Khloe stared into space and silently asked, "What... do you want me to do?""Admit to your mistake and apologize to Jennifer. Let everyone know that Jennifer was wronged!" Maxwell left no room for negotiation. "And if you don't, I will. I've already made another copy of the recording. If this goes public, you'll be blacklisted from all the hospitals in the country."Khloe stared at him in shock. She never thought Maxwell would find evidence and ruthlessly use it against her. If the truth came out, she would indeed be blacklisted from the industry, just as Maxwell had said.But if she admitted it, the hospital would definitely fire her, and all her years of hard work would be for naught. She would have to start from scratch again. Khloe didn't want to give everything up and decided to use her trump card.She gritted her teeth. "Don't push your luck, Mr. Lance! I know you want to protect Jennifer, but if I reveal your relationship to the public, everyone will know that Jennifer is
Seeing that Jennifer was at her wit's end, Maxwell stepped in. "Grandpa, you must stay in the hospital. Besides, Jennifer is doing her internship here, so it's easy for her to visit you. Your house is too far from the hospital. Do you want Jennifer to make the trip back and forth?"Only then did Robert relent. He felt guilty about troubling Jennifer and Maxwell who already had busy schedules."Sorry, Jennifer. I didn't think things through." He sighed. "I've been a handful for you and Maxwell these past few days. Alright, I'll follow your arrangements."Jennifer was distressed. Even at this stage, Robert was still thinking about them. She muttered softly, "Not at all, Grandpa. No matter how far you live, I wouldn't mind the trouble. But we can only ensure your health if you stay in the hospital. I… still want to spend time with you.""I know you are all good children." Robert sighed again. "I would have no regrets if you could give me a great-grandchild before I die!"Both Jennife
The next morning, Jennifer uncharacteristically slept in. Maxwell saw she was still asleep when he finished his morning routine and gently shook her. "Aren't you going to work today? It's almost 7:30 am.""I'm not going." Jennifer rubbed her eyes sleepily and sat up. "I'd rather spend more time with Grandpa."After all, nobody gave her any tasks at work, and she felt like a stranger there. People would even find her annoying by being there.Maxwell seemed to read her thoughts and smiled. "Maybe you'll get a surprise if you arrive early. Be a good girl and head to work."Jennifer looked at him, puzzled. "What kind of surprise?"Maxwell ruffled her hair affectionately. "You'll find out soon."Jennifer grew suspicious. "Are you hiding something from me?"Maxwell found her naiveness adorable. He kept the surprise to himself and led her to the bathroom, helping her with the toothbrush. "Hurry up and get ready. I promise the things troubling you will soon be over."Jennifer was ske
Khloe's dismissal was inevitable.However, the hospital director didn't want Jennifer to pursue the matter further. After all, this scandal could affect the hospital's reputation. The family had already decided to drop it. If Jennifer escalated the issue, the hospital would still be affected. The director gave Nathan a look, hoping he would help persuade Jennifer.However, Nathan ignored the director and said to Jennifer, "Jennifer, don't feel pressured into anything. This incident has damaged your reputation. People will understand if you decide to pursue this."Khloe was shocked and turned to Jennifer. She had lost all her dignity, and everyone despised her. But she still held onto a last shred of hope, fearing that Jennifer would expose her to the public.After a long silence, Jennifer sighed. "Sir, Dr. Lowe, can I talk to Dr. Carter alone?""Of course," Nathan nodded and told the others. "Today's meeting is over. Everyone, please get back to work."With that, Jennifer and
Khloe was overjoyed. "Thank you, Jennifer! I will leave Haven City and never appear before you again. I apologize for all the things I did before.""I hope you can become a responsible doctor in the future." Jennifer pursed her lips. "I shouldn't be the one saying this as a student, since you are still my mentor, but a life was lost. Don't you ever feel guilty?"Khloe broke down in tears. "How could I not feel guilty? I haven't had a single restful night since the incident. Every time I close my eyes, the patient's face appears before me, and I always wake up in cold sweat."Seeing her like this, Jennifer could tell that Khloe truly realized her mistake. She didn't want to make things harder for Khloe. At least she made Jennifer realize how much Maxwell loved her. He had always been silently supporting her.As Jennifer walked out of the room and looked at the sky outside, it felt as though the clouds hanging over her these past few days had finally lifted.When she returned to the
"I encountered some troubles at work, but they've been resolved," Jennifer said happily, placing the flowers she had picked into a vase.She sighed at the flowers. If only Robert could stand the harsh winter like these flowers. That way, everything would be vibrant and alive again come spring, with all hardships left behind.Before long, Maxwell also returned from work. Not wanting to be a third wheel, Robert shooed them away. "It's late. You two should eat. Go out and have whatever you want. Don't just stay here keeping me company. Off you go!"Jennifer had been wanting to talk to Maxwell, so the two left the hospital ward together. As soon as they stepped outside, Maxwell asked, "So, how was it? Did you get a surprise at work today?"Jennifer nodded shyly and stared at him. "Thank you."However, Maxwell wasn't happy about her reaction. He sighed. "Do you have to be so formal with me? I don't like you thanking me at every turn."Jennifer looked down and fidgeted with her fingers
Despite knowing this, Jennifer still fell first into the situation.Snowflakes drifted outside the window, gently settling on the glass, creating a beautiful scene."It's snowing," Jennifer remarked. "The first snow of this winter."Maxwell also looked out the window. "Yes, it's snowing. Let's go out and enjoy it."They headed out to the street, where many people had gathered. Most of them were couples. They had been busy taking care of Robert recently, and it had been a long time since they had a chance to stroll through the streets together.The streets of Haven City were bustling. Shops had already started selling Christmas gifts. Jennifer always enjoyed the lively atmosphere and the bustling city life, and couldn't help but glance around.As they passed a shop, Maxwell tugged Jennifer's hand and entered the shop. "How much for this scarf?""35 dollars. Do you want it?" The shop owner said cheerfully.This was probably the cheapest gift Maxwell had ever bought. But he knew
Maxwell only had eyes for Jennifer.Jennifer suddenly remembered something. "Your birthday is coming up."Maxwell's birthday was close to the first snowfall of the year. This year had been so eventful that she had almost forgotten.Maxwell was pleased. "I'm surprised you remember my birthday.""I never forget," Jennifer said, her gaze tinged with bitterness. "I would always prepare for your birthday but you never came home."Maxwell felt a sharp pang of regret hearing this. Countless moments of remorse flooded his mind. He stopped walking, his voice hoarse, "Jennifer, I'm sorry. We can spend every important holiday together if you want to from now on, okay?"Jennifer gazed at him in a daze. She wondered how long they could enjoy such peaceful days together. What would happen to them when Robert passed away and Rachel's child was born?She didn't voice her worries, not wanting to break the moment. Forcing a smile, she changed the subject. "Let's go back quickly, or Grandpa will w
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