Maxwell's expression darkened at Jennifer's words. It was as if he were looking at a stranger. Did Jennifer really say that? Maxwell shook his head disappointedly. "When did you become so cold and evil?"Jennifer staggered but stubbornly stood her ground and held back her emotions. From Maxwell's reaction, she had successfully sent her husband into another woman's arms.Maxwell would never understand how desperate and hopeless she felt. It was as if she was stabbing herself with a knife. No matter how much her hands trembled, she had to see it through. This was the best way Jennifer could describe how she felt.She smiled at Maxwell. "I won't apologize! Rachel deserves it, and so do you. I hope you will never find happiness!"With that, she stormed away without hesitation.Maxwell was enraged. He had thought the truth would overwhelm Jennifer and even thought of ways to comfort her. But it seemed he had been wrong.Maxwell realized he didn't know Jennifer at all. The kindness
Bridget was terrified and trembled uncontrollably and quickly defended herself. "I'm sorry, Mr. Lance. It just slipped out! I didn't mean to do it. Please… forgive me!""Do you have a death wish?" Maxwell glared at her and flung her to the side.Bridget fell to the floor, crying and begging for mercy.Meanwhile, Maxwell took out his phone and called Nimbus Lounge. "Have someone pick up Bridget! Teach this ignorant woman a lesson!""No, please, Mr. Lance," Bridget cried and crawled to him. "I won't do it again. Please don't send me back to Nimbus Lounge. It's hell there. I... I can't go back. They'll kill me."Maxwell squatted down and gripped her jaw. "I've told you, you should do as you're told! Nothing more, nothing less! But you're too stupid for your own good! You're always acting on your own!"With that, he ignored Bridget's pleas and ordered his men to take her away while waiting for the people from Nimbus Lounge to arrive.Maxwell sat on the couch and yelled, "Come out!"
"You said you would help. But how did that go? My father is still in prison, and it's been ages since I met him. And you? You've been lying to me this whole time while secretly accompanying Rachel!" It wasn't entirely a lie. On one hand, Jennifer wanted to disgust Maxwell so he would let go of her. On the other, she was genuinely jealous of Rachel!Maxwell sneered. "I must have been stupid to help your father. From now on, don't come to me about your father's affairs. I won't help no matter what!"With that, Maxwell left for upstairs.Jennifer sniffled and returned to the small storage room. She sat on the bed absentmindedly, finally letting down her facade.She knew deep down that Maxwell's efforts and concealment of Zion's situation were to prevent her from feeling anxious and upset. But she had to disappoint him and harden his heart.Jennifer buried her head in her knees and apologized, "I'm sorry, Maxwell. I'm sorry..."Her heart was in turmoil. She loved Maxwell, yet she h
Jennifer muttered sadly, "You don't understand. Although that's how it's supposed to be, he's the breadwinner of the family, and I haven't contributed anything to the household."Moreover, now that things are tense between her and Maxwell, even she would look down at herself if she were to ask him for money. She didn't want Maxwell to look down on her either.Quincy shook her head. "I don't understand rich people. If I were in your shoes, I would be happy being a stay-at-home wife and never work another day in my life."The two chatted as they walked, finally parting ways at the subway station.When Jennifer returned home, Martha quickly pulled her to the dining table. "Come and eat, Mrs. Lance."She smiled kindly. "Look, it's all your favorite dishes. You've lost weight. Hurry and eat to make up for it."Jennifer hadn't had such a delicious meal in a long time. She swallowed hard and was quite tempted. However, seeing Maxwell at the dining table, she instantly lost her confidenc
At this rate, Maxwell would soon lose his patience and divorce Jennifer.Back in the master bedroom, Maxwell waited for a long time, but Jennifer never came. Annoyed, he went downstairs where Martha was cleaning the living room."Where is Jennifer?" Maxwell frowned. "Didn't I say not to let her stay in the storage room?"Martha fidgeted awkwardly. "Mrs. Lance... doesn't want to go back. After all, you brought that woman back, and she..."Maxwell clenched his fists with a dark look. That ungrateful woman! He had given her so many chances, yet she still didn't appreciate them. Or perhaps she had given up on him. That would explain why she was going to such an extent.Maxwell felt like he was a fool. Despite witnessing her heartlessness firsthand, he still gave her chances to walk all over him. Feeling frustrated, Maxwell grabbed his coat and stormed out.This time, he went straight to Simon's place."What brings you here?" Simon was surprised. "It's the middle of the night. Lu
Simon hurriedly defended himself, "Calm down. Your wife begged me not to tell you. Besides, since you've been keeping this from her, I was afraid you'd end our friendship if you knew I told her the truth!"Maxwell gritted his teeth. "I'm definitely ending our friendship now that I know!"With that, he stood up and left for the hospital without another word.Rachel was surprised to see Maxwell this late at night. She felt deeply moved. "Maxwell... did you come because you missed me and our baby?"Now that Maxwell had lost feelings for Jennifer, he must have realized her worth. But Maxwell just walked to her with a grim expression.Rachel began to panic and forced a strained smile. "Why are you looking at me like that?"Maxwell spoke in a low voice, "Did Jennifer come to see you?"Rachel's face fell. "What are you talking about?""You should know. When did she meet you, and what did you say to her?" Maxwell gritted his teeth. "Rachel, I hope you're not lying to me again!"Rachel
Maxwell sat in the dark office all night.…As the weather grew colder, the coffee shop's business boomed. Jennifer would have to help out at the shop after work even during the weekdays, and the boss paid her by the hour.After Maxwell had Michael investigate, he found that Jennifer had been working at the coffee shop for the past few days. He never imagined the pampered girl would be greeting customers in a uniform.Jennifer was too busy to notice Maxwell watching her from outside. He watched her with a mix of emotions, feeling a pang in his heart.Was Jennifer truly ready to cut ties with him? She would rather work and earn meager wages than talk to him or use his money.Maxwell's heart was in turmoil, and he had to calm himself before walking into the shop."What would you like to drink?" Jennifer asked with a lowered head as she prepared the previous customer's drink. Hearing the silence, she stopped what she was doing and looked up, surprised to see Maxwell there.She
Jennifer stared at Maxwell in shock and was at a loss for words. He knew the truth!Jennifer leaned weakly against the wall and trembled uncontrollably. She kept her head down, not daring to meet Maxwell's gaze. "My family is the reason behind this. She's not at fault this time. After all, it's my father's fault that her legs are injured. I should give up my position as your wife to her."Maxwell didn't know whether to feel relieved or sad. He was relieved that Jennifer was still as kind as he remembered and her unreasonable behavior was all an act. But he was also sad because she had offered up their marriage.Maxwell walked up to her and lifted her chin. "Look into my eyes. Do you still love me?"Jennifer kept avoiding Maxwell's gaze. She denied her true feelings. "I don't love you anymore.""You're lying!" Maxwell was frustrated and suddenly cupped her cheeks before kissing her hard. He held her tightly, not wanting to let go.Jennifer felt like she was suffocating. She stru
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