William quickly pulled out the documents he had brought with him and explained, "Here's the situation. A worker died at one of my company's construction sites yesterday. Originally, we planned to settle it with 200 thousand dollars. After all, the worker's family is from the countryside, their expenses weren't high, and that much money is a fortune for them! But unexpectedly, that family is refusing to let it go and is demanding a million dollars! Aren't they just causing trouble?" Simon immediately grasped the situation and could roughly deduce the backstory. After all, businessmen like William often cut costs by neglecting safety measures on construction sites, which led to accidents. Simon had handled similar cases in the past. But truth be told, he disliked dealing with them. Because every time he did, he couldn't help but think about his father's unjust death years ago. Simon glanced at the evidence William handed over. "Were there safety issues on your site? This work
Simon's expression darkened. He turned to the door. "Please leave!" William stormed off. The accident at the construction site had left him overwhelmed, and now his daughter had been dumped by Simon. It was no wonder he was on the verge of breaking down. When he got home, he found Hailey there as well. He frowned. "You're off today. Why are you at home? Shouldn't you be visiting Fiona?" Hailey looked surprised. "Didn't you tell me not to go over anymore? You said it was embarrassing to grovel before someone's feet." William sighed. "That was then, and this is now! If you're going to get married, it should be a step up. The Moore family is the best choice. Besides, Simon has connections and a high social standing. Marrying into his family will benefit our family in the long run!" Hailey mumbled, "That might be true, but Simon has a sly fox by his side, and I can't stand her. I've visited Fiona several times to test the waters, hoping she'd step in and make Simon cut
Laura had already been frustrated by Miguel's change of heart regarding her father's case. Now, hearing him repeatedly praise Jonah made it seem like she was unworthy of him.This left Laura uncomfortable, and her words carried a sharp edge as she replied. She stared at Miguel fixedly. "Mr. Gosling, I think you've misunderstood. I'm neither stringing your son along nor clinging to him. I've made it clear to him that we're not a good match, and I have no intention of continuing anything with him."Miguel frowned. "But he's refusing to answer our calls or come home because of you. If that's the case, why don't you call him and repeat what you told me? Or better yet, meet with him and settle this in person. Laura, I will not take your father's case even if you involve Jonah."Laura's frustration boiled over. So, he thought she agreed to date Jonah to manipulate him into taking her father's case.Miguel pushed again. "Please consider how we as parents feel. Call Jonah or arrange a meet
Miguel was shocked when he learned that Laura and Simon knew each other.If Simon had contacted him, Miguel wouldn't have had that surprised expression.Laura glanced at Simon. "So, it wasn't you who told Miguel to refuse my dad's case?"Simon shrugged. "Does it matter?""Of course, it matters!" Laura felt a twinge of guilt when she realized she had misunderstood him, but she still asked dejectedly, "Then why didn't you explain yesterday?"Simon chuckled helplessly. "Would you have believed me?"Laura turned her back to him. "You have connections everywhere. It wouldn't be hard for you to get in my way. And you let me fall into Lionel's trap before. Who knows what you're planning this time?"Simon was both amused and exasperated. He turned her to face him. "Then why don't you behave yourself in the future? Why would I get in your way if you weren't always trying to run away from me?"It was such an unreasonable statement, but it sounded intimate coming from him.Laura quickly
Britney chuckled and even gave Simon a thumbs-up. "Good luck, Mr. Moore!"Simon didn't understand kids these days. Why were they always so cheerful?Still, it wasn't bad that Laura had such a loyal companion.He nodded. "I'll leave Laura in your care."With that, he quickly strode out to catch up with Laura.The blush on Laura's face had yet to fade as she hit him in frustration. "This is all your fault! Thank goodness it was Britney who saw us. If it were someone else, who knows what kind of gossip would be spreading by Monday."Simon took her hand and led her into the car. "Are you that worried about people knowing about us? Is being with me that much of a burden?"Laura glanced at him. "How would you feel if rumors about you being with a woman for the money spread?"All she wanted was for Simon to put himself in her shoes for once and avoid making things awkward in front of her colleagues and friends.To her surprise, Simon burst out laughing. "Then you'd better hurry and b
Laura felt she had returned to a much earlier time. Perhaps… during her first crush. She was so flustered yet filled with anticipation.Laura took a deep breath. "Mr. Moore, do you know what day tomorrow is?"A smile tugged at Simon's lips. "What day is it? Isn't it just the weekend?"Laura's heart sank. So, he didn't know it was Valentine's Day! She thought he...As her mind raced, Simon remarked, "I've never celebrated Valentine's Day before. You can plan it if you've got the experience."Laura felt like a young girl experiencing her first love. Her heart pounded, and she felt like butterflies in her stomach.She blushed, her eyes twinkling. "So… You've never dated anyone before? You've never had a love life even… even with your status?"Simon glanced at her. "I have standards."Laura couldn't help but laugh. "So, you never had a woman before me? Wow, you used to be so innocent!"Simon's lips twitched. He felt like Laura was mocking him!He grinned. "No matter how innocent
"The Ferris wheel?" Simon sighed. "Aren't you a bit too old for something this boring? Wouldn't a roller coaster be more exciting?" Laura rolled her eyes at him. "What do you know?" She remembered reading in a book once that when a Ferris wheel reaches its highest point, couples who make a vow together would have their wish come true. Although... She and Simon could hardly be called a couple, and she knew that whatever wish she made wouldn't come true.But still, people could dream, right? Even if... it was just to fool herself. Just then, Simon's phone rang. Laura noticed it was a call from Hailey, and her eyes dimmed. Simon initially didn't want to answer. But Hailey was persistent, calling again and again. Finally, he picked up the phone. Hailey's panicked voice came through. "Simon, something's wrong! You need to come to the hospital right away! Your mom suddenly fainted. She's at the hospital and needs emergency surgery. You have to sign the consent forms!
Meanwhile, Hailey stayed in the hospital room, refusing to leave no matter how hard Simon tried to send her away. She was determined to be the first person Fiona saw when she woke up. As long as she could keep Fiona on her side, Hailey believed Simon would have no choice but to marry her.…Meanwhile, Laura hadn't slept well that night. When morning arrived, Simon still hadn't come back. Her eyes drooped. What was she even expecting? Fiona was in an accident, yet she still hoped Simon would spend the holiday with her. No matter how much Laura tried to reason with herself, she couldn't help feeling upset and let down. The greater her expectations had been, the deeper her disappointment was.Laura decided to go to work to distract herself even though it was Sunday. The office was empty. Everyone else was likely out celebrating Valentine's Day. Laura signed and turned on her computer before working on a draft, hoping to keep herself from dwelling on things.But no ma
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