"No, I had nothing to do with it," Rachel immediately denied. "I ran into her on the way here with Jasper. Even though I know she's Jennifer, I wouldn't dare say anything without your permission. "She was the one who was worried I might misunderstand and kept insisting she had no connection to you. I said that I'd be prepared if you two were a couple. Maybe this comment made her think I was doubting you?"Maxwell's heart dropped. "She said that? She and I... are just strangers?" Rachel glanced at him and nodded innocently. "It's not her fault. After all, she has amnesia and has forgotten you."Maxwell's gaze drifted to the window. The weather outside mirrored his mood, shrouded in haze.Rachel held the box with the blue diamond and feigned ignorance. She put on a happy smile. "Maxwell, I'm touched. This is an expensive gift."Her words only deepened Maxwell's frustration. His carefully chosen present seemed insignificant to Jennifer. Maxwell didn't want to lose his composure
"Why are you here?" Jennifer suddenly stood up, her frustration evident. "Get out!"Maxwell didn't take another step forward but didn't leave either. He stood still, gazing at her. "I was worried about you. Are you... okay?"Jennifer sneered, and her anger and frustration erupted. "Did you see how they were talking about me? I've even dragged the hospital into this mess. How could I be okay?"She shouted at him, "Please, just go! I'm already in the spotlight, and if someone sees you here in my office, who knows what rumors will spread!"Disappointment crossed Maxwell's face as he slowly walked toward her, handing her dinner. "You should eat something. You always neglect yourself and refuse to eat when things go wrong."Jennifer looked at him in confusion. "You seem to know me well. Take your food away. I don't want it."Maxwell remained by her desk, his eyes shining with determination. "I need to see you finish the meal before I can leave with peace of mind."His insistence made
Nathan didn't continue, fearing it would be as the rumors said.Jennifer was disappointed by his questions. "So, you think the same as everyone else? You also believe there's some secret between Maxwell and me?""No, I don't think that," Nathan immediately denied. "I just want to know how you and Maxwell ended up in the scandal. And why didn't you tell me about the incident with the patient? Why didn't you ask for my help?"Jennifer responded calmly, "This is my job. I can handle it myself."Nathan sighed. "But Susan, you need to understand, I'm your boyfriend. When you're in danger or trouble, I should be the first one there with you, not... some other man."Jennifer frowned. "Dr. Lowe, I'm alone here. As for Maxwell, the rumors started because he saved me. It's nothing like people imagine! How could I be involved with a man I've only known for a few days, who also has a family?"Nathan paused. "So, has the patient's family stopped causing you trouble? How are things progressing
Just as Jennifer reached the hospital entrance, reporters swarmed toward her and the child's mother."You must be Dr. Susan, right?" one male reporter started. "Is this woman next to you the mother of the victim?"In the past, Jennifer's encounters with reporters had been highlights of her career, presenting her research achievements. But now? She was bombarded with questions from unrelenting journalists and couldn't defend herself.Rather than answer their questions and risk them twisting her words, she chose to remain silent and unresponsive. She quickly called the security office. Jennifer glanced at the reporters with cold and disdainful eyes, not saying a word.Seeing that Jennifer was unrelenting, the reporters turned their attention to the child's mother. "You must be the victim's mother, right? Why are you with Dr. Susan? Did she bribe you to keep the truth from coming out and damage her reputation? It's okay, you can speak out. We will uphold justice and help you!"Imme
Rachel widened her eyes in shock, and her heart sank.What now? If Maxwell got together with Jennifer, where did that leave her? Not only would the other rich ladies mock her, but she would also lose her standing in the Lance family!Rachel blocked Maxwell and pleaded through tears, "Maxwell, are you abandoning me and Jasper? What will happen to Jasper if you take Jennifer back? Do you want him to become an illegitimate child?"Her words hit Maxwell's weak spot. But seeing the crowd surrounding Jennifer downstairs, he closed his eyes and made up his mind. "I'll worry about that later! I can't stand by and watch Jennifer be misunderstood and humiliated. She needs me now."With that, he pushed Rachel aside and left the ward.Rachel was filled with regret. She never should have leaked those stories. Now, she had only herself to blame for this mess.By the time Maxwell reached downstairs, security had already arrived. However, the reporters were desperate to get a story out and argue
Maxwell's words intimidated the reporters. They exchanged looks, but no one dared to take the lead, fearing they would cross Lance Group.Jennifer breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at Maxwell. A strange emotion overwhelmed her. Just then, a bold reporter asked, "Mr. Lance, does your wife know about Dr. Susan taking care of you? What does she think about it?"Maxwell's sharp eyes fixed on the reporter. The constant mention of his "wife" almost made him admit that Rachel was not his wife! Despite his sharp tongue, Maxwell hesitated. How should he respond to the reporter's question?Just then, a calm and elegant man in a gray shirt emerged from the crowd of reporters. Both Jennifer and Maxwell were shocked. They never expected Nathan to show up.Nathan looked exhausted after his flight. But seeing Maxwell next to Jennifer, his gaze hardened and he straightened up.Nathan's appearance stirred a new wave among the reporters. One reporter exclaimed, "Oh my, isn't that Dr. Lowe, the
"You!" Maxwell clenched his fists.Just as he was about to lash out, Rachel stopped him by grabbing his arm. She wrapped her arm around Maxwell's, forcing a smile. "Maxwell, now that things have finally settled and the rumors have died, we should be celebrating instead."Nathan's gaze flickered over Rachel, and he said to Maxwell, "I think Mrs. Lance is right. You have such a beautiful wife and a son. You're truly winning at life."Nathan turned to Jennifer. "We need to work hard too, alright?"Jennifer looked at him, confused. Had they... reached that stage already?Facing Maxwell's sharp gaze, Jennifer felt uneasy and guilty. But the feeling was fleeting.She reassured herself that there was nothing to feel guilty about. Although he'd saved her, she didn't owe him her life. Besides, he was married with a wife and son, and she was in a relationship with Nathan. What did it have to do with him?At the thought of this, Jennifer was not as guilty as before. She calmly said, "Mr. L
"It's not your fault." Nathan walked over, gently holding Jennifer and comforting her. "Before a drug hits the market, it's still in the trial phase. Anything could happen. The parents who chose to let their children participate in the trial should have anticipated the drug could improve the condition or worsen it."Jennifer felt weird being in his embrace and moved away. Her lashes fluttered as she said despondently, "I understand that, but I still feel awful about it."Nathan looked at her with a soft gaze. "It's in the past now. Why didn't you tell me? If it were me, I would willingly take a knife for you too. I'd give my life for you."Jennifer was taken aback, her face flushing. When Nathan mentioned this, Maxwell popped into her mind again, making her heart race."Susan?" Nathan piped up. "What are you thinking about?"Jennifer quickly snapped back to reality and shook her head awkwardly, "Nothing… I was just thinking about work. Thank you for coming over to help me out. But
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