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
Robert took a deep breath, finding the present situation challenging. He gazed at Jennifer who had remained silent all this while and asked, "What are your thoughts on the matter, Jennifer? This is your sister after all."Bridget hadn't expected Robert to ask Jennifer outright. Worried Jennifer might expose her here in front of the Lance family, Bridget went over to hold Jennifer's arm. "You know me, Jennifer. Am I the kind of woman who fools around? Our family may not be an elite one, but we've always been taught well. How could I do such a ghastly thing?"Jennifer didn't want to expose Bridget right away, yet she knew Bridget had come prepared and was now putting up a pitiful act.Still, Jennifer wasn't going to be pulled along by Bridget's schemes or be manipulated by her. So, Jennifer retracted her hand and stepped away from Bridget.Jennifer then said to Robert, "Sorry, Grandpa. I'm not entirely sure what's going on either, nor do I understand my sister very well."Robert und
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
Meanwhile, Fiona had taken Hailey to Valor Law Firm, and they waited for Simon to finish work. Both of them knew that as long as he didn't return home, Laura would be left out in the storm.Even so, that wasn't enough to quell the hatred burning inside them.Simon had no intention of dining with Hailey, so he snapped, "How could you bring my mom out in this weather? The rain is pouring down. You're a doctor. Surely you know she can't be exposed to the cold with her condition?"Fiona quickly stepped in to mediate. "What's wrong with you? Why blame Hailey?" She scolded him gently."It's been a while since I last visited you at work. That's why I asked her to come with me. Besides, a friend gave me some premium truffles. Since you two are always so busy, tonight's the perfect chance for both of you to enjoy a good meal."Simon wasn't about to argue with his mother. Hence, he reluctantly agreed. "Fine. Let me wrap things up, and we'll head back."…Half an hour later, all three re
As she spoke, Hailey strode toward the balcony to check. She was sure she had seen a figure reflected in the glass door between the living room and the balcony. Laura had to be hiding there.Just as she was about to yank the door open and drag Laura out, Fiona stepped forward and locked it from inside. Then, she turned to Hailey and said with a smile, "Why are you so jumpy today? It's about to rain. The wind rattling things outside is perfectly normal, isn't it?"Fiona's actions made Hailey abandon her suspicion. After all, a thunderstorm was expected that night.With the door now locked, Laura was trapped on the balcony with no way back in. Hailey couldn't help but pray for the lightning to finish Laura off.The thought sent a wave of satisfaction through Hailey. "Alright, I trust you, Mom. Shall we head to Simon's law firm and then return to the Moore residence together?" she asked. "Sure! Having you two around makes me so happy," Fiona replied, patting Hailey's hand affectio
Violet hissed through gritted teeth, "Oh, it gets worse! That bitch Laura has moved into Simon's place! A friend at the police station told me Jonah caught them coming out of Simon's garage together. That was how he had those photos."Hailey clenched her jaw, her anger bubbling over. She had only been to Simon's house once, and even then, he had thrown her out. She couldn't believe that Laura had the audacity to move in. "I won't let that bitch get away with this! I'm holding back for now, but once I'm Mrs. Moore, I'll deal with her," Hailey declared.…Meanwhile, Laura returned to Simon's place after work. Without wasting time, she started packing her things.Now that Jonah had been arrested, the stalking nightmare was finally over. Hence, there was no reason to stay here any longer.Although moving back to her rented apartment wouldn't free her from Simon's control, at least it was her own place.When she finished packing, Laura glanced outside. The sky darkened as thick cl
Miguel sighed, cursing himself inwardly for his stupidity. How had it taken him this long to piece it all together? The last name "Moore" wasn't common to begin with. When Simon started appearing in his life again after all these years, he should have connected the dots sooner.If he had, Simon's obsession with his refusal to take Harry's case would have been obvious.Simon's piercing, oppressive gaze bore into Miguel as he closed the distance between them. "What do you know about my father's death? How much do you know? Tell me!" he demanded. His voice was low, but it carried a dangerous edge. For a split second, Miguel's mind went blank. But a moment later, he yelled, "I don't know! Stop asking! Simon, don't forget. I'm your mentor. No matter how successful you are now, this isn't how you talk to me!"But Miguel's reaction gave Simon all the confirmation he needed. Clearly, the former knew something about Anthony's death. Yet, infuriatingly, he still wouldn't talk.Simon le
Laura's face clouded with worry. "So, what do we do now?""That's not your problem to solve. It's his," Simon replied. "The stalker's been caught, so there's nothing for you to fear anymore. Just carry on with your life. Leave Jonah to me."Even so, unease lingered. But Laura didn't want to deal with Jonah anymore. She had explained things to him countless times, always trying to reason with him.She never imagined he would go to such extremes and frighten her like this. So, this time, she decided not to intervene. Simon was experienced in handling situations like these, after all.…The next day, Simon went straight to Miguel's law firm. He wasted no time delivering the news of Jonah's arrest and outlined the events leading up to it in detail.Miguel's face drained of color upon hearing that."This can't be true!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. "Jonah has always been well-behaved. He'd never do something like this! Simon, there must be some mistake."Simon's t
Almost immediately, Laura pulled out her camera and snapped a photo of the couple on the field. She figured she could ask Britney to write a small feature about it to fill some space in the paper.The young man knelt on one knee, holding out a ring as he asked, "Will you marry me?"On the other hand, the woman was overwhelmed. Tears streamed down her face, and she couldn't even manage a coherent response.Around them, the crowd erupted with cheers. "Say yes! Say yes!" they chanted.Laura stood silently, her eyes glistening as tears clung to her lashes. She envied the woman. There was nothing more beautiful than being proposed to by someone you loved and knowing you were cherished. Unfortunately, that kind of happiness would never be hers.Her choice to be with Simon came with a cost—she had to keep their relationship hidden. She had willingly let go of any hope of a public future with him, of sharing their happiness openly. One day, perhaps soon, Simon would stage a grand pr