom suddenly swung open
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