After a pause, Maxwell sighed. "Jennifer, I'll give you some time to think about it. If you really don't want to salvage our marriage, I'll respect your choice."Jennifer didn't expect Maxwell to leave the decision in her hands. She dared not meet his eyes and asked, "Would you agree to get the divorce?"Maxwell paused. "If that's what you want, I will."Jennifer couldn't bring herself to ask for a divorce right away. Maxwell's words had sparked hope inside her again. But thinking about how she had been ignored, humiliated, and doubted, she didn't want to accept him unconditionally.After some thought, Jennifer asked weakly, "Before I make up my mind, could you... not visit me? I'll tell you the answer when I've thought it through."Maxwell's face fell. "Are you chasing me out?"Jennifer rubbed her hands. "I can't focus on my thoughts with you here.""But I'm worried about you" Maxwell touched her forehead. "You still have a fever."Jennifer was not used to his concern. "It's
They had just broken up, and he was already sleeping on the couch for Jennifer. Rachel clenched her fists, suppressing the jealousy raging in her heart. She composed herself and put down what she was holding. Then, she walked over to the couch quietly and leaned down.Maxwell felt her touch on his cheek and immediately woke up. "Why are you here? Didn't I say we shouldn't see each other anymore?" He immediately sat up with a hint of discomfort. Then, he stood up and went to the sink to freshen up, completely ignoring her.Rachel followed him. "Maxwell, I came to apologize to Ms. Yale. I know I've been blinded by jealousy lately. But I really love you! I can't believe I lied to you about being sick. I was wrong! Won't you forgive me?"Maxwell had calmed down by now. He wiped his face with an indifferent look. Then, he saw Jennifer in the mirror. She was just standing there quietly, looking at them.Jennifer had woken up when she heard the commotion. But she didn't expect Maxwell
Maxwell sucked in a deep breath. "Rachel, let me be clear. Although I've been married to Jennifer for two years, I never viewed you as a mistress. I've always believed that my marriage with her was a last resort, and I wouldn't touch you until our marriage. I thought that was the least I could do for you.""But you still did it, didn't you?" Rachel cried. "You said you would marry me. But you've changed your mind, haven't you? You've long fallen in love with Jennifer, and you don't want to divorce her!"Maxwell's expression shifted, and he neither admitted nor denied it.Rachel smiled bitterly. "If I hadn't pretended to have depression, you probably would have left me long ago. Maxwell, you were the one who betrayed me!""Sorry, I can only compensate you in other ways." His gaze sharpened as he warned. "I hope you won't come to disturb Jennifer again. Otherwise, we won't even be able to be friends again."Rachel's heart sank as she stared at the man she had loved for many years. H
The walls Jennifer built around her heart collapsed. It felt as if the storm had ended and it was daylight again. A warm smile spread across her face. "I believe you. Even if the necklace wasn't for me, your words were comforting enough."She still loved him and was too easily moved by him. Especially now, when Maxwell looked this dejected and helpless, Jennifer had seen him in his glory, so she knew how much he was hurting.Jennifer felt sad and heartbroken. She didn't want to let him torture himself. So, she piped up, "Since you've told me your secret, I'll return the favor""What is it?" Maxwell looked at her curiously.Jennifer curled up on the bed and mumbled, "You said you wanted to know who the man is, right? I'll tell you."Maxwell remained, his gaze fixed on her. It was evident that he cared about her. Although Jennifer didn't want to bring up the nightmare, she knew she needed to confess if she wanted to heal."It was Jocelyn and Bridget..." Jennifer's voice was h
The thought of how helpless Jennifer felt when the stranger touched her made Maxwell see red. It wasn't until Jennifer's crying stopped that he spoke. "Get some rest. I'll be back in a moment." With that, he strode out. He went to a stairway to smoke, his expression hidden in the shadows. He called Michael. "Bring Bridget and Jocelyn to Nimbus Lounge. Also, if Daniel Zito is in Haven City, bring him too. If he's not, get him here as soon as possible!"Sensing the gloom in Maxwell's voice, Michael asked nervously, "Mr. Lance, what... What are you planning to do? Do we have some grudge with Daniel? And what do you mean by bringing them?"Maxwell's patience was wearing thin. "If you can't even handle this, you can kiss your job goodbye." Michael felt speechless. He didn't understand why Maxwell demanded those people to be brought to him. It seemed a storm was brewing.…In a wooden house by the seaside, Maxwell sat in a chair surrounded by smoke. Today, he learned the truth
When Maxwell heard this, he suddenly recalled that he was in Nimbus Lounge's presidential suite that night. Could it be? Was it him that night? The mere thought made Maxwell's heart drop.He immediately called Michael. But Daniel was filming overseas and couldn't be brought over immediately. Maxwell had no choice but to summon the manager of Nimbus Lounge.The manager forced a smile. "Mr. Lance, our surveillance system was hacked that night, so we couldn't find any footage. However, we do have a record of the guest list. We have two presidential suites. You were in one of them that night, and Daniel had booked the other. Moreover, the system clearly showed he checked in."Hearing this, Maxwell's heart sank. So, did he and Jennifer miss each other that night? They were in different suites, each with someone else.Maxwell wasn't convinced. "Tell me, who intercepted Daniel that night? Didn't you say his room was taken?""Mr. Lance, according to our records, Daniel did spend the nig
Rachel nodded with satisfaction. "Well done, I'll reward you greatly. Also, I'll take care of your daughter's dance education abroad. I know a dance professor.""Thank you, Ms. Walker!" The manager thanked her. "I will do anything you want in the future."Rachel continued, "Keep an eye on the club. Make sure to inform me if Maxwell does anything."The manager immediately nodded. "Ms. Walker, our boss said he would like to invite you over once everything is done."Disgust flashed in Rachel's eyes. "Tell him I don't have time. I'll leave now."The manager persuaded her. "Maybe you should give it a thought. Everything in Nimbus Lounge has to go through the boss. He helped you with this. If you don't accept the invite and anger him, I'm afraid..."Rachel took a deep breath and reluctantly followed the manager in.…Back at the hospital, Martha held a tray and asked, "What's wrong, Mrs. Lance? Didn't Mr. Lance already break things off with that woman? Why aren't you eating?""I hav
Jennifer lifted her gaze and asked helplessly, "Can we really forget about it? You don't mind?""My only regret is me not being there to protect you. I couldn't deal with the pesky Yale family in time." Maxwell's voice filled with resentment. "Remember, you have done nothing wrong. So, you shouldn't bear these consequences alone."Jennifer didn't expect him to say this. She leaned against him and choked, "I thought you wouldn't come back when you left. I thought you would find me disgusting."Maxwell cupped her face and kissed her, not wanting her to insult herself further. The kiss was passionate yet gentle.Jennifer felt her world spinning, and her mind blanked out. Only Maxwell was on her mind.Maxwell only let her go when Jennifer began gasping for air. Then, he picked her up and placed her on the bed.She was nervous, yet willingly gave herself to him. He led her, tempted her, and their fingers intertwined, reluctant to part. They were one until late at night.Looking at Je
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