Jennifer retrieved the scarf she had knitted for him from the wardrobe. "It's going to be cold tomorrow. Here, this is for you."Maxwell glanced at the thick dark gray scarf. If it had been before, he would have been happy by her initiative. But now, he couldn't help but feel that all her obedience and thoughtfulness toward him were merely to help Zion. Or perhaps, for some other purpose?Thinking about how she had talked to her friends before, he couldn't shake the feeling that she saw their relationship as just a show, just a means to an end!The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He took the scarf and casually tossed it onto the nearby couch. "I don't like wearing these."With that, he got into bed and closed his eyes, turning his back to her. Disappointment flashed in Jennifer's eyes. So, what Quincy said was true. Her poorly knitted scarf was obviously not up to his standards. Why would someone of his status appreciate it?Sighing softly, Jennifer silently cli
Jennifer suddenly perked up. "So, how did it go?""It's a bit tricky. I'm still working on it through connections." Maxwell didn't tell Jennifer the full severity of the situation.Jennifer saw hope and knew that this couldn't be resolved in just a day or two. So, she smiled with relief. "Then there's still hope, right?""Of course." Maxwell hugged her and comforted, "Don't worry about it. I've got everything under control."Jennifer hesitated and asked cautiously, "What about Rachel? Did you really send her abroad?"Maxwell stiffened. But luckily Jennifer didn't notice it due to the dark. He didn't want to lie to her, but Rachel's situation was due to Zion. How could he tell Jennifer the truth?He lied, "Yes, I've already sent her away."Jennifer didn't expect that he would fulfill his promise, and she leaned into Maxwell's warm embrace.Jennifer shifted, and her soft lips trailed down his neck. This sparked something within Maxwell.His gaze clouded but he restrained himself
Jennifer ran into Quincy at the hospital entrance."Why do you look so happy today?" Quincy asked, watching the Maybach that had just driven away. "Did your husband change his car?"Jennifer nodded with a smile.Seeing her in a good mood, Quincy asked curiously, "So, did he resolve the issues with the mistress? How did it go?"Jennifer was uncomfortable talking about this "He sent that woman abroad."Quincy pressed on, "What? What about the child?""She kept the child." Jennifer's good mood instantly vanished.Quincy felt speechless. "Jennifer, wake up. That woman is now enjoying life abroad with your husband's money. Why are you still so happy? Do you think this matter is resolved? Do you think that just because she went abroad, she won't come back with the child in the future?" Jennifer knew what Quincy was getting at. But Zion was in trouble, and Maxwell was the only one who could help her. Besides, she wasn't really prepared to break up with him. She admitted that she de
Michael led Simon into the president's office. "Mr. Lance, Mr. Moore is here.""Okay, you can leave." After dismissing Michael, Maxwell immediately asked, "How did it go? Did you find any new leads when you went to the police station today?"Simon sat opposite him and took a sip of tea. "Forget it. After all these years, this is one of the rare challenging cases I've encountered.""What do you mean?" Maxwell asked. "Even you find it difficult?"Simon pursed his lips. "I'm a lawyer, not a miracle worker! To be honest, the odds of winning this lawsuit are very slim. The evidence is conclusive, and since Rachel is still pregnant, the judge will definitely favor her."Maxwell frowned. "Did you investigate the driver who claimed to have done it under Zion's orders?""I had someone look into it, but there wasn't any dirt on the driver. He's unmarried, with only an elderly mother at home who is seriously ill. Also, the police found evidence of Zion transferring 50 thousand dollars to th
Quincy was at the best obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Haven City.Due to Rachel's complications, including crush fractures in both legs and an unstable pregnancy, several renowned gynecology experts were called in for a consultation. Among them was Quincy's attending doctor.Quincy didn't expect to see Rachel again. And Rachel also recognized Quincy immediately. Wasn't that the girl who had teamed up with Jennifer last time to yell at her? However, instead of making things difficult for Quincy, Rachel smiled at her.How perfect! An opportunity had presented itself and she didn't even need to do any planning! Quincy was the best person to use against Jennifer. After all, Rachel was worried that Jennifer might not find out! No matter how much Maxwell wanted to protect Jennifer, what could he do in this situation? Eventually, Jennifer would know what Zion had done. Rachel would wait for Jennifer to come begging her.While Quincy watched her attending doctor inquire
Jennifer left and took a taxi back to the Yale residence.Due to Zion's situation, Agnes had lost a lot of weight. Now, seeing Jennifer, she unleashed all her pent-up anger."Why are you here?" she shouted furiously. "Your father has been in prison for so long, and you're still living your best life with the Lance family! We should never have raised you! You ungrateful wretch!"Jennifer turned a deaf ear to Agnes's complaints. She approached her and demanded, "How exactly did my father end up in the lawsuit? Who did he hit?""You still don't know!" Agnes raged. "If it weren't for your father sticking up for you and hitting that woman named Rachel, would he be in this situation? It's all because of you, you jinx! Our family is cursed to have you!"Jennifer observed the hatred in Agnes's eyes. She couldn't understand why her own grandmother had no love for her. But Agnes's words confirmed her suspicions.Tears welled up as she choked, "Why didn't anyone tell me earlier?""Because
"He won't tell me the truth!" Jennifer was so anxious she could hardly speak, choking on her words. "But he's my father. I have the right to know what's happening. "Please, Mr. Moore, tell me, what's my father's current situation? What charges will he face? Can you take me to see him so I can ask him myself? I just can't believe my dad would hit Rachel."Simon realized that Jennifer would not let it go unless he explained everything. He sighed. "Your father's case is very tricky. The evidence is conclusive. It's not a matter of whether you believe it or not.""Can you take me to see him?" Jennifer clutched his sleeve, pleading. "I need to hear it from him to believe it.""Ms. Yale, your father is charged with assault and is currently in a detention center. Family members are not allowed to see him, only lawyers are permitted. Instead of spending time on this, you should find Rachel and persuade her to withdraw the charges. Only then can your father be released on bail."Jennifer'
This was exactly what Rachel wanted to hear. She put on a pitiful look and sobbed, "What I want is simple. I just want my baby to have a proper family and not be called a bastard. I know you won't agree to this. If you were willing, you wouldn't have conspired with Maxwell to send me abroad in the first place.""I..." Jennifer felt a pang of guilt. But Rachel had hired people to attack Zion before, forcing her to take drastic measures. After some pondering, Jennifer took a deep breath. "I understand. I can divorce Maxwell and let you marry him instead.""Thank you for your sincerity. I'll consider letting your father go," Rachel said as she stroked her belly. "But you should handle the divorce quickly. After all, my baby is growing, and the little one can't be born without a father."Jennifer felt her heart shattered. That was true. Rachel still had Maxwell's child. But what did she have?Just then, Rachel suddenly added, "Ms. Yale, Maxwell might resent me if he finds out you'r
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