Simon's assistant immediately caught up to him. "We have a meeting with a client later, Mr. Moore.""Reschedule it," Simon ordered before driving to Maxwell's place.On the way, he had someone look into recent events at Lance Corporation. He learned that after Robert passed away, the company had been taken over by Jordan and Zachary. And they'd even taken Maxwell to court.He sped up, heading straight for Lance Manor.Martha knew Simon was friends with Maxwell and let him in directly. "Mr. Moore, Mr. Lance has been in a bad mood and stayed in his study all day. You should check on him."Simon nodded gravely. "I'll go see him."…In the study, Maxwell was surprised to see Simon. "What brings you here?"Simon looked him over. "You don't seem as bad off as Martha described! Why didn't you contact me about this? Were you planning to keep this from me forever?"Embarrassment flashed across Maxwell's face. "I didn't want to interfere with your plans for revenge against Yale Group."
Simon was getting impatient. "I agreed to be Lance Corporation's legal advisor because of you. I don't want to end up working for your useless brother!"Maxwell's gaze darkened. "I want to see how far they can go. This will also determine the consequences they'll face!"Simon had always admired Maxwell when it came to power plays. He knew how shrewd Maxwell was, having taken over Lance Corporation at just 22 years old.Simon shook his head. "I don't understand you. Aren't you worried this will affect the company's performance?"Maxwell snorted. "I can identify their spies and accomplices within Lance Corporation by doing this. This time, I plan to chase them out completely."Simon gave him a thumbs up. "Wow! But are you sure you don't need my help with the lawsuit?"Maxwell smiled. "Do you think I'd hesitate to ask you if I needed help?"He checked the time again. Jennifer still hadn't returned.Just then, his phone rang. It was a call from Michael.Michael had been demoted re
Jennifer thought Maxwell misunderstood her relationship with Jordan and cried, "I can't believe you still think I'm having an affair with him at a time like this! I looked for him because I was hoping he would spare you!"She bawled her eyes out, feeling wronged, and angrily hit him with her uninjured hand.Maxwell's heart warmed as he let her vent.After a while, he took her hand and muttered, "I never thought that. I was just angry that you went to see him alone and almost got taken advantage of. I was even angrier that you chose to hurt yourself. Do you know how scared I was when I heard you had slit your wrist?"Jennifer broke into a smile. "Dummy. Why would I commit suicide over a scumbag? I was just scaring him."Maxwell paused, staring at the bandage on her wrist. "So, is this wound fake too? Would the doctors have bandaged it so securely if it were fake?"Jennifer chuckled. "Don't forget, I'm a doctor too. I know exactly where the arteries are. Why would I cut an artery?
Jennifer stared at Nathan in shock. "How did you know I was here, Dr. Lowe?"Nathan frowned at her injured wrist. "My colleague told me there was a girl who slit her wrist, and she looked like one of my students. I never thought it was you. Explain yourself, Jennifer."Nathan had always been lenient with her, but this was the first time he questioned her with such a stern voice. Jennifer lowered her head and whispered, "I'm sorry, Dr. Lowe. I had no choice, but I can't explain why."Nathan's frown deepened, and he grew angry. Jennifer had always kept her distance, never wanting to involve him in her life. He couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. Looking at her bandaged wrist, he asked, "Is your husband incapable of protecting you?"Jennifer stared at Nathan in surprise. Nathan was shocked at himself too. How could he make such an unprofessional remark? Why was he sowing discord between a married couple?Without waiting for her response, Nathan quickly corrected himself.
