After listening to Simon's explanation, Laura looked at him with a serious expression, surprise, and curiosity flickering in her eyes.She was surprised because the Simon she knew wouldn't have been so patient, nor would he explain himself. With the nature of their relationship, he didn't have to explain anything to her.Yet the more he behaved this way, the more Laura's heart swelled, making her deceive herself and sink into this tangled web.She buried herself into his chest and hugged his waist tightly, her head resting against his heart.Her voice was barely above a whisper. "You didn't reply to my messages these past few days. I didn't know what I did wrong. You should at least tell me if you're getting married. I won't cling to you. But I don't like not knowing where you are."Guilt struck Simon. He gently held Laura and murmured, "You didn't do anything wrong. My absence the past few days… was my fault."The truth was, he still hadn't figured out what to do with Laura. Eve
Simon sat across from Laura, eating elegantly. It was a stark contrast to Laura's casual demeanor. Laura couldn't understand how such a perfect man could exist. It turned out there were men who were good at work and house chores.Her heart tightened when she thought about how all these wonderful qualities might one day belong to another woman. "Do you want more?" Simon asked. "I can share some of mine." Laura finished the soup in her bowl and shyly shook her head. "No, I'm fine. I… I already ate so much. I'll gain two more pounds tomorrow." Simon chuckled. "What's wrong with gaining weight? You're all bones. It'd feel much better if you had some meat on you."Laura shot him a playful glare. Why was he so proper during the day but flirty at night? She changed the subject. "When did you learn to cook? I remember Jennifer said Maxwell learned to cook because he couldn't get used to the food while studying abroad. What about you?"Simon froze, caught in a memory. He sa
After a night of passion, Laura felt soreness all over her body, and her legs seemed like they didn't belong to her.Even breakfast was prepared by Simon. In the morning light, Simon stood in the kitchen in a white shirt. His black trousers made his legs appear even longer. Laura let her gaze linger on him. She tilted her head, staring at him with infatuation. No matter how long she looked, he was simply breathtaking. Noticing her staring, Simon glanced at her while flipping eggs. "Why are you staring at me like a hungry wolf so early in the morning?" Laura quickly withdrew her gaze. "I wasn't looking at you. I was staring at the food." Simon finished frying the egg and slipped it into a piece of toast. Laura beamed at the breakfast. "Mr. Moore, your cooking is a million times better than mine. Why don't you make breakfast every day from now on?" Simon flicked her forehead. "You're getting greedy now." Just then, Laura's phone rang. She answered the call while
When Laura entered the conference room, she felt every gaze land on her, making her face burn with embarrassment. She wished the ground would swallow her whole.She apologized, "Sorry, there was a bit of traffic this morning, so... I'm late." Everyone waited eagerly to see her make a fool of herself. After all, Joseph was notoriously short-tempered and sharp-tongued. Even when no mistakes were made, Joseph could pick faults where none existed. Now, Laura was toying with danger, and most people assumed he would fire her on the spot. Laura stood there with her head down, like a student late for class, afraid to move until Joseph gave permission. Finally, Joseph spoke, "Come in. You can present the News Department's performance for the last quarter after the Entertainment Department." His tone was calm, almost gentle. Laura wondered if her ears were playing tricks on her. The others were equally stunned, casting shocked glances at Joseph. This was completely unlike h
Laura stared at the screen, puzzled.Simon sent another message: "I'll pick you up tonight to meet a friend."Laura was surprised. Why did Simon want to take her to meet a friend? Was she someone he could openly bring out in public? Laura consoled herself. What was she worried about if Simon was the one who invited her?So, she agreed.After work, Simon came to pick her up. Laura thought they were going for dinner or something casual. To her surprise, they went to Nimbus Lounge."This is the place?" Laura frowned. She had her biases against clubs. "Who is this friend of yours? Why meet at a place like this?" Simon parked the car "He enjoys places like these. This is his go-to spot whenever he comes to Haven City." Laura's expression shifted to one of seriousness. "So, did you invite me here just to have some fun too, Mr. Moore?" Simon caught on and sighed helplessly. "Laurie, you're too sensitive." Wouldn't staying home be far more convenient if he wanted to play
Laura's expression turned unpleasant after hearing the rules. She quickly turned to Simon.Did this mean they always played games like these when Joseph visited? The thought of Simon being with hostesses in her absence disgusted Laura. Joseph chimed in, "Come on, Simon! Let's play a few rounds, then we'll eat! I rarely get to visit Haven City, so you have to party with me until I'm satisfied!" The two hostesses by his side set a pair of dice on the table. They smiled flirtatiously. "Let's just play the dice game. If Mr. Zone loses, we'll take something off. If Mr. Moore loses, then…" Simon cut them off. "Laura doesn't play these kinds of games, and she won't." One of the hostesses rolled her eyes. "Isn't this the most basic game in any club?" Simon's expression darkened. Noticing his mood, Joseph quickly shot the hostess a look, signaling her to stop talking. Then, he tried to lighten the awkward atmosphere with a laugh. "Simon, are you keeping things solid at hom
"Simon Moore!" Laura had enough and huffed. "I never thought you were so frivolous! I know I can't stop you, nor do I have the right to. But can you leave me out of it? I don't want to watch you guys mess around!" Simon's voice was low and husky. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken you. I thought since Joseph is your superior, it might be good to introduce you two so he would go easier on you at work. I didn't expect to upset you." Laura shot him a gloomy look. "Do you wish I was more like those two hostesses? What did you guys even do after I left?" Simon couldn't help but laugh. Her jealousy pleased him.His tone softened. "I could go to any club if I wanted women like that. Why would I need you?"Laura snorted. "Who knows what you and Joseph used to do together? Only a fool would believe you!"Simon knew that she was just upset. He ruffled her hair and explained, "Joseph wasn't always like this. He was hurt by a woman, and... He became cynical and stubborn after. He's bee
Laura sighed to herself. She just needed to coordinate with Simon to get the news. Why did Joseph make it sound like such a difficult task?She promised, "Don't worry, Mr. Zone. Our News Department has coordinated with Valor Law Firm before, and we've done quite a few exclusive interviews with Mr. Moore. This shouldn't be a problem."Joseph smiled. "You're good at keeping work and personal life separate, but I haven't finished yet. The reason we're focusing on this news piece is because the family of the deceased worker is suing Brooks Group for insufficient safety measures. Plus, the workers at the site are agitated. The company is unwilling to pay compensation and hired a lawyer to minimize the settlement. The family of the deceased refuses to accept the proposed 200 thousand dollars as compensation. Both sides are at a stalemate." "200 thousand dollars?" Laura was stunned. "A human life, and they're offering only that little?" Joseph nodded. "Even you're outraged. That's why
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