Michel glanced at him. "She's mine. You'd better stay out of it."Michel saw Laura coming down from the dance floor and pushed the model aside before following the slender figure.When Laura came out of the restroom, she was surprised to see Michel standing by the door. She froze before her gaze turned cold. "Move!""Laura, it's not the time to be stubborn," Michel blocked her way and smirked. "You must be here to earn some quick cash, right? Here's the deal. Since we have a past, I'll give you 100 thousand dollars if you spend the night with me. How about that? Pretty generous, right?"Laura slapped Michel. She glared at him and said scornfully, "You disgust me. This is the restroom. You should look at yourself in the mirror. I'm afraid even you would be disgusted by yourself!"With that, she turned on her heel and walked away. However, Michel gripped her arm.Michel was enraged by the slap and spat, "Hmph, you're still putting on airs after five years? You're just a whore who's
Jennifer and Laura were both locked up at the police station.The bar had ties to the Jenson family. So, when Michel got into trouble, the bar wasted no time and detained Jennifer and Laura.Jennifer trembled with fear. "Laura, did I… Did I just kill someone? I hit him in the back of the head. Will he die?"Laura clutched her aching abdomen and tried to reassure her, "Don't worry, he was the one trying to take advantage of me. We were just defending ourselves. Besides, even if something did happen to him, you can put all the blame on me."After all, Simon wouldn't just ignore her. He still wanted to have his way with her and would find a way to get her out.Just then, the sound of high heels clicking against the floor echoed. A woman's voice followed, "Thank you, officer. I'll be swift."Laura immediately recognized the voice. She sneered, "The Jenson family is quick to act, aren't they?"Patricia appeared before them. Her eyes widened when she saw Jennifer. She had heard that J
With that, Patricia spun around and stormed off, her heels clicking with every step.In an instant, Laura's body went limp, and she collapsed to the ground. It was as if every ounce of energy had been drained from her. Although Jennifer couldn't recall who Patricia was, she gathered enough from their conversation to grasp what had transpired. Her concern for Laura grew as it was clear that Patricia wasn't someone to be taken lightly.…Meanwhile, at Valor Law Firm, Simon had just wrapped up a long day when his phone rang. A flicker of annoyance crossed his face when he saw the caller ID, but he answered anyway."Simon, do you have a moment?" Hailey's coquettish voice came through the line. "I've come down with a fever, and my parents are on a trip. I'm all alone here. What should I do?"Simon frowned and retorted, "You're a doctor, aren't you? If you've got a fever, take some medicine. It's not rocket science." Hailey felt a surge of anger at his indifferent tone. Despite havi
Rachel hadn't expected Shaun to call her at this hour. Could something have happened to Hugo? Part of her wished he was dead.She picked up the phone, feigning concern as she asked, "Shaun, did something happen to Hugo?""No," Shaun replied. He hesitated before continuing, "Ms. Walker, Nimbus Lounge's system was hacked a couple of days ago. They accessed surveillance footage from August 12th, five years ago. "We've been looking into it for two days but haven't found anything. I thought you should be informed. Does that date have any special significance?"After all, Shaun was unaware that Rachel had impersonated Jennifer and spent the night with Maxwell five years ago. He simply found the situation suspicious and, with no one else to discuss it with, decided to inform Rachel.Rachel was stunned by the news. August 12th, five years ago? That was the very day! She was sure that this wasn't a coincidence. Jennifer must be behind this. Exasperated, she yelled, "Why didn't you let
As Jennifer prepared to speak up, Maxwell quickly ushered her out of the place. Once they were gone, an eerie silence settled over the reception area. Laura avoided Simon's gaze. With her head hung low, she apologized, "I'm sorry for causing you trouble." Simon slowly rose to his feet, his gaze piercing and intense as he scrutinized her revealing dress. Annoyance flashed in his eyes, then he tossed his coat to her. "We'll talk about this when we get home," he said coldly. Without another word, Simon walked away. Laura hurriedly wrapped his coat around herself before following him. The coat held a trace of his warmth and fragrance, providing her with a comforting shield against the cold.During the drive home, Laura could see that Simon was visibly upset. Fearing she might face severe repercussions later, she quickly owned up to her mistake. "I'm sorry. I-I just wanted to go out dancing. I didn't expect to run into Michel. I—""Shut up!" Simon cut her off with a frosty voice
However, Simon tightened his grip deliberately, almost as if he were punishing Laura. The idea of her wearing such revealing clothes and going to a club, where other men would undoubtedly gawk at her, infuriated him. Although Laura was merely a plaything to him, she was his and his alone. He couldn't stand the thought of anyone else eyeing her.Suddenly, Laura cried out in pain. "Simon, stop. Please, stop now!" she pleaded.Only then did Simon realize something was wrong. His breath was ragged, but his eyes were filled with worry as he asked, "What's wrong?""It hurts so much. Please… Let me off the hook tonight," Laura begged while clutching her abdomen.Seeing that her face had gone pale, Simon swiftly picked her up and gently laid her down on the bed. But as soon as he lifted her dress, his eyes burned with anger. The sight of the extensive bruising on Laura's stomach made it clear why she was in so much pain. "Who did this?" he demanded coldly.With red-rimmed eyes and h
Maxwell had finally decided to move on, but a part of him still yearned to say something. He wanted to offer words of advice, hoping Jennifer would have a fulfilling life in the days ahead.Jennifer had always believed that all she felt for Maxwell was bitterness and resentment. But the moment those words left his lips, her heart was gripped by a painful twist. In that instant, she knew she couldn't bring herself to get back at him. No matter how much she had suffered, she didn't have it in her to hurt him.Jennifer had considered revealing the truth to Maxwell on his wedding day, aiming to make him regret what he had done. But now, she was ready to let it go. The truth was, she couldn't deny that he had once loved her. "Can you let me out of the car?" Jennifer choked out, barely holding back her sobs. At last, Maxwell loosened his grip and unlocked the door. She immediately got out of the car and walked away.Once home, Jennifer kicked off her heels and sank to the floor, as
Unable to endure the humiliation any longer, Laura fled to the bedroom. She quickly changed her clothes and stormed out, ignoring Simon and Fiona.Fiona glared at her retreating figure and snapped, "I knew it. Women like her have no class!""Mom, that's enough. Don't let something so petty ruin your mood," said Simon.He poured Fiona a glass of water and smoothly steered the conversation. "Anyway, what brings you here so early?"Fiona shot him a disapproving look and replied, "You've got some nerve asking me that. Hailey had a fever yesterday, and you couldn't even be bothered to check on her? She called you, and you didn't even show up!"Don't forget, she's your fiancée and an heiress, not some random fling. How could you treat her like this? She must be heartbroken!"Simon knew Hailey wasn't one to just let things go. Sure enough, she had even gone as far as complaining to his mother.Still, given how much Fiona had sacrificed for him over the years, he usually went along with
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