Just then, a sharp voice came from the doorway, "I'm here."Everyone turned and saw Jennifer limping over.Preston quickly walked over to her and whispered, "Dr. Susan, where have you been? Why are you just now getting to work?""I sprained my ankle," Jennifer explained. "We can go to the orthopedic department and ask a doctor to verify it if you don't believe me."Preston quickly shook his head. "No need. Why wouldn't I believe you? Is your ankle alright?"Rachel sneered. "So, you're all just covering for each other and putting on a show in front of me, is that it?"As soon as she finished speaking, Jennifer smiled mysteriously and turned toward the doorway. "Do you see your wife's true colors now?"Rachel was shocked. The next second, she saw Maxwell walk in with a cold expression. She was surprised to see him, and her earlier bravado vanished.She was furious. She never thought Jennifer had become so cunning!Rachel quickly composed herself and put on a pitiful expression.
But to Rachel's surprise, Maxwell didn't say a word, allowing Jennifer to walk all over her!Rachel was seething with anger but maintained a smiling facade. "Dr. Susan, I've admitted my mistake. Won't you forgive me? Besides, who's going to take care of Jasper if I leave? My husband runs a company and is busy every day. Surely, you don't expect him to take over, do you?"Jennifer remained unmoved. "That's your problem, not mine. You can also choose the second option, and leave with your child!"Rachel couldn't believe that Jennifer had become so aggressive.Just then, Jasper got out of the bed and wobbled over to Jennifer. The boy was smaller than other kids his age. He looked up at her with a pitiful expression and pleaded, "Dr. Susan, please don't make my mommy leave, and don't make me leave either, okay? If I go, no one will be able to save me."Jennifer looked down at the small child. Although her expression didn't soften, she was touched.Jasper tugged on Jennifer's hand and
If Maxwell found out that it was Rachel who had stolen Jennifer's medication and caused Jennifer to be falsely accused, he would never forgive her!"Mom, what's wrong?" Jasper looked at his mother with concern. "Are you upset about leaving me?"Rachel snapped out of her thoughts and forced a smile. "Yes… Yes, that's right. I disagreed with Dr. Susan because I was worried about you."She cautiously looked at Maxwell and asked, "Maxwell… Can you forgive me this one time? I didn't mean to clash with Jennifer. I just thought she wasn't giving Jasper the care he needed.""Why would you think that?" Maxwell eyed her suspiciously. "Did you do something to wrong her? If not, why are you so afraid of her?"Rachel quickly shook her head. "What could I have done to wrong her? Everything I've done has been for Jasper. Perhaps… having Jasper is the worst thing we could have done to her."Hearing this, Maxwell felt trapped, searching for an escape that didn't exist.Rachel was right. It was h
Jennifer had just finished her rounds and was walking toward Rachel. The latter blocked her path and sneered. "Dr. Susan, you win this time!"Jennifer's expression remained cold. "I don't understand what you're talking about.""Oh, drop the act." Rachel narrowed her eyes. "You pretend to be some aloof saint, but really, you just want to be the mistress of a powerful man like Maxwell! Now that you've managed to get rid of me, you can openly flirt with Maxwell even during work hours!"Over the years, Jennifer developed the ability to remain unshaken, regardless of what others said. Even though Rachel was spouting hurtful things, Jennifer didn't lash out.After a brief silence, Jennifer suddenly looked behind Rachel. "Mr. Lance."Rachel's heart dropped, and she quickly turned around, only to find that no one was there. She realized that Jennifer had tricked her.When she turned back, Jennifer smiled mockingly. "Mrs. Lance, how did you ever become Maxwell's wife with your intelligenc
"What... are you trying to say?" Maxwell was still confused.Jennifer's voice trembled with anger. "You're still pretending? Why did that child I was treating die? It was because the attending nurse didn't give him enough medication and sold the rest to someone else. That child died unjustly, while your son survived. Mr. Lance, did you already know everything when you witnessed the accusation? Did you find me and that child's mother foolish and laughable?""No!" Maxwell realized the misunderstanding and refuted, "You've got it wrong! Jasper was being treated by another doctor. His condition did improve, but it had nothing to do with your medication. I would never use another child's life to save my son!"Jennifer looked at him in disappointment, her eyes turning red with anger. She choked, "Why did you take that knife for me back then? Was it out of guilt? Because you took the medication and caused that child's death? Or were you afraid that no one would save your son if I died?"H
Jasper rubbed his eyes and said gloomily, "I heard you arguing just now, so I couldn't sleep. But I don't understand what you were talking about."Maxwell looked at his son and smiled bitterly. "Sorry for waking you up. The truth is... Even I don't understand what she was talking about."He really didn't understand.Maxwell sighed and carried his son back to the hospital ward, putting him to sleep. But Maxwell himself couldn't fall asleep no matter how hard he tried.He sat on the couch the entire night.Maxwell was certain he hadn't done anything related to the medications, but that didn't mean Rachel wouldn't have. However, he also found it hard to believe that Rachel would do something that heartless.Maxwell decided that after the morning rounds, he would confront Rachel to get to the bottom of this.However, to his surprise, the doctor who came for the rounds that morning wasn't Jennifer. Maxwell was uneasy. "Where is Dr. Susan?""Oh, Dr. Susan terminated her contract with
"I'm going too." Rachel immediately followed Maxwell. "I want to know what's going on. Why would Jennifer accuse us of stealing her medicine? I refuse to bear such an unjust accusation!"Half an hour later, they arrived at the clinic. Michael was already there, leading a search.Maxwell anxiously awaited the results. However, after searching for a long time, his men found no one. The clinic was completely deserted.Rachel feigned concern. "Was Dr. Watkins a fraud? Let me call him! I can't believe he was deceiving us all along."She called Clement, but his phone was turned off. Maxwell then instructed Michael to search the clinic for medicine.Soon, Michael returned with several bottles filled with powder. "Mr. Lance, there's a lab in this clinic. These bottles contain something strange. I can't understand what's written on the labels..."Maxwell's gaze darkened as he ordered, "Take these for testing. Keep some samples as well."Rachel started crying. "How could I have been so ca
The greatest lesson Jennifer had learned was from Maxwell and his family. She realized she was still too trusting, and it resulted in betrayal and exploitation.But every time she thought about it, her mind couldn't help but replay the moment when Maxwell shielded her from the knife, and how gently he had applied ointment to her ankle. Why do people have to be so complicated?Jennifer sighed and closed the curtains. She kept telling herself that once she returned abroad and got busy with her experiments, she would forget everything about this place.Just then, the doorbell rang.Jennifer was startled. Who could it be at this hour? She walked to the door and checked the porch camera. Her heart raced. It was Maxwell!She stumbled back, not intending to open the door.Her phone rang as well. It must be the driver. She answered the call and heard the driver's voice, "Did you call a taxi? I'm here. Where are you?"Jennifer stared at Maxwell outside her door through the camera and hes
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