It was just an ugly plushie. Why was Simon acting like he had won a major case? Was it worth all this effort? Over the next half hour, Simon managed to snag two more plushies. However, he had already burned through hundreds of tokens. He stared at the plushie inside the claw machine with an unreadable look.Throwing the remaining tokens aside, Simon turned to Maxwell. "Let's go grab a drink." "Absolutely not. I only sneaked out to check on you because I was worried. If Jennifer finds out I'm out drinking with you in the middle of the night, she'll kill me," Maxwell said. Truth be told, he was just way too curious. What could have happened to turn the composed Simon into this? Maxwell had known Simon for over a decade and had never seen him like this before. Still, getting Simon to spill the truth was impossible. Maxwell spent an hour in the middle of the night accompanying Simon while he played with a claw machine, yet he hadn't managed to extract a single word from him
Laura swallowed the words she wanted to say, unable to reveal her complicated and shameful past with Simon. The two arrived at a seafood buffet near Haven University, a popular spot for students and couples. Fortunately, they came just as a wave of diners left and easily found a table.Just as they were settling in, a well-dressed girl approached them, glaring sadly at Jonah. She pouted. "Mr. Gosling, didn't you say you were too busy and didn't have time? Yet here you are dining with another girl!"Jonah looked embarrassed. "Violet, this is my girlfriend. My girlfriend would get upset if I ate with you." "Your girlfriend?" Violet turned to Laura in disbelief before glaring back at Jonah. "Since when did you get a girlfriend? Everyone says you're single!" Jonah scratched his head awkwardly. "We only started dating recently. How about… You join us?" Jonah didn't know how to handle the situation. Violet's eyes reddened with anger. She huffed in annoyance before storming
Laura's mind was a mess. She realized that she and Jonah were not meant to be. She gently pulled her hand away from Jonah's. "I... don't feel well. Can you take me home?" Jonah quickly took off his jacket. "Here, put this on. Are you cold?" Laura shook her head. "No, I think I'm just tired from work. I want to rest." Although reluctant, Jonah agreed. He had been looking forward to spending more time with her. However, he had no choice but to take her home. When they arrived at her apartment, Jonah looked around, concerned. "Do you rent a place here? It doesn't seem like a safe area. How about this? I have two extra apartments. You can stay at my place. I'll even help you move." Laura declined, "That's not necessary. I'm fine living here. Thank you, though!" Jonah thought she was worried about boundaries and reassured her, "Don't worry. I would never take advantage of you before marriage. I just want you to live somewhere better..." "It's fine. If I want to move,
Hailey was giving them a way out by coming here. While Simon couldn't care less, Fiona seized the opportunity. "Hailey, you are a good person." Fiona sighed. "It's such a pity you can't become my daughter-in-law. This is Simon's fault. He's the one who let you down." Hailey shook her head. "I'm to blame too. I was too impulsive that day. It's no wonder Simon was upset."Simon was uninterested in watching her put on a show. "I'll wait for you in the car." Afraid Hailey might feel embarrassed, Fiona quickly comforted her. "Hailey, I'll make sure he marries you and brings you into the family." Hailey's eyes lit up. "Really? But... I'm afraid Simon hates me." "Hates you? That's only because he can't see what's good for him!" Fiona patted Hailey's hand. "You're so outstanding. Sooner or later, Simon will fall for you. As for that sly fox, Simon is just fooling around with her. You don't need to take her seriously." Hailey drove Fiona back to the Moore residence. Fiona
So, Simon waited in the car. He wanted to see how long these two could sit there drinking coffee. …Inside the cafe, Jonah asked cautiously, "Laura, everything was fine when we went out yesterday. Why did you suddenly say we're not a good match? Did I do something wrong?" Laura felt apologetic. "Jonah, you're fine. The problem is me. I... don't have plans to get married right now." Jonah chuckled "That's okay! We can take our time. We don't have to talk about marriage now. Don't worry, I'll respect your wishes." Laura shook her head. "That's not what I mean. Over these past few days, I've felt how genuine you are, and I know you're a good guy. It's me. I'm not good enough for you, truly." Jonah was racking his brain, trying to figure out why Laura was saying they weren't suited for each other. After a long pause, he thought of one possibility. He asked quietly, "Did my dad say something to you? Maybe it's about your father's case. The situation is indeed complicated,
Simon frowned at Laura. "What's with this miserable expression? You only announced your relationship and already fought? You used to give me so much trouble. Why are you just sitting here sulking?" Laura quickly composed herself. "Wow, you're so concerned about me. And you even knew about my announcement. Did you come here to congratulate me?" Simon lightly brushed her cheek. Despite his smile, his tone was cold. "Have I been giving you too much freedom? You're getting bolder by the day." Laura was annoyed and retorted, "I'm a free woman. Freedom isn't something you can give me. Who do you think you are?" Simon nodded. "Not bad. Five years with me wasn't wasted on you, after all." Laura seemed to realize something. She stood abruptly. "Did you say something to Mr. Gosling? Is that why he refused to take my father's case? Simon, you're despicable! What do you want? Are you just determined to ruin me?" Simon was taken aback. "Did Mr. Gosling refuse to take your father's
Jonah sighed. "Violet, I only view you as my student. I don't want to know your secrets. School's over, so you should head home and not make your parents worry." "This secret is about your new girlfriend!" Violet grinned mysteriously. "Don't you want to find out?" This piqued Jonah's interest. "What secret?" Violet hummed. "Your new girlfriend is actually someone else's mistress!" Jonah's face darkened as he angrily scolded, "Don't talk nonsense!" Violet snorted. "I'm not talking nonsense! My cousin's fiancé was always very cold to her. Later, my cousin caught him cheating and found out that Laura was his mistress! Afterward, my cousin even caused a scene at her studio. If you don't believe me, ask Laura's colleagues, and they'll confirm this!" Jonah became more uneasy as he listened. He kept resisting the truth, but Violet's account seemed well-supported, so he couldn't help but believe most of it. Violet smiled. "You've been tricked, Mr. Gosling! That woman knows
Laura sighed and went to the kitchen to make some pasta. She needed to fill her stomach first before going back to work and thinking up a way to save her father.Just after finishing dinner, her phone rang. It was Britney. "Laura, are you... Have you been dating recently?" Britney said nervously, "A man came to the office looking for you. He claims he's your boyfriend." Laura paused and guessed it must be Jonah. She told him that they weren't suited for each other. So, why had he come looking for her again? Laura asked calmly, "Did he say what he wanted?" Britney whispered, "I just wanted to let you know! First, he asked if I was your colleague, then if you had a boyfriend. He asked if I knew about your love life. I didn't dare mention Mr. Moore, so I said I wasn't sure. He even wanted to ask other colleagues, but I told him they wouldn't know either, and suggested he ask you instead. What does he want?" Laura was confused. This wasn't like Jonah at all. Britney conti
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