Laura was at a loss for words. Jennifer's eyes watered as she whispered, "I know where you're coming from. But how could I let them off the hook? I'm no longer the naive Jennifer of the past!"She wouldn't have started her path of revenge if it was only a matter of the heart. But her father's death was connected to Maxwell! This man had done so much to hurt her under the guise of loving her. How could she ever forgive him?Noticing it was late, Jennifer suggested, "Why don't you stay at my place tonight? I have new toiletries and a new set of pajamas."Laura longed to return to how things were before, where they shared a bed, talked about their feelings, and fell asleep together. But that wasn't possible now. Although Simon didn't come home every night, he might punish her if he did return and found her missing.So, Laura made an excuse. "I can't tonight. I still have some work to finish. Maybe next time."With that, she left Jennifer's place.When Laura returned to her apartme
Simon paused and smirked. "And? What does that have to do with you?"After five years of silently enduring so much pain, Laura finally stood up for herself. "Of course, it has everything to do with me! We can't keep doing this if you're getting married.""Doing what, exactly?" Simon's lips curled into a cruel smile as he pinched her chin. "Listen carefully. Your situation won't change whether I get married or not! I won't let you go!"Laura's eyes watered and she choked, "Can you tell me why? Simon, I've been with you for five years and never refused anything you asked of me. Can you at least leave me with some dignity? You can have any woman you want, so why me?"If Simon got married, then Laura would be his mistress. Laura didn't want that.Seeing the sorrow in her eyes, Simon leaned closer and said cruelly, "You want dignity? Do you even deserve it? You'd better please me if you want your father to live well."With that, he pushed her away and unbuckled his belt. The sound of
The roses were vibrant and smelled nice. But Jennifer found them disgusting. She put on a smile and took the roses. She sniffed them and asked, "Why are you suddenly giving me these?"Maxwell leaned in and rested one hand on the table and the other on the armrest of her chair, trapping Jennifer within his embrace. He stared at Jennifer as his emotions went wild. He swallowed and said hoarsely, "I couldn't think of what kind of gift to give you, but I figured all women like flowers."Jennifer looked up at Maxwell's handsome face. "Mr. Lance, we're in public. Aren't you afraid someone might see us?""What's there to be afraid of?" Maxwell shrugged. "You're single, and so am I. If they see us, so be it. I told you before, I'll take responsibility for you."Jennifer sneered to herself. He hadn't taken responsibility when they were married, so why would he now? Her expression hardened. "Mr. Lance, I'm leaving if you keep this up!"Seeing her anger, Maxwell withdrew his hands and sat
With that, Jennifer stood up with her bag and prepared to leave. But Maxwell, having finally glimpsed a chance, wasn't about to let her go. He quickly grabbed her hand. "Why are you in such a hurry? I didn't say I wouldn't agree!"Jennifer stopped in her tracks and turned to him.After a moment of silence, Maxwell promised, "I'll give her a sum of money as compensation for giving birth to Jasper and won't meet with her again. But you have to promise me one thing. You have to accept Jasper, okay?"Jennifer didn't plan on going after Jasper. She just wanted to make Rachel and Maxwell's lives difficult. Besides, Jasper was a likable child. Since she had no intention of marrying Maxwell, agreeing to his terms would only further devastate Rachel, wouldn't it?Jennifer pretended to think it over before nodding. "I can accept the child, but I don't want that woman around me! You'll need to handle her thoroughly."Maxwell frowned. Despite his efforts to please Jennifer and win her back, w
Moreover, was Maxwell really planning to cut ties with her? They had a son together! How could he even think of doing that? Rachel had learned how ruthless a man could be. Besides their son, he could sever all other ties without hesitation.Of course, Rachel wouldn't accept the check. She swallowed her jealousy and rage and played the victim card. "You've already given me enough. I won't take any more of your money. I love you, and I'm willing to let you go. Maxwell, I can give my blessings to you. But Jennifer is up to no good. You can't let her deceive you!""Don't say another word against Jennifer!" Maxwell interrupted her. "If anyone is at fault, it's me. Jennifer wouldn't have spent five years abroad if I hadn't wavered between the two of you. I don't mind if she has ulterior motives!"Tears welled up in Rachel's eyes and she forced a bitter smile. "You'll realize that I'm not wrong one day."Maxwell didn't want to continue this discussion. He was certain that Jennifer would n
Jennifer nodded. "Leave it to me."After asking Martha for Jasper's room, she went upstairs alone. Maxwell worried Jasper might give her a hard time and didn't want her to go, but Jennifer was already heading up.When she reached the door, she knocked lightly. Jasper opened the door quickly. But when he saw who it was, he shouted, "Why is it you? Mom was right! You are the one who ruined our family! Dad left Mom because he wants to be with you!"Jennifer didn't get angry. She walked into the room and smiled at the furious child. She then leaned down, pulling him closer to her."So, you think I'm the bad person?" Jennifer tilted her head at him.Jasper huffed angrily, "Aren't you? I used to like you and even spoke up for you! But I never thought you were that kind of person!"Jennifer hummed. "If I were the bad person, would I have pulled you back from the brink of death? Do you remember when you were bedridden? Who was it that treated you and made you better?"Thinking about thi
Just a moment ago, Maxwell was worried that Jasper might give Jennifer a hard time. But to his surprise, Jennifer was able to calm Jasper down and make him behave.Maxwell breathed a sigh of relief at this. He walked up to his son and said teasingly, "What's this? You never listen to me. But now you're being obedient with this pretty lady?"Jasper glanced at Jennifer and said mysteriously to Maxwell, "I can't tell you that. It's a secret between me and Dr. Susan."Maxwell didn't think much of it, assuming that Jennifer had just played some harmless trick to entertain the child. He praised her, saying, "You're good at handling kids."Maxwell's gaze held not just affection but also a newfound respect.During dinner, Jasper kept giving Jennifer looks. Noticing this, Jennifer finally said, "You should let Jasper go to school. He's already five years old. He'll become a hermit if he stays cooped up at home like this."Realization struck Maxwell. "No wonder he's been so obedient to you
After dinner, Maxwell was hoping to have some alone time with Jennifer. However, Jasper grabbed her and took her to his room to ask her a bunch of questions. Jasper said he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up and even asked for Jennifer's stethoscope. Jennifer couldn't help but laugh at the request.The more she spent time with him, the more she found Jasper to be as lovable as her children, Cassidy and Caleb. Despite her resentment toward Rachel and Maxwell, she couldn't bring herself to dislike Jasper.By 9:00 pm, it was time for Jasper to go to bed. Because of his health, he always went to sleep early."Dr. Susan, could you tell me a bedtime story?" Jasper asked. His eyes glistened with tears as he choked, "No one has told me stories or tucked me in at night since my mom left."Jennifer felt pity for him and asked, "What about your dad?""My dad is busy with work. Sometimes he doesn't come home until after I'm already asleep." Jasper's voice was filled with sadness. "He say