Zion had his doubts and sighed reproachfully. "If you were wronged, I would seek justice for you. But how could you let Maxwell go to such extremes? Your grandmother is well into her old age, yet she's being locked up. Even if she's released, society will frown upon her. She's still my mother!""What about me? Am I not your daughter?" Jennifer said with a heavy heart. "I didn't push Bridget. And where were you when Grandma locked me up and wanted to starve me to death? Did she view me as her granddaughter then?"Zion's tone grew stern. "Jennifer, this is our family's affair. It shouldn't be causing such a stir. Listen to me, have Maxwell release your grandmother. I can't bear to see your grandmother suffering in prison at her age.""Dad, I can't do anything about it." Jennifer looked disappointedly at Zion. "Besides, I don't want to."Zion grew anxious. He had only been away for two days, and the Yale family was in chaos, with some in prison and others having miscarriages.He look
Jennifer's heart ached. She had a soft spot for her father after all. But thinking of the injustice she had suffered, she asked through teary eyes, "Dad, do you know people can die from heat stroke? Moreover, I was locked in a dark room and forced to confess to things I didn't do. She has never shown any mercy toward me."Despite Jennifer's pleas, Zion only thought that she was conspiring with Maxwell to kill Agnes.He shook his head sorrowfully. "Jennifer, you've changed. How could you be so heartless? In that case, we're no longer a family! You're just the daughter-in-law of the Lance family. We can't possibly match your status or offend you!"With that, Zion turned and left.Hearing this, Jennifer's legs went weak, and she almost fell. Fortunately, Maxwell caught her and softly asked, "Are you okay?"Jennifer stared blankly in the direction Zion left as tears fell silently from her eyes. She choked, "What... What did my dad say? He... doesn't want me anymore... My dad doesn't w
"If you really wish to thank me, then you'll finish the food." Maxwell took the bowl and brought a spoonful of food to Jennifer's mouth. "Be a good girl and have some."Jennifer hesitated and gently pushed his spoon away. "Maxwell, what are we... really?"The sorrow in her eyes was evident as she said hoarsely, "My dad doesn't want me anymore. And soon, neither will you. You're being so good to me now, just like my dad was. But if you leave me too, I'll be even more miserable."Maxwell understood what she meant. But at the moment, he couldn't make any promises to her. After all, she hadn't been completely honest with him and told him who the man she had been hiding was.Maxwell hardened his heart. "Rachel has depression. I... can't abandon her."Jennifer's chest tightened at his word. She didn't know if Rachel really had depression. But it was most likely an act, right?But none of that mattered now. What mattered was that Maxwell was willing to believe her."Jennifer, even if w
But Maxwell was in a good mood. A smile played on his lips as he looked at Jennifer's shy appearance. He almost lost control of himself again.Jennifer dared not look at him, allowing him to wash her as she buried her flushed face into his chest.Just then, Maxwell whispered into her ears, "Jennifer, you're so beautiful." His enchanting voice sent shivers down her spineFinally, he wrapped Jennifer in a towel and carried her back to bed.Thinking about how shamelessly she clung to him tonight, Jennifer felt regretful and dared not look into his eyes.But Maxwell trapped her against the bed, gazing deeply at her. "Jennifer, I… am glad you wanted it today."Jennifer caught on and immediately covered herself with the blanket. "Stop!""Alright, I'll stop," Maxwell smirked and lay beside her, pulling her into his arms. "Go to sleep."After their activities earlier, Jennifer felt drowsy and fell soundly asleep in his embrace.…The next day, Maxwell went to the company early in t
Maxwell frowned at Jennifer's thanks and gently pinched her chin. "Why are you thanking me for something so trivial?"He pecked her lips. "I really have to go now. Stay home and behave yourself."Jennifer looked at his departing figure reluctantly. Although she didn't want him to leave, she also didn't want to delay his work and act spoiled.…Maxwell had a meeting in the morning at Lance Group and left his phone in the office.When he returned, he found his phone had been blown up with missed calls from the caretaker he hired for Rachel. Since Rachel was severely depressed, he hired someone to take care of her, ensuring her safety.Maxwell's heart dropped at the missed calls and immediately called back. "Why did you make so many calls? Did something happen to Rachel?""Mr. Lance, bad news! Ms. Walker just tried swallowing a whole bottle of sleeping pills. Luckily, I managed to take it away from her!" The caretaker, Lilia, said nervously, "Ever since you went back home, Ms. Walk
Maxwell said faintly, "Haven't you had insomnia lately? Get some sleep. I'll handle this myself."For some reason, Maxwell had never done anything with Rachel, even before Jennifer was in the picture. He always said that it would be extremely disrespectful and irresponsible of him to take Rachel before marrying her.But Rachel hated his way of thinking. Because of this, she felt that she had never truly gotten Maxwell's heart."Maxwell..." Rachel's voice was soft and pleading. "It's only right for a wife to help her husband with his shower. I... should learn to be a good wife in advance, don't you think so?"But Maxwell didn't relent. "I'm not used to having someone with me when I bathe. Be a good girl and go out."Rachel clenched the bath sponge tightly and forced a smile. "Take your time then. I... will leave first."She backed down despite her reluctance. Men didn't like forceful women after all!…Meanwhile, at the villa, Laura had just reminded Jennifer that the next day w
Maxwell didn't want to touch Rachel and said solemnly, "You're still feeling unwell. Let's focus on getting you better, then we can talk about other things, okay?""No, everything is fine as long as I have you." Rachel pleaded, "Take me, please?"Maxwell avoided her earnest gaze. "Stop, Rachel. I'm going to the balcony to smoke. Hurry up and put your clothes on."With that, he walked toward the balcony."Maxwell!" Rachel called out to him anxiously. "Why? Aren't men supposed to lose control in front of the women they love? I've already presented myself to you. Why won't you even look at me? Is it because I'm not as important to you as before? Or do you have someone else in your heart and simply don't wish to touch me again?"Maxwell halted his steps and turned to her. "Rachel, you weren't so aggressive before. Why does it matter if I touch you now? How am I supposed to feel if I slept with you before marrying you? You used to value your purity and status. Do you not care about tho
Jennifer groaned self-deprecatingly. "Perhaps we both had expectations that were too high. He never remembers my birthday. It's always been like this.""But if he wasn't preparing a gift for you, why would he ask if you liked that necklace?" Laura comforted her. "What if that shameless woman was sabotaging your relationship and causing misunderstandings between you two? You still have the entire day left. Let's see what happens next."Jennifer knew that Laura was just trying to comfort her. But she was sure Maxwell wouldn't come.But to avoid worrying Laura, she excused herself and went to bed.Early the next morning, Laura arrived at her door with a gift."Surprise!" Laura presented a limited-edition handbag to Jennifer. "Do you like it?"Jennifer accepted the gift with a smile. "I like it."Even though she had been through many hardships recently, today was her birthday, and she forced herself not to let her mind wander.She wanted to have a happy birthday.Laura asked cauti
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