Jennifer was taken aback. Was Maxwell doing this for her?The counselor pulled her. "Come on, Jennifer. You have to join the principal for lunch today and thank Mr. Lance. After all, he's probably donating to commemorate your bravery this time."Jennifer was thus forced to join the others for lunch.At the table, Jennifer was the only student there, sitting in the farthest corner.Maxwell sat at the center. The executives were still praising and toasting to him.Jennifer looked at herself, then at him, suddenly realizing how different they were.Maxwell was always shining so brightly, while she...She absentmindedly picked at the food in front of her, listening to the usually stern leaders fawning over Maxwell, feeling disdainful yet helpless.Just then, the principal piped up. "Ms. Yale, Mr. Lance has cleared his schedule to present you the award. You should at least toast to him to show your gratitude."The director of academic affairs began pouring a glass of white wine for
Maxwell's lips curled as he downed the wine. He smiled. "You're remarkable, Ms. Yale. Not only are you skilled in medicine, but you're also good at drinking. Would you like to have a few more drinks?"Everyone present could tell Maxwell was showing interest in Jennifer and urged Jennifer to have a few more drinks with Maxwell.Jennifer's ears buzzed with the cheers around her. No one cared about her well-being. They only cared about achievements and the school's interests.A wave of desolation washed over her. She knew that Maxwell wanted to make things difficult for her.But in front of the school's executives, Jennifer had no means to defend herself and could only be strung along by Maxwell.Jennifer decided to throw caution to the wind and poured herself another glass, downing it fast and fiercely.Maxwell realized something was amiss. Jennifer couldn't hold her liquor. She was clearly drinking to spite him. Unfortunately, he couldn't show his concern since there was a crowd w
Michael wished he were deaf, fearing he might lose his job tomorrow. This was the first time he had ever seen someone speaking to Maxwell like that! Jennifer always seemed gentle and weak. But she didn't hold back when she cursed at Maxwell!Maxwell quickly covered her mouth and whispered, "Do you have a death wish, Jennifer?"Jennifer forcefully pulled his hand away and yelled, "Have you ever treated Rachel like this? You're just a slave to Rachel! How dare you push me around?"A slave? Did Jennifer just call him a slave? Maxwell's expression turned ugly."Stop the car!" Maxwell suddenly shouted, and Michael immediately slammed on the brakes.Jennifer was ruthlessly pushed out of the car and left on the road. She felt like she was dreaming and was laughing her heart out by the roadside.Michael observed Jennifer through the rearview mirror and cautiously reminded, "Sir, it's not safe to leave Mrs. Lance here. Besides, she's still drunk."Maxwell gave him a cold glance and s
Jennifer recalled the way Maxwell humiliated her during the banquet and gritted her teeth. "I don't deserve his grace."Martha didn't know what had happened exactly, so she kindly said, "Mrs. Lance, men prefer submissive women. I'm sure Mr. Lance will like you more if you would soften up."Jennifer smiled bitterly. "Mrs. Zayne, you've been with us for the past two years. I'm sure you're aware of how submissive and pathetic I am around him.""Well..." Martha sighed. "I know how hard things were for you. But Mr. Lance didn't notice it back then. But it seems things have been different recently. If you soften your stance at the right time, I'm sure things will get better."Jennifer shook her head helplessly. "It won't work. There's a huge wall between him and me. You wouldn't understand."Of course, Rachel was the "wall" Jennifer was referring to. She was the one Maxwell wanted to marry.Martha knew she was just a maid and shouldn't butt into their affair too much. So, she sighed an
Maxwell froze. He would be lying if he said he didn't regret it. He knew he had wronged Jennifer and caused her several grievances. But he still didn't know who Jennifer was having an affair with.Maxwell released Jennifer and flashed her a bitter smile. "With how well you're hiding him, it seems you really love that man. I still haven't found any clues even now.""Believe what you want." Jennifer didn't want to recall that terrible night. She choked back her tears. "No matter who that man is, it's none of your business. What you care about is your dignity and image."Maxwell suddenly grabbed her shoulders and pressed her onto the bed. His stern face twisted cruelly. "Remember this. You'd better hide him well, and don't let me catch him. Otherwise, I will make him regret touching my woman!"Jennifer forced herself to calm down and retorted, "Rachel is your woman!"The next second, Maxwell captured her lips, forcefully swallowing her words.Jennifer punched him fiercely, but her s
But Maxwell stubbornly didn't want to tell Jennifer that he and Rachel only had done it that one time! After all, Jennifer was openly cheating. She even bought contraceptives to cover up her crime! Since she had cheated first, who was she to demand an explanation from him?Maxwell's expression turned dark. "Stay away from Jordan in the future. You know I can't tolerate him. I don't want to hurt you, so don't force me."Jennifer was scared of the dark look Maxwell was sending her. She wanted to tell him that maybe Jordan wasn't as bad as he thought and that Maxwell should give Jordan a chance. Maybe the two brothers could even reconcile. But Jennifer didn't dare say anything under Maxwell's murderous gaze.Jennifer got out of bed, ready to return to Lance Manor. Maxwell's mood was unpredictable. He would occasionally take advantage of her, and she didn't dare to be alone with him."Where are you going?" Maxwell grabbed her and asked in a deep voice.Jennifer gathered her courag
Jennifer stared at Maxwell silently. She used to think he was a cold and unpredictable man. But why now did she feel this man was childish and petty and quick to anger?She slowly lay down beside him and said softly, "Thank you, Maxwell. Although your methods are a bit extreme, I know you did it for me."At least he still regarded her as his wife.There was no response. Jennifer thought Maxwell had fallen asleep and didn't hear her.When she turned her back to prepare to sleep, an arm snaked around her waist and hugged her tightly.Jennifer was extremely nervous, and her whole body stiffened. She could even hear the sound of her heartbeat.She awkwardly moved her body, but the man tightened his grip. "Stop moving, or I won't be responsible for what happens next."Sure enough, Jennifer immediately quieted down....Meanwhile, Jordan returned home drunk in the middle and woke up Robert who had just fallen asleep."What's going on?" Robert looked at him displeased. "You came hom
Jennifer was the first person to say such words to Jordan. Even his mother, Lorraine, often said that he was not as good as Maxwell, claiming that Maxwell was in the way of his success. No one was willing to believe in him. All except Jennifer.Jordan had a sleepless night. He wondered what happened to Jennifer after she was taken back by Maxwell. Meanwhile, Maxwell slept soundly.The faint morning sunlight seeped through the window and illuminated the bedroom's bed, painting the room to be extra cozy. Jennifer wasn't used to waking up in Maxwell's arms and stuttered out, "Morning.""Morning." Maxwell looked down at the sleepy Jennifer with half-lidded eyes. "Did you sleep well?"Jennifer thought for a moment. She didn't have any strange dreams last night and slept soundly, feeling refreshed after she woke up. She blushed. "Yes, I did. How about you?""I did too." Maxwell smiled. "It's a sunny morning."Jennifer giggled. "The rain has finally stopped."Looking at the risin
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