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
Nathan felt a sharp pang in his chest. He hadn't expected Caleb and Cassidy to be so resolute. It seemed that, despite all his efforts over the years, he couldn't compete with the innate bond they shared with Maxwell.At that moment, Jennifer, in a state of panic, shouted at Cassidy, "Will you please be quiet?"Startled by her mother's outburst, Cassidy burst into tears.Nathan could only try to calm Jennifer down, saying, "We need to go now. There's still some time before the wedding starts. Let's see if we can make it there in time to stop them."With that, they hurriedly left Laura's house, Cassidy in tow.Traffic in Haven City was as congested as ever. Jennifer's anxiety was overwhelming, and she felt a desperate urge to run straight to the wedding venue.Unfortunately, the distance was too great. Even if she ran, the ceremony would likely be underway by the time she arrived. What were Laura and Caleb planning?To help ease Jennifer's nerves, Nathan turned on the radio to
Laura understood that there was no turning back once she had started this. She yanked her hand from Simon's hold and told Michael, "You need to explain things to Maxwell immediately! The boy on stage is his biological son, while Rachel's child is illegitimate!"Simon stared at Laura in shock. "So, you brought this kid here to sabotage the wedding?"He couldn't believe it—this woman had the nerve to bring a stranger's child to ruin his best friend's wedding!Meanwhile, Michael had already sprinted to the stage to deliver the news.Rachel had gathered several bodyguards to control the chaos, and Maxwell was preparing to have Caleb removed from the stage. To him, it seemed like nothing more than a childish prank.At such a grand event, the stakes were high. If the wedding were ruined, it would be more than just an embarrassment. What would become of the Lance family's reputation?Rachel quietly sighed in relief, thinking the wedding could still proceed. But just then, Michael approa
At that moment, Rachel's wailing reverberated through the Lance residence.Flanked by two bodyguards, she was unsure if she was grieving over a wedding that had ended before it began or mourning her uncertain future. The sudden turn of events had caught her completely off guard.In the study, Maxwell regarded Caleb with a stern expression. "So, your mother is Jennifer Yale? She had two children, and you have a younger sister?" he asked, seeking confirmation."Yes, my mom is Jennifer Yale. Don't you know her?" Caleb answered confidently. "Why did you leave my mom? Why don't you want me and my sister? That woman's child isn't even yours. So, why are you so good to them but act like my mom doesn't matter?"Maxwell shot a look at Michael, who quickly caught on. "Don't worry, Mr. Lance. I've already arranged for Jasper to get a blood test. The paternity results should be ready in a few days."He wiped the sweat from his forehead and continued, "According to Ms. Scott, the woman who was
Rachel trembled with fear. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to admit the truth. She shook her head vigorously and begged, "Maxwell, please, don't take Jasper for a blood test. He's just a child, and he's already anemic. How can you ask him to go through this again? I've only ever been with you. Why won't you believe me?"Maxwell couldn't believe that Rachel's composure had reached such a disturbing level. The realization that she had deceived him for years consumed him with rage. Because of her lies, he had lost Jennifer and almost lost his two children. His fury surged beyond control, and he slapped her, the impact making her head snap to the side.Rachel stared at him in shock. This was the first time Maxwell had ever laid a hand on her. Did he really have no feelings left for her?Maxwell spoke through clenched teeth, each word deliberate. "Tell me, what exactly happened that night five years ago? Are you sure it was then that you conceived Jasper? Do I need to show you the su
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