Jennifer met Jordan's gaze fearlessly. "Why did you come to see me today? If I'm not mistaken, you're also trying to use me, right? Don't you want to use me to bring down Maxwell?" Jordan's face fell, and he protested. "You should know my feelings for you by now! How can you misunderstand me? Jennifer, you're betting on the wrong horse if you're siding with Maxwell and making me your enemy! Maxwell can't even protect himself now. And you think he can protect you and Yale Corporation?"He blurted everything in his agitation.Jennifer's heart dropped and she pressed, "What do you mean by that? Why can't Maxwell protect himself?"Jordan took a deep breath. "Maxwell poured a lot of money into Yale Corporation even though they aren't worth a lot. Now the shareholders are all pissed and causing him trouble! They've decided to remove Maxwell from his position. Do you think he can still help you and your family?"Jennifer's mind buzzed. She had never imagined that Maxwell would get into
Jennifer screamed and ran to Maxwell as if he was her savior.Jordan's eyes were bloodshot and he raised his fist. "You're still so arrogant even now!"He was about to charge forward and return the punch when Jennifer suddenly shielded Maxwell with her body. Jordan's fist froze in the air.Jennifer closed her eyes but stood her ground, not budging an inch. She heard Maxwell's furious roar in her ears before he pulled her behind him."Are you crazy, Jennifer?" Maxwell yelled. "Who told you to interfere?"He didn't even want to imagine what would happen if Jordan's fist connected to Jennifer's face.Jordan's heart ached watching this. Were they acting like a loving couple in front of him? It didn't matter if he could beat Maxwell in a fight, he already lost.With that, Jordan lowered his fist and glared at them before storming off.Maxwell still had a grim look on his face. But when he met Jennifer's innocent and aggrieved gaze, his anger dissipated. He gently stroked her cheek a
"What's the point of having all this if I can't have you?" Maxwell hugged Jennifer and patted her back gently. "Don't be sad. The company's situation isn't as bad as Jordan made it out to be. Even if it is, I can handle it. Don't worry, okay?"Despite his reassurance, Jennifer could tell from Jordan's smug demeanor that Maxwell's troubles were far from small. She wondered how she could help Maxwell out of his predicament.Given the worsening tensions between Maxwell, Lorraine, and Jordan, the mother-and-son duo certainly wouldn't spare Maxwell if they gained control of Lance Group. And knowing Maxwell, he wouldn't be able to endure the humiliation.Just then, Maxwell's phone rang. He answered, and the butler's urgent voice came through. "Bad news, Mr. Lance! Please come to the hospital now! Mr. Lance Senior has fainted from anger.""What?" Maxwell's gaze sharpened and he rushed to Robert's ward with Jennifer.When they arrived, they found Lorraine and Zachary already waiting outsi
Zachary and Lorraine exchanged a look. They heard Robert had drawn up a will. With the limited time left, they needed to pressure Robert to amend the will, ensuring either Jordan or Zachary would take the position of Lance Group's president.The butler emerged. "Mr. Lance Senior wishes to see you, Mr. and Mrs. Lance."Zachary pulled Lorraine along, afraid that Robert might conspire with Maxwell. But the butler stopped them firmly. "Mr. Lance Senior specifically instructed to see only Mr. Maxwell and Ms. Jennifer. No one else is allowed in."Zachary stepped aside in frustration while Lorraine stomped her feet in anger, wishing Robert would hurry up and die.Maxwell and Jennifer entered the room to find Robert connected to an oxygen tank, his face pale and weary."You're here!" Robert smiled kindly. "Have a seat."Tears instantly welled up in Jennifer's eyes. She ran to his bedside and sobbed. "How are you feeling, Grandpa? I'm sorry, it's all my fault. It's because of my family th
Maxwell nodded. "Okay, I'll stay here for the next few days too."Jennifer hesitated and asked worriedly, "Is it okay for you not to go to the company? Didn't you say the company's shareholders are dissatisfied with you? Won't it upset them further if you don't go to work?"Maxwell explained gently, "You don't understand how the company works. Let them be. It's nothing to worry about."His confidence and composure eased Jennifer. Maxwell reassured her, "Just stay with Grandpa and don't overthink things for the next few days, okay?"Jennifer nodded. "Okay."That night, they slept in the room in Robert's ward. The bed was small, but it allowed them to cuddle together.Jennifer gazed at Maxwell quietly, her eyes filled with reliance and admiration. Maxwell was always a shoulder she could rely on, her protector, appearing at her most desperate and needy moments. She always doubted his feelings for her. But his every action made her believe in him more firmly and gave her peace of min
