The streets of Haven City were crowded. Laura had called Simon countless times but he didn't answer. Eventually, Simon turned off his phone.Laura realized that Simon was angry. The memories of Simon's actions sent shivers down her spine. When she arrived at Golden Sands Hotel, the private room was already empty. Laura's heart was in turmoil, and she had no choice but to return home.When she opened the door, she saw Simon sitting on the couch with a grim expression. He seemed to have just returned home as well. His shirt and trousers were still on, and his blue suit jacket was thrown over the couch.Laura stood at the doorway, looking at him fearfully.Although Simon was a ruthless man, he was still handsome. Even though he was in his 30s, he was the kind of man who grew more attractive with age.Laura consoled herself, thinking that spending five years of her life with Simon wasn't entirely a loss. Although he had taken advantage of her, she also slept with him!"Why are you lo
Laura was at a loss for words. Indeed, Simon never hit or scolded her. But what he did to her was far worse, causing her pain that no physical punishment could match.…That night, Simon had his way with Laura until she felt better off dead. When it was finally over, she couldn't even make a sound and trembled in his arms.Simon, satisfied, gently caressed her reddened skin. His voice was hoarse. "Why are you trembling? It's not like I'm asking you for a lot."Laura's eyes were swollen and she choked, "Please... Don't do this again, okay?"Her obedience did stir something in him. Simon smiled. "That depends on my mood and your performance."Laura was terrified of his twisted methods. Perhaps he had asked her to go to the Golden Sands Hotel just to engage in these degrading acts. Had she ruined his plans? Was that why he was angry?Despair crept into Laura. When would this end? Her father was sentenced to life in prison. Would this humiliating life also be forever?Her only moti
Jennifer said she was too tired to visit his parents, yet she had the energy to fly overseas to see her children. Everything about her behavior today seemed off to Nathan.Not wanting to pressure her, Nathan simply nodded. "That's fine. We can visit my parents another time. I'll go with you if you miss Cal and Cass that much."Jennifer coldly declined. "No need. I want to go back alone.""Jennifer..." Nathan felt a wave of disappointment wash over him. "What's wrong?"Just yesterday, everything had been fine between them and they even agreed to visit his family together. But after just one night, everything changed.He couldn't help but ask, "Did Maxwell come to see you? Did he... threaten you?"The moment he mentioned Maxwell, Jennifer couldn't help but shout, "Why do you always bring Maxwell up? Does his presence make you nervous? Or do you know something about him?"Nathan stared at her in bewilderment. Jennifer had never spoken to him this way before.Realizing she had lost
"Mommy, what's wrong?" Cassidy cupped Jennifer's face. "Why do you look so sad?"Jennifer forced a smile. "I'm fine. I just feel like I've let you and your brother down. I… I haven't taken good care of you.""Says who?" Cassidy kissed Jennifer's cheek with a bright grin. "Look at how well-fed we are! And we have nice clothes, dresses, and so many snacks! All of this is thanks to your hard work! You're the best, Mommy! And you're the one who loves us the most."Caleb quickly chimed in, "Mommy, don't take what I said to heart! Actually, it doesn't matter if we don't have a dad as long as we have you!"Jennifer was comforted by their words and held both children tightly.People said women were inherently gentle, but motherhood made them strong. Jennifer thought she was the perfect example of that.Even though the truth hit her hard, she knew she had to keep going when she looked at her children. She couldn't afford to be weak. She still had to work hard to provide the best for her c
The more Jennifer thought about it, the more she found Maxwell selfish. He had cheated once, and now he continued to do so.As for Rachel…Jennifer's gaze darkened. Rachel was still so self-righteous despite stealing someone's husband. Jennifer knew she wanted to make Rachel reap what she had sown.Just then, Jasper's voice broke the tense atmosphere. "Dr. Susan, why are you alone today? Where's that handsome doctor?"Jennifer smiled and patted his head. "He's on duty today. I will take care of you myself."Jasper grinned. "My mom said you're going to marry that doctor soon. Will you invite us to your wedding?"Jennifer was taken aback and shot a cold look at Rachel.Rachel forced a smile. "Isn't that true? Dr. Susan and Dr. Lowe are a perfect match. everyone knows that.""Are we that close?" Jennifer retorted. "You seem to know a lot about me. But you're overthinking it. After all, I enjoy being single. Why rush into marriage?"An unusual look crossed Rachel's face. "Being al
Rachel didn't want to end up losing both her husband and her child. But Jennifer was the only one who could save Jasper's life now.Rachel vowed that once Jasper recovered, she wouldn't let Jennifer off the hook and make her pay!Even after Jennifer left the room, Maxwell's gaze still lingered in the direction she left in. He couldn't wrap his mind around what she had just said. Did she mean it when she said she liked someone like him?Maxwell sneered at himself. Despite being in his 30s, he acted like a lovestruck teenager, obsessing over a remark from the woman he loved.Rachel commented sarcastically, "Dr. Susan is really something, isn't she? She is stringing you and Dr. Lowe at the same time."Maxwell stared at her coldly. "Is that what you think?"Women understood each other best. What exactly was Jennifer playing at? Was she stringing Nathan along while keeping him on the hook?Rachel quickly pretended she had misspoken. "I was just joking. It just seems unfair, that's al
Rachel turned red with anger when she heard herself addressed as "Ms. Walker". Everyone had been calling her "Mrs. Lance" and not "Ms. Walker" for ages.She glared at Jennifer and gritted her teeth. "Grateful? Why should I be grateful? We paid the hospital, so it's your job to treat us! Don't pretend you don't know why I'm here today.""I really don't." Jennifer smiled calmly, looking at Rachel with a thoughtful gaze.Rachel snapped, "Have you forgotten what you promised me that day? You said you would keep your distance from Maxwell. Have you changed your mind and decided to take him by force? Are you planning to be a mistress?"Jennifer swirled her glass, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Who could possibly outdo you when it comes to stealing, Ms. Walker? Even if I wanted to be a mistress, I doubt I could steal that title from you!"Rachel was stunned and shrieked, "What did you say? What… What do you mean by that?"Did Jennifer remember everything? Had she recalled her past? Ve
Rachel panicked. If what Jennifer said was true, how could she continue to show herself around the rich ladies? How could she maintain her status as Mrs. Lance?Rachel gritted her teeth. "Fine! Since you won't tell me, I'll find out myself! I'll sue her for defamation!"With that, Rachel stormed out of Jennifer's office, forgetting why she had come to see her in the first place.Watching Rachel's furious departure, Jennifer scoffed, "What a joke!"Jennifer hadn't expected she could cause Rachel to lose her composure with just a few words. It was clear Rachel felt guilty.Jennifer called the nurse and instructed, "If anyone asks to see patient registration information, make sure not to let them. Don't violate hospital regulations!"After making all the arrangements, a cold smile tugged at Jennifer's lips. She was curious about what Rachel would do next.Just then, she heard a commotion outside. A doctor knocked on her door and gasped, "Dr. Susan, Jasper passed out. Please come qu
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