Jennifer scrolled down the page. As she read the accusations and false information in the article, her hand trembled.She'd never thought that a normal person like her would end up being exposed in public like this.Even though she thought she was mentally strong and generally carefree, she didn't know what to do in the face of the rumors. How was she going to stop them?A while later, her doorbell sounded.Jennifer opened the door to Laura, who was panting. "Jennifer, that article was written to slander you, wasn't it? Did that homewrecker write it? I don't believe you'd do such a thing. I refuse to believe it!"Laura's unwavering trust in her touched Jennifer. She felt like crying.Laura was the first person after her father who believed in her.Maxwell, on the other hand, pitied the villain!In a low voice, Jennifer told Laura about how she had saved the old woman.In the end, she sighed tiredly. "I just didn't expect her to be Rachel's grandmother. Her heart was already fa
Maxwell had been spending the last two days with Rachel and had probably never even thought of her until now. At that thought, Jennifer said coldly, "That has got nothing to do with you. Anyway, I wasn't going to enter through the main entrance. I know a side entrance near my lab that barely anyone knows.""I was right when I called you an idiot," Maxwell said as he fished out his phone. "I told my driver to scout the route for you. Take a look yourself."Jennifer was shocked when she saw the photo.Even the side entrance, where people rarely walked by, was clogged with reporters at the moment."So, why are you here?" Maxwell asked seriously. "Why are you still so bothered about your experiment in this situation?"Dully, Jennifer replied, "My lab rats are about to die, so my classmate reminded me to come feed them.""When did she call you?" Maxwell pressed on."Is that important?" Jennifer gave him an exasperated look.Maxwell did not answer. He called Kurt again and asked him
Jennifer smiled. "What do you want to eat? I'll cook."She wasn't the best cook, but she could whip up something edible with no problem."Anything will do. I'll go and get a shower first."Still smiling dumbly, Jennifer went into the kitchen.Maxwell had been on a business trip. He hadn't been spending time with Rachel at all.Moreover, the first thing he did when he returned was to follow her to Haven University to protect her.Her husband was warming up to her.Once she got the food ready, she went upstairs to get Maxwell.When she got to the door, she heard him talking gently."Rach, are you really okay? You have to eat something," he said. "Your blood sugar is low. You should take better care of yourself."He paused as Rachel spoke on the other end. "It's not you, I know. I know it's your relatives that did this. You're not like them, Rach."I'm sorry I can't be there when you need me the most, but I've been really busy these few days. I also have to deal with this who
"Jennifer…" Maxwell did not push her away. He glanced down at his waist and mumbled, "Watch your hands."Jennifer came back to her senses with a jolt when she realized that her hand was on his groin.Embarrassed, she whipped her hand back quickly and explained, "Sorry, it was an accident."She got up quickly.Maxwell looked amused. He touched his lips thoughtfully, still feeling the lingering warmth.The soft warmth reminded him of that night.Maxwell stopped himself quickly.What was wrong with him? That woman was Rachel, not Jennifer.This was ridiculous.Jennifer avoided his eyes and said in a small voice, "You were the one who pulled me suddenly. I wouldn't have slipped if you hadn't.""I didn't say anything," Maxwell said, pressing his fingers to her lips. "Maybe we should've done this earlier," he said meaningfully.She probably wouldn't have cheated on him if he'd satisfied her properly as her husband.Jennifer stared at him. She didn't understand what he was trying
Maxwell walked over to the door.When he saw Rachel, his expression turned into one of guilt.Rachel stared at him. He had clearly just woken up as well.Had the two of them slept together the night before?No wonder he hadn't gone over to her place last night. That wench, Jennifer, had stopped him.Covering up her negative thoughts, Rachel exclaimed, "Max! What happened? Why are there so many rashes on your arms and neck?"Tears began running down her face. "No wonder you weren't picking up your phone last night. You were sick, weren't you? Why didn't you tell me, Max? Thank goodness I came, or I wouldn't have known!"Maxwell thought she was making too much of a fuss out of this. "I'm fine. It was just an allergic reaction.""An allergic reaction?" Rachel said. "You're only allergic to peppers, so I've always avoided putting peppers in your food. Did you not know that, Ms. Yale?"Jennifer stood at the side, feeling like a stranger in her own home.She had no answer to Rachel
Jennifer blocked her way and made no move to let her into the house.She knew that Rachel wasn't just here to pack clothes for Maxwell. She was here to gloat."Get out of my way!" Rachel snapped. "Ms. Yale, you won't be staying here for much longer either. Sooner or later, this house will belong to me and Max. You have no right to stop me from entering!"Jennifer resisted the urge to slap her.All of a sudden, she felt exhausted. She didn't want to continue fighting for a man who would never belong to her.She could barely fight for herself. If she had to lose, then so be it.Love was a luxury to her.She moved aside and cleared a space for Rachel to enter.Suddenly, a hand grabbed Rachel by the shoulder and pulled her back.Before she could do anything, someone slapped her hard."Laurie?" Jennifer was shocked. Why was Laura here?Startled by the slap, Rachel took a few moments to recollect herself. She stared at Laura in shock. "You're the reporter who interviewed me that d
Jennifer realized that things had escalated too far immediately. "Laurie, stop it. You're going to get in trouble."Laura still retained her rationality. She had just wanted to teach Rachel a lesson; with that done, she flung Rachel toward the driveway. "Get lost!" She pointed a threatening finger at Rachel. "If I see you harassing Jennifer here, I'll beat you up again!"After Rachel left, Jennifer clutched at her chest. "You scared me, Laurie.""That's nothing." Laura pounded on her chest. "If my future husband ever cheats on me, I'll make sure the bitch regrets being born!"Jennifer laughed as well. "That was rather vindictive, to tell you the truth. If I knew this would happen to me, I would've taken martial arts classes when I was young as well!"As she spoke, she went into the kitchen and got Laura a glass of water.After fighting and sweating so much earlier, she must be thirsty."Why are you here so early, Laurie?" she asked curiously."Sorry, Jennifer," Laura said glo
Jennifer ran over immediately. "Sir, there's a misunderstanding here. Please don't arrest her. We'll pay for all damages, or if she wants to sue, we can hire a lawyer.""That comes later," one of the policemen said coldly. "The victim has already reported the case. We have to follow the due process."With that, they left with Laura.Before she left, Laura gave Jennifer a forced smile. "Don't worry, Jennifer, I'll be fine. Oh, and don't tell my dad."If her father heard about this, he would give her yet another scolding. Even worse, he might offer Rachel money to settle this.She didn't want to give Rachel any money at all.After Laura was arrested, Jennifer panicked.However, it was late at night; Robert was definitely sleeping by now. She couldn't call him for help.The only person who could help her was Maxwell.Jennifer tried calling him, but he did not pick up his phone.She figured that he was probably taking care of Rachel, considering that she'd been hurt in the fight.
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