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
Maxwell's decisiveness once again earned the respect of the employees and shareholders. No one dared to complain. Many were relieved that Maxwell had returned. Otherwise, who knew what mess Zachary and Jordan would have made of Lance Corporation?After the meeting, Maxwell returned to his office and was surprised to see Jennifer and Martha there.Maxwell frowned. "Martha, I told you to take care of Jennifer at the hospital. Why did you bring her here?"It was freezing outside, and he didn't want Jennifer to catch a cold.Jennifer quickly interjected, "Don't blame Martha. I insisted on coming. I heard you returned to Lance Corporation, and I was worried about you."Maxwell waved Martha away and walked over to Jennifer. He suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his embrace. He smirked and asked in a husky, playful tone, "Now that you've seen me, are you relieved?"Jennifer looked at his confident demeanor, feeling like the Maxwell from before was an imposter.
"Won't you stay with me?" Maxwell led Jennifer to the couch and whispered into her ears seductively, "I feel at ease when I can see you."Jennifer blushed. Maxwell always found her shyness adorable.He said considerately, "You can sit here and use the tablet or read some magazines. I'll have the secretary bring you some afternoon tea. Once I'm done, I'll take you to watch a movie, okay?"Jennifer nodded. She had no objections to whatever he proposed. As long as she could see him safe and unharmed, she was content.When the secretary came in to deliver the fruit platter and snacks, Jennifer noted that he was a man. She remembered that Maxwell used to have a bunch of female secretaries.After the secretary left, Jennifer asked, "Why is your secretary a man now?"Maxwell shrugged. "Those women were too chatty. I didn't like it. Men talk less and are easier to manage. More importantly, my wife won't misunderstand me."Jennifer glared at him. "Who are you calling your wife?"Then, s
Jennifer rolled her eyes. "How shameless!"Laura retorted: "What are you talking about? Ever since you got with Maxwell, all you have on your mind is sex. You're not as innocent as before!"Their banter continued.Meanwhile, Maxwell had finished most of his work. Night fell in Haven City, and the city lights slowly turned on."Are you finished with work?" Jennifer peeked out from her phone cutely.Maxwell pecked her cheeks. "You must be hungry. Come, let's get something to eat."Jennifer put away her phone excitedly.As they were about to leave, Michael entered anxiously."Mr. Lance, it's best if you and Mrs. Lance stay for now," Michael said nervously. "Our company has been surrounded by reporters!"Jennifer panicked and pressed, "Why?"Michael explained, "It seems Mr. Zachary and Ms. Lorraine tipped off the reporters. Now, everyone is saying..."He hesitated, afraid that saying it aloud would anger Maxwell.Maxwell was already standing by the window, looking at the crowd
At the same time, Lorraine called a group of reporters to the hospital.The room was filled with flashing lights, capturing Jordan's miserable state.Lorraine cried out, "Everyone, look! Maxwell has taken over Lance Corporation by defying his father and beating his brother. He's ruthless and cunning. We are no match for him! We had no choice but to have the media seek justice for us!"Lorraine cried as she spoke, stirring up the anger of everyone present. After all, they could all see Jordan's wounds.Just then, Zachary took out Jordan's medical records sadly.The reporters rushed over."Mr. Lance, did your son chase you out of the family? Can you tell us more about Maxwell tampering with the will?""Mr. Lance, how do you feel about your two sons turning against each other?"Zachary said angrily, "Maxwell is not my son! I do not have such an unfilial son! I declare that I will sever my relationship with Maxwell! As for the will, I will take this matter to court!"Lorraine rush
The number was under Hugo's name anyway. It can't be traced back to Rachel.…At the same time, Jennifer and Maxwell watched as the online rumors spread like wildfire. Jennifer started to waver. Should she agree to Maxwell's request?Michael said, "Mr. Lance, if this continues, Lance Corporation's reputation will be affected! With Mr. Lance Senior's recent passing, the company is already falling apart. You need to make a decision quickly."Hearing this, Jennifer's heart tightened. She made up her mind and looked at Maxwell firmly. "I agree."Maxwell's eyes flickered in surprise. "Are you sure? If we walk out of here holding hands, our marriage will be made public. But I will take responsibility just as I promised Grandpa and treat you well."Jennifer swooned. She knew their future was uncertain like leaves in the wind. No one knew what the future would hold. But Jennifer had no choice but to support Maxwell and dispel the public's doubts about him.Jennifer was determined. "I've
The person was indeed hired by Lorraine and Zachary. But he hadn't expected Maxwell to confront him in front of everyone.Seeing him panicking, Maxwell signaled to Michael. The latter caught on and had the bodyguards bring the reporter to the front, demanding he show his press pass."I… I didn't bring it!" he stammered. "I left in a hurry and forgot."Michael said coldly, "A reporter without a press pass, huh? Fine, call your colleague to bring it over. Otherwise, we'll sue you for defamation! Do you know how much Lance Corporation's reputation is worth?"The fake reporter realized the seriousness of his situation. If Lance Corporation sued him, he couldn't afford to pay them!So, he confessed, "Fine, I'll tell the truth. Someone paid me to do this!"Michael pressed, "Who was it?"The person shook his head. "I don't know. A man in a suit gave me money to pose as a reporter and ask those questions."This revelation spread online.Even the most naive onlookers noticed something
