"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
Jennifer smiled bitterly. "Once Grandpa passes away, I probably won't celebrate Maxwell's birthday again, and I won't have any further ties with him. So, I want to give him an unforgettable birthday gift this year.""Got it! Leave it to me," Laura said, linking her arm with Jennifer's. "Today, I'll help you pick something out until you're satisfied!"The two of them visited almost every store in Gold Guardian. Finally, they saw a pair of exquisite black cufflinks at a luxury store.Jennifer immediately fell in love with them. Laura approved, "You have good taste! These are great, simple yet elegant, and expensive enough to show class and style."The cufflinks looked black but glowed green under the light. Its quality was assured.Jennifer bit her lip and decided to use her credit card.When Laura found out, she complained, "I told you. Even if you're divorced, you shouldn't leave with nothing! If he gives you money, take it! You still have to pay if you use a credit card!"Jenni
Laura couldn't stand Rachel's smug behavior and immediately retorted on behalf of Jennifer, "What about it?""I'm sorry, but I also bought them for Maxwell." Rachel savored the sight of Jennifer's discomfort. "Oh, I meant they're for my child's father. Ms. Yale, I advise you not to waste your efforts. Maxwell always spends his birthday with me. He told me he only wanted my gifts. Has he ever accepted a gift from you?"Jennifer's expression soured and her heart shattered. She turned to the staff. "I don't want these cufflinks anymore. Give them to her." With that, she pulled Laura away and quickly left the store.Laura was furious and cursed at the store, "She's just a mistress pregnant with a bastard. What's there to show off about?"Jennifer lowered her gaze and hid her sadness. She whispered, "At least she has a child. I have nothing."Laura looked at her with pity. "I warned you not to make the same mistake once divorced. Now you've fallen into the trap again! Tell me, do you
"Rachel, let's not dwell on the past," Maxwell interrupted her coldly. "We're not who we used to be. People changed. We should look to the future."Rachel feigned ignorance and smiled sweetly. "But you're part of my future. Me and the baby are relying on you."Maxwell felt uncomfortable.Rachel persisted, "Will this year's birthday be the same as before? No matter how busy you are, you must set aside time for me on that day."Maxwell couldn't hide it, so he decided to tell her the truth. "This year, I've promised Grandpa to spend his birthday with him."Something flickered in Rachel's eyes and she pitifully asked, "Is it just Grandpa? Isn't it sad to just celebrate with just the two of you?"Maxwell paused. "Jennifer will be there too."Rachel's heart sank, and her hands clenched involuntarily. She knew it! That woman was back by Maxwell's side. Jennifer was like a nightmare. Rachel would never find happiness with her around.Rachel seethed with jealousy but couldn't show it
Despite Rachel's calm demeanor, the coldness in her gaze was chilling. "Ms. Yale, have you returned to Maxwell's side?"Jennifer paused. "Yes, Grandpa is ill. We have to act like a loving couple to keep up the pretense for his sake. Didn't Maxwell tell you this?""Of course he did," Rachel sighed, pretending to be distressed. "He's been troubled by this lately too. He doesn't love you but still has to pretend to be married to you. You must be enjoying this, right, Ms. Yale? This is your last chance to feel like his wife while Grandpa is still alive."Rachel's words painted Jennifer as pitiful and insignificant. Jennifer felt Rachel was humiliating her pride.Jennifer retorted, "Not everyone is as ignorant and superficial as you. Besides, my relationship with Maxwell is none of your business. We're divorced. Are you telling me you still couldn't get him to marry you?"Rachel paled. She hadn't expected Jennifer to mock her.She sneered and narrowed her eyes, "Ms. Yale, I used to th
Just then, Nathan hurried into the office. "Jennifer, I was originally scheduled to be on duty the day after tomorrow, but something came up, so my shift has been moved to tomorrow. Are you free that day? But I can handle the shift alone if you're busy."Jennifer had planned to clear her schedule for the next day to celebrate Maxwell's birthday. But now, she nodded calmly. "I'm free tomorrow.""Great, then it's settled." Nathan was overjoyed at the thought of supervising Jennifer's shift. He sneered to himself. Why was he feeling this way when it wasn't his first time mentoring a student? Perhaps Jennifer truly was different for him.That evening, Jennifer informed Maxwell and Robert that she would be on duty the next day. They were disappointed by the news, especially Maxwell.He asked, "Can't you take a day off or swap shifts? Do you have to be on duty tomorrow?""I couldn't find anyone to switch shifts with," Jennifer lied. "Besides, I'm just an intern. I don't have the autho
