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
"Mr. Lance, I should go now," said Jennifer. She held Maxwell at arm's length, just close enough to keep him yearning for more.But the push and pull was too much for Maxwell. In a sudden move, he leaned in, cupped her head, and brought her closer. He savored the unique sweetness of her, but out of his sight, Jennifer frowned in dismay.To Maxwell, this seemed to be the only way to show how much he missed her and how badly he wanted her back.However, Jennifer's detachment and avoidance were real. She didn't return his kiss, merely enduring it.After what seemed like an eternity, Maxwell finally let her go, and they were both left breathless. Though Jennifer kept reminding herself this was just a way to get back at him and that she was only tolerating it, her heart still raced uncontrollably. She couldn't even bring herself to meet his gaze.Maxwell reached out, his fingers gently brushing through her hair. "Jennifer, do you still love me?" he asked in a hoarse voice. Jennifer
Having said that, Jennifer hurriedly got into her car without waiting for Maxwell's response. Once inside, she could still feel her heart racing. That was a close call! Did her expression give anything away? She hoped Maxwell hadn't noticed.Because of that incident, Jennifer ended up being late to work that morning. She even missed the introduction of a new colleague during the morning meeting. She had planned to introduce herself later. But to Jennifer's surprise, the young, attractive doctor who seemed about her age, approached her. "Hello, Dr. Susan. I'm Dr. Hailey Brooks," Hailey said confidently as she extended her hand. "I joined the cardiac surgery department because of you, but I'm confident I'll outshine you in the future."Jennifer was momentarily stunned. Who would introduce themselves like that? Wasn't this a blatant provocation? Despite the audacity, Jennifer responded with grace. She shook Hailey's hand and replied, "I've read your articles in several prestigio
Jennifer offered a gentle smile and reassured Jasper, "It's okay. There's always someone better, but you did really well on your first day!""Yes, and Dad brought gifts for all the kids, so everyone likes me," Jasper answered, clearly happier than ever.Seeing him get along so well with Jennifer, Maxwell felt immensely satisfied.Right then, Jasper suddenly asked, "Dad, can we go to the amusement park this weekend? It would be great if Dr. Susan could join us too!"Maxwell wasn't about to let this precious opportunity slip by. He patted Jasper's head and said, "But you'll need to check with Dr. Susan to see if she can join us. If she can't make it, then we won't go."Initially, Jennifer wanted to decline. After all, she finally found some downtime and wanted to bring Cassidy and Caleb out.Yet, Jasper held her hand and pleaded, "Dr. Susan, could we go together? Dad doesn't usually let me go to the amusement park. He says it's too dirty, and I haven't been there in such a long tim