Quentin quickly clambered up and ran toward the entrance. As he cupped his face, he yelled out, "Just you wait! I'm going to get you next time!"Maxwell didn't run after Quentin, as it would be insulting to someone of his status to fight with the latter in such a manner. Maxwell had only taught Quentin that brief lesson earlier because he was furious upon seeing the slap mark on Jennifer's cheek.After Quentin ran away, both Agnes and Jocelyn deflated. They felt like they were in deep trouble now.Agnes hesitated for a moment before saying, "That was all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Maxwell. I'm sure there's been a misunderstanding between us and Jennifer as well. Why don't you have a seat? I'll have a pot of tea prepared for you. After all, a family needs to have a strong bond, right?""My only family here is my wife." Maxwell looked down upon Agnes and Jocelyn. "I can let go of what happened today if my wife doesn't pursue the matter. But if she does, prepare to suffer the conseq
Jennifer felt incredibly upset afterward and continued walking aimlessly forward.Maxwell's heart ached at the sight. He went and enveloped her in his arms without a second thought. He caressed her hair and kept her head tucked against his chest, murmuring, "I… I wasn't wholly putting up an act earlier."Jennifer's shoulders were quaking slightly in his grasp.Every word Maxwell said echoed in her heart, making her tremble uncontrollably. Jennifer looked up, gazing at him through tearful eyes. "I nearly thought what you said at the Yale residence earlier was all true. But we still have to be realistic, don't we?"Maxwell looked at her, feeling upset as she cried. He gently wiped her tears away and said, "Even if we're not together anymore in the future, I still wouldn't be able to bear to see anyone hurting you. No one can force you to do anything you don't want to do, not even the Yale family themselves."Jennifer only felt more upset the more Maxwell spoke.He said they would
Maxwell never cared about Jennifer's family nor asked about it. Yet now he was trying to understand her better. Jennifer smiled at the thought and said, "I can tell you if you really want to know.""I'd like that. I'm kinda curious now." Maxwell smiled lightly.Jennifer sighed and began reminiscing about the past."My mom and dad divorced when I was 12. Their relationship prior was really strong, but because my mother was a pretty independent woman and was often busy with work at the hospital, she wasn't able to be at home a lot. That made my grandmother dislike her because my grandmother believed that women should stay at home to serve their husbands."One day, Jocelyn Logan came knocking on our door. My father admitted that he wasn't able to control himself that one time and ended up sleeping with Jocelyn, who ended up getting pregnant with Bridget but she never told my father."Maxwell silently listened to Jennifer as he drove. All happy marriages shared a similar storyline;
Even if Maxwell knew the truth, there was no possible way that their marriage could continue anymore.So, Jennifer shook her head. "I've already forgotten what he looked like. But ever since that happened, I grew out of my low self-esteem and learned to accept my parents' divorce. Everyone makes mistakes. Even though my father made a mistake, he still took great care of me and made sure I never suffered. He would never sit by and let my stepmother and sister push me around."My Dad would take care of me throughout the night if I was sick. When I missed Mom, he'd bring me to the hospital to see her in person. That was why I chose to forgive him in the end. Now that my mother has passed, my father is the only person whom I'm related to by blood."Maxwell's eyes seemed hazy as he said in a bittersweet way, "You're far more blessed than I was, then."Jennifer had vaguely heard about how Maxwell's mother had been forced to leave their family by his father and stepmother. Maxwell's mothe
"But how would Jennifer possibly let us off easy given how much she hates us?" Bridget asked fearfully. "She'll definitely complain to Dad about us. I bet she'll make him kick us out of the house!"Both mother and daughter were incredibly anxious now, pacing back and forth in the house.The ambulance soon arrived and took both Agnes and Quentin to the hospital.Bridget and Jocelyn paid for the medical fees while complaining about their failed plan. Just then, Bridget suddenly felt nauseous and began dry heaving, leaning against the wall for support.Jocelyn asked anxiously, "What's wrong, dear? Did you eat something stale?""I'm okay. I've just been easily nauseous lately," Bridget said.Both mother and daughter were too preoccupied with their present situation, so neither gave too much thought to Bridget's condition.…Two days later, Zion returned from his business trip to the neighboring city. Agnes happened to be discharged from the hospital on the same day.Quentin remain
Zion knew his daughter had a temper. But though she'd been pampered since young, she wasn't someone who would start trouble for no reason.So, Zion gazed suspiciously at his wife and asked, "Are you sure you two just got into an argument? Could it also be that Quentin's company went bankrupt because of his poor management instead of Maxwell being the one who caused it?"As far as Zion knew, Jennifer and Maxwell's marriage was not stable even though it was official. Would he have actually come to Jennifer's defense?Jocelyn nodded certainly. "I'm very sure! If you don't believe us, you can go see how bad a state Quentin is in at the hospital yourself!"Agnes took the opportunity to mention Quentin's demands. "Zion, regardless of everything, Jennifer remains in the wrong in this situation. How could we let the matter cease now that Quentin's ended up with broken legs and a bankrupt company?"Zion sighed and said, "If Jennifer really is responsible for this matter, then we should rig
Now Jennifer understood what was going on. So, Jocelyn and the rest of them had framed her in front of her father.Jennifer's smile disappeared as she asked coldly, "What did you say Maxwell did again?""He made Jocelyn's cousin's company go bankrupt and broke both of his legs!" Zion gazed at his daughter and said, "You've really disappointed me! Now the cousin is demanding five million dollars as compensation! "My company hasn't been doing very well lately and now that you've caused such trouble, I have no choice but to go along with his demands! I'm an old man now, Jennifer. Can't you at least give me peace of mind?"Jennifer looked at her father in shock. She hadn't been notified of whatever her father just said happened.She'd thought that Maxwell had just let things go after teaching Quentin a listen the other day. She didn't know more had transpired afterward. What was more shocking was the fact that Quentin was demanding five million dollars from her father!Jennifer said
Zion was in disbelief. What Maxwell told her was very different than what his mother and Jocelyn had told him.Maxwell said with a smile, "You don't need to be so surprised. I'm sure you know very well what kind of people your mother and wife are and how much they've been mistreating Jennifer all this while. You can go ask Quentin Harold about the matter and the truth will naturally reveal itself."Zion did indeed know what was going on at this point.After a long period of silence, Zion gazed deeply at Maxwell before saying, "Jennifer did go through a lot of pain here in my family, Mr. Maxwell. As her father, I'm responsible for this as well. But can you promise me you'll take care of Jennifer? I can tell she likes you very, very much. She's suffered a lot and lost her mother when she was young. "Maxwell looked away, unsure whether Jennifer truly did like him as much as Zion said she did.But Maxwell himself already had a woman he needed to care for. He had taken Rachel's virgin
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