But it seemed like Simon was slowly warming up, though Laura couldn't tell if it was just her imagination. Laura tapped Britney on the back of her head. "What are you daydreaming about?"Britney answered solemnly, "I'm worried about you, Laura! Let's check things out at Valor Law Firm tomorrow, okay? After all, each side has its own version of the story. Maybe Mr. Moore will have a completely different explanation tomorrow." Laura felt a sense of unease. When they reached the city center, she got out of the car. "Go back to the studio on your own. I... I need to take a walk." Britney knew Laura was planning to see Simon to clarify things. So, she didn't press the matter and drove off.Laura headed straight to Valor Law Firm. The receptionist saw her and asked, "Do you have an appointment, Ms. Scott? Mr. Moore is currently in a meeting.""It's fine. I'll just wait for him here." Laura had just sat down when she noticed Alex coming in. Alex walked over eagerly. "Are y
Laura spent the entire morning investigating the Brooks Group's construction site incident and the people involved.In the afternoon, she took Britney and visited the victim's family.The family lived in a remote rural area and looked poor. When they heard Laura was a journalist from a well-known studio, the victim's family members broke into tears. "Please, you must stand up for us!"These were ordinary people with no way of beating influential figures. Having someone to speak for them filled them with gratitude. Laura quickly helped the victim's grieving parents to their feet. The deceased worker, Nick Klaus, was only 20 years old. His parents were in their early 40s, yet their hair had turned completely white, and their wrinkles made them look much older.Laura couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness, while Britney looked like she was about to cry from sympathy.The victim's father cried, "Those bastards at Brooks Group are so heartless! It was their fault for not ensuri
Laura sighed to herself. She just needed to coordinate with Simon to get the news. Why did Joseph make it sound like such a difficult task?She promised, "Don't worry, Mr. Zone. Our News Department has coordinated with Valor Law Firm before, and we've done quite a few exclusive interviews with Mr. Moore. This shouldn't be a problem."Joseph smiled. "You're good at keeping work and personal life separate, but I haven't finished yet. The reason we're focusing on this news piece is because the family of the deceased worker is suing Brooks Group for insufficient safety measures. Plus, the workers at the site are agitated. The company is unwilling to pay compensation and hired a lawyer to minimize the settlement. The family of the deceased refuses to accept the proposed 200 thousand dollars as compensation. Both sides are at a stalemate." "200 thousand dollars?" Laura was stunned. "A human life, and they're offering only that little?" Joseph nodded. "Even you're outraged. That's why
"Simon Moore!" Laura had enough and huffed. "I never thought you were so frivolous! I know I can't stop you, nor do I have the right to. But can you leave me out of it? I don't want to watch you guys mess around!" Simon's voice was low and husky. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken you. I thought since Joseph is your superior, it might be good to introduce you two so he would go easier on you at work. I didn't expect to upset you." Laura shot him a gloomy look. "Do you wish I was more like those two hostesses? What did you guys even do after I left?" Simon couldn't help but laugh. Her jealousy pleased him.His tone softened. "I could go to any club if I wanted women like that. Why would I need you?"Laura snorted. "Who knows what you and Joseph used to do together? Only a fool would believe you!"Simon knew that she was just upset. He ruffled her hair and explained, "Joseph wasn't always like this. He was hurt by a woman, and... He became cynical and stubborn after. He's bee
