Chapter 5

Maxwell had never given her permission to address him as "babe".

Just as he was about to reprimand her, Jennifer had already ended the call. Observing Rachel's displeased expression, Jennifer finally broke into a smile of unprecedented satisfaction.

"Ms. Walker, did you see that?" She shook her phone while saying, "My husband is coming to pick me up. Regardless of who came into his life first, the person he brings back to Lance Manor will always be me!"

Then, she stood up and placed two 100-dollar bills on the table. "Enjoy your coffee. It's my treat."

Having said that, Jennifer walked out of the cafe. At that moment, the burden that had weighed on her chest for so many days was finally lifted.

…

Before long, Maxwell's car arrived at the gates of Haven University to pick Jennifer up.

Robert had raised him, and he held an eternal respect for Robert. It was for this reason that he personally came to pick Jennifer up, to avoid displeasing Robert.

As she got into the car, Maxwell stated coldly, "Jennifer, don't call me that again."

"Understood," Jennifer obediently replied.

She didn't bring up Rachel's visit because his favoritism might cloud his judgment. Who knows, he might even accuse her of mistreating his darling.

When she didn't argue, Maxwell quit pursuing the matter and drove toward Lance Manor.

Lance Manor was situated in the southern part of Haven City, surrounded by hills and water. A wealthy foreigner had once set his eyes on this mansion, offering eight billion dollars to purchase it, only to earn Robert's disdainful smile in return.

The fifteenth of every month was the Lance family banquet, where Maxwell's father and stepmother would also be present.

Maxwell's stepmother, Lorraine Young, was smiling obsequiously while saying to Robert, "Dad, Jordan heard that you haven't been feeling well lately, and your asthma is acting up frequently.

"He specifically went abroad to seek help from medical experts. That's why he couldn't make it back in time for dinner today. He asked me to apologize to you."

Robert was slightly taken aback. "Since when did Jordan become so thoughtful?"

Lorraine's face revealed a hint of unease as she hurriedly clarified, "Jordan has always been dutiful. Recently, he even mentioned that since he graduated long ago, it's time for him to work at Lance Group to assist Max. He wishes to share your burdens with Max."

Maxwell's expression darkened a little when he heard this.

In exchange for marrying Jennifer, he had made Robert promise to hand over the executive power of Lance Group to him and not let his stepbrother, Jordan Lance, join the company.

From the way Lorraine put it, could it be that Robert hadn't made it clear to them yet?

Maxwell's father, Zachary Lance, chimed in, "Dad, why don't you arrange a position for Jordan at Lance Group soon? Although Max is running the company well, Lance Group is too big for him to do it alone."

Since Zachary's divorce from his ex-wife and marriage to Lorraine, Robert had relieved him of all his positions at Lance Group and instead allowed Maxwell to take over the company.

Zachary and Lorraine were afraid that their youngest son would also be rejected by Robert, hence they spared no effort to speak up for Jordan.

Robert cleared his throat and replied bluntly, "Jordan is still young. He should gain more work experience elsewhere. There isn't a suitable position for him at Lance Group at the moment."

Lorraine's face fell in an instant. She knew that as long as Maxwell was around, her son would never be valued by Robert.

Jennifer had been sitting silently next to Maxwell, eating her meal without a word. However, she understood their conversation perfectly well.

At this moment, Robert shifted his attention to her, and his stern expression eased up.

"Jennifer, you seem to have lost weight again. You should eat more," Robert said with a smile. "Is Max treating you well? He hasn't mistreated you, has he?"

Jennifer glanced at Maxwell and forced a smile. "Don't worry, Grandpa. Max treats me very well."

Lorraine's chuckle followed right after. "Really? How come I heard that Max hardly goes home aside from a few times a month? Even when he does, he's sleeping in a separate room."

"What? A separate room?" Robert's expression immediately turned sullen. "What's going on?"

Maxwell pursed his lips, casting a suspicious gaze at Jennifer.

He had handpicked all the housekeepers at the villa. He was sure none of them would gossip, so how was Lorraine well-informed about these things?

Afraid that Robert wouldn't believe her, Lorraine added, "Dad, they have been married for two years now, but there's still no news of a baby. They are both so young. They should have conceived by now."

A realization seemed to dawn on Robert, and he stood up. "Max, come with me to the study."

Jennifer watched in concern as the two left, feeling a bit flustered. Although Maxwell deserved Robert's reprimanding, she couldn't help but worry.

…

In the study, Robert and Maxwell faced each other in silence.

After a long while, Robert spoke solemnly, "Max, I didn't let you marry Jennifer to make her suffer. Her mother saved my life!"

"Marrying her was the biggest compromise I could make. As for the rest, I can't promise anything." Maxwell's voice was devoid of any warmth.

Robert snorted. "You heard what Lorraine said just now. If this is how you treat Jennifer, then I'll have to reconsider the inheritance issue more fairly. Jordan is also my grandson after all."

Ultimately, Maxwell held himself back from mentioning the divorce. He had sacrificed so much to marry Jennifer. He couldn't afford to fail now.

When he was six, Zachary drove his mother away and married Lorraine. He had searched for his mother for so long, but couldn't find her.

Until now, he didn't know whether his mother was alive or dead. How could he let go of such hatred?

"I understand, Grandpa. I know what to do," he agreed in the end. As long as he stayed in power, he would never let Zachary and Lorraine off easy!

But Robert didn't easily buy his words.

"From today onward, you and Jennifer will move back to Lance Manor," he commanded. "Once you both have a child, I'll hand over all the shares and executive power I hold at Lance Group to you."

…

And so, Maxwell and Jennifer moved to Lance Manor that night. Of course, Robert had arranged for them to stay in one bedroom.

Jennifer nervously gazed at Maxwell's gloomy face, her heart pounding in her throat.

Maxwell reached out, pinching her chin and forcing her to look into his eyes. "How did Lorraine find out about our situation? Are you close to her?"

Jennifer picked up his suspicion and immediately defended herself. "You hate that woman, and I don't like her either. Why would I be in contact with her?"

However, her words lacked conviction.

Maxwell smirked wickedly. "Are you that desperate to share a room with me? I shall fulfill your wish today then!"