But as Jennifer's partner, how could Nathan turn a blind eye to this?Jennifer stood calmly at the door and met his gaze calmly.Nathan walked over to her with a serious expression. "Susan, we need to talk."With that, Jennifer and Nathan returned to the office together.Nathan sighed. He didn't question why Maxwell had come to see her. Instead, he said grimly, "Rachel came to see me today. She said you've mentioned that you're not interested in me but prefer someone like Mr. Lance. Is that true?"Jennifer hadn't anticipated that Rachel would resort to such petty tactics. She truly wouldn't let slide any chance to cause her trouble."Yes, I did say that." Jennifer's gaze fell to the ground. She made up her mind and muttered, "You said that we should give it a try. But I... feel that we're not compatible. So, let's return to being just teacher and student, Dr. Lowe."Nathan stared at her in shock, unable to believe that this was Jennifer's explanation. He shook his head. "I can't
"I'm sorry, Jennifer. I was too selfish." Nathan lowered his head to hide his tearful eyes. "I knew that someday you would remember everything, but I still kept it from you..."Jennifer finally confessed, "I didn't remember the past. I just... met an old friend. Perhaps it's fate. I nearly broke down when she told me everything."Realization struck Nathan. Fate could be so cruel. He then revealed everything that had happened five years ago, and it was the same as what Laura had told her.Nathan sighed. "Back then, I thought of a way to get you out of this situation, but you hesitated. Then one day, you suddenly told me you had made up your mind to leave and asked me to help you. When I pressed you for the reason, you told me that your father's death was connected to Maxwell, and that was the last straw that broke you."Jennifer paled and she stumbled backward. "Are... Are you telling the truth?"Laura hadn't mentioned this because she didn't know why Jennifer suddenly decided to l
Nathan felt this was the most humiliating moment of his life. But he didn't want to let Jennifer go. He would rather see her from a distance than have her disappear from his life.Jennifer smiled at him, "What are you talking about? You are my teacher. Even if we can't be lovers, I could never betray my mentor!"This made Nathan relax a little. He grew worried again. "Jennifer, are you really okay? The reason I hid things from you was indeed selfish. But more importantly, I didn't want you to remember the past and live in pain again. Promise me, let the past stay in the past and don't dwell on it, okay? I want to see you well. Don't hurt yourself."His words touched Jennifer. Nathan was always so comforting like the sun during the winter cold, warm and inviting. Someone like him deserved someone better.Jennifer nodded. “I will remember your advice, Dr. Low.”Nathan smiled and patted her. “Good.”…In the following days, Nathan applied to teach at the university and stopped deal
In the evening, Jasper was clinging to Maxwell, asking him to read him stories. Meanwhile, Rachel was making the fruit juice Jasper had wanted for the past few days. Rachel was concerned that the store-bought fruit juice might not be good for him, so she decided to make it herself.Listening to Jasper's laughter and seeing the father-son moment, Rachel felt she was in paradise.Just then, a phone call interrupted the peace. Maxwell glanced at the phone and his expression shifted. "Jasper, go on without me. I need to take a phone call."He took the phone and left the room.Rachel's heart sank. Maxwell was always busy and he received countless calls every day. But he never shied away from letting them hear the content. This call had to be from Jennifer!Rachel sneaked outside and hid around the corner, trying to overhear something. However, Maxwell's voice was too soft to catch any words.Soon after, Maxwell returned from the call. Rachel quickly entered the room, pretending no
That evening, Jennifer settled on the couch and made herself a cup of hot milk. She couldn't help but think how fickle the men were. They didn't value what they had and only learned to appreciate those who left. It seemed the grass was always greener on the other side!Before long, a phone buzzed. Jennifer searched around and discovered that Maxwell's phone was ringing in his jacket. Noticing the caller ID, Jennifer answered the call.On the other end, Rachel fell silent when she heard Jennifer's voice before demanding angrily, "Why did you answer Maxwell's phone, Jennifer? How do you have his phone?"Jennifer calmly sipped her hot milk. "Is there something you need, Mrs. Lance?""I need to talk to Maxwell. His son misses him and asked me to call him!" Rachel brought up Jasper to make Jennifer realize her place.However, Jennifer remained calm. "Mr. Lance is in the bathroom. Should I pass the phone to him?""What… What did you say?" Rachel cursed, "I knew it! You still have feeli
Jennifer went back to the kitchen and handed Maxwell a cup of hot milk. "Here, have some. I feel bad for troubling you."Maxwell took the cup, and their fingers brushed. He felt a jolt of electricity running through him. Although it was just milk, it tasted very sweet since Jennifer made it.Noting that it was getting late, Maxwell looked at her awkwardly. "Then I... I'll leave now?"Jennifer hummed and didn't try to keep him. "Thank you for tonight."Maxwell was disappointed. But it was in line with Jennifer's character not to keep him. It would be weirder if she had invited him to stay the night.As he was about to leave, he hesitated. "Did you and Nathan... really break up?"Jennifer lowered her head. "Once you love someone, there's no room for another."Maxwell's heart raced at her words. He pressed, "So, who do you love?"Jennifer smiled at him. "Someone out of reach.""Why is that?" Maxwell suddenly took her hand. "You're the one who's hesitating. Have you even asked tha
Maxwell scoffed. "Sorry for interrupting your date with Laura! My call might annoy you, but it's a blessing for Laura because she finally doesn't have to deal with you!"Simon was speechless. "So, why did you drag me out here at this hour? Just spit it out!"Maxwell grinned like a lovesick fool. "Well... Jennifer is back.""What?" Simon's eyes widened with surprise and a hint of hatred.Maxwell quickly added, "Hold on! I'm not telling you this so you can go after her for revenge. Zion is dead, and you have Laura. Don't target Jennifer again!"Simon took a sip from his glass. "So, why did you find me? My enemy's daughter is back. It just adds to my trouble.""That's not it. I just want your thoughts." Maxwell looked unusually embarrassed and recounted his interactions with Jennifer.Although Simon was a seasoned lawyer, he found Maxwell and Jennifer's story among the most melodramatic he had ever heard.Maxwell hesitated. "She broke up with Nathan despite being together for so l
However, Maxwell dismissed Simon's warnings. He still viewed Jennifer as kind and didn't believe she would ever do what Simon suggested.…The next morning, as Jennifer arrived at the office, she saw Rachel glaring at her outside the office door.Jennifer opened the door for her. "Ms. Walker, shall we talk inside?""Inside?" Rachel sneered. "Do you feel ashamed about what you did? Is that why you wish to talk inside?"Jennifer kept her hand in her pocket, where she had already called Maxwell's number. Rachel was unaware of this and continued sarcastically, "Why are you silent? You've done something so disgraceful. I should show your true colors to your colleagues so their husbands won't fall for your schemes!"Jennifer remained calm. "Ms. Walker, you've misunderstood. Last night, Mr. Lance was only here to fix a pipe. Let's discuss this in my office. It's crowded here. If others overheard us, it could harm not just my reputation but Mr. Lance's as well.""You're quite the smoo
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