"Thank you, kind miss! It's rare to find a good teacher like you!" Herta was incredibly grateful. She added, "By the way, how is Madison doing at school? She hasn't been causing you any trouble, has she?"Jennifer hesitated. She watched as Maya started cooking after returning home. The young girl was likely malnourished and barely taller than the stove. Jennifer glanced at Herta, who appeared to be only in her 40s yet her hair was streaked with white and face worn with age.For a moment, Jennifer found herself at a loss for words. Sensing her silence, Herta continued, "Madison has always been a good student. If only she hadn't been born into our family. Someone as talented as her shouldn't have to work as a maid. It's such a shame. I divorced her father long ago, and with me being blind, she had to take care of her sister and me from a young age. Thankfully, she met a kind teacher willing to sponsor her education. I... I don't know how to thank you enough."By the end, Herta was s
Jennifer quickly stopped Maxwell. "I haven't finished! I went to Madison's house earlier. Initially, I was thinking the same as you. I wanted her to regret everything and face the consequences. But when I got to her home and saw her blind mother and her innocent younger sister, I…"Maxwell finished her sentence. "You pitied her."Jennifer sighed and nodded. "Madison's mother and sister are really pitiful. How will they survive if she ends up in prison?"Maxwell snorted. "How could a mother like that raise such a devious and greedy daughter!""Madison's parents divorced when she was very young. Her mother is blind, has no job, and no education. How could she raise her properly?" Jennifer said softly. "I think Madison has learned her lesson through this. I don't plan to press charges further, but I'm not going to let her get off that easily either."Maxwell shook his head and pulled her into his arms. "I'm not sure whether I should be relieved or worried. You're too kind. Won't that
Hugo didn't expect Jennifer to proudly introduce him instead of hiding him away. He was pleased by this and said to Jennifer, "Oh, I ordered some sweets for your colleagues." He turned to the others. "It's my sister's birthday today, and I would like to thank everyone for taking care of her! Please continue to treat her well!"Jennifer was stunned. Was it her birthday today? Her colleagues were envious, seeing that Jennifer had a loving husband and now a doting brother as well.Hugo quickly won over her colleagues. Jennifer hurriedly pulled him aside. She whispered, "What are you talking about? My birthday is still a long way off!""Today is your birthday!" Hugo said firmly. "You're my sister. How could I forget your birthday? The truth is, your last 28 birthdays were celebrated on the wrong day. Starting this year, you'll celebrate it on the right day."Realization dawned on Jennifer. Her previous birthdays were likely celebrated on the day her parents adopted her, but today was
Each diamond was of the highest quality, and even their sizes were uniform. Jennifer was moved by Maxwell's thoughtfulness. Just as the two were about to embrace, they were interrupted by Hugo's cough."Alright, that's enough! Cass and Cal are here. Please keep this kid-friendly!" Hugo scooped up Cassidy and playfully pinched her cheek. "Isn't that right, Cass?"Cassidy shook her head. "No! Mommy and Daddy often play the kissing game at home, and my brother and I have seen it many times."Jennifer blushed at this, and even Maxwell wanted to find a hole to crawl into. When had the kids seen that?Maxwell quickly changed the subject. "Let's move on to the next part!"Hugo scoffed. He couldn't stand these gentlemen. What was there to be embarrassed about?As the music started, a waiter brought out the cake.Cassidy clapped her hands in glee. "Mommy, Daddy made this cake for you himself! I helped too. I made the little flowers on top! Aren't they pretty?""They're beautiful." Jenni
"Why did you two suddenly start fighting?" Jennifer looked at the injuries on their faces, her heart aching. These were the two people she cared about most. Why were they hurting each other? Was their peace just a facade?Hugo stood off to the side with a dark look but said nothing. Maxwell's expression was equally grim. He grabbed Jennifer's hand. "Let's go. Cass, Cal, come on!""Stop!" Hugo shouted. "You can leave! But Jennifer and the kids aren't going anywhere!"Maxwell laughed. "Do you think I'll listen to you? If it weren't for Jennifer, I would've made sure you couldn't survive in Haven City long ago! You'd better keep that in mind and stop provoking me!"Hugo sneered. "Looks like you've chosen to side with that old hag! If that's the case, be her filial son, but stay away from my sister! Yes, Haven City is your turf, but don't think I'm a pushover! If push comes to shove, I'll make sure we both go down!""Enough! Both of you!" Jennifer cried. "Today is my birthday. Is this
Jennifer froze after hearing Hugo's words. It felt as if her soul had left her body. A few seconds later, she forced a bitter smile. "No, it can't be true. That's impossible!""Why not?" Hugo retorted. "If it weren't for you being hopelessly in love with Maxwell, I would've dealt with that old hag long ago! Do you think I'd wait until now? Wake up! Your husband and that old hag are family. Look! He'll abandon you without a second thought in the end!"Maxwell shouted, "Hugo, shut up! When did I ever say I would abandon Jennifer? Stop trying to stir up trouble and ruin our marriage!"He then walked to Jennifer. "Trust me. This is an issue between my mother, your brother, and me. You don't need to worry about it. Jennifer, I will never hurt you. I'll protect you."Jennifer felt her strength give out and sighed tiredly. Tears streamed down her face as she shook her head. "No wonder she disliked me and wanted to replace me as your wife. You should go. I… I need to be alone. My head is a
Camila sneered. "Hugo sent people to burn me alive. Does that count as making up to her? Yes, I don't deserve to live. I should just die so your wife can be happy!""Enough! What does any of this have to do with Jennifer? Stop making a scene!" Maxwell was overwhelmed by guilt and helplessness whenever he thought about Jennifer. He worried about what Hugo might be filling her head with right now.Camila wailed, "You're still taking their side? Maxwell, take a good look! I was almost burned alive by Hugo. They set a fire right under your nose. Do you think he respects you? I'm old, yet you sent me to work in the countryside! That bastard failed this time. But he might succeed next time!"Maxwell said sternly, "That won't happen. I've already arranged for people to protect your hospital room. No one will hurt you again.""You can protect me now, but can you still protect me when I recover and return to the countryside?" Camila was furious. "Hugo won't spare me! Maybe Jennifer already
Michael finally understood. Maxwell simply wanted to teach Hugo a lesson. After all, they were still brothers-in-law.…Jennifer was accompanied by two bodyguards at the airport and was waiting to board with Cassidy and Caleb. Hugo suggested she go back to the Shaw residence and avoid the chaos. Jennifer still felt as if she were in a dream.Why was Maxwell the son of her enemy? She had borne two children for her enemy's son. And she was carrying the third. She felt lost and didn't know her next move.Cassidy and Caleb could sense the tension and grew uneasy. Caleb asked, "Mommy, where's Dad? Why isn't he coming with us?"Cassidy chimed in, "Yeah, didn't Uncle Hug say we're going on a trip? Daddy can protect us if there are bad guys!"Jennifer looked at her children with guilt. She felt as though she had failed them.Just then, one of the bodyguards reminded her, "It's time to board."Jennifer nodded. Just as she was about to stand up, she spotted Maxwell approaching with sev