Hailey did not hide her disdain and sneered, "Dr. Susan, did you lose your job abroad? Why did you come back?"Jennifer smiled. "I was worried you might lose motivation to improve. So, I came back.""You!" Hailey was speechless by her retort and left angrily.Jennifer didn't have the same authority now that she returned. Hailey was the one in charge now. To piss Jennifer off, Hailey huffed. "Sorry, Dr. Susan. Since your return was too sudden, we haven't scheduled any duties for you this month. You can help the resident doctors if you're bored."After all, being a resident doctor was the lowest rank in the hospital. For someone of Jennifer's status, working as one would be insulting enough.But Jennifer was occupied with the custody fight. Not being assigned any duties actually worked in her favor, allowing her to concentrate more on her children.Hailey thought Jennifer would be infuriated, but Jennifer only smiled. "Anything you say, Dr. Brooks."Hailey looked at her in disbeli
Hailey looked at Laura with disdain. "What do you know? As doctors, we are expected to be dedicated, and working overtime is a regular occurrence. I've never heard of anyone asking for overtime pay.""Haha!" Laura narrowed her eyes and retorted, "What do you mean it's expected? That's peer pressure! What's so special about being a doctor? Do doctors not need to eat or support their families? Should they stay in the hospital 24 hours a day to be considered true doctors? I can't stand people like you, talking about dedication when others just want to get paid. If you're that devoted, keep up the work yourself! Let's go, Jennifer, don't waste time with her."After all, this wasn't the first time Laura had seen Jennifer working late. Laura used to think being a doctor was a sacred profession and that being busy was understandable. But when she saw Jennifer's superior treating overtime as a given, Laura had had enough.She grabbed Jennifer's hand, ready to leave.Hailey called after the
Simon hung up after that. Hailey was left standing there, fuming.Although Simon was her type, he never respected her. She came from a reputable family, was an accomplished student who had studied abroad, and was quite good-looking. So, why didn't Simon care about her?A thought crossed Hailey's mind. Was Simon in love with someone else? With his reputation, there must be plenty of women throwing themselves at him. Could that be why Simon had no interest in her?At the thought of this, Hailey quickly took off her doctor's coat and rushed to Simon's house despite the late hour.It was already 10:00 pm, and Fiona was just about to go to bed. She hadn't expected Hailey to visit at such a late hour. She threw on a robe and greeted her, "Hailey, what brings you here so late?""Mrs. Moore..." Hailey pouted sadly. "I haven't seen Simon in a long time. And he seems cold and distant every time I call him. Did I upset him?"Fiona's face fell at this. Did that vixen seduce Simon again? This
Simon frowned at Fiona's words. He glanced at Laura, then walked out onto the balcony. "I'm about to go to bed. Mom, what's going on? Why is she at the house so late?"Fiona huffed. "Hailey is your fiancée. She's in trouble now. Someone's threatening to sue her! I think... one of the doctors under her isn't happy with how she's managing them and is suing her for forcing them to work overtime. I can't explain all the details, but you need to come home. You two are supposed to get married. How can you ignore her when she's facing such a big issue?"Simon's frown deepened. He couldn't believe Hailey would go to his house and disturb his mother this late over such a small issue. The more she acted like this, the less he wanted to deal with her.Simon said coldly, "I'm about to sleep and won't be going home tonight. Tell her to come to my office tomorrow if it's such a big deal."With that, Simon hung up.Fiona stared at her darkened phone screen, her dislike for Laura growing. She had
Laura glared at Simon. "You said you wouldn't help me, so why are you asking so many questions?"She didn't realize how innocent and cute she looked at that moment. Simon looked at her thoughtfully. Sometimes, Laura seemed terrified of him, yet there were times she would provoke him too.Simon felt his heart stir. He leaned in and coaxed, "Go ahead, tell me. Since I'm in a good mood right now, maybe I can give you some advice."Laura perked up. "Really?"Her eyes sparkled excitedly. Simon smiled. "Tell me."Laura sighed in frustration, "Do you think Jennifer is just really unlucky? She meets a jerk like Maxwell, and now, she is getting bullied by her superior. She's always forced to work overtime and doesn't even get paid. That woman will keep bullying Jennifer if I don't sue her and teach her a lesson!""Working overtime?" Simon was deep in thought. His expression shifted, and he asked sharply, "Do you know their name?"Laura thought for a moment. "I think her last name is Broo
Laura had no choice but to comply. She straddled his lap and faced his handsome yet stern face. His lips met hers, and Laura didn't fight back.However, she was fed up with living like this. She couldn't even help her friend in times of trouble. She felt like Simon was sent by the heavens to torment her because they couldn't stand seeing her or those around her happy.…That night, Jennifer also didn't get a wink of sleep.She cradled Cassidy in her arms, but her thoughts were on Caleb, wondering if he was adjusting to life at the Lance Manor. Since Maxwell was his biological father and had already seen through Rachel's true colors, Caleb should be safe.Still, Jennifer couldn't help but worry. She missed her son so much. After tossing and turning for what felt like an eternity, she finally fell asleep.The next morning, Jennifer received a message from Laura. Laura sent a crying emoji and wrote: "It's over! I messed up! I couldn't help you get justice because a certain idiot rui
With that, Hailey turned and left to do her rounds.Jennifer leaned back in her chair. She frowned as she continued to think about Caleb. Maxwell didn't contact her, and neither did Caleb. He was clearly waiting for her to come to him first.Jennifer was torn. She wasn't the one who was in the wrong, and she had been through so much. Why should she be the one to surrender?Just then, Nathan walked over and pulled up a chair beside her."Still thinking about Cal?" Nathan's voice snapped Jennifer out of her thoughts.She smiled bitterly. "Yes, I… know I shouldn't let it affect my work, but I'm too overwhelmed.""It's okay, I'm here. Let me know if you need help balancing work." Nathan's gaze was filled with concern as he softly reassured her, "Trust me, everything will work out. Don't worry too much, okay?"Jennifer's eyes watered. She seemed to be making a promise to both Nathan and herself. "I won't compromise with Maxwell, Dr. Lowe.""I believe you." Although Nathan was anxiou
Maxwell's heart broke at the sadness behind Caleb's voice. He threw the lawyer's letter into the trash and promised, "I will bring Mommy home for you tonight, okay?"Caleb seemed satisfied. But he added, "Don't make Mommy mad! Buy her some flowers and cheer her up. You should treat women kindly!"Maxwell couldn't help but laugh. Where did Caleb learn that from? He seemed to have a whole strategy in mind.After ending the call, Maxwell leaned back in his chair, racking his brain for how to bring Jennifer back. He had promised Caleb, and he couldn't break it. Then, an idea suddenly struck him, and his eyes lit up.He immediately called the principal of Golden Sands Academy. Once he revealed his identity, the principal was shocked. "Cassidy is your daughter! We would have taken extra care of her if we had known earlier!"Maxwell hummed. "I want to pick up Cassidy earlier today. Could you let her teacher know? Also, we're planning a surprise for Cassidy's mom, so there's no need to in
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