Jennifer wondered if she was destined to never have parents."What?" Camila quickly said, "Oh dear, I asked without understanding the situation first. I hope I didn't bring up any painful memories."Jennifer smiled and shook her head. "It happened a long time ago. My story is quite unusual."Since Camila was her mother-in-law and treated her well, Jennifer felt she should be honest with her. So, she shared the truth about her background with Camila.But Jennifer didn't notice Camila's change in expression as she spoke. The smile Camila had earlier froze on her face. By the time Jennifer finished, Camila had paled considerably."Mom? Are you... okay?" Jennifer looked at Camila worriedly. "Are you feeling okay?"Camila snapped back to reality and forced a smile. "I'm fine. I'm... I'm just shocked. You've been through so much."Jennifer was worried that her story had upset Camila and quickly tried to comfort her. "It's all in the past now. Luckily, my parents left me with a brother
Camila stayed in her room the entire day.By evening, Jennifer was in the kitchen making soup."Mrs. Lance, you don't need to do this. Let me take care of it," Martha said from the side. "You're so nice to Mrs. Lance Senior. We can handle these chores."Jennifer hummed as she cooked the soup. "She's been in her room all day. Maybe she's feeling unwell. I wanted to make her some soup to help. My mother is gone. Since she's Maxwell's mother, she's like a mother to me too. It's only right to treat her kindly."Martha listened to Jennifer's gentle voice and couldn't help but recall how arrogant Rachel was.Both were human, but how could there be such a vast difference between them? Wait, Rachel couldn't even be considered a human.Martha praised, "Mrs. Lance, you're the kindest person I've ever met."After the soup was ready, Jennifer poured a bowl and took it upstairs. She told Martha, "There's plenty left in the pot. Martha, you should have some too. It's good for your health."M
Camila hid her hand behind her back like a child caught in their act.Jennifer quickly explained, "It's my fault. I accidentally spilled the soup while handing it to Mom, and it burned her."Maxwell's gaze sharpened. "Mom, let me see your hand."Camila hesitantly extended her hand.When Maxwell saw the burn on her hand, he clicked his tongue lightly. "You should've been more careful."Camila stiffly replied, "It's fine. Jennifer didn't do it on purpose. I'm going back to my room to rest. I'm tired."With that, Camila silently went upstairs.Maxwell watched his mother's figure, feeling a bit troubled.Jennifer sighed dejectedly. "Is Mom mad at me? It's my fault. I shouldn't have made the soup."Maxwell patted her shoulder and comforted her, "It's okay. She knows you meant well."When Jennifer tried to hug him, Maxwell noticed that her hand was also burned. He immediately took her hand. "You're burned too? And it's this bad?"Jennifer couldn't help but smile at his unhappy exp
After saying that, Camila began to cry again.Maxwell couldn't bear to see his mother like this and explained, "Mom, Jennifer and I have been through so much together. These experiences have taught us to trust each other. It's not that I don't believe you, it's just that I trust Jennifer. She truly cares about you. Maybe you've become more sensitive because of all the hardships you've been through. But that's okay, we can take it slow, and you can gradually work on that."Camila was speechless. She couldn't believe her son was telling her that she was too sensitive and needed to change. This proved that Jennifer could not be allowed to stay by Maxwell's side any longer.If Maxwell discovered that she was the one responsible for Jennifer's history, would he ever forgive her? He might even refuse to acknowledge her as his mother!Maxwell comforted her again. "Mom, don't overthink it. Get some rest. I promise Jennifer wants you here more than I do."With that, he left Camila's room.
Camila glanced coldly at Jennifer. "How could I have slept well? My hand hurt all night."Jennifer was taken aback. Was Camila still upset?She apologized, "Mom, I'll be more careful next time. If your hand is hurting, I can take you to the hospital. I'm heading to work soon, and I can have a colleague look at it for you.""No need." Camila forced a smile. "My hands aren't capable of performing surgeries and saving lives. They're not as precious as yours."Maxwell couldn't take it anymore. "Mom, what are you talking about? Jennifer also got burned, and she's been apologizing to you. You're older, so please don't hold onto such a minor mistake, okay?"Camila was annoyed her son was disrespecting her in front of Jennifer.Just then, Cassidy and Caleb came downstairs.Jennifer hurried them, "Come on, you two. I have a surgery to perform later, and I need to take you to school. Hurry and eat your breakfast!"The two children obediently sat in their seats.Maxwell always felt that
When the housekeeping agency heard that the Lance family was looking for maids, they quickly selected a few girls who fit the requirements and sent them over.The wealthy Lance family often offered high salaries, so these girls were eager to be chosen.Camila scanned the row of girls and focused on one who looked delicate and innocent. She pointed at her and asked, "What's your name? How old are you?"The girl immediately handed over her resume and softly replied, "My name is Madison Hackett, and I'm 19 years old.""Oh, a university student," Camila remarked while flipping through Madison's resume. "Why did you drop out of school to become a maid?"Madison's eyes watered and she choked, "After my parents divorced, they both remarried, leaving only me and my sister to rely on each other. The tuition fees were too high, so I dropped out temporarily to work for a year. Once I've saved enough, I'll go back to school."Camila smiled thoughtfully. "Not bad, you're motivated. All right,
"Mom, do speak your mind." Jennifer looked at Camila and waited for her to continue.Camila sighed. "Madison comes from a tough background. She's only 19 and dropped out of school just after getting into college. By the way, her exam scores were quite high. She was accepted into the medical program at Haven University."Jennifer was surprised and her gaze softened. "Madison, are you a medical student too? Why did you drop out?"Madison mumbled, "My family couldn't afford it. I have a 15-year-old sister, and I need to support her. I had no other choice."Camila put on a sympathetic expression. "Jennifer, you and Maxwell are in a good financial position, and the Lance family isn't short on money. Why don't you talk to Maxwell and see if you can help her finish her college education?"Jennifer nodded. "I already had that in mind, Mom."Though many people in the world need help, Jennifer wouldn't turn a blind eye when the opportunity to help arose.Camila gave Madison a look, and Ma
Tears suddenly welled up in Madison's eyes as if she had been frightened. She choked, "Mr. Lance, it was... It was Mrs. Lance Senior who asked me to bring you some tea. I'm the new maid. My name is Madison."Maxwell then remembered what Jennifer had told him earlier about the new maid. It seemed like she was a hardworking yet pitiful girl with a tragic background. His gaze softened. "Leave the tea there. In the future, knock before coming in.""Yes, I understand," Madison mumbled. "I did knock earlier, but there was no response, so I came in. It won't happen again."Maxwell hummed and took out his laptop to start working. Noticing that the girl hadn't left, he looked at her in confusion. "Is there something else?"Madison's eyes glistened and softly said, "Thank you for supporting my education, Mr. Lance. I will work hard and repay you in the future."Maxwell frowned. "The person you should be thanking is Jennifer. It's her who's helping you. Now, if there's nothing else, you can
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