"Here's your bread." Maxwell put the bread on the table and fed it to her patiently. "Remember to chew."Jennifer felt like the happiest woman alive. "Was it a long wait? Your ears are red from the cold."Maxwell chuckled. "I see you still have a heart. But I can wait as long as it takes if it means making you happy."Jennifer took a bite. It was just as delicious as she remembered. After a while, she bit her lip, looking like she had something to say. She mumbled, "Dr. Lowe was here earlier."Maxwell was surprised. He hadn't expected her to bring it up. Jennifer took out the ointment Nathan had given her and explained, "He came because he heard from the doctor that I was hurt. He brought me this scar removal ointment."Maxwell's anger faded because of her honesty. He glanced at the ointment. "I'll get you something better, okay?"Jennifer laughed. "This ointment is good enough. It's probably imported. But you really are petty."Maxwell feigned anger. "Say that again! Are you tr
Maxwell was followed by Lance Corporation's executives, shareholders, and some bodyguards. It was a formidable group of people.The door to the president's office was kicked open by a bodyguard, catching Jordan completely off guard. He never expected Maxwell to barge in so boldly, and he lost his cool."Maxwell, what... What do you think you're doing? Where do you think you are?" Jordan stammered. "Don't forget, you had been dismissed during the shareholders' meeting. Now, I'm the president of Lance Corporation, and Dad is the chairman. If you don't wish to be thrown out, you'd best leave now!"Maxwell stood before him, unmoving. A murderous glint flickered in his eyes.Jordan panicked and shouted, "Quick! Call security! Get security up here!"Before he could finish, Maxwell signaled to his bodyguards. Jordan suddenly cried out in pain as the bodyguards dislocated his arms.Jordan bared his teeth at Maxwell. "How dare you do this to me? Just you wait, Maxwell! Security will be he
"Mr. Lance, please come back and fix Lance Corporation! The three of you are from the same family, so why are your capabilities worlds apart?" The shareholders, who had dismissed Maxwell earlier, now realized how unreliable Zachary and Jordan were. They didn't have strategic minds and only knew how to paint rosy pictures.But this was their own decision. After they dismissed Maxwell, they started regretting their actions. Now that Maxwell had finally returned, the shareholders and executives took the opportunity to expose Zachary and Jordan's actions, hoping to bring Maxwell back.Zachary was furious to hear this and turned red with anger. He cursed them. "You traitors! You supported me when it was profitable, and now that you've had no use for me, you want to turn against me! Don't forget, this company belongs to the Lance family!"One of the shareholders sneered. "What have we used you for? Rather than that, it's more like you deceived and abused our trust! While this company be
Lorraine's heart sank, and she asked, "What do you mean by that? We lost the company too?"Zachary gritted his teeth. "Those silver foxes saw Maxwell return and clung to him like he was their savior! They've all betrayed me. No one supports me anymore. They're… going to dismiss me soon.""What?" Lorraine's eyes widened in disbelief. "How is that possible? How can a done deal just vanish?"Zachary laughed bitterly, "Now I understand why Maxwell hasn't been coming to the company or handling any affairs. He was waiting for Jordan and me to mess up. The more we failed at what he could easily accomplish, the more the shareholders would trust him. He had never lost control over Lance Corporation!"Lorraine felt a chill run down her spine. She thought they would gain control of Lance Corporation after Robert died, and everything else would fall into place. But in just one day, everything changed. Fate had burst her bubble and forced her back into reality.Lorraine shook her head, "Imposs
Simon pressed Laura against the wall and kissed her.Yet, this was what hurt her the most. He had never cared whether she wanted it or not. In fact, there were so many unresolved issues between them. However, Simon seemed utterly indifferent and showed no intention of addressing them. He kissed Laura for a while. Just when she thought he might take things to the next level, he abruptly stopped.Simon's breathing was unsteady, his voice low and hoarse as he said, "Go take a shower. I've got work to do and can't keep messing with you."It was only then Laura realized he had drawn her in. Now that he had stopped, her cheeks still burned, and she couldn't shake the lingering pull of desire he'd stirred.Simon seemed to notice her unease. He then asked with a smirk, "Or would you rather continue?"Laura's heart skipped a beat. She quickly pushed him away and lowered her head. "I'll go shower."As he stared at her retreating figure, the lust in Simon's gaze gradually faded. In the
In the next moment, Simon's lips curled into a smile. "It was Maxwell who called me and asked me to come help you with this. Don't forget, Jennifer isn't just your best friend. She's also Maxwell's wife and the mother of Caleb and Cassidy."Did you even check if Maxwell was okay with you staying at their place? Not everyone is as comfortable with you as Jennifer is."Laura wanted nothing more than to shut him up. However, she couldn't deny that he had a point. Apart from Harry, Jennifer was the only one who had ever treated Laura like family. While Jennifer might never push her away, that didn't mean everyone else would be as kind. That house belonged to Jennifer, but it was Maxwell's too.At that moment, Laura felt completely alone and helpless. …Just like that, she quickly packed a few essentials and followed Simon back to his place in the dead of night.He then pointed to a small wardrobe and lightly instructed, "You can leave your clothes here for now."After opening it,
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