Jennifer immediately retorted, "It'll be too late by the time I'm hurt! Do I really need to be kidnapped or go missing before you'll open a case?"The police officer could only suggest, "Since you're living alone after coming back from abroad, it's certainly not the safest situation. "You might want to look up some self-defense tips for women living alone online. If an incident like this happens again, make sure to keep evidence and come back to file a report."Jennifer was utterly speechless. How was she supposed to take pictures of the two attackers with her phone in that situation?Disappointed, she left the police station and immediately ordered a can of pepper spray and a personal alarm online. After that, she had dinner before heading home. The hospital had arranged for Jennifer to stay in a high-end residential area. It was a villa-style building with one unit per floor, and she lived on the top floor.By the time she got home, it was already past 8:00 pm. As soon as J
As Maxwell revisited the memories, he could feel a wild beast raging furiously within him."Mmm…"Jennifer's eyes widened in shock. Suddenly, she began to struggle fiercely. But in the blink of an eye, Maxwell had already restrained her arms and pinned them behind her.He pressed his towering figure against her, forcing her against the elevator door as he kissed her with a desperate passion. He even bit her lips with a wild intensity.Maxwell was consumed by a burning hatred. Why was Jennifer so cruel as to abort their child?For five years, the thought had gnawed at him, making him wish he could find her and make her regret her actions. However, when Jennifer actually appeared before Maxwell, he realized he could not bring himself to harm her. Every voice within him admitted that he missed her. The way she looked at him with the cold detachment of a stranger made him want to envelop her in his embrace.Jennifer did not stop struggling, but her efforts were futile against Max
Nathan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could not help but feel that the universe was playing a cruel joke on them.Why? After five long years, why did Jennifer have to run into them again?"Didn't you mention that someone had been to our lab not long ago, investigating Jennifer's information?" Nathan asked in a deep voice.The private investigator nodded. "Yes, Maxwell's wife probably hired someone to do it. Now that Maxwell has found Susan, he's probably started his investigation. But this time, we're well prepared. We won't let him find out anything we don't want him to."Nathan heaved a sigh of relief. "Remember, Maxwell mustn't discover the existence of the two children. Assign a few people to be in the lab for a few days and provide them with false information."As for Rachel, he believed she would not be foolish enough to tell Maxwell even if she found out that Jennifer had given birth overseas.With everything in place, Nathan's racing heart finally began to slo
Jennifer had become a completely different person after losing her memory. It was as if she did not even know who she was anymore.Maxwell continued patiently, "You've misunderstood my intentions. All I want is to speak privately with you, Dr. Susan.""There's no need for further discussion. I've already told you I won't save him," Jennifer answered with a cold expression. She added, "Mr. Lance, instead of trying to intimidate or bribe me, you should focus on the problems between you and your wife. It seems that money can't resolve everything, can it?""So, what is it that you want?" Maxwell asked with a frown. "Well, just do as I said. If you have money, use it for a good cause and prove your sincerity." Then, Jennifer smirked. "Also, bring your wife over and make sure she apologizes to me until I'm satisfied!"Maxwell observed the woman before him. He could not shake the feeling that she was merely a shell of the Jennifer he once knew. Now, she was nothing more than a troub
"Yes, I was genuinely afraid you might meet her!" Rachel wept uncontrollably, her voice choked with emotions. "We fought so hard to be together. With Jasper, our life is perfect and filled with happiness."If Susan is actually Jennifer, what will become of my poor Jasper? He's so young, yet he's suffering from a severe illness. Must he also lose his father on top of everything else?"Rachel's tearful pleas struck a chord with Maxwell. After all, they had a son together. But what about Jennifer? She had aborted their child and left him behind. Even if she returned now, what difference would it make? Could he really choose her over his son?Besides, it was Rachel who had been by his side for the past five years. "Maxwell, you've seen everything I've done for you, for Jasper, and for this family." Rachel's eyes glistened with tears, her voice trembling as she continued, "I'm a woman too. I can't just step aside and let the father of my child be with someone else. "But now that
At that moment, the secretary knocked on the door and reported, "Mr. Lance, your wife and son are here."Maxwell was momentarily stunned. But upon learning that Jasper had arrived, he went to greet them personally. He hadn't anticipated Rachel would bring Jasper with her today. Moreover, Jasper looked noticeably healthier than he had before."Dad." Jasper lifted his head and looked at Maxwell with wide, innocent eyes. "Can we go to the movies tonight? And I'd really like some fried chicken and fries."Maxwell's expression grew serious as he asked, "Is that a good idea? Jasper, the doctor said you shouldn't eat junk food like that. He also said that you should rest more and limit your activities." After all, Jasper had been born prematurely and had a heart condition, which meant even a few steps could leave him breathless.Then, Maxwell cast a disapproving look at Rachel. "Why did you bring him out? Aren't you worried about the air quality? He could get sick again."Given Jaspe
"Of course," Clement replied with a meaningful smile. "Rest assured, Mrs. Lance, our partnership is rock solid. I'll break down the components of Susan's drug as soon as possible, so you won't have to go through the hassle of getting it yourself."Though he appeared cooperative, his real intention was to get his hands on the drug's formula and release it to the market before Susan. That way, he could reap huge profits.Clement had spent two decades in the field of cardiac surgery, after all. But now, Susan, a greenhorn, had developed a groundbreaking drug and was quickly becoming the industry's rising star. He swore he wouldn't let that happen. He wasn't about to be overshadowed by a newcomer like her. And so, Rachel led Clement to meet Maxwell.To Maxwell's surprise, Clement spoke Chulese quite well. While the latter had a bit of an accent, he had no trouble holding a normal conversation. Clement smiled as he explained, "I spent three years studying in Chueles a long time ago
Since Jasper's health had begun to improve, Rachel had him discharged from the hospital and brought him home. Clement, his personal physician, visited daily to monitor his condition and provide treatment. But of course, the medication administered had been taken from Jennifer. As a result, Jasper's condition continued to improve day by day.Rachel, on the other hand, was in great spirits and often participated in gatherings with other women from high society. Even though she and Maxwell hadn't had a wedding ceremony, she had given birth to his child and had been living in Lance Manor for a long time. Thus, everyone recognized her as Mrs. Lance.As the most affluent family in the elite circle, Rachel's influence grew increasingly significant.That day, at a tea party with the other wealthy ladies, one of them commented with admiration, "Mrs. Lance, you're truly fortunate. Mr. Lance makes a lot of money and treats you so well. Have you received the ten-carat blue diamond yet?""B
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