However, Robert was weak and deeply asleep.Maxwell stood by the bedside, quietly keeping watch over Robert. Memories flooded his mind—they were scenes of Robert caring for him and teaching him how to conduct himself from a young age. The more he recalled, the more his heart ached.Jennifer slowly approached him and held his hand. "I will always be here with you, remembering Grandpa's words. Just like how you protected me, I will also protect you."Maxwell's eyes watered. Jennifer's considerate nature sometimes made his heart ache. He hated himself for not giving her a happy marriage, for letting her endure so much pain and regret at such a young age.Maxwell suddenly remembered something. "You stay here and watch over Grandpa. I need to step out for a bit."Jennifer assumed he was going to handle some company matters. "Okay, you go ahead. I'll be here."During this time of need, she was determined to be his strongest support, doing her best to help alleviate his stress.However
Jennifer gave him a puzzled look. "Aren't I already by your side now?""You know that's not what I mean." Maxwell stared at her, not wanting to miss a single expression. "I mean forever, always by my side."Jennifer's heart skipped a beat. The question came out of nowhere. That word "forever" was a big promise. However, thinking of how Maxwell had stood against everyone for her and her family, going as far as to give up his position at Lance Group, Jennifer felt she had an obligation to protect him, as she had promised Robert.After a long silence, Jennifer nodded. "I will. I will always be by your side as long as you need me."Joy flickered in Maxwell's gaze. He took out the gift box and got on one knee before opening the box."Jennifer, although Grandpa is still asleep, I believe he can hear us. If you're willing, marry me again. This time, I'll give you a proper marriage proposal complete with a ring and a wedding." Maxwell gazed at her. "Maybe this proposal is a bit rushed,
Lorraine felt there was nothing to fear from Maxwell now. After all, Lance Group was currently under Zachary and Jordan's control. However, she couldn't help but shiver when facing his fierce gaze. She shot Maxwell a glare but didn't say anything more.Just then, the doctor called for the family to come to the office. Since Robert was nearing the end of his life, the doctor needed to prepare the family so they wouldn't be overwhelmed or caught off guard.Maxwell and Zachary went to see the doctor, leaving Jennifer alone with Robert. Just then, footsteps sounded at the door–it was Jordan.Jennifer gave him a cold look. "They all went to see the doctor. You should go too. I'll watch over Grandpa.""I came here for you." Jordan approached her. "I have something to tell you."Jennifer replied coldly, "I have nothing to say to you. This is Grandpa's ward, so you'd better watch your tongue."Jordan's gaze fell on the diamond ring on her left ring finger. His eyes narrowed and he grabbe
Laura cried in Simon's arms for what felt like an eternity before finally lifting her head. Her voice carried a hint of grievance as she said, "Why wouldn't you believe me? I told you someone was following me, but you still didn't trust me."Simon gently wiped her tears away. "I'm sorry. That's on me."But Laura shoved him aside, her tone defiant. "Spare me the fake concern. I've reported it to the police, so it doesn't matter whether you show up or not."A flicker of amusement passed through Simon's dark eyes as he studied her. "Really?""Of course!" Laura lifted her chin, as if she weren't afraid of anything. "I'm trained in martial arts and can protect myself. Besides, the police are involved. Even without you, I'm not scared."Simon couldn't help but chuckle. Suddenly, his arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close again. "Who was trembling in fear earlier? The same person who stayed holed up in the bedroom all night because she was too afraid to come out?" he teased in
Only then did Maxwell understand the reason behind Jennifer's anxiety. He grabbed her arm and said, "Why does it have to be you? What about Simon? Didn't you say they had made up? "This kind of damsel-in-distress situation should be his job. It feels like we're overstepping if we take matters into our own hands, don't you think?""What's wrong with that? Laura is my best friend! If I don't help her now, who will?" Jennifer shot Maxwell an irritated look before adding, "This is the perfect chance to show Laura that she can't rely on Simon. Otherwise, she'll just fall deeper for him. Well, unless he's willing to marry her. Do you think he will?"Maxwell softened his tone and replied, "Let's set aside the question of whether he will marry her or not. Think about it. If Laura stays with us, she'll have to watch us all lovey-dovey, living our happy family life. How do you think that will make her feel?"I know she's your best friend, but this is just how humans are. We can't help but
Laura anxiously waited as the police retrieved the surveillance footage. But in the end, all they told her was that the alley she had mentioned was in an area slated for demolition. Hence, no cameras had been installed there. When she suggested they start investigating from the street where her office was located, the officer replied, "Miss, if we follow your suggestion, it would require a massive undertaking."We have other cases to handle as well. Please, go home and wait. If we find anything, we'll notify you immediately, okay?"Laura's urgency stemmed from how terrified she felt. After all, it was the first time she had been followed. Still, she didn't want to make things difficult for anyone. Since the police officers had made their stance clear, she decided not to press further and relented. Before leaving, she couldn't help but plead, "Please, do your best to look into this as soon as possible. Contact me immediately if there's any news."With that, she left the station,
