Rachel froze at Maxwell's words. She asked in disbelief, "What do you mean… We won't meet again? Our child is about to be born. As their father, don't you want to witness their birth and be there as they grow up?"But Maxwell's next words crushed her completely. "Jennifer is also pregnant. The child she is carrying is the only Lance family heir my grandfather recognized and accepted."Rachel couldn't believe her ears. "What… What did you just say?"How could this be possible? They had already divorced. How could Jennifer be pregnant?Rachel trembled. "You two are divorced. You can't possibly know who she interacts with during her working hours. How can you be sure that this child is yours? She didn't conceive during the time you were married, so how could she be pregnant now that you're divorced?""Rachel!" Maxwell sternly reprimanded her. "Watch your words. I will not allow you to slander her. I know Jennifer well enough to be certain that the child is mine."Rachel felt her wor
Even after crying her eyes out, Rachel still couldn't change Maxwell's mind. She never thought Maxwell had planned her future for her. Yet he was also not part of it. He had removed himself completely from her life, not wanting to have anything to do with her."I'm leaving. Take care." With that, Maxwell left Rachel's home.Rachel immediately tried to chase after him, but her condition made it difficult, and she couldn't catch up. In her desperation, she shouted toward the closed elevator door, "Maxwell, come back!"Unfortunately, her only response was the deafening silence. Rachel trembled with anger, gritting her teeth as she muttered, "Jennifer, you bitch! You always want what I want! You want to take everything from me! I will never let you off!"…Maxwell returned to the quiet villa.Martha heard the noise and greeted him. "Mr. Lance, have you had dinner? Shall I make you supper?""I'm not hungry." Maxwell glanced upstairs. "How was her appetite tonight?"Martha sighed and
Jennifer trembled in Maxwell's embrace and choked out, "My baby has a home now. I was so scared, thinking my baby would be without a father. I was prepared to be a single mom."Maxwell felt both heartache and anger. He cupped her face, making her look into his eyes, and said seriously, "You should have told me about this when you found out, instead of keeping it all to yourself. You'll only hurt yourself that way, understand?"Jennifer complained sadly, "You didn't believe me at first. You thought I reported to Grandpa and hurt Rachel's baby. What if I had told you back then and you didn't accept my child?"Regret and guilt washed over Maxwell. He held Jennifer close and gently patted her back. "Alright, it's all my fault. Let's not bring up the past, okay? From now on, Rachel will be out of the picture. Our lives will only consist of us and our baby."Jennifer smiled as she realized her love for him hadn't faded at all. Previously, due to Rachel, she had never dared to take this s
The household staff asked in confusion, "Why would you think Mr. Zion's death is related to Ms. Jennifer? After all, he treated her so well while he was alive. She had no reason to harm him, right?"Agnes sneered, "I have no evidence, but I firmly believe that illegitimate child caused Zion's death! Even if that has nothing to do with her, what about Bridget and Jocelyn? "Bridget may be a bit headstrong, but she's still the biological child of our family. She's far more honorable than Jennifer, that troublemaker. "Yet, in the end, Jennifer managed to manipulate Zion and got Bridget kicked out!"At that point, Agnes wept uncontrollably. "I'm truly unfortunate! At my age, I've lost my son, and my granddaughter is missing. If only Bridget were here, it would at least bring me some comfort."Right then, a household staff's ecstatic voice echoed from downstairs."Ms. Bridget? Mrs. Yale? You're back!"Soon after, Bridget's voice rang out. "Where's my grandmother? And my dad?"Agnes
"My dear Bridget, you're still the most thoughtful one," said Agnes.She was now filled with joy. Although her son had passed away, her granddaughter had returned. It somehow felt like a blessing in disguise. That night, the Yale residence shone brightly. Agnes held onto Jocelyn and Bridget, inquiring about how they had been faring all this time. She felt sorry for their struggles but also resented Jennifer for tearing the Yale family apart.…Meanwhile, Jennifer was sleeping soundly in Maxwell's arms. In her dreams, she saw her parents and Robert once more, telling them she was now happy.She could finally provide a home for her baby and no longer needed to suppress her feelings. At last, she could be with the person she loved, forever.…The next day, Jennifer went to work at the hospital as usual. However, Nathan was nowhere to be seen in the department. Rumor had it he had taken a few days off.Jennifer thought it might be because of the altercation with Maxwell the day
Nathan cast a disappointed glance at her before walking away. Jennifer could not help but feel deeply unsettled, a feeling she could not shake. She knew that Nathan might have a point. But Maxwell had also sacrificed a lot of her, hadn't he? If he could give up so much, why couldn't she do the same for their family?With that thought in mind, Jennifer felt a weight lift from her shoulders.…That evening, Maxwell arrived on time to pick Jennifer up. With the constraints that once held them back now lifted, she no longer resisted him picking her up at her workplace.Seeing that Jennifer seemed somewhat unhappy, Maxwell asked with concern, "Did Nathan give you a hard time today?"Jennifer was afraid of escalating the discord between Maxwell and Nathan. Hence, she shook her head and replied, "No, Dr. Lowe was in the operating room all day. I didn't see him."Maxwell reminded her, "Just let me know if he dares to cause you any trouble. Don't keep it to yourself, okay?""I know,
