The station chief reviewed the surveillance footage and explained to Simon personally, "His last known location was at the dormitory building of Haven University. He went inside, but unfortunately, there were no cameras in the restrooms."We believed he changed his clothes and shoes before leaving. Our initial assessment is that he's likely a student at the university. But for now, the trail's gone cold. I'd say he's good at avoiding being tracked. At this point, we don't have enough evidence to bring him in."Simon nodded in response. Now, he was nearly certain of the stalker's identity. "Alright, I think I know who it is. Thank you for your hard work."The station chief hurriedly replied, "Oh, Mr. Moore, no need to thank us! We'll be needing your expertise down the line. Helping each other is what we do."…At the studio, Laura sat in her office, texting Simon to check if there were any updates on the stalker.However, all he replied was, "They're still investigating."The cor
"No problem, Laura," Alex replied before shifting his gaze to Britney.Then, he shyly said, "Let me show you around our firm. That way, if you guys ever work with us again, you'll have a better sense of how we operate."Britney, ever cheerful and outgoing, flashed a bright smile. "Sounds great! Let's go!"A satisfied smile tugged at Laura's lips as she watched them chat. With that, she entered Simon's office.Work was something both Simon and Laura took seriously. Moreover, the Brooks Group workplace fatality case weighed heavily on her heart.She couldn't shake her frustration and confusion about why Simon had taken the case, but she had a job to do. Setting her personal feelings aside, she switched into professional mode and began asking her questions.This time, Simon didn't make things difficult for her. He answered each question thoroughly and without hesitation. Toward the end of the interview, Laura asked a pointed question that hadn't been part of her original script.
Laura blinked innocently and answered, "I was talking about myself."Simon fixed his gaze on her, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Should I call Alex over right now? You can ask him directly if he's willing to accept you."Laura hadn't expected to shoot herself in the foot again, and her face turned red from his teasing. Flustered, she shoved him away. "Oh, come on! I was joking!"I was asking on behalf of Britney. You know, my colleague. If Alex is single, why not let them give it a shot? Britney's great. She's cheerful and kind. They seem like a good match."Simon finally let out a scoff. "You've got a knack for worrying about everyone, don't you?"She pushed him toward his desk and replied, "Alright, that's enough. You should get back to work. I'll tell Britney and have Alex give her a ride back. It's a perfect opportunity for them to spend some time together."With that, Simon sat back down in front of his computer and got back to work.At the same time, Laura texted Britney, a
Simon hummed softly before explaining, "The police retrieved the surveillance footage, but it wasn't enough to prove anything. Now that he's taken photos of us, we have solid evidence. This confirms he's been stalking and secretly photographing us."Only then did Laura understand why he had asked her out. The excitement that had been bubbling within her vanished instantly at that realization.She pulled her hand away from his, her voice tinged with disappointment as she said, "So, this is why you wanted to watch the fireworks. Well, now that we've got the evidence, can we go home?"But to her surprise, Simon took her hand again, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Who says we can't gather evidence and enjoy the fireworks at the same time?"Laura froze momentarily. He had a point.In the end, they went to Botanical Garden as planned. The fireworks show was just beginning when they arrived. On top of that, Simon had made arrangements beforehand. So, the garden's director personall
Almost immediately, Laura pulled out her camera and snapped a photo of the couple on the field. She figured she could ask Britney to write a small feature about it to fill some space in the paper.The young man knelt on one knee, holding out a ring as he asked, "Will you marry me?"On the other hand, the woman was overwhelmed. Tears streamed down her face, and she couldn't even manage a coherent response.Around them, the crowd erupted with cheers. "Say yes! Say yes!" they chanted.Laura stood silently, her eyes glistening as tears clung to her lashes. She envied the woman. There was nothing more beautiful than being proposed to by someone you loved and knowing you were cherished. Unfortunately, that kind of happiness would never be hers.Her choice to be with Simon came with a cost—she had to keep their relationship hidden. She had willingly let go of any hope of a public future with him, of sharing their happiness openly. One day, perhaps soon, Simon would stage a grand pr
Laura's face clouded with worry. "So, what do we do now?""That's not your problem to solve. It's his," Simon replied. "The stalker's been caught, so there's nothing for you to fear anymore. Just carry on with your life. Leave Jonah to me."Even so, unease lingered. But Laura didn't want to deal with Jonah anymore. She had explained things to him countless times, always trying to reason with him.She never imagined he would go to such extremes and frighten her like this. So, this time, she decided not to intervene. Simon was experienced in handling situations like these, after all.…The next day, Simon went straight to Miguel's law firm. He wasted no time delivering the news of Jonah's arrest and outlined the events leading up to it in detail.Miguel's face drained of color upon hearing that."This can't be true!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. "Jonah has always been well-behaved. He'd never do something like this! Simon, there must be some mistake."Simon's t
Miguel sighed, cursing himself inwardly for his stupidity. How had it taken him this long to piece it all together? The last name "Moore" wasn't common to begin with. When Simon started appearing in his life again after all these years, he should have connected the dots sooner.If he had, Simon's obsession with his refusal to take Harry's case would have been obvious.Simon's piercing, oppressive gaze bore into Miguel as he closed the distance between them. "What do you know about my father's death? How much do you know? Tell me!" he demanded. His voice was low, but it carried a dangerous edge. For a split second, Miguel's mind went blank. But a moment later, he yelled, "I don't know! Stop asking! Simon, don't forget. I'm your mentor. No matter how successful you are now, this isn't how you talk to me!"But Miguel's reaction gave Simon all the confirmation he needed. Clearly, the former knew something about Anthony's death. Yet, infuriatingly, he still wouldn't talk.Simon le
Violet hissed through gritted teeth, "Oh, it gets worse! That bitch Laura has moved into Simon's place! A friend at the police station told me Jonah caught them coming out of Simon's garage together. That was how he had those photos."Hailey clenched her jaw, her anger bubbling over. She had only been to Simon's house once, and even then, he had thrown her out. She couldn't believe that Laura had the audacity to move in. "I won't let that bitch get away with this! I'm holding back for now, but once I'm Mrs. Moore, I'll deal with her," Hailey declared.…Meanwhile, Laura returned to Simon's place after work. Without wasting time, she started packing her things.Now that Jonah had been arrested, the stalking nightmare was finally over. Hence, there was no reason to stay here any longer.Although moving back to her rented apartment wouldn't free her from Simon's control, at least it was her own place.When she finished packing, Laura glanced outside. The sky darkened as thick cl
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