Maxwell caressed Jennifer's back, the scorching heat seeping through the black silk and onto her body. Yet Jennifer couldn't feel any warmth. There was only a sense of dread creeping over her.Maxwell seemed intent on kissing her until her breath ran out. Jennifer never imagined that Maxwell would kiss her one day, yet it left her in such agony.Maxwell could feel the woman in his arms trembling as she sobbed. Finally, he relented and ended her torment.After releasing Jennifer, he reached out to wipe away her tears. Maxwell's voice sounded hoarse as he spoke, "Do you despise it that much?""I... I don't." Jennifer muttered sadly. "Nobody likes to be forced upon. You can't treat me like this even if you're my husband. I'm not that kind of woman, and I'm not your plaything."Maxwell's expression remained grim as he asked, "When did you meet Nathan? How far has it progressed?"Jennifer stared at him, puzzled. "What does Dr. Lowe have to do with this?""Dr. Lowe? What a nice nickna
Jennifer emerged from the shower, wrapped in only a towel. Her flawless skin glowed brightly under the lights. Maxwell felt that Jennifer was the epitome of seductive innocence. These two conflicting qualities appeared harmonious when used on Jennifer."Come here." Maxwell's throat felt dry. Perhaps he should have done this long ago, then Jennifer wouldn't have sought solace in the arms of other men.Jennifer timidly climbed onto the bed and was swiftly caged beneath Maxwell as soon as she got on. She was nervous but didn't make a move to resist.Just as Maxwell was about to remove her towel, Jennifer suddenly pushed him away. "You must promise to spare Laura."Maxwell was annoyed that Jennifer treated their interactions as transactions. He said in a low voice, "That depends on your performance."Jennifer pleaded, "Maxwell, I have nothing left. You've even trampled on my dignity. All I'm asking is that you spare Laura."Maxwell frowned and pulled her hands away. "What does our
With this, Rachel had pushed away all responsibility regarding the recent incident. After all, the frame-up against Jennifer had been exposed. If she didn't apologize now, Maxwell would also suspect her involvement in this."I know you're different from the rest of your family. You're your own person." Maxwell gently wiped away her tears. "I believe in you, Rach."Rachel seized the opportunity. "Ms. Yale is so sociable. She managed to get such a famous figure in the medical field to help her. But I guess that's only natural. Surely everyone would adore a beautiful and capable woman like Ms. Yale, right?"A dark look flickered in Maxwell's eyes. Rachel was right. Even if he didn't cherish Jennifer, it didn't mean that other men wouldn't. So what if they did? He was the one holding Jennifer's leash! No one could have her until he let her go.Just when Rachel thought she had succeeded in causing a riff between the couple, Maxwell suddenly said, "You should forgive Laura for hittin
Maxwell avoided Rachel's expectant gaze and murmured, "Jennifer was also beaten.""I... I understand." Even if Rachel was unwilling, Maxwell had already made himself clear. If she didn't forgive Jennifer and Laura, he would eventually suspect her.Since everyone was siding with Jennifer now, it was better for her to go with the flow. At the same time, she was also earning a favor from Maxwell.Therefore, she pretended to be understanding. "Maxwell, I'll tell the lawyer to retract the verdict. Ms. Yale has indeed been through a lot more compared to me. Let's invite her for dinner someday. I wish to apologize to her."She deliberately worded it as though she were Maxwell's wife instead.…The next morning, Jennifer received a call from Laura's father, saying that the lawsuit had been retracted. However, Laura's father was away on a business trip and couldn't pick up his daughter."Don't worry, I'll go pick up Laurie," Jennifer promised.Jennifer quickly got up from bed with exc
Not long after, Laura's charming voice came from the kitchen entrance, "Jennifer... How do I look? Am I sexy?"Jennifer turned to the door and her jaw dropped in surprise. "Holy shit! Why did you come out like this?"Although... She was indeed very sexy.Laura's brown curls cascaded over her shoulders, and she looked extremely alluring. The white bath towel barely covered her thighs, revealing Laura's smooth legs. Along with her curves, Laura looked more mature and feminine than Jennifer ever could.Laura rolled her eyes at Jennifer. "It's all your fault. I asked you to prepare pajamas for me, but you didn't bring anything. This was the only option I had!"Jennifer couldn't take her eyes off her and weakly mumbled, "Did you drink a lot of milk growing up?""I was born beautiful and hit the jackpot during puberty." Laura couldn't help teasing her. "Look at you, people might even think you're still in high school."Jennifer pouted. "Hey! I'll hit you!"The two bantered and laughe
Maxwell was startled by Laura's seductive appearance. He immediately turned away and flushed bright red. Only Simon remained calm, standing in place and unabashedly gazing at the alluring Laura.Laura turned and ran, wishing to find a hole to hide in. But in her haste, she forgot to tighten the bath towel. Thus, she stood frozen in place as the towel fell to the floor. This had to be the most embarrassing moment of her life!Jennifer took a sharp breath and scolded Simon, "Hurry up and cover your eyes! What are you looking at? You pervert!"She picked up the towel and hurriedly wrapped it around Laura before supporting the dazed Laura into the bedroom.Simon's gaze darkened coldly. How long did Laura think she could hide from him?After he came back to his senses, he nudged Maxwell slightly. "Alright, she's gone now. Come on, have you never seen a naked woman? Was it necessary to act like a prude in front of your wife?""What do you know?" Maxwell glared at him and argued, "It'
Jennifer was moved to tears and hugged Laura. "Thank you, Laurie. But please don't ever pull this stupid stunt for me again. You scared me good this time.""Why are you thanking me?" Laura patted her back. "Alright, I'm leaving. You mustn't let Maxwell and that mistress push you around. Be decisive when it's time to get a divorce. Don't let yourself be dragged down by them.""I know," Jennifer mumbled. She still felt hesitant and reluctant at the prospect of a divorce.Since Laura didn't drive, Jennifer drove her back home. When she returned, Simon had already left while Maxwell was in the study doing his work.Jennifer opened the door to the study and glared at Maxwell angrily. The latter returned a weird smile. "Your friend's figure is much better than yours!""You... You saw?" Jennifer remembered seeing Maxwell covering his eyes.Maxwell probed, "Are you jealous?""I'm not!" Jennifer stubbornly denied it and questioned, "Why did you bring Simon here? Don't you know how impo
Maxwell said Jennifer was a used woman! But Jennifer never wanted nor asked for this.Tears gathered in Jennifer's eyes, but she held them back. She forced a smile and said with pretended ease, "I know you just wanted to humiliate me yesterday. You wouldn't actually sleep with me."With that, she quickly left the study, not wanting to let Maxwell see her humiliation and hurt....Jennifer neither cooked nor ate dinner. She always had excruciatingly painful period cramps, especially during the first two days of her period. And her cramps only got more severe after her argument with Maxwell. Thus, she didn't have the appetite to eat.When Maxwell came into the room later that night, he saw Jennifer's small figure curled up under the covers."Jennifer?" Maxwell walked over and lifted the blanket. "What's wrong?"Jennifer glanced at him. "Why haven't you left?"She thought he would go find Rachel.Maxwell frowned. "This is my house. Where else would I go?""Whatever."Jennifer
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