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
Maxwell's anger surged and he grabbed Jennifer's wrist. "What's this? First, it was your father, and now, brother! Jennifer, have you ever cared about me? You want a fight to the death, right? Fine, go ahead! Let's see who can save your brother in the end!"Jennifer was anxious, terrified that her brother would suffer in jail. She took a deep breath and asked, "What do you want?"Maxwell answered calmly, "Come home with me, and I'll drop the charges."Jennifer had no other choice. She told Shaun to return to Nimbus Lounge and wait for news. Her expression was unpleasant, and she refused to let Maxwell touch her. With one child in each hand, she got into Maxwell's car.Inside the car, the tense atmosphere made Cassidy and Caleb exchange glances, too afraid to speak. It seemed like their parents were fighting.The silence in the car was eerie. When they arrived home, Jennifer headed straight to the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her.The loud bang startled Cassidy and Caleb
Jennifer was momentarily stunned, even a bit disoriented.When she first learned that Camila was responsible for her mother's depression and suicide—the one who had sold her to traffickers and ruined Hugo's childhood—she definitely felt the urge to kill her.However, Jennifer knew the knife in her hand was a tool for healing, not for harm. She wouldn't stoop to that level.So, her voice turned cold as she replied, "Hugo and I don't have the kind of cruelty your mother does. She's the one who wants us dead!"Maxwell's gaze darkened upon hearing that. "I believe you don't have that in your heart. But Hugo… He says he's moved on, but deep down, he still wants my mother dead. I never realized he was the kind of person who'd say one thing and do another."The truth was, Jennifer didn't know Hugo that well. After all, she had only recently acknowledged him as her brother. She wasn't entirely sure what he was capable of, especially with his violent streak."Just let him go!" she snapped
Jennifer glanced at Maxwell and asked, "Can you really bring yourself to do that?"Maxwell's voice dripped with bitterness as he replied, "Compared to losing you and the kids, what else could I possibly care about? She brought this on herself. Honestly, she's getting off easy."…At the hospital, Camila broke down when she learned she'd be sent back to the village once she recovered."What did you just say?" she snarled, glaring at Michael. "Was this Maxwell's idea? Or that bitch Jennifer's?"Michael studied the woman before him. The more he looked, the more he saw traces of Rachel in her. He scoffed, disdain evident in his tone. "Mr. and Mrs. Lance are one and the same. It doesn't matter whose order it was. Her decision is also his decision!"Camila slammed her fists against the bed in frustration, shouting, "Where's Maxwell? Get him here now! I refuse to believe he would abandon his mother or stand by and watch me suffer like this!"She had fought her way out of that remote
Maxwell gripped the steering wheel tightly, drawing in a deep breath. All he wanted was for Hugo to land behind bars and never see the light of the day again.How dare he barge into Lance Group and cause chaos? Did he really think Maxwell wouldn't do anything about it?But the thought of Jennifer made him hold back. Maxwell forced himself to stay calm, his voice tight with restraint. "Don't call the police yet. I'm on my way."…When Maxwell arrived at the company, murmurs swept through the employees. It was as if they were watching a drama play out right in front of them. No one had ever seen anyone bold enough to stir up trouble at Lance Group, least of all the president's brother-in-law. Was this really happening?As Maxwell strode toward the elevator, heads turned and eyes followed him.Feeling the weight of their stares, he spun around and snapped, "What are you all looking at? Want to come upstairs and get a front-row seat?"His sharp gaze and cutting tone sent a chill t
Hugo couldn't shake the thought that Maxwell was a real jerk who deserved a good beating. Not only that, but he always looked down on others.Sure, Hugo disliked studying, but what did that have to do with Maxwell?Just as he was about to swing, Maxwell grabbed his arm and reminded him, "What you did earlier was clearly caught on surveillance."Hugo scoffed and spat, "Are you going to call the police again? What's the point? Do you really think I'm clueless about the law? "I haven't killed or hurt anyone. The worst I've done is cause you a little financial trouble. I've got more than enough money. I can just pay you back!"But Maxwell simply shook his head. His voice remained steady as he replied, "You're wrong. I won't call the police. Involving the authorities every time isn't exactly what Jennifer would want, is it?"But I could show your sister, niece, and nephew how you acted like a thug in my office. Let them see what kind of person their uncle really is."Without lifting
However, Camila's fear only lasted a few seconds as she forced herself to calm down.Even if Hugo were bold, he wouldn't dare to kill anyone openly in Haven City, especially not in a busy hospital. There was no way he would act on his own. Perhaps his arrival could even offer her a chance to turn the tables.Suddenly, a wicked idea took shape in Camila's mind."Hugo, are you here to check on me? To see if I'm still alive?" she said with a sneer.Hugo snarled back, "Stop flattering yourself! If it weren't for Jennifer, I wouldn't waste a second here. Maybe I'll send you flowers when you finally kick the bucket. "I don't get how the fire didn't finish you off. You're just the kind of evil person who keeps living while the good ones die young."Camila's smile widened as she replied, "So, you're admitting that the arson was your doing, then?""Bullshit! If I wanted you dead, would I need to start a fire? Why would I give you a chance to escape?"Hugo gritted his teeth and continue
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