The brand representative for the gown Jennifer wore rushed to the Lance residence. Their gown had suffered a significant failure, and it had happened to the Lances! Naturally, no one would take this lightly.By the time Jennifer and Maxwell arrived home, the representative was already waiting for them."Mrs. Lance, I'm truly sorry for the trouble this has caused. It's entirely our responsibility," the brand representative apologized. "Honestly, our gowns are all custom-made, and we've never encountered a situation like this before."Would you mind changing out of it? We'd like to take it back for inspection and figure out what went wrong. We promise to provide you with a satisfactory answer."Seeing their earnest effort to resolve the issue, Jennifer decided not to ask Maxwell to make things difficult for them.…When Laura visited Harry at Haven City Prison, she was struck by how absurd her thoughts that day had been.This was Simon, after all. How could he possibly be at someo
Simon stood before the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, gazing down at the sprawling beauty of Haven City. Even his stance carried a coldness that made people hesitate to approach. No, it wasn't just coldness; it was sheer cruelty.Laura couldn't hold back her frustration any longer. "Why, Simon? Why are you doing this to me?" she questioned.Her voice cracked and tears streamed down uncontrollably. "If you didn't want me to see my father, you could've just said so! He's getting older. Why do you have to torment him like that?""Did I ever tell you how much I hate being threatened? Laura, you had the nerve to threaten me last night. Did you really think you could get away with that? You can leave, but what about your father?" Simon's lips barely moved, but his words came out calm and sharp.Each word was like a knife, cutting deeper with every syllable. Helplessness and despair gripped Laura so tightly she could hardly breathe."Don't you have a father? How would you feel if so
Simon's lips curled in disdain as he gripped Laura's chin. "Next time, remember to strip before you beg me. Got it?" he hissed, each word laced with cruelty.The humiliation hit Laura like scalding water, burning from the inside out. At that moment, she finally understood her place. She was nothing to him.How naive she had been to think she could threaten him by saying she'd leave the night before.With a wry smile, she lowered her gaze in resignation. Her fingers trembled as they found the zipper of her dress.She moved slowly and deliberately. Her beauty, heightened by her vulnerability, ignited a fire of desire within Simon.He reached for the remote and lowered the curtains. In the next second, he lifted her onto the desk.Laura was terrified. She hadn't expected him to stay in the office. He didn't even bother to head to the lounge.Tears welled in her eyes, and her heart shattered into pieces. Yet, she had no choice but to please Simon, to prove her sincerity.…By the
Suddenly, a face flashed through Jennifer's mind. She didn't want to believe it, but if the designer was right, she couldn't think of anyone else with a reason to do it—except Madison!After seeing the designer out, Jennifer summoned Madison. The young woman stood before her with her head down, looking anxious and timid."Mrs. Lance, did you need me?" Madison asked nervously.Jennifer's eyes turned cold as she demanded, "Madison, did you touch my gown after it was delivered yesterday?"Madison froze momentarily. Then, she shook her head, wide-eyed and innocent. "No, I didn't. What's wrong, Mrs. Lance?""Look at me." Jennifer's voice sharpened. "I'll ask you one more time. Did you touch my gown?""I didn't!" Madison burst into tears, her voice filled with hurt as she inquired, "What's going on, Mrs. Lance? I swear I didn't touch any of your things!"Right then, Camila descended the stairs, her voice laced with irritation. "What's with the commotion? Can't I get any peace around h
"Mrs. Lance, please don't call the police, okay? I-I was just curious. I'd never seen such an elegant gown before. I only wanted to take a closer look. But it wasn't me who ruined your dress," Madison explained.Camila finally sighed in relief. Thankfully, Madison still had some sense in her.However, Jennifer wasn't convinced. Her sharp gaze pierced through Madison's guilty expression, and she questioned sternly, "If that's true, why didn't you say so when I asked earlier? If you didn't do anything wrong, why did you lie and claim you never touched my gown?" Under the weight of Jennifer's relentless questioning, Madison broke down in tears. "Mrs. Lance, I swear, I didn't damage your dress! I only opened the box to take a look. If you think it was me, then show me some proof!"Seeing her reaction, Jennifer chuckled. "What's the matter? Dropping the innocent act already? I almost believed you were just a sweet, naive girl. But it seems when it really counts, you're just a stubborn
Maxwell was somewhat surprised. "Are you saying Madison ruined your gown? Why would she do something like that? There must be some kind of misunderstanding."Madison had always seemed so shy and quiet—barely able to lift her head. Could she really be capable of something like that?Jennifer glanced at him and replied, "Maybe you should ask your mother. Find out why she brought Madison here in the first place. What's she really up to?"Maxwell went quiet for a moment. He thought it over before finally nodding. "If Madison really has bad intentions, there's no way she can stay."With that, he patted Jennifer on the shoulder. "I'll talk to my mom and make sure she sends Madison away."His response caught Jennifer off guard, and warmth spread through her as she asked, "You believe me? You're really going to take my side?""You're my wife. Of course, I'm on your side. Who else would I be with?" Maxwell responded gently. "Don't read too much into this. Madison probably acted out of her
Maxwell calmly listened as Camila vented her frustrations. Moments later, his gaze fell on Madison, who had kept her head down and remained silent the entire time.He approached her slowly, casting a condescending glare. "Everything happened because of you. I can't tolerate anyone who brings trouble into this house. I don't care why you did that, but you need to leave by tomorrow. Otherwise, we'll have to call the police.""No, Mr. Lance! It really wasn't me! I didn't do anything!" Madison dropped to her knees, and her face twisted in distress.Her voice broke with sobs as she continued, "I don't understand why Mrs. Lance would accuse me. I swear, I didn't do anything! You and Mrs. Lance have been so good to me. How could I ever do something like that?"Maxwell felt a surge of irritation as her cries filled the air.Right then, Camila stepped in to defend Madison. Her finger trembled as she pointed at them. "Now I see what it's like to be pushed aside after getting married!"You
As he listened, the weight of guilt pressed down on Maxwell. He then lowered his head to kiss Jennifer. "You should have told me sooner. The truth is, I've stayed in this villa all this time because it was a gift from my grandfather when I turned 18. I've been living alone ever since. Before I met you, this place felt like just a house, but now it feels like a home for both of us."The thought of Robert brought tears to Jennifer's eyes, leaving her engulfed in sadness.She wondered how different things might have been if Robert were still alive. Would Camila still have the audacity to make things difficult for her at every turn?Maxwell wiped away Jennifer's tears and said softly, "You're right. There are too many painful memories here. Let's move to a new place. As long as you're happy, I'm all in. But…""But what?" Jennifer asked with curiosity.Maxwell playfully pinched her cheek before replying, "I've been waiting a long time for our marriage certificate. Honey, we must take
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