After a moment of silence, Maxwell countered, "What are the odds? Why does she always seem to find herself in these situations?"Seeing that he was on Jennifer's side, Michael quickly chimed in, "I agree. I don't think Mrs. Lance would do something like that. Ms. Walker must be so desperate to become your wife that she's resorted to slandering her."Maxwell remained silent for a long while before instructing in a low voice, "You should leave now and keep this between us."Even after Michael left, the sadness and gravity in Maxwell's eyes lingered.He should have known better than to think Laura would keep the truth from Jennifer. Moreover, considering Jennifer's character, she wouldn't have taken him away from Rachel if she believed Rachel was his legitimate wife.The only plausible explanation was that she was aware of past events. That was why she harbored such deep resentment and wanted to seek revenge.Maxwell had been deceiving himself all along. Jennifer's reaction to the p
"Dad, please send me a sign if there's something I should know about your death. I promise I'll uncover the truth and seek justice for you."Jennifer's heartfelt words were also directed at Maxwell. As a drizzle started and the evening grew darker, Maxwell and Jennifer finally left the cemetery. The early autumn night carried a hint of chill. Worried Jennifer might catch a cold, Maxwell removed his coat and draped it over her.She was enveloped by his warmth, a sensation she couldn't avoid or escape. Regardless, she kept reminding herself it was all just part of the act.…On their way home, Maxwell held her hand as he drove and remarked, "If your father could see you now, he'd be so proud of everything you've achieved.""Maybe. But he might also blame me for not getting to the bottom of what happened to him," Jennifer replied with a wry smile. Maxwell let out a resigned sigh. "It's been five years, and the police declared it a suicide back then. If there's more to it, it's
Maxwell was aware that Jennifer hadn't come back to him out of love. He could tell that every second she spent with him was filled with resistance.As he watched her walk into the neighborhood, his expression grew increasingly somber. It was apparent that her steps became noticeably lighter as soon as she left his car. He smiled wryly at the sight. On the way back, Maxwell drove past Rachel's dance studio and noticed the lights were still on. Unable to shake the nagging questions swirling in his mind, he decided to pull over.Rachel hadn't expected Maxwell to show up this late. It seemed Michael had told him everything.She quickly made a cup of coffee and remarked with a smile, "I'm guessing you're here to ask about Jennifer, right?"Maxwell didn't respond. Instead, he looked at her sternly and demanded, "What exactly did Yeager Group want from you? I want all the details.""They wanted me to steal the bid documents from your computer, but I refused. It appears they've approach
The next day, Jennifer took a day off and headed to Lance Corporation with Laura.Once inside, Laura chickened out. She froze in place and mumbled, "Jennifer, maybe… Maybe we should just forget about this. My company didn't assign me the task. I might lose my job if Maxwell finds out we teamed up to trick him!"Jennifer smiled and assured her, "I promise Maxwell won't make things difficult for you. Just play along with me. There won't be any issues."Since Rachel was so eager to see her fail, why not turn the tables and let Maxwell see Rachel's true colors?With that, Laura reluctantly followed Jennifer's plan, and the two of them headed to Maxwell's office. The secretary treated Jennifer with great respect and was also very nice to Laura.When they entered the office, Maxwell was busy working at his computer. Hearing the noise, he immediately stood up and walked over to Jennifer. He took her hand and said dotingly, "I was just thinking about you, and here you are."Jennifer smil
Jennifer gave it a thought. "Actually, there's nothing in particular that I want to eat. How about we go to your company's cafeteria?"Maxwell smiled. "Sure."The employees were stunned when they saw Maxwell and Jennifer in the cafeteria. It was the first time Maxwell had brought a woman out publicly. However, why did he choose the cafeteria as the place for a date?Because of their arrival, none of the employees dared to eat in the same area and stayed away. Some who were socially anxious or had been reprimanded by Maxwell in the past even quietly left the cafeteria.Jennifer joked, "You must be a pretty harsh boss if everyone's so afraid of you."Maxwell chuckled. "It's not a bad thing to be feared in public. But I'm still a wife-fearing man at home, aren't I?Jennifer's heart fluttered, and she quickly avoided his gaze.Maxwell grabbed a tray and said to her, "Let me show you the food section. Actually, the food here is quite good."Even in front of his employees, Maxwell di
The next day, however, Jasper suddenly came down with a fever and couldn't go to school.Maxwell called Jennifer and told her he would be bringing Jasper to the hospital. Jennifer offered, "I'm off today. I'll head over to your place. It's probably because Jasper's body is weak, and his immune system is poor. It's not because of his heart condition, so don't worry."She soon arrived at Maxwell's place. After taking in Jasper's heartbeat, she confirmed that the fever wasn't caused by his heart condition.Maxwell was anxious, as Michael kept calling him about the auction. The auction was crucial for the Lance Corporation's development, and he absolutely couldn't miss it.Jennifer seemed to read his thoughts. "You should head to your work. I don't have anything planned today, so I'll stay here and look after him."Maxwell gave her a grateful look. "I'll leave Jasper in your care then."With that, Maxwell rushed off.Jasper lay in bed, his face flushed from the fever, and said glo
Rachel snorted and glanced disdainfully at her. "And I was wondering who was backing this old hag. So it was you!"Jennifer's gaze sharpened and she gritted her teeth. "Watch your mouth! Or I'll have you thrown out!"Rachel laughed. "You haven't achieved your goals yet. How dare you give me an attitude? Where's Jasper? Bring him here! Let's see who he'll side with!"Jennifer wasn't going to let Rachel have her way. She uttered coldly, "Jasper has a fever and is asleep. If you want your son to rest, I suggest you leave now. Stop embarrassing yourself!"Rachel's expression grew stern as she demanded, "What did you say? Jasper has a fever? Jennifer, what have you done to my son? He was fine when I was taking care of him. Why did he suddenly fall sick after you took over?"Jennifer narrowed her eyes and mocked, "You took good care of him? If you did such a good job, why did you beg me to treat him back then? Rachel, have you forgotten how you were begging me before!"Rachel couldn't
Rachel put on a pitiful act and sobbed, "I just wanted to see my son because I missed him. But I never expected that Jennifer would think she was the lady of the house and order Martha to throw me out! Maxwell, I heard Jasper has a fever. I'm worried. Please let me visit him."Maxwell was annoyed. "You should go back for now. Once Jasper recovers, I'll have Michael take him to you for a few days."Rachel suddenly burst into tears. "I'm his mother! Jasper has a fever and needs his mother. How can you be so heartless? Or are you covering for her for causing the fever?"Maxwell scolded, "What are you talking about? Who are you accusing?"But before Rachel could respond, Jennifer, who had always hated Rachel, spoke up. She walked over and wrapped her arm around Maxwell's triumphantly. "She is Jasper's mother, after all. Let her visit him."Rachel clenched her fists tightly, resisting the urge to rush over and slap that smug smile off Jennifer's face! Jennifer's tone was full of condes
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