Laura's expression turned unpleasant after hearing the rules. She quickly turned to Simon.Did this mean they always played games like these when Joseph visited? The thought of Simon being with hostesses in her absence disgusted Laura. Joseph chimed in, "Come on, Simon! Let's play a few rounds, then we'll eat! I rarely get to visit Haven City, so you have to party with me until I'm satisfied!" The two hostesses by his side set a pair of dice on the table. They smiled flirtatiously. "Let's just play the dice game. If Mr. Zone loses, we'll take something off. If Mr. Moore loses, then…" Simon cut them off. "Laura doesn't play these kinds of games, and she won't." One of the hostesses rolled her eyes. "Isn't this the most basic game in any club?" Simon's expression darkened. Noticing his mood, Joseph quickly shot the hostess a look, signaling her to stop talking. Then, he tried to lighten the awkward atmosphere with a laugh. "Simon, are you keeping things solid at hom
Laura stared at the screen, puzzled.Simon sent another message: "I'll pick you up tonight to meet a friend."Laura was surprised. Why did Simon want to take her to meet a friend? Was she someone he could openly bring out in public? Laura consoled herself. What was she worried about if Simon was the one who invited her?So, she agreed.After work, Simon came to pick her up. Laura thought they were going for dinner or something casual. To her surprise, they went to Nimbus Lounge."This is the place?" Laura frowned. She had her biases against clubs. "Who is this friend of yours? Why meet at a place like this?" Simon parked the car "He enjoys places like these. This is his go-to spot whenever he comes to Haven City." Laura's expression shifted to one of seriousness. "So, did you invite me here just to have some fun too, Mr. Moore?" Simon caught on and sighed helplessly. "Laurie, you're too sensitive." Wouldn't staying home be far more convenient if he wanted to play
When Laura entered the conference room, she felt every gaze land on her, making her face burn with embarrassment. She wished the ground would swallow her whole.She apologized, "Sorry, there was a bit of traffic this morning, so... I'm late." Everyone waited eagerly to see her make a fool of herself. After all, Joseph was notoriously short-tempered and sharp-tongued. Even when no mistakes were made, Joseph could pick faults where none existed. Now, Laura was toying with danger, and most people assumed he would fire her on the spot. Laura stood there with her head down, like a student late for class, afraid to move until Joseph gave permission. Finally, Joseph spoke, "Come in. You can present the News Department's performance for the last quarter after the Entertainment Department." His tone was calm, almost gentle. Laura wondered if her ears were playing tricks on her. The others were equally stunned, casting shocked glances at Joseph. This was completely unlike h
After a night of passion, Laura felt soreness all over her body, and her legs seemed like they didn't belong to her.Even breakfast was prepared by Simon. In the morning light, Simon stood in the kitchen in a white shirt. His black trousers made his legs appear even longer. Laura let her gaze linger on him. She tilted her head, staring at him with infatuation. No matter how long she looked, he was simply breathtaking. Noticing her staring, Simon glanced at her while flipping eggs. "Why are you staring at me like a hungry wolf so early in the morning?" Laura quickly withdrew her gaze. "I wasn't looking at you. I was staring at the food." Simon finished frying the egg and slipped it into a piece of toast. Laura beamed at the breakfast. "Mr. Moore, your cooking is a million times better than mine. Why don't you make breakfast every day from now on?" Simon flicked her forehead. "You're getting greedy now." Just then, Laura's phone rang. She answered the call while
Simon sat across from Laura, eating elegantly. It was a stark contrast to Laura's casual demeanor. Laura couldn't understand how such a perfect man could exist. It turned out there were men who were good at work and house chores.Her heart tightened when she thought about how all these wonderful qualities might one day belong to another woman. "Do you want more?" Simon asked. "I can share some of mine." Laura finished the soup in her bowl and shyly shook her head. "No, I'm fine. I… I already ate so much. I'll gain two more pounds tomorrow." Simon chuckled. "What's wrong with gaining weight? You're all bones. It'd feel much better if you had some meat on you."Laura shot him a playful glare. Why was he so proper during the day but flirty at night? She changed the subject. "When did you learn to cook? I remember Jennifer said Maxwell learned to cook because he couldn't get used to the food while studying abroad. What about you?"Simon froze, caught in a memory. He sa