But Robert was just an old man close to his grave. Why should Rachel fear him?So, she maintained her facade. "Grandpa, I don't understand what you're talking about. Even though I know you don't like me, you can't just throw baseless accusations at me! I am the victim here. Thankfully, I managed to protect your great-grandchild with my life!"Robert narrowed his eyes dangerously and yelled, "You're so sly! Back then, you tried to use these flowery words to sway me, and how did it go? Maxwell still chose the Lance family over you. It will be the same this time!"Seeing this, Rachel immediately changed her approach and cried, "Grandpa, I don't understand why you dislike me. Besides, I'm already carrying Maxwell's child. You can't let your great-grandchild be born without a father and face public scorn!"She was now crying pitifully, but Robert remained unmoved. He spoke sternly, "Do you know why I called you here? It's to make you give up. I won't let you hold anything over the Lance
Jennifer was buzzing around like a busy bee and was surprised when she saw him coming."Why are you here?" Jennifer eyed him suspiciously.Maxwell, upon seeing that she was fine, asked, "The butler said you had a medical dispute. Was everything resolved?"Jennifer shook her head in confusion. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I've been here all afternoon. Everything is fine."Only then did Maxwell breathe a sigh of relief. The butler had said Jennifer was caught in a medical dispute and almost got hit. Maxwell was worried and rushed over, only to find nothing had happened."Jennifer, are you done messing around?" Maxwell roared angrily. "You were the one who wanted the divorce! Yet you're setting up Rachel and telling Grandpa about the truth. I won't forgive you if anything happens to Grandpa because of this!"Jennifer looked at him in bafflement and retorted angrily, "Are you insane? If Grandpa does get upset, it's all your fault! Don't push your luck, Maxwell!"Max
"You still have the nerve to ask?" Maxwell gritted his teeth. "Are you satisfied now? It's just as you wish!"With that, he carried Rachel away, leaving Jennifer with a cruel look.Jennifer stood in a daze as sadness welled up within her.Not long after, the butler came out. Jennifer hurried over and asked, "Ben, what on earth happened? Rachel, she...""Sigh, Mr. Lance Senior couldn't tolerate the child nor the woman." Ben sighed and shook his head. "What a pity."Jennifer's heart sank and she neither felt joy nor anger. Her mind went blank.Rachel's child was gone? No wonder Maxwell gave her that hateful look.Ben led the bodyguards away, leaving Jennifer alone.Just then, she received a call from Quincy. Upon hearing that Jennifer was outside the department, Quincy immediately came out to find her."Jennifer, why are you here? Did you come to see that woman's downfall?" Quincy groaned. "At first, the doctor said I could assist with the surgery and watch her downfall. But
Quincy dragged Jennifer to the consultation room and arranged a blood test with the doctor."Quincy... I..." Jennifer hesitated. "Maybe we shouldn't check. I don't think it's possible. I've been divorced from him for so long!"Quincy was angry yet anxious."Where's your common sense? You're a medical student too. What does being divorced have to do with this? Jennifer, I know you're scared, but being scared won't solve anything! Are you planning to wait until your belly shows and look for a father for the child?"Jennifer's heart was pounding. She took a deep breath and, at Quincy's urging, went to get her blood drawn.While waiting outside, Jennifer was on the verge of tears. She asked helplessly, "Quincy, what if... I really am pregnant? What do I do?""Do what you have to do!" Quincy said furiously, "The mistress's child is gone, so you can tell Maxwell you're pregnant! If he's willing to take responsibility for the mistress, why can't he take responsibility for you? It's high t
Jennifer was pulled back to the obstetrics and gynecology department by Quincy to get a more detailed check-up from Quincy's attending doctor.…Back at the hospital ward, the butler informed Robert, "I'm sorry, I couldn't stop Mr. Maxwell.""Hmph, with his temper, how could you possibly stop him?" Robert snorted. "But since that woman's child has been taken care of, I'm relieved. Are you sure it was thoroughly dealt with?"A strange look flashed in the butler's eyes, and he nodded. "Yes, by the time Mr. Maxwell arrived, the woman had already finished the procedure."Robert nodded thoughtfully. "I will find a way to make Maxwell cut ties with that woman completely."The butler hesitated. "But... Mr. Maxwell had booked an entire plane and personally sent that woman abroad. Won't he resent you?"Robert sighed sadly. "Do you think I was too harsh this time, that I shouldn't have harmed an unborn child?"The butler shook his head. "No, I have worked for you for many years, I know e
Robert's emotional outbursts were due to Jennifer complaining to him. Maxwell hadn't even settled the score with her yet!Robert's tone carried a hint of threat. "Jordan and the others have received the news and are on their way back. I just had the lawyer come and prepare my will. If you don't want the Lance family, your father and brother are eagerly waiting in line."...Meanwhile, Jennifer had been thinking all day since receiving the test results. Yes, she felt powerless to handle the consequences and didn't know what to do about the child. After much deliberation, Jennifer finally made up her mind. Since she couldn't decide, she would tell Maxwell and leave the choice to him.With that in mind, she placed the test results in her bag and headed to Robert's hospital ward. At the same time, Maxwell had just come out of Robert's ward. He was frowning and looked unapproachable.Jennifer stood timidly away, clutching her bag tightly, waiting for him to come to her.Maxwell app
The butler was on Maxwell's side, and everything he said was for Maxwell's good. Maxwell's eyes flickered. He knew the butler was right. He was determined to obtain the Lance family and Lance Group. He couldn't let them fall into the hands of Lorraine and Jordan. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made that deal with Robert back then to marry Jennifer. But things were different now. Back then, he could use Jennifer without guilt. Now, regardless of his feelings for Jennifer, he didn't want to use her to achieve his goals. Even if she had told Robert about them or forced the old man to deal with Rachel, he still didn't want to use her. The butler said, "Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Lance Senior doesn't have much time left. The will might be drawn up in the next few days. You must make a decision soon!"...Meanwhile, Jennifer had already run to the obstetrics and gynecology department to find Quincy.Quincy was stunned to hear her words."An abortion?" Quincy was in disbelief. "Have you thought
Quincy seemed to realize what Jennifer was thinking and said, "You see, it's really painful. Besides, even though you're only a few weeks pregnant, it's still a life. Not to mention, they're your child. Jennifer, please think it over again."Jennifer still couldn't muster the courage to go through with it. Her hand instinctively touched her stomach, sensing the faint life within. The more she thought about it, the more reluctant she became. Eventually, she smiled bitterly. "Thank you, Quincy. I... I'll head home for now."Perhaps the heavens didn't want her to get rid of the child. Otherwise, why would Zion call her at this exact moment, asking her to come home?...At the Yale residence, dinner was already set on the table when Jennifer arrived home. However, both Agnes and Zion looked grave. Especially Zion, who looked so haggard as if he were ill."Dad, what's wrong? Why do you look so pale?" Jennifer asked worriedly. "Is there something wrong? Should I take you to the hospital
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