"No, you're injured, and you need to rest. Besides, watching me work would be boring for you," Maxwell didn't want Jennifer staying up with him.But Jennifer took out her phone, smiling. "It's amusing to see myself turned into the female lead of a romance novel. Look, these people are so imaginative."Maxwell glanced at her phone. There were various stories about how they'd met, why they'd gotten divorced, and how she had won his heart back. Some even turned her story into a female empowerment tale, depicting a housewife abandoned by her husband, who got into a prestigious medical school and won back her ex-husband's heart.Jennifer was thoroughly entertained and said, "Go back to work. I'm enjoying these stories and haven't had enough yet!"Maxwell laughed helplessly before giving her a grim look. "Jennifer, do you think I was acting in front of the reporters?"Jennifer hesitated. "I don't know. I wouldn't be angry at you even if it was an act. I promised Grandpa that I'd protect
Laura blinked innocently and answered, "I was talking about myself."Simon fixed his gaze on her, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Should I call Alex over right now? You can ask him directly if he's willing to accept you."Laura hadn't expected to shoot herself in the foot again, and her face turned red from his teasing. Flustered, she shoved him away. "Oh, come on! I was joking!"I was asking on behalf of Britney. You know, my colleague. If Alex is single, why not let them give it a shot? Britney's great. She's cheerful and kind. They seem like a good match."Simon finally let out a scoff. "You've got a knack for worrying about everyone, don't you?"She pushed him toward his desk and replied, "Alright, that's enough. You should get back to work. I'll tell Britney and have Alex give her a ride back. It's a perfect opportunity for them to spend some time together."With that, Simon sat back down in front of his computer and got back to work.At the same time, Laura texted Britney, a
"No problem, Laura," Alex replied before shifting his gaze to Britney.Then, he shyly said, "Let me show you around our firm. That way, if you guys ever work with us again, you'll have a better sense of how we operate."Britney, ever cheerful and outgoing, flashed a bright smile. "Sounds great! Let's go!"A satisfied smile tugged at Laura's lips as she watched them chat. With that, she entered Simon's office.Work was something both Simon and Laura took seriously. Moreover, the Brooks Group workplace fatality case weighed heavily on her heart.She couldn't shake her frustration and confusion about why Simon had taken the case, but she had a job to do. Setting her personal feelings aside, she switched into professional mode and began asking her questions.This time, Simon didn't make things difficult for her. He answered each question thoroughly and without hesitation. Toward the end of the interview, Laura asked a pointed question that hadn't been part of her original script.
The station chief reviewed the surveillance footage and explained to Simon personally, "His last known location was at the dormitory building of Haven University. He went inside, but unfortunately, there were no cameras in the restrooms."We believed he changed his clothes and shoes before leaving. Our initial assessment is that he's likely a student at the university. But for now, the trail's gone cold. I'd say he's good at avoiding being tracked. At this point, we don't have enough evidence to bring him in."Simon nodded in response. Now, he was nearly certain of the stalker's identity. "Alright, I think I know who it is. Thank you for your hard work."The station chief hurriedly replied, "Oh, Mr. Moore, no need to thank us! We'll be needing your expertise down the line. Helping each other is what we do."…At the studio, Laura sat in her office, texting Simon to check if there were any updates on the stalker.However, all he replied was, "They're still investigating."The cor
"Mr. Moore…" Laura let out a sigh. After a moment's hesitation, she couldn't hold back any longer. "I really feel for the victim in the Brooks Group's workplace fatality case. Does the Brooks family even care about that small amount of money? One million dollars is just pocket change to them, but to another family, it's everything."Simon showed no emotion as he replied, "Mind your own business."Laura pouted but quickly relented. "So, do you have time tomorrow? My boss said we need to follow up on the progress of the Brooks Group case as soon as possible. Can you—"Before she could finish her sentence, Simon suddenly shut his laptop, set it aside, and leaned toward her.He fixed his gaze on the terrified Laura. His handsome face came dangerously close, stopping just inches from hers. Then, he said, "Well, as long as you behave and stop testing my patience."While unbuttoning her pajama top, he added, "Otherwise, with everything I've got going on, why should I take time to help
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,