Camila's expression turned as dark as it could get. However, there was no stopping Maxwell and Jennifer, even if she had wanted to intervene. After dinner, Caleb and Cassidy retreated to their room to read, while Maxwell headed to his study to work.Jennifer returned to the bedroom, indulging in a long, hot bath. Once she came out, she went about making the bed, as usual.But as she shook the duvet, a silver earring fell out.Her pulse quickened as she picked it up. It wasn't hers. She had never owned anything like this. Still, it looked unsettlingly familiar. Suddenly, Madison came to mind. Jennifer was certain the earring belonged to her. Ever since Madison had set foot in the Lance residence, she had always worn that particular pair.Jennifer's heart plummeted. Why was Madison's earring on their bed?She hadn't been home last night. Could it be that Maxwell and Madison…Jennifer couldn't bear to finish the thought. Maxwell had promised her, and she refused to believe he
Jennifer flung the door open, startling Maxwell, who was in the middle of a video conference. He quickly informed the employees on the call and ended the meeting. Fortunately, they had already covered most of the agenda.Noticing Jennifer's troubled look, Maxwell quickly approached her. "What's wrong? You look pale."With red-rimmed eyes, she glared at him, demanding, "What did you do with Madison?"Maxwell's confusion was palpable. Suddenly, he recalled that he had accidentally hugged Madison the night before. Had she told Jennifer about it?He hurriedly explained, "You've misunderstood. I had a bit too much to drink at a business dinner last night and mistook her for you. I just hugged her by mistake."The moment those words left his lips, a sharp slap landed on his cheek.Maxwell stood frozen, stunned by the blow. Annoyance flickered within him, but it quickly faded when he saw tears streaming down Jennifer's face."You're shameless! You thought she was me? How could you sa
Maxwell hurried to Jennifer, stumbling over his words as he tried to explain, "Jennifer, don't cry. I promise I didn't..."Before he could finish, Jennifer burst into tears and ran out angrily. Maxwell immediately chased after her.However, Camila grabbed him and shouted, "Why are you chasing her? She's like this because you've spoiled her! Let her be! Let's see how long she'll keep this up. Do you think she would give up our family's wealth?"Maxwell looked at Camila in disbelief. "Mom, did you hire Madison just to make Jennifer misunderstand?"Camilla looked guilty. "So what if I did? Jennifer doesn't truly love you! Otherwise, why would she be so attached to her job? Why is she so against having another child with you? Maxwell, I would never harm you, I...""Mom!" Maxwell interrupted. "You don't understand Jennifer and have no right to say that about her! Get rid of Madison! I'll sever our ties if she's still here when I return!"With that, Maxwell turned and rushed out to fin
With that, Camila headed toward the door.Maxwell yelled, "Enough! What are you doing? Ever since you came back, Jennifer and I have been doing everything we can to make you happy! What exactly have we done wrong? You've turned this house on its head!"Camila was afraid of Maxwell's anger and didn't actually want to leave. So, she softened her stance. "I've already sent Madison away. But Madison didn't have bad intentions. It's Jennifer who doubted you. This isn't a big deal. Why can't she trust you a little?"Maxwell felt it was impossible to communicate with a mother like this. He huffed. "We're moving out once I find Jennifer. You can do whatever you want with this house from then on!"…When Jennifer arrived at Nimbus Lounge, Shaun escorted her to Hugo who was in the middle of having a good time, surrounded by women.Jennifer cleared her throat, finally getting Hugo's attention.He looked embarrassed for a moment and quickly sent the hostesses away. Those women didn't know J
Jennifer finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Did you tell him about your identity? And what happened with Rachel?"Hugo nodded. "Of course, I told him! He's staying with me! I can't still have him refer to Maxwell as his father, can I? As for his mother, she got what she deserved!"Jennifer was shocked. "You told him that?""What else should I have told him?" Hugo shrugged nonchalantly. "Rachel deserved it. Do you expect me to tell him that his mom died a heroic death?"Jennifer sighed in frustration. "I don't even want to argue with you. I'm going in to see him. Stop saying things like that to him from now on."With that, Jennifer opened the door and went inside."Jasper..." Jennifer looked at the little boy sitting on the bed, knees drawn up, staring into space. She pitied him. "You've lost weight."He was even more frail than before and was practically skin and bones.Jasper looked up, his emotionless eyes meeting hers. "Is my mom really like he said? Is my mom dead? And tha
Hugo grinned. "I do enjoy a good fight! Bring it on."Maxwell had reached his limit and called in his bodyguards.But Hugo wasn't one to back down either. Soon, both sides were fighting, and Nimbus Lounge was thrown into chaos. The guests were terrified and ran out.Seeing the situation, Shaun hurried to find Jennifer. If this brawl continued, there wouldn't be any business left to run. More importantly, things would get messy if the police got involved.When Jennifer heard that Maxwell and Hugo were fighting, she rushed out. To her shock, not only were the bodyguards fighting, but Hugo and Maxwell were also going at each other's throats.She thought Maxwell wouldn't stand a chance against Hugo, who was used to living on the edge. However, Maxwell, while lacking in offensive strength, had good defense. Many of Hugo's attacks missed, and Maxwell even managed to land a few punches of his own.Jennifer panicked and shouted, "Stop! Everyone stop!"At the sound of her voice, everyone
Hugo gritted his teeth. That damned woman had not only destroyed his family 20 years ago, but now she had come back to wreak havoc on Jennifer's life!Just then, Jennifer walked over and apologized, "I'm sorry for the mess we made here. I'll take responsibility and pay for the damages."Hugo's expression darkened. He pulled her into a room and made her sit down. "Tell me everything. Did Maxwell cheat on you again? Or did your mother-in-law abuse you? Speak!"Jennifer looked at him fearfully. Hugo's expression was terrifying. Unable to hold it in any longer, Jennifer finally poured out all her grievances from the past few days. She felt much better afterward as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulder.But Hugo's expression only turned uglier. He stared at her in disbelief. "You saved her? You should've let that ungrateful witch die! Honestly, you deserved it for being stupid!""What are you talking about?" Jennifer was flabbergasted. "I'm a doctor. Even if it was a murderer, I
Hugo wondered if Jennifer would still be so attached to Maxwell if she knew he was the son of their family's enemy. Hugo suddenly spoke, "Actually, there's something I haven't told you yet. That old hag is actually..."Before he could finish, Jennifer clutched her chest and ran to the trash can to vomit."What's wrong?" Hugo hurried over, concerned. "Are you sick because they upset you?"Jennifer gagged but didn't throw up, though her stomach still felt uncomfortable. This sensation was all too familiar to her. But instead of joy, Jennifer's heart sank at the realization.Jennifer looked at the dark sky. "Is there a pharmacy near the club?"Hugo thought for a moment. "Yes, there's one across the street. What do you need? I'll get it for you."Jennifer stood up, ready to head out. Hugo quickly stopped her. "It's late, and you're unwell. I can buy whatever you need for you."Jennifer stared at him blankly. "I need a pregnancy test.""What?" Hugo was shocked. Was that nausea from
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