At that moment, Jennifer felt an overwhelming sense of contentment and bliss. Her husband was a man who exuded a commanding presence, yet he treated her with such tenderness.Jennifer gazed at Maxwell, her beautiful eyes sparkling with warmth and affection. "Maxwell, shall we get married tomorrow?" Her gaze was unwavering as she uttered each word, "I've thought it through. I love you, and I want to give our baby a home."I used to be so weak and hesitant. Thank you for easing all my doubts."In the next second, Maxwell gripped her chin and kissed her passionately. Jennifer was momentarily stunned. But in no time, she tiptoed to meet his lips. Not far away from them, a pair of resentful, sinister eyes watched the scene unfold. Rachel's hatred was so intense that it felt like daggers were about to shoot from her eyes.If looks could kill, Jennifer would have been dead countless times. Rachel clenched her fists so tightly that her sharp nails dug into her palms. From the moment
Jennifer cast a coy look at Maxwell and said, "Really? Well, Mr. Lance, could you drive me around for the rest of my life?"Maxwell gazed at his pure, alluring wife in his embrace. He could not help but lean down to kiss her. "You're the only person I'll drive around," he replied seductively.Jennifer finally caught onto his flirty tone. In an instant, her face turned as red as a tomato. Then, Maxwell let out a soft sigh as he uttered, "Jennifer, please give birth soon. It's been too long since we were intimate."Jennifer's heart skipped a beat, feeling shy. Yet, at the same time, a hint of guilt hit her.After all, at Maxwell's age and with his vitality, it must have been genuinely difficult for him to endure this long.Jennifer hesitated momentarily before awkwardly asking, "Is it hard for you to endure it?""What do you think?" Maxwell's deep gaze was filled with desire, his voice becoming hoarse too. "I have a beautiful woman by my side. Yet, I can't do anything but look
After visiting Harry, Simon left the prison with a heavy heart.He drove along a mountain road, letting the cool air blow against his face. He smoked a few cigarettes to clear his mind before finally heading home.It was late when he got back. Laura was in the kitchen trying to make something to eat. Simon sighed and walked over. "Go rest. I'll handle this."He took the ladle from her and began cooking.Laura didn't leave. Instead, she stood to the side, lost in thought. When had Simon started becoming this gentle? He used to be so distant and untouchable.She had been with him for five years, yet she had never known he could cook.Deep down, Laura wished he stayed the same cold and unreachable figure. At least then, she could keep her feelings in check.Simon asked, "Why aren't you resting?""I… I've been lying down all day. I just wanted to stand for a bit." She came up with an excuse. After a brief pause, she hesitantly asked, "Did you smoke?"Simon only then noticed the
Harry finally realized Simon had orchestrated everything. He had believed the Jensens were the mastermind behind this.Suddenly, thoughts of his daughter flooded his mind. He tried to stand up and confront Simon, but the handcuffs and shackles restrained him, forcing him to remain seated.Harry glared at Simon. "What have you done to my daughter? Tell me! What exactly have you done to her?"Simon smirked. "Nothing much. I simply taught her how to serve me, please me, and keep me happy."Harry's heart dropped. The thought of his daughter, whom he had lovingly raised and cherished, reduced to Simon's plaything after his imprisonment, tore his heart to pieces.It was a fate worse than death. "You! What happened to your father back then was my fault! I take full responsibility!" Harry's voice trembled, "But Laura is innocent. I beg you, let her go. Don't hurt her! You can kill me if you want. I'm begging you. Please, let Laura go!" Simon gazed at the desperate man before him. Ye
It was as if Simon blamed Laura for always asking stubborn questions.Their relationship was far from normal. He didn't understand why she insisted on getting to the bottom of everything.Laura's heart dropped. She returned to the bedroom, feeling utterly lost. Her heart ached. Simon was the most ruthless, selfish, and self-serving man she had ever met.Everything she had endured last night seemed insignificant to him. What mattered to him was that his mother hadn't caused her death, sparing him from any trouble.Around noon, Simon entered the bedroom.Laura was sitting on the rocking chair by the window, staring outside. The once-proud Laura now carried a sense of melancholy.Simon's heart tightened seeing her pale face. Unfortunately, apologizing wasn't his strong suit. He was too prideful for that.Still, he walked over to her and stroked her hair. "Don't take what I said to my mother earlier to heart. It wasn't aimed at you. Laura, you've been with me for five years. I thoug
