Simon's expression darkened, his eyes unreadable. "You chose to leave me back then and was the one who sought out Lionel. Would you have given up if I didn't let you expose the truth yourself?" Laura knew she could never out-argue him. No matter what Simon did, he could always justify it with logic. But he was always so ruthless. Laura nodded. "Why did you come here tonight? Did you come on behalf of your fiancée to inspect the damage? Fine. Now that you've seen how pathetic I am, leave." Simon sighed. "I've already broken off my engagement with Hailey. I apologize for the harm she caused you." "Broke… off the engagement?" Laura stared at him in disbelief. Simon met her gaze. "Yes, you heard me right. I'm ending the engagement. No one will look down on you even if you return to me." For some reason, Laura's heart began to race. She couldn't stop the words from rushing out of her mouth. "Simon, if…" Laura's voice choked as she hesitated. "Will you marry me if I come
After leaving that man, Simon had taken Fiona everywhere in search of medical help, relying on medication to keep her condition under control. Even so, there had been several relapses over the years. The last one was three years ago, and now it happened again. Simon was overwhelmed with guilt. He had been a filial son. He was aware of the suffering his mother had endured and did everything in his power to be good to her.But he failed her this time.The doctor reminded him, "Your mother will need someone to stay by her side when she wakes up. She might switch between episodes, and there's a risk of self-harm. You must avoid upsetting her further. Try to resolve any issues you have. The key to managing her condition is maintaining a positive mood." Simon rubbed his temples. "I'll leave her in your hands. Tomorrow, I'll bring over her medical history for you to review. Please proceed with whatever treatments you deem necessary. Don't worry about the cost."…The next morning
William realized that pushing the issue would only lead to more trouble. Considering Hailey's temper, there was no telling what might happen to their family if she clashed with Simon. So, even though Hailey wanted to keep arguing, William stopped her. He said cautiously, "Since your mother hasn't woken up, we'll leave for now and come back in a couple of days to visit her." Simon shot them a warning glance but said nothing and turned back around. …It was noon when Fiona woke up. "You ungrateful son!" Fiona pointed angrily at Simon. "I painstakingly picked out a good woman for you! Yet you drove her away! And didn't you say you had cut ties with Laura? Were you lying to me all along?" Simon quickly took out her medication. "Mom, take your medicine first, and then we'll talk about this." "I won't!" Fiona exclaimed. "I'll find that shameless girl myself if you don't make things clear! She took my money and dared lie to me. Don't forget. She signed an agreement. I co
Fiona finally calmed down. She nodded. "So, that's how it is. Why didn't you tell me earlier?" "I didn't want to bring up those old memories. I was afraid it might cause your condition to relapse." Simon sighed. "But no matter how careful I was, I couldn't prevent it from happening." Fiona eyed him skeptically. "Tell me the truth. Are you keeping her by your side purely for revenge? But won't she just keep seducing you? If you ask me, it'd be better to lock her up for life!"Simon looked at his mother helplessly. "There are laws, Mom. Locking someone up for life would be illegal detention! But keeping her close, humiliating her day after day, and then letting Harry see how much his daughter suffers is the best form of revenge, isn't it?" "You're right!" Fiona's eyes gleamed. "He must watch as his daughter pays for his sins. That way, all the suffering we endured won't be in vain. Simon, I misunderstood you. I thought… You'd developed feelings for that woman." Simon snorted
Laura sat quietly in her chair, a strange emotion welling up in her heart, but she quickly suppressed it. Simon had clearly told her that he would never marry her yesterday."Laura?" Britney called, snapping her out of her daze. "Are you okay?" Laura quickly regained her composure. "Thank you for yesterday. If it weren't for you, who knows how long Hailey would've kept causing trouble?" Britney smiled. "It's no big deal! I just love seeing you and Simon together. I really think Simon cares about you."Laura's expression turned serious. "Britney, please don't mention him again. It's over between us." Britney sighed. "Alright. But don't be too upset, Laura. Give it some time, and the others will forget all about it. If love doesn't work out, then focus on your career! You're the editor-in-chief. If you can write another good piece, you might even get transferred to the headquarters in Regalton someday!" Britney's words gave Laura an idea. Laura hummed. "We've been ass
"What? That lawyer was a scammer?" Jennifer pressed, "Did he take all your money? Do you have any left? I can transfer some to you if you need it." Laura quickly stopped her. "No, I haven't even spent the money you gave me last time. And I didn't pay that lawyer with my money. I used the money given by Simon's mom. She gave me a million dollars to leave Simon. I took her money, so the lawyer fees didn't come out of my pocket." Realization dawned on Jennifer. But she was still surprised Laura had taken money from Fiona.Seeing Jennifer's confusion, Laura smiled bitterly. "You're probably thinking I'm a coward, right? Not only did I leave Simon, I also accepted money from his family." "No, that's not what I mean." Jennifer waved her hands nervously. "This just doesn't seem like you. But I trust that you had your reasons for making that decision." Laura sighed. "I was with him for five years. You could say it was compensation for my wasted youth. Forget it, I don't want to tal
Laura was grateful. After the incident with Lionel, she felt despair enough to consider returning to Simon as his mistress. Thankfully, Miguel reignited her hope. While they talked, Jonah's gaze remained fixed on Laura.Miguel soon noticed his son's unusual behavior. He scolded, "What are you staring at her for? Stop embarrassing yourself!" Jonah quickly looked away, his boyish face turning red with embarrassment. He stammered, "So… Sorry." Jennifer couldn't help but chuckle. She whispered teasingly to Laura, "By the way, this is the boy I mentioned before. He's very filial and is a university lecturer. He went straight through his bachelor's, master's, and doctorate, then stayed on as a lecturer right after graduation."Laura felt awkward. What was Jennifer implying? Just then, Jonah mustered his courage. "Ms. Scott, could I… have your number? Are you... still single? If not, then... forget it." It was clear that Jonah had never dated before. This was his first time as
To Laura's and Jennifer's surprise, Simon acted as if he didn't recognize them. Instead, he walked straight toward Miguel."Simon?" Miguel was delighted and immediately stood up to hug him. "It's been so long!"He turned to Laura and Jennifer. "Let me introduce you. This is my student, Simon Moore! He's my most accomplished student by far! Right now, he's one of the top lawyers in the country!"Simon smiled. "You're too kind, Mr. Gosling. I should have visited you long ago. I didn't expect to run into you here today." Miguel suddenly remembered something and turned to Laura. "Ms. Scott, why don't you discuss your father's case with Simon? He's surpassed me in so many ways now. Who knows, he might have even better solutions for your father's case." Laura and Jennifer blurted out simultaneously, "That's not necessary!" Their panicked response left Miguel and Jonah looking at them with confusion. Meanwhile, Simon smirked at Laura. Realizing her overreaction, Laura quickly e
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