This marked Laura's fourth encounter with Simon. The first time, she had begged him to help with Jennifer's lawsuit against Rachel's relatives. However, Simon had asked for Laura to be his lover in return. Thus, she promptly refused.The second time was at Jennifer's house. Unfortunately, Laura's towel slipped in Simon's presence, exposing her to his lecherous stare. Their third encounter was at the ball, and they were paired together by chance. His slender hand traced her waist, openly expressing his desires.The more Laura thought about it, the more she felt like she was transparent. It was as if Simon could see right through her with just one glance. "Ms. Scott, I haven't spoken yet. Why are you blushing already?"The corners of Simon's mouth curled into a smirk. He then rose and strode over to her.There was no hint of tobacco on him. There was only the fresh scent of mint. Simon leaned in, and his lips almost touched her flushed earlobe. In a flirty tone, he asked, "
It seemed that the person who investigated Laura had not brought this up to Simon. Laura raised her chin proudly and answered, "Yes, my fiancé will be asking for my hand in marriage at the end of the year."Simon had always been adept at concealing his emotions. "Congratulations," he responded with an enigmatic smile. Then, he sat back in his chair. "You can go now. Leave the information about your friend's case. I'll review it and get back to you."Laura was somewhat taken aback. Was that it? She had expected him to put up a fight. She could not believe that not only did he not give her a hard time, but he also agreed to take on Jennifer's case. "Thank you. When should I transfer the lawyer's fee to you?" she asked with gratitude. "No rush," Simon replied lightly, causing Laura's heart to skip a beat again. After all, his willingness to help without accepting payment meant that she owed him a significant favor.Laura preferred if Simon took the lawyer's fees. That way
Suddenly, Jennifer felt powerless. She realized how vast the world was, yet, there was nowhere for her to escape and no path to take.Harry hesitated before saying, "I'm afraid that if you spend another day at my place, it'll be the end of my family.""I know what to do, Mr. Scott. I'll go home tonight. Sorry for troubling you for the past few days," Jennifer responded, her voice choking with emotion while tears welled up in her eyes. Harry reminded her, "Also… Please speak well of me in front of Mr. Lance. As you know, his words can determine the life or death of our family. I don't have a choice, either."Jennifer merely hummed in acknowledgment, waves of sorrow and anguish washing over her. She had not expected Maxwell to resort to such tactics to force her to return. What made it worse was that he had made her go back and beg him willingly. On the way back to the villa, Jennifer chuckled self-deprecatingly. She even felt like she was nothing but an ant to Maxwell. She
But what was Jennifer to Maxwell? He could not provide her marital bliss, yet he refused to grant her freedom. The more Jennifer thought about it, the more aggrieved she became. She immediately grabbed the plate in front of her and devoured the pasta. Her eyes brimmed with tears before streaming down her cheeks. Witnessing her cry over a mere meal, Maxwell angrily said, "I wanted you to eat more because you've lost weight. Is that putting you in a difficult position?""I don't need your insincere kindness!" Jennifer stubbornly wiped her tears and continued eating. All she wanted was to finish her food as he requested so she could discuss the Scott family's matter with him. Maxwell served her some other dishes. "Don't just eat the pasta."Jennifer then mechanically stuffed the food into her mouth. Although she was choking, she forced herself to swallow. Finally, Maxwell could not stand it any longer. He grabbed her plate and coldly remarked, "Forget it. If you don't wa
"Jennifer Yale, do you not like this or do you not like it when it's with me?" Maxwell asked.His tone was sharp, his intent gaze fixed on her as he pressed, "Did you enjoy it when the man you cheated with touched you?""You're despicable!" Jennifer yelled. She was so frustrated that she cried. "Since you think I'm dirty and find me repulsive, why don't we just get a divorce? Why do you want to humiliate and torture me?" Maxwell felt his chest tighten as he thought about Jennifer wanting a divorce and her affair. He sensed that he was on the verge of losing his rationality.Suddenly, he cupped her cheeks and planted a passionate kiss on her lips, fierce and unrelenting like a storm. On the other hand, Jennifer felt pain and numbness in her lips. She could feel it whenever Maxwell was gentle.However, right then, he was venting his frustrations on her. It was not until Maxwell tasted the salty tears that he slowly released her. Looking into Jennifer's defiant and resentful
"Tell me! Is there anything else?" Maxwell asked sternly.Lilia sighed and answered, "Recently, Ms. Walker likes to watch soap operas. She'd watch them while crying, saying she's the third party. She also mentioned she has ruined your family. "And today, she told me she wants to see you one last time before quietly leaving Haven City. But I… I can't bear to see her torment herself like this. After all, Ms. Walker is a nice person."Maxwell never imagined that Rachel would want to leave the city quietly. Feeling nervous, he immediately opened her room door. Rachel seemed somewhat surprised and hurriedly hid something under the bed."What are you hiding?" Maxwell asked somberly."Nothing." Rachel nervously added, "Max, can we have a good chat? T-There's something I want to tell you."Her words carried the weight of a farewell. Right away, Maxwell crouched down to pull out the box from under the bed. "You've packed your luggage. What do you want to do?" he inquired sharply.
Jennifer could not help but think she had been overly hopeful. She had naively believed the necklace was a birthday surprise Maxwell had prepared for her.She simply walked past Rachel, unwilling to engage in conversation with her. There was nothing to be said, either.However, Rachel stopped her, saying, "Ms. Yale, this might be our last meeting. Max specifically sent me to find you. You wouldn't deny him this, would you?"The second Jennifer heard Maxwell's name, she instinctively halted, her heart skipping a beat.She looked at Rachel and uttered, "What do you want to say? Spit it out.""Ms. Yale, you look worn out." Rachel chuckled. She did not even bother to conceal her mockery. "There's a cafe across the street. Let's talk there, shall we?""What tricks do you have up your sleeves now? If you have something to say, say it here. I don't have time to go anywhere," Jennifer replied coldly.Rachel's lips curled into a smirk. "It looks like you're wary of me. Take a look at t
To Jennifer, two days felt like two years. Each second was so long and excruciating. She figured she could only find peace after finalizing the divorce. That way, she could sever ties with Maxwell. Jennifer spent all her time in the laboratory, trying to free herself from her predicament.Suddenly, Quincy, who was beside her, shrieked."What's the matter?"Startled, Jennifer looked at Quincy with a frown.The latter hurriedly handed Jennifer her phone and said angrily, "Look at what's being posted on the school forum! I'm sure someone wants to tarnish your reputation. Think hard. Who have you offended recently?"Jennifer took the phone and saw a post from half an hour ago on the forum.At that point, the post had garnered thousands of comments, making it the most discussed topic. The post basically claimed that Jennifer's personal life was a mess. Not only did she seduce the second son of the Lance family but she also caused her sister to have a miscarriage.Who else but B
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