Jennifer let out a small whimper as a sign of resistance. Only then did Maxwell reluctantly let her go. He ran his thumb gently over her swollen lips and hoarsely whispered, "Be good. I'll come pick you up tonight."Jennifer's lashes fluttered, and her cheeks flushed bright red. She was going crazy over this new side of Maxwell! She couldn't resist him at all. She hastily threw the door open and ran into school with her tail between her legs."Jennifer." Quincy stopped her at the school gate.Jennifer was surprised. "You're back?""Yes. Early this morning, the lab staff called me and told me I'm allowed to do experiments again," Quincy said gratefully. "Thank you. I thought you were just brushing me off yesterday. But you kept your promise."Jennifer didn't expect that Maxwell would immediately take action after agreeing with her. He really took her words seriously.Quincy finally returned to school and didn't have to worry about her graduation. The sadness she felt before ha
Quincy pleaded, "Come with me. Many people are going too. Let's go take a look. Actually, I want to treat you to dinner tonight as a thank you. It's still early, we can watch the game before eating.""You don't have to do that." Jennifer smiled. "It's no big deal."Quincy sighed. "But you saved me a lot of trouble. If it weren't for you, I might not have been able to finish the experiment or write my thesis. I'll feel guilty if I don't repay you in some way."After all, she had caused so much trouble for Jennifer before, yet Jennifer still helped her without holding a grudge.Jennifer couldn't refuse her, so she reluctantly agreed. She sent a text to Maxwell, telling him that she was going to have dinner with her classmates tonight and not to come pick her up.That was how the two of them ended up at the basketball court.Many students had already gathered there, mostly girls. Many of the girls even wore very short skirts and backless tops, spontaneously becoming cheerleaders to
How could something like this be used as a bet?Jennifer's tone turned chilly. "I'm not part of your bet. If you want to make a bet, go ahead, but don't involve me. I don't know you guys that well.""But I really like you," Finley said urgently. "Don't be angry. My roommate was just joking earlier. But ever since yesterday's awards ceremony, I've felt that you're a charming girl. Can you give me a chance to be your boyfriend?"Facing Finley's confession, Jennifer was speechless.Although she was angry, the guy in front of her didn't seem malicious, so she didn't want to lose her temper.At this moment, the girls around them started to gossip."Why is she being so snobbish? Is it just because she saved someone? So what? Why is she being pretentious here?""Exactly. It's her luck that Finley likes her. So many girls want to be his girlfriend.""Jennifer, just agree with Finley. Don't waste time already. If the architecture department loses because of you, we'll all hate you."…
Maxwell's gaze emanated a chilling coldness, but there was a faint smile on his face. This was his most common expression when he was angry.He parted his thin lips and said, "I heard about a bet earlier. What was it again?"Finley didn't notice the coldness in Maxwell's eyes. Smiling, he explained, "If our team wins, Jennifer will be my girlfriend."Maxwell's smile deepened. He nodded. "How about this? I'll join the other team. If you win, I'll convince my sister to try dating you."Finley was stunned. He asked in disbelief, "You?"Although Maxwell looked young, his demeanor and age were clearly not on the same level as theirs.To put it bluntly, he was considered old. Could he handle a match against Finley?Finley felt conflicted. If Maxwell lost, would Jennifer think he was deliberately bullying her brother?But Maxwell had already rolled up his shirt sleeves, saying, "Let's get started."Finley seemed to be confident about winning. He said to Maxwell, "Sir, are you serious
Lifting his head sharply, Finley glared at Maxwell with hatred, as if he wanted to bore a hole through him.At this moment, the girls on the court were practically swooning over Maxwell.Many of them started flocking around Jennifer, asking, "Jennifer, is your brother still single?""Does he have a girlfriend? Is he married?""What does your brother do? He plays basketball so well!"Surrounded by these people, Jennifer was unsure of how to respond.Quincy suddenly realized that Jennifer was actually quite soft-hearted despite her sharp tongue. Why did she treat Jennifer like an enemy before?In the end, Quincy couldn't bear to see Jennifer being attacked by those people.She stepped forward and spoke up for Jennifer. "Enough! Jennifer's brother already has a girlfriend. You guys don't stand a chance. Now, leave us alone!"Hearing that, all the girls became dejected and walked away.Since Jennifer's brother already had a girlfriend, all their fantasies were shattered.Only af
Though Maxwell's attitude was cold, Rachel showed no embarrassment.She even said, "By the way, I misunderstood Ms. Yale last time and caused her a lot of trouble. I said we would buy her dinner. How about tonight?"At this point, many girls around them began to fantasize about the romantic story between the hot and wealthy president and the gentle dancer.Jennifer's eyes were filled with an overwhelming sense of hurt and disappointment.It turned out that everything Maxwell had just done was to impress Rachel, not her. Her once-excited heart cooled down instantly.Of course, Maxwell wouldn't let his wife sit with his lover for dinner. He looked at Jennifer and asked knowingly, "Do you want to have dinner together?"Jennifer smiled sarcastically and replied, "I have plans. I won't bother you."She silently turned away, wanting to leave with dignity and not embarrass herself in front of them.As she passed by the crowd, she heard many people calling Rachel and Maxwell a perfect
After Rachel left, Maxwell didn't notice the pillbox she left behind.He slammed the steering wheel hard, feeling regretful and guilty.He should have gone after Rachel and brought her back. After all, they loved each other, and she had been with him since their university days.What had she done that she needed to bear his negative emotions?But for some reason, Maxwell took out his phone and instinctively dialed Jennifer's number.…In the grill house, Jennifer saw his call. She decided to ignore it, and she switched off her phone.She continued to eat the spicy beef brisket on her plate. Her nose and eyes turned red from the spice.Quincy couldn't help but ask, "Was that him? Jennifer, what's going on? I also felt that the man didn't seem like your brother at all. But then, why did a woman suddenly show up?"Jennifer smiled bitterly and said, "If I tell you my secrets, will you betray me?"Quincy was slightly surprised and said solemnly, "If you're willing to tell me your
When their meal was coming to an end, Jennifer stood up to go and pay the bill."Stop," Quincy interjected, blocking her path. "We agreed. I'm treating you this time."Jennifer pushed Quincy back into her seat. "When you become a professor in the future, I'll definitely have you treat me to something expensive."And with that, she went to the front desk to settle the bill.While Quincy waited for her return, Maxwell appeared.Seeing the man standing before her with a stern expression, Quincy was terrified. She stuttered, "M-Ma… Are you looking for Jennifer?"When Maxwell saw her expression, he knew that Jennifer must have told her everything between them. He looked at the table set for two and asked coldly, "Where's Jennifer?"Quincy nervously replied, "She went to pay the bill."Maxwell spoke coldly, warning her word by word. "No matter what Jennifer told you, you'd better keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, it won't be as simple as kicking you out of the laboratory."Suddenly,
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