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
Bridget cocked an eyebrow and said lightly, "You don't need to accept me. All that matters is that the head of the family does."Jordan wanted so badly to slap Bridget in the face. But he didn't dare take any rash action right now for fear of Robert coming downstairs again should Bridget cause another scene.Bridget looked at Jordan and said, "What are you waiting for? Didn't you hear what your grandfather said earlier? Send me back home!"Jordan hated Bridget so much. Bridget had embarrassed him so much in front of Jennifer. He wanted so much to get rid of Bridget, so no way was he even considering driving her home.Jennifer couldn't stand it anymore. "I'll drive you home, Bridget. It's conveniently along the way."Jordan felt more grateful to Jennifer now. He felt like she was helping him.But Bridget glared at Jennifer and gritted out, "Oh, so you're pretending to be nice, aren't you? Didn't you say you didn't know me very well earlier? Do you plan to kill me on the way home?"
"Alright. Then I'll wait for the day you marry Jordan Lance," Jennifer said with a sneer. "The future of the Yale family is in your hands now."Jennifer then walked back home, her steps fast and frequent. After all, she'd worn sneakers today, unlike Bridget, who'd worn an expensive pair of high heels.The heels were very high, so when Bridget walked, they began chafing her feet.Bridget cursed Jennifer as she walked to the roadside to get a taxi. When she reached home, Zion was nowhere to be found, only Jocelyn.Bridget said confidently, "Where's Dad?""He wanted to divorce me but I disagreed, so he's decided to not come home anymore," Jocelyn snapped. "It's all Jennifer's fault!"Bridget snorted. "What a pity. I wanted to show Dad just how much better I am than that infertile bitch Jennifer. He's looked down on me for so many years, always thinking Jennifer is better than me."Jocelyn's eyes brightened. "Was your visit to the Lance family today a success, dear? Did they agree f
Rachel scoffed. "Aw, but I like the view here in the master bedroom the most. You're able to see the beautiful blue lake the moment you open the curtains."Just then, Maxwell exited the bathroom. Unlike before, he was dressed in full sleeping wear, and not just a towel.Jennifer gazed at him, feeling immensely aggrieved.Rachel immediately ran over to him and sobbed, "I'd better go, Maxwell. Your wife doesn't like me. She… She called me filthy!"Maxwell held Rachel in his arms and sneered as he gazed at Jennifer. "What right do you have to think Rach filthy? At the very least, she's only ever given herself to me!"The clear underlying meaning in his words made Jennifer tremble. She was at a loss for words.Yes, her body had long been given to someone not even Jennifer herself knew!Even though Jennifer didn't betray Maxwell in any way, she still felt scared. She was scared Maxwell would reveal her deepest trauma in front of Rachel.Jennifer didn't want to struggle futilely or i
Maxwell was reminded of that news broadcast as he looked at the gloomy night sky outside. He slowly drove his car. However, he was panicking and worried something bad might've happened to Jennifer.Finally, a slim, lone figure dragging a suitcase appeared in sight.Maxwell swiftly got out of his car and ran over to hug her.Jennifer screeched in fright, thinking she was being attacked."It's me," Maxwell said quietly, turning her around.Jennifer stared at him in shock, probably not expecting Maxwell to have come here. Wasn't he accompanying Rachel?As if reading her mind, Maxwell said, "It's late, so come back with me right now. Haven hasn't been the safest lately."Maxwell then held Jennifer's hand, about to lead her back into his car. But immense humiliation swept across Jennifer when she thought about how Rachel was still sleeping on her bed. Jennifer struggled to not go into Maxwell's car, saying, "I'd rather die than go back to that house and watch you get it on with Rache
"We'll see about that!" Maxwell growled. Then he shoved Jennifer against the wall and began kissing her roughly. He even pinned her flailing arms behind her back.Jennifer's eyes widened. How could he kiss her? They were about to get divorced! Rachel was even sleeping in their marital bed!Yet Maxwell was still kissing her. His kiss was incredibly domineering, overwhelming Jennifer until she had no choice but to yield.Suddenly, Jennifer bit down hard on Maxwell's lip, making blood seep into her mouth. This angered Maxwell even further. He tore away from her lips and clasped her chin, asking darkly, "What? We're still married, aren't we? Can't I kiss you?""N-No… " Jennifer struggled with all her might. She knew Maxwell was her husband, but that would soon no longer be the case. Plus, Maxwell was plainly humiliating her. He didn't actually want her.But men and women were always so different in this regard.Maxwell tore Jennifer's clothes off, leaving them scattered on the floo
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