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
Out of nowhere, Rachel's smile appeared. She narrowed her eyes as if she could see right through Jennifer. "Now you understand why you lost to me back then, don't you? "It's because you have a weak spot. You're still in love with Maxwell. It's not just Jasper you're worried about; you're actually terrified of hurting Maxwell, right?"Jennifer's hand quivered, and her eyes flickered with a hint of unease. When Rachel saw that, she felt her suspicions were confirmed. "If you reveal the truth, it will ruin me, but Maxwell will also face a devastating blow," she sneered. "I'll make sure he learns about the two children you secretly had. That would throw everything into chaos. Besides, given his nature, he'd likely fight tooth and nail for custody."Jennifer's gaze hardened as she replied, "Fighting for custody is one thing, but if the child I've raised for years turns out to be someone else's, that's a whole different story."Rachel's expression changed drastically, her heart poun
Nathan's expression grew serious as he pressed, "So, what's your plan?"Frustrated, Jennifer ran her fingers through her hair and said, "What do you think I should do? Honestly, I have no idea. I've always wanted to get back at Rachel and Maxwell. I thought seeing them suffer would make me feel better. But now that I have the chance, I…""You couldn't bring yourself to do it," Nathan uttered, picking up where she left off. "But there's no need to agonize over it. Just do what feels right to you. Being compassionate isn't a flaw. You're not like Rachel. Your kindness and integrity are the very reasons I admire you."Jennifer gave a wry smile and remarked, "I didn't expect you to be so understanding of my decision, considering Maxwell is your romantic rival."Nathan embraced her, his voice warm and reassuring. "Rival or not, it doesn't matter. The main difference between us and them is that we have our boundaries. We never set out to harm others."So, Jennifer, if you've decided t
"Do I need to personally escort you into the car?" Simon asked, his tone as condescending as ever.Initially, Laura had thought that he was there to apologize, but it was clear now she had been mistaken. Of course, Simon would never apologize. She glared at him and let out an exasperated huff. "Mr. Moore, are you here just to relieve your stress again?"Simon paused for a moment before letting out a chuckle. Even though her face was flushed with anger, her scowl only seemed to enhance her charm.Laura was seething, feeling a strong urge to slap him. Why did he always remain so composed, no matter how furious she became? It was as if her emotions had no impact on him. Even now, he still managed to laugh.What was she to him, anyway? He never seemed to care if she was miserable; all that mattered to him was whether she could satisfy his needs.As Laura stood her ground, Simon took her hand and guided her into the car. In an unusually tender gesture, he buckled her seatbelt. His
Simon had always despised the chaotic and noisy atmosphere of areas around the university."If you're hungry, I'll take you somewhere else to eat. This place isn't very clean. Let's go," he said, pulling Laura's hand. "In the future, avoid places like this."Still fuming, Laura yanked her hand away and shot back, "Mr. Morre, my family's bankrupt, and we've been struggling for five years. Being able to afford grilled meat is already a luxury for us!"If you think this place is beneath you, you can always go to a high-end restaurant. There's no need to make me feel like I'm lowering your standards!"For some reason, Simon found her outburst amusing, as long as she didn't insist on leaving him.At that moment, the barbecue stand owner brought over the grilled meat and a bottle of beer. Laura took a piece of meat and started eating with gusto. She then poured herself a glass of beer and enjoyed it, seemingly indifferent to Simon's disapproving gaze. Yet, despite her carefree demeano
Only then did Simon realize that the woman was a junior assistant from his firm. The woman looked like she'd stumbled upon some big secret and blurted out, "It's really you! I never imagined you'd come here for a meal."Simon cleared his throat and awkwardly replied, "I'm just meeting a friend."Without further explanation, he grabbed Laura's hand and quickly led her away from the barbecue stand.Laura's cheeks burned. The whole situation made her feel like they were a couple caught sneaking around.Once inside the car, Simon noticed the shift in her expression. It didn't take him long to guess what was on her mind. His expression darkened as he warned coldly, "Laura, I'll let you laugh and joke around, but don't you dare start thinking about things you shouldn't."The happiness Laura had felt just moments before shattered in an instant. His words were like a slap back to reality. In a cool voice, she responded, "I get it. You made it clear from the beginning—we're just using
Meanwhile, Caleb's frustrations grew as the house seemed to empty out more each minute. Jennifer had packed up most of their things, and in just a couple of days, they would be leaving Haven City.How would he ever find a way to reunite with Maxwell once they were gone?Caleb racked his brain to come up with a plan. Once everyone was asleep, he sneaked into Jennifer's room and took her phone to call Laura."Aunt Laura, it's me, Cal," he whispered, huddled on the balcony.Laura, taken aback by the call at this hour, asked, "Cal, why are you still awake? Where's your mom?""She's asleep, but I need a favor." Caleb bit his lip and continued, "Can you tell my mom that you want to take Cass and me out to play tomorrow? We'll talk more when we meet, okay?"Laura had always known Caleb was unusually clever for his age, and his secrecy only piqued her curiosity more. Since Simon would be attending Maxwell's wedding rehearsal the next day and she wasn't needed, she agreed to Caleb's req
Even with the wedding just a day away, Maxwell hadn't returned to the Lance residence that night. Rachel had heard that he was out drinking with friends.She gazed at the celebratory decorations around the villa, but rather than joy, an overwhelming emptiness settled over her. Maxwell's reluctance to marry her was unmistakable.Still, Rachel had no regrets. If it hadn't been for Jennifer, she and Maxwell would've already built a happy life together. Jennifer had taken too much from her.Standing before the mirror in her extravagant wedding gown, Rachel forced a smile and muttered, "In the end, Maxwell is still mine, and the title of Mrs. Lance belongs to me. Jennifer Yale, I've won."With only hours left until the ceremony, Rachel had finally arrived at the moment she had dreamed of for so long. However, it all felt surreal, like it had happened too easily. And yet, she was truly about to marry Maxwell. Tears of excitement welled in her eyes as she trembled with emotion.That ni