Nathan was shocked by Jennifer's outburst. He gripped her shoulders. "Calm down. I just don't want you to give everything to a man like him. I don't want to see you get hurt..."But Jennifer didn't want to hear anymore. She slapped his hands away and ran out.By the time Nathan reacted and chased after her, Jennifer had already run out the door.Frida grabbed him. "Nathan, what are you doing?""Mom, let go," Nathan said anxiously. "She's not thinking straight right now. Something might happen to her."Frida said sternly, "If you keep this up, something will happen to you too! Can't you see? She's desperate to leave our house and to get back. She must have something more important. Nathan, you need to wake up!"Her words managed to calm Nathan down.…Jennifer returned to the villa looking disheveled and panicked, which shocked Martha."Mrs. Lance?" Martha quickly went up to her and supported her. "What happened? Where's Mr. Lance?"Jennifer stared blankly at Martha. "He hasn'
Maxwell avoided Jennifer's gaze and mumbled, "Almost."At that moment, Jennifer's heart shattered. Maxwell not only lied to her but also treated her like a fool. She had believed him time and again, giving her love and passion to him. Was he planning to keep her while having another woman outside, deceiving her forever?Maxwell stroked her hair and said apologetically, "Jennifer, I'm sorry I didn't go with you to get the marriage certificate yesterday. How about this? Let's go tomorrow, okay?"Jennifer felt that Maxwell was so hypocritical. Where was he when her life was hanging by a thread last night? He was with Rachel and didn't even know she was in danger. Even now, he hadn't thought about why she hadn't come home last night.Jennifer understood Maxwell. She could see how distracted he was now. Maxwell might be here with her, but his heart was elsewhere.Sensing Jennifer's silence, Maxwell asked, "Jennifer, what's wrong? You don't look well. We'll get the marriage certificate
Hugo smiled. "I've fed those two to the fishes."Jennifer was terrified and stared at him in disbelief.Hugo softened his tone. "I know you think I'm a bad person. But I wouldn't have let you leave Nimbus Lounge if I really wanted to harm you, right? After all, you were at my mercy and had no chance to resist whatever I wanted to do. Why would I wait until now?"Jennifer thought he made some sense, but she still didn't trust him, considering he was the boss of Nimbus Lounge.She looked at him suspiciously. "Since you let me go, don't disturb me again. I have nothing to say to you."Hugo felt hurt by Jennifer's disdainful and wary face. Even though he had been through a lot, this was the most helpless he ever felt.He sighed and patiently explained, "Here's the thing, I have a few questions for you. We don't have to go to the car if you're not comfortable. How about we talk right here on the street?"Jennifer didn't dare to offend him and risk provoking him. With so many people o
Just as Jennifer turned to leave, Hugo grabbed her wrists. Jennifer was terrified and stared at him nervously. "Let go of me, or I really will scream."Hugo wasn't going to let her go unless he got an answer. He said sternly, "Since you don't want me to bother you again, why not dispel my doubts? Or, do you believe you're my sister and are therefore afraid to take a DNA test with me?"Jennifer looked at him in disbelief, but the doubts about her birth began to eat at her. She had fallen for Bridget's tricks before, so she was especially wary, afraid this man would set another trap for her.After a moment of thought, she relented, "Okay, I'll take the DNA test, but it has to be at a hospital I choose, and I won't take your car. We'll take a taxi."Hugo had a bad temper and disliked others bargaining with him. But after hearing all of Jennifer's conditions, he didn't get angry. Instead, he smiled. "Alright, we'll do it your way."So, they took a taxi, and Jennifer chose to have her
Michael sneered. "Mr. Lance has already left. Ms. Walker, I advise you to save your efforts! Mr. Lance and his wife have an unbreakable bond. What good is risking your life? Don't overestimate yourself!"Michael's words were like a sharp knife, piercing Rachel's heart and tearing apart all her facade and pride.How could she take it? How could she allow an assistant to trample all over her?Back when Maxwell was doting on her, Michael was always following her around, trying to please her. This should be her life yet Jennifer stole it from her.Rachel yelled at him, "Get out! I don't need you here! Out!"Michael snorted, cursing Rachel for being ungrateful and overstepping her boundaries. If it weren't for Maxwell's orders, he wouldn't want to be here watching over her! He would prefer to spend this time at home with his wife!With that, he went out and instructed the bodyguards at the door, "Keep watch here. I'm leaving. Report to me if anything happens!"After Michael entered t
Rachel looked at Hugo in fear, terrified that he might tighten his hold around her neck. Hugo was crazy and would do anything!She asked, "Since you fed Bridget and her mom to the fish, what about Jennifer? What happened to her?"Hugo narrowed his eyes dangerously and said through gritted teeth, "Of course, I let her go! Remember this, don't mess with Jennifer again, or I'll kill you!"Rachel's eyes widened in disbelief.What did Hugo say? He would kill her for Jennifer!Rachel dropped her facade and cried, "Are you crazy? I risked my life to give birth to your child, and you want to kill me for that bitch! Do you know how much work I did to trap Jennifer? But you ruined all my plans and made my efforts in vain!"A murderous look crossed Hugo's gaze. He wrapped his fingers around her neck and tightened them slightly, "I'll say it again, don't even think about messing with Jennifer again! Do you hear me?"Rachel gasped for air. It wasn't until she almost lost consciousness that H
That man must be plotting something!Just then, Martha knocked on the door. "Mrs. Lance, dinner is ready."Jennifer quickly asked, "Is Maxwell back?""Mr. Lance said he has a business dinner, and you should eat without waiting for him," Martha informed.Jennifer's gaze darkened at her words. She went to the dining table sadly and started eating absentmindedly. Her mind was filled with reminders that Rachel had given birth to Maxwell's child. Maybe the three of them were enjoying their time as a family right now.Jennifer felt like a fool.Maxwell had just arrived home when Jennifer was done showering. He was reeking of alcohol and looked tipsy. Jennifer realized she had misunderstood him. He really was out meeting a client that night."I'll run the water for you, you should take a bath first," Jennifer said nothing about Rachel, going to the bathroom to run the bath for him.But Maxwell suddenly embraced her from behind. His hands wrapped around her waist, and he bent down to b
Why? Why was Maxwell always treating her like a fool, deceiving her, and toying with her feelings? Why did he always pull her to the deep end before leaving her abruptly, letting her suffer alone?At the thought, Jennifer put on her coat and followed Maxwell out.Seeing her going out so late, Martha quickly said, "Where are you going, Mrs. Lance? It's already 9:00 pm."Jennifer hummed. "I have something to attend to."Martha said worriedly, "Mr. Lance just left and took the driver. Are you planning to drive yourself?""It's fine, I'll drive myself." Before Martha could say anything, Jennifer hurried into the garage.…Thus, Jennifer followed Maxwell's car from a distance, arriving at a private hospital.Jennifer gripped the steering wheel tightly, waiting for Maxwell to go inside before she got out of the car and followed him in.Rachel's hospital room was the most expensive VIP room here. It was spacious for a hospital room, and several nurses took turns taking care of her.
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