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
Jennifer walked to the window and opened the curtains. She leaned against the wall, gazing at the scenery outside. Then, she froze when she saw a figure standing under the streetlight.Was that Maxwell? Who else could it be if not him?Had he lost his mind? Why was he standing out there in the pouring rain?Jennifer quickly drew the curtains. She pressed herself against the wall and shut her eyes. Out of sight, out of mind. She didn't care what he wanted to do.Reason told her she shouldn't go out and get involved with him again. He was ruthless, and everything he did was for his child and family.But for some reason, Jennifer couldn't bear it any longer after hearing the claps of thunder outside. Her feet moved of their own accord, and she grabbed an umbrella and rushed out the door.When Maxwell saw her appear before him, a glimmer of hope ignited in his brooding eyes.They were only a few feet apart, yet it felt like they were separated by miles.Under the dim streetlight, t
"Because you like me." Maxwell stared at her. "Jennifer, look into my eyes. You still have feelings for me, don't you?"He was convinced that even after five years, he still understood Jennifer. Even a single gesture or glance from her told him that she still cared.Jennifer felt as though her deepest secret had been exposed. She snapped defensively, "You're talking nonsense! You're a married man. Why do you keep coming to me? You know I won't do anything like that!"A look of pain crossed Maxwell's face. He had no choice but to take a step back. "Fine, let me explain everything to you now. If, after I've explained, you still can't forgive me, I won't say another word."Jennifer wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or the fact that she was drenched in the rain, but she felt a splitting headache and just wanted everything to end as quickly as possible. She nodded. "Alright, make it quick."With that, Maxwell followed her into her home. Both of them were soaked and looked disheveled. J
Maxwell had already finished his shower in the other bathroom, but Jennifer still hadn't come out. He thought she was avoiding him.Jennifer bit her lip and finally said, "Well... Could you... Could you bring me my pajamas?"Realization dawned on Maxwell. A small smile played on his lips as he asked where she kept her pajamas. After she told him, he quickly brought them to her.Jennifer cautiously cracked the door open, just enough to extend her hand. "Give them to me."But Maxwell, mischievous as ever, didn't hand over the clothes. Instead, he pushed the door open."Maxwell! Give me my clothes now!" Jennifer yelled in frustration, tugging at the corner of her pajamas. "If you don't, get out of my house!"Sensing her anger, Maxwell immediately let go, intending to hand the clothes to her. Unfortunately, because Jennifer had been pulling hard, she lost her balance and fell backward when Maxwell released the pajamas.She screamed, bracing herself for a hard landing, expecting to
The following morning, the sound of a phone ringing woke Jennifer. She barely roused from her sleep as she answered the call groggily, "Hello…"The sound of Jennifer's sleepy "Hello" was enough to leave Rachel stunned on the other end. "Hello… Why aren't you talking?" Jennifer, still half-asleep, mumbled and tossed the phone aside. Meanwhile, Rachel listened to the beeping sound of the disconnected call, unable to believe what she had just heard. Why? Why did Jennifer answer Maxwell's phone? Did they actually spend the night together?The thought almost made Rachel crush her phone in fury. Jealousy and rage built up in her chest, threatening to tear her apart.This bitch had returned to seduce her husband! How shameless! No wonder Maxwell hadn't come home the night before. He must have been completely captivated by her.Rachel's eyes were bloodshot, and her smile turned into a sinister, twisted grin. She silently swore to make Jennifer suffer the consequences of being a mis
Jennifer's lips curled into a cold smile, and she said mockingly, "Fine, you win! With this hanging over my head, there's no way out for me. I'm bound to treat your son now."Hearing how badly she misunderstood him, Maxwell felt as if an invisible hand was gripping his heart tightly. The pain was so intense that he struggled to breathe.Why did she always assume the worst of him? She couldn't see his true feelings, which was why she believed everything he did for her was only for Jasper.Maxwell frowned and massaged his temples as he stared at Jennifer with a troubled expression. "Why can't you believe that I love you?"Jennifer shook her head. "I can't think of a single reason why someone would just fall for a stranger so quickly."Her remark felt like a bucket of ice-cold water being dumped over Maxwell's head. Without another word, he got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, shutting her out completely. Jennifer, on the other hand, scrambled to get dressed. The soreness i
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