Cassidy gently held her mother's face and pecked her cheek. "You work so hard, Mommy. I'll study hard and become a doctor to help you one day.""Such a good girl." Jennifer patted her head and then stood up, heading inside.As soon as she entered the living room, she was stopped by Camila."Mom." Jennifer perked up. "Do you need something?"Camilla looked at her, annoyed. "You didn't come home last night?""Yes," Jennifer explained calmly. "There was a surgery, and I was busy all night."Camila glanced at her. "If it's that taxing, then just stop going. How could a woman be working all the time? Our family can support you just fine!"Jennifer stared at her in surprise."Why are you looking at me like that?" Camila continued, "Am I wrong? As Maxwell's wife, shouldn't you be staying at home, focusing on your husband and children? Look at those two kids. Do you have any time for them? You should quit your job and start learning how to be a proper wife!"Jennifer had regained her
Jennifer's expression grew solemn. "Mom, there are many things between Maxwell and me that you don't know. I don't blame you for that. But I'm exhausted and need some rest. Please talk to Maxwell if you have any issues."With that, Jennifer stood up and walked upstairs.Camila looked at her in disbelief. "This is completely out of line! How can a daughter-in-law act like this?"Just then, Madison walked over and handed Camila a cup of tea. "Please don't be upset, Mrs. Lance Senior. I guess businesswomen are just like that. Honestly, I think she's a bit too assertive. After all, you're her mother-in-law, but she doesn't seem to respect you."Camila grew even angrier and smashed the cup to the ground. She shouted toward the master bedroom upstairs, "No matter how assertive she is, she's still the daughter-in-law of the Lance family, and she should follow the family's rules! If she doesn't want the position, plenty of others would gladly take it!"Jennifer wasn't one to be trifled wi
Maxwell was taken aback. "Why would I say that? Besides, you've been doing great! I even praised you."Jennifer smiled and turned to Camila. "Mom, did you hear that? Maxwell has no objections about my work. Moreover, you might have forgotten how your life came to be. If it weren't for my job, you wouldn't be standing here today, right?"Camila was speechless and pointed at Jennifer furiously. "You're taking advantage of Maxwell's love for you! I can't believe I still have to depend on others at my age. My life is so miserable!"With that, she rushed to her room in tears.Maxwell watched this scene with a headache. He had never worried about conflicts between his mother and Jennifer since he thought his mother would never return. Yet, just a few days after she came back, tensions had already arisen.He was relieved his mother and Jennifer had been getting along before. It seemed he had been too naive. Besides, it was clear his mother was being overly critical.Seeing Jennifer's so
"Thank you, Mrs. Lance. This is my job." Madison sweetly responded, "I can never repay the kindness you and Mr. Lance have shown me."Maxwell interjected, "Alright, Jennifer told you to study, so go and study. Don't linger here. I need to talk to her."Madison thought Maxwell was being considerate of her and blushed. "Thank you, Mr. Lance."With that, she left the kitchen.Maxwell frowned and muttered to Jennifer, "This girl keeps going on about gratitude. It's quite annoying."Jennifer rolled her eyes at him. "That's called being grateful. I think Madison is quite nice!"After eating, Maxwell said, "Go back to the bedroom while I check on Mom. By the way, your period... is over, right?"Jennifer caught on and blushed. "Do you really want a third child?"Maxwell chuckled softly. "There's nothing wrong with that. Besides, even if we don't want a third child, can't I still be close to my wife?"Jennifer blushed and quickly pushed him away. "Okay, go check on your mom."So, Maxw
"Mom, stop it!" Maxwell grew annoyed and firmly stated, "This marriage is something I owe Jennifer. We've been busy lately, which is why it's been delayed. We're planning to get married this weekend."He didn't want to deal with Camila's unreasonable behavior and left the room.He wondered if Jennifer was waiting anxiously.Maxwell hadn't been intimate with her for a few days and felt his desire grow. However, disappointment crossed his face when he entered the room.He saw Jennifer sitting with Madison, explaining the contents of a medical book to the young girl.Hearing his footsteps, Madison quickly stood up. "Mrs. Lance, I hope I'm not interrupting you and Mr. Lance?"Maxwell was about to say she was interrupting when Jennifer beat him to it. "No, don't overthink it. Do you have any more questions?"Madison stole a glance at Maxwell before turning to Jennifer. "Actually... I still have a few questions. If you and Mr. Lance are getting ready to rest, then forget it."Jennife
However, while Martha was suspicious, she had no evidence and didn't want to speak carelessly. She coldly warned Madison, "You should go back and rest. Don't keep hanging around the master bedroom."Madison nodded. "I understand."With that, she left with the book in hand.The next morning, Martha went to the master bedroom. Taking advantage of Maxwell's absence, she quietly told Jennifer about this matter. She said sternly, "Mrs. Lance, you must be cautious of Madison. Last night, I saw her standing at the door eavesdropping."Jennifer was in disbelief. "How... is that possible? Why would she do that?""That's why I find her strange." Martha sighed. "I've been with the Lance family for many years. Have you ever seen me gossip about anyone? But Madison was brought in by Mrs. Lance Senior, so you must be careful. Don't end up letting her backstab you."Jennifer trusted Martha, especially since Martha had always taken great care of her and treated her like a daughter. But what coul
Camila quickly grabbed Madison's hand and turned to Maxwell. "Oh, by the way, Madison's sister has a parent-teacher meeting today. "Can you believe it? She's still so young, and her parents just left Madison to take care of everything. Her sister's school is near your office, so why don't you give her a ride?"Madison kept her head down, staying silent. However, her heart raced with excitement. Finally, a chance to be alone with Maxwell. She wasn't going to let this slip away.Maxwell, however, didn't seem too thrilled. He frowned and replied, "She can take the subway. I've got a meeting at the branch office later, and I'm not heading to Lance Group. It's out of the way."Yet, Camila wasn't ready to back down. "The subway station is miles from here, and Haven City's lines are always packed. Come on, just give her a ride. Do me a favor, will you?"While they talked, Jennifer quietly observed Camila and Madison. Martha's warning from earlier that morning lingered in her mind, and s
However, thinking of Rachel, Jennifer decided to tread carefully. After all, Rachel had once come across as gentle and soft-spoken too. Yet, she had been capable of the most ruthless acts, all while wearing the sweetest smile."So, Madison, you're only 19, right? You haven't been in a relationship yet, have you?" Jennifer asked, as if striking up a casual conversation.The question caught Madison off guard. A wave of anxiety washed over her as she feared that Jennifer had picked up on something. She hurriedly replied, "No, I really don't have much dating experience. My family is struggling, and I've always focused on my studies, so I haven't thought about these things."Jennifer nodded in acknowledgment. "Well, it's about time you started thinking about it. It'd be a shame to go through university without ever being in a relationship. Some of the best kinds of love happen during school. By the way, is there anyone in your class you have a crush on?" she inquired with a smile.A