Laura's heart pounded violently in her chest. She immediately pulled out her phone, instinctively thinking of calling Simon. However, she remembered they weren't on speaking terms, so she dialed Jennifer's number instead. A nurse answered the phone. "Hello, Dr. Susan is currently in surgery. Please call back in two hours."Left with no choice, Laura reluctantly called Simon. His deep voice came through almost immediately. "Hello, what is it?"Simon's voice, though pleasant, held an icy undertone. Laura knew he was still angry. But right now, someone was following her. She couldn't afford to care about anything else—not even her pride.She gripped the phone tightly, her voice trembling as she said, "S-Someone's following me. Can you come pick me up?""What?" Simon's response was indifferent. Then, he mockingly added, "Aren't you a martial arts expert? A good fighter, right? What's there to fear from a thief?"After all, Britney hadn't been able to secure her interview with hi
Simon finally looked up from his computer screen and gave Alex a stern look. "Do you not understand what I said, or do you have nothing better to do? Should I assign you more tasks?""No… No need for that! I'll leave now." After being scolded, Alex left the office dejectedly. Britney was still waiting downstairs. Seeing him come out, she rushed up eagerly. "So? How did it go?"Alex scratched his head and forced a smile. "Mr. Moore said… Ms. Scott needs to come in person." Britney sighed, disappointment written all over her face. "I knew it!" Alex was about to console her when she suddenly broke into a bright smile. "Still, coming here today wasn't a total waste. At least I ran into my high school classmate and got your number!"She winked at him playfully and added, "We're both from out of town. So, we've got to look out for each other!"Alex was flustered and nodded. "Of course!""Well, I'll get going then. Let's keep in touch!" Britney shrugged off the rejection. Althou
Britney hesitated but finally gave in. "Fine, I'll give it a try." … With Laura's task weighing heavily on her shoulders, Britney set off for Valor Law Firm solemnly.As expected, it turned out exactly as she had imagined. She was turned away almost immediately.She recalled the last time she had come here with Laura. Back then, Laura had also waited for a long time. Determined to ace the interview, Britney decided to stick around and wait. Surely Simon would meet her, considering how she always supported him and Laura and had even tipped him off before. "Britney!" A voice suddenly called out. Britney turned around and her eyes lit up with surprise. "Alex? What are you doing here?" Britney added, "I had some business here. Wow, you've changed so much since high school! Do you work here? Everyone here looks so formal in their suits.""Yes, I work here." Alex was happy to see a classmate. "Are you here because of some trouble? Do you need a lawyer?"Britney explaine
After leaving Simon's office, Laura headed straight to the studio. The workday had ended when she arrived, and all her colleagues had left. Laura sat at her desk, turned on her computer, and began writing down everything she had seen and heard today. With her fingers furiously typing away, she poured out the full story of Brooks Group's workplace incident. Whether it was out of anger or agitation, the keyboard clattered loudly beneath her hands.In just 20 minutes, she had completed a full article. As she typed the last word, she began to calm down. Looking at the article that was filled with sympathy for Nick's family and criticism of Brooks Group, Laura realized she was betraying her journalistic integrity.She hesitated before deleting the draft. After all, she was a reporter. She shouldn't bring her personal feelings into her work. This article contained too much of her own bias. Such a news piece would be unprofessional. Laura sighed. She checked her phone but ther
Laura had to accept reality. Simon feigned nonchalance. "Wait for me. I have some work to finish, and then I'll take you out for dinner, alright?"Laura sat quietly on the couch nearby, listening to the sound of him typing on his computer. Her heart tightened.Her mind replayed the events of how she and Britney had gone to interview the victim's parents. Their cries echoed in her ears as did Simon's conversation with William. Finally, Laura walked over to him. "The work you're handling... Is it related to Brooks Group?" Simon paused and looked at her. "How do you know about this case?" Laura replied truthfully, "My boss assigned me to interview the victims. I... I just visited the family this afternoon and got back from the countryside not long ago.""I see." Simon didn't think much of it and even teased, "Well, it looks like we might see each other more often now. You could say we're mixing business with pleasure." Laura wasn't in the mood to joke. "Are you going to
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