Simon's words comforted Laura.After finishing the soup, she burrowed back under the covers. She peeked out to gaze at Simon, who was working on the couch. She could never get enough of him no matter how long she looked.Even though she knew she was being pathetic, she couldn't help herself. She was charmed by Simon. Every move he made exuded the poise and charisma of a mature man. Especially when he was focused on his work, it always stirred a sense of admiration in her.Eventually, drowsiness took over, and she drifted off to sleep again. She wasn't sure how long she slept. But later, she groggily heard Simon's voice as he spoke on the phone.Simon was on the balcony, talking to Fiona. Fiona feigned innocence. "How would I know she was on the balcony? I just noticed it was about to rain and wanted to close the balcony door for you."Simon's tone sharpened. "Mom, there's no point in making these excuses. We're mother and son. I can see right through you. If you pull another st
Laura understood Simon was technically still single since he wasn't married yet. She could still deceive herself and live in denial. But he would become someone else's husband once he married. Would she want to be his mistress?If it came to that, even she would despise herself.Simon hummed. "You can decide for yourself when that time comes. You can leave if you don't want to stay with me. But my promise will be void. You'd better believe me when I say, only I can save your father."Looking at Simon's emotionless face, Laura suddenly realized how cruel and cold-hearted he truly was. The feelings she thought they shared, the love and devotion she had poured her heart and youth into, were but a transaction in his eyes.Laura nodded. "Then let's set a deadline. I'll give you one year. If, after one year, my father's case remains unchanged, then we'll… cut ties."Simon replied calmly, "Fine, as you wish. Now get some rest."Only then did Laura close her eyes and stop resisting his t
Simon didn't give Laura any chance to react. He took a sip and then lowered his head before capturing her lips.Laura's eyes widened as Simon forced her to swallow the soup. She pounded on his shoulders before Simon let her go.He demanded, "I'll have no choice but to feed you like this if you don't drink the soup and take your medicine."Laura glared at him, her face flushed with both anger and embarrassment. She grabbed the bowl and downed the soup in one go. Then, she took the cold medicine he handed her.Simon finally relaxed and tucked her in. "Sleep."But how could Laura possibly fall asleep? Especially when Simon lay down beside her, pulling her into his embrace. She gritted her teeth. "Can you not touch me? I'm begging you. Don't touch me!"Simon didn't respond. He held her tightly, his warmth radiating through the thin fabric of her pajamas.Later, he noticed Laura was trembling and thought she was cold.When he turned her to face him, he realized her eyes were red, an
A sharp pain pierced Simon's chest. In the next instant, he held Laura tightly, as though trying to shield her from the cold. But still, she trembled uncontrollably. Without hesitation, he rushed to fill the bathtub with warm water and slowly placed her into it.Simon stroked Laura's pale face, then gently instructed, "Stay in the bath for a while. I'll make you some peppermint tea. If you start running a fever later, we might need to go to the hospital."Having said that, he turned to leave the bathroom. But as soon as he closed the door, he heard her crying.Simon froze in his tracks, then turned and rushed back in. He quickly undressed and stepped into the tub before pulling her into his arms. "I'm sorry, Laurie. I'm so sorry I came home so late," he apologized in a hoarse voice. "I-I didn't know they would—""Go away! Don't touch me!"Laura shoved him away with all her strength. Her voice broke as she screamed, "While you were happily spending time with your family, I was
As soon as Simon finished speaking, he froze. He had repeated what Laura had told him that day, almost exactly.He was a lawyer. Yet, his response was far from professional. Laura's words and actions had crept into his thoughts without him even realizing it. The realization unsettled him, leaving him feeling irritated.Meanwhile, William avoided Simon's gaze, guilt written all over his face. "Why are you bringing this up again? I've already told you. Those people came from some poor countryside. They don't deserve one million dollars."Besides, who in the right mind would complain about having too much money? If I can settle this with 200 thousand dollars, why should I pay a million? Didn't you say you found evidence to clear Brooks Group of most of the responsibility?"Simon had indeed found such evidence. That crucial piece meant Nick's family couldn't demand much compensation. Yet, a tightness gripped his chest, as if something unseen was pressing down on him. For some reaso
Fiona fixed her gaze on Simon, then replied, "Tell me honestly. Do you really only see Laura as the daughter of our enemy? If so, why do you keep putting off your engagement to Hailey?"Is there something else on your mind? Let me warn you. If you've developed any sympathy for that bitch, I'll end my life right in front of you!"Simon's heart sank as he heard that. He could clearly see the unwavering determination in her eyes. He would never doubt Fiona's words. After all, it was Harry who had caused Anthony's death, and that had shattered her life completely.The humiliation and torment Fiona had once endured flooded Simon's mind. He clenched his fists, unwilling to dwell on it any longer.He knew that Fiona would never accept Laura. The incident was something Fiona could never get over. Suddenly, she became agitated and grabbed Simon's arm tightly. Her voice was desperate as she demanded, "Tell me now. Do you have feelings for that bitch? Answer me!""Mom, calm down. I promi