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
Right when the two were in the middle of an argument, Bridget suddenly barged in and stood defensively in front of Jocelyn. "Don't you dare treat my mother like this, Dad!" Bridget yelled at Zion. "Mom has given this family her all ever since she married you. Why are you treating her so badly?"Bridget knew Zion never liked her, so she always walked on eggshells around him. She never dared speak to Zion in this manner, especially not when Zion was angry.Zion pointed at Bridget and snapped, "As for you—your mother raised you to become just as vile and cruel as she is. Don't think I don't know how the both of you often mistreat Jennifer.""That's only because you're biased!" Bridget retorted. "Both Jennifer and I are your daughters, yet you treat us both very differently. You act like you miss your deceased wife all the time, yet if you really loved Jennifer's mother, how would you have cheated on her with my own mother?"Zion raised his hand angrily, about to hit Bridget.But in
On the way back to the villa, Jennifer got a call from her father. She thought he was calling her to reprimand her about the issue with Quentin, so she didn't pick up.Maxwell asked, "Why aren't you answering the call?""I don't feel like it." Jennifer sighed and continued, "Our family has a complex relationship. Although I know my father loves me, he's still married to Jocelyn and still has Bridget as his daughter. I don't want to argue with my father nor do I want to be manipulated by those two women, so I choose not to answer his call."Her wisdom made Maxwell feel pity for her. He reached out to caress her hair while driving.Jennifer looked at him and smiled. "Thank you, Maxwell. If you hadn't arrived in time, I might've suffered terribly at the Yale residence.""You're my wife. It's my responsibility," Maxwell responded gently.Jennifer felt like that was the best thing she could ever hear in the world.But her happiness stopped the moment they arrived at the house.A fig
Jennifer stood before Maxwell, trying her best to smile. She said in the calmest tone she could muster, "Don't worry about me. Just take care of her.""Here, take this." Maxwell handed her a black bank card. "There's enough money in here for you to use it for whatever you need."Jennifer's hand trembled. She finally couldn't stop herself from asking tearfully, 'Didn't you say we wouldn't be getting the divorce? You said that to me just the other day! Why did you lie to me?"Maxwell looked down and said hoarsely, "I'm sorry.""I don't want your money!" Jennifer cried, tossing the card back to Maxwell.But Maxwell remained motionless.After some hesitation, Jennifer suddenly asked, "Can… you not go?"Jennifer really didn't want Maxwell to leave. She was so afraid she wouldn't have him anymore once he did.But it was hard to change Maxwell's decision once he'd made it. Plus, Rachel's illness was a matter of life and death.In the end, he still set the bank card on the coffee tabl
"Today's the 15th day of the month. Everyone will be having dinner at Lance Manor with Grandpa tonight," Jordan said in a gentle tone. "I don't think Maxwell will be joining us as he's away on a trip. Grandpa asked me to fetch you from school and go to the manor together tonight."Only then did Jennifer remember that it was time for the monthly gathering at Lance Manor again. She hadn't driven her car over today and neither was the subway a convenient ride for her to reach Lance Manor, so she agreed to Jordan's offer.…Jordan had taken care to dress up well prior to fetching Jennifer. He made sure that his hair was combed neatly and his suit was pristine in front of the mirror before leaving the house.But when Jordan went downstairs, he saw that Bridget was already waiting for him."Please don't be angry at me anymore, Jordan. Let's get back together, hm?" Bridget went over to try and hook her arm around his.Jordan flung her hand away and scoffed. "Fuck off, will you? How do
Maxwell had come back home earlier because he wanted to go to Lance Manor with Jennifer. Who knew Jennifer was in the middle of hitting it on with Jordan?How could Maxwell tolerate this? Jennifer shouldn't hook up with his brother regardless of whether they'd gotten divorced or not!Just then, Rachel gave Maxwell a call. "What do I do, Maxwell? My house is leaking, and the floor's all wet."Maxwell gave it some thought before saying, "I'll bring you to my house.""Is… Is that appropriate?" Rachel asked demurely, doing her best to hide the joy she felt. "Would your wife mind?"Maxwell replied coldly, "Ignore her."If Jennifer was going to treat him like this, then he'd give her a taste of her own medicine! Jennifer didn't care anyway! Only that man she kept hidden from Maxwell mattered to him, right?…Back at Lance Manor, Robert looked at Jennifer and asked worriedly, "Why do you look so ill, Jennifer? And why have you grown skinnier?"Jennifer didn't know how to explain wh
"Grandpa, she's just… out of her mind. You really don't have to bother dealing with her," Jordan said, refusal plain in his tone. He was really worried Bridget might come into the house. After all, that woman always spoke recklessly without consideration for the consequences.But Robert was insistent. He said to the butler, "You. Go and bring that woman in. I'd like to see just why she's here looking for Jordan."Bridget was brought into the house just like that.Though Jennifer may have not minded so much about this matter earlier, she was certainly anxious now. Bridget was still a member of her family, after all."You're here too, Jennifer?" Bridget ran over to Jennifer and gave her a hug, pretending to have a good relationship with Jennifer. "I'm so glad you are! I don't feel as scared now that you're here."Jennifer was taken aback. What was Bridget trying to do?Even Robert was gazing suspiciously at Jennifer. "Who is this young woman to you, Jennifer?"Jennifer may not be
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