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
Jennifer paled, and her heart sank. The ring on her finger felt like a tightening shackle, burning and hurting her.Seeing her reaction, Jordan knew he had achieved his desired effect. He softened his tone and feigned gentleness. "Now you understand, right? Maxwell merely wants to use you to gain favor with Grandpa. If he genuinely cared for you, why would he keep Rachel abroad, accompany her to every prenatal checkup, and spend a fortune treating her leg? And you? You're just a puppet on a string to him!"Jennifer never imagined that Rachel's child was still alive. She also never thought that Maxwell, who treated her so well, was treating Rachel the same way. She was being eaten by guilt, afraid that Maxwell would resent her over what happened to Rachel.Jennifer laughed self-deprecatingly. So, it was all a lie! Why was fate so cruel? It gave her everything, making her believe she had reached the pinnacle of happiness, only to burst her bubbles and leave her falling from grace head
But none of this mattered anymore. Jennifer was just relieved she hadn't told Maxwell about her pregnancy. Otherwise, things would have only gotten more complicated.Seeing her silence, Maxwell questioned, "Have you gone mute? Why aren't you answering? What exactly did you two talk about that made you disregard Grandpa's safety?"Jennifer lowered her gaze. "He told me Rachel's child is still alive."Maxwell's expression changed instantly. He was no longer aggressive but rather flustered and at a loss.Jennifer smirked at him. "Are you satisfied now?"Maxwell felt a lump in his throat. He wanted to explain, but any explanation seemed pointless.Suddenly, cries erupted from the direction of the hospital ward, and Maxwell and Jennifer rushed to the ward.The doctor had already announced Grandpa Robert's time of death. Lorraine and Zachary wept as they covered Robert with a white sheet.Maxwell stood there stiffly, watching the white cloth slowly cover Robert's lifeless face. He c
Nathan ignored Maxwell. After paying his respects to Robert, he approached Jennifer."You're here, Dr. Lowe." Jennifer stood up and thanked him for coming over.Looking at the pale and noticeably thinner Jennifer, Nathan's heart ached. He gazed at her. "My condolences. I'm waiting for your return.""Thank you, Dr. Lowe," Jennifer replied weakly, her sorrow evident in her voiceNathan was surprised. After all, Robert was not Jennifer's biological grandfather, yet she was showing filial piety. His admiration for Jennifer seemed to grow even stronger.Just then, Maxwell approached them. He said coldly, "As you can see, Dr. Lowe, our family has a lot to handle right now. Many matters need our attention so I won't be keeping you. Michael, please see him out!"And so, Nathan was forcefully escorted out by Maxwell.Maxwell gave Jennifer a stern look and warned, "Don't forget your promise to Grandpa, Jennifer. You'd better behave yourself at his funeral."Jennifer felt wronged. She and
When dinner time came around, Jennifer went downstairs on schedule. She wasn't just responsible for herself now. There was now a baby she had to take care of. She didn't mind starving, but the baby couldn't.Martha noticed her increased appetite and poured her another bowl of soup. But when Jennifer saw the layer of fat on it, she felt nauseous again. She clutched her chest and ran to the trash can to dry heave.Martha was startled. "Is the food I made not to your liking, Mrs. Lance?"Jennifer rinsed her mouth. "It's not your fault, Martha."Martha suddenly thought of something and probed, "Are you pregnant, Mrs. Lance?"Jennifer's expression shifted and she mumbled irritably, "Don't talk nonsense. We've been divorced for so long. How could that be possible?"Martha had never seen this side of Jennifer and agreed awkwardly, "Yes, I must be getting old."Jennifer sighed. She glanced at the empty seat across her and asked, "How long has it been since he last ate?""Sigh. Mr. Lanc
Jennifer's heart tightened. She knew they couldn't reconcile. But she had promised Robert to protect Maxwell and not let anyone harm him. Even if she wanted to leave, she would wait until Maxwell had sorted out the situation with Lance Group and found his footing.Jennifer smiled. "Rachel's child is also your child. It's natural not to wish to kill your flesh and blood. And I will keep my promise and stay with you through this difficult time."Maxwell's heart warmed and he pulled her into his embrace. He mumbled, "Jennifer, I'm not sure if you know this, but you've grown soft."Jennifer used to be a rose with thorns. But now, she seemed to have shed them away. But Jennifer knew that wasn't the case, that she was left with no other choice.There were many things beyond her control, and she could only accept them reluctantly.After Maxwell ate, they went to bed early. After many busy days, lying together gave them a sense of security, allowing them to finally fall asleep.The next