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
"I'll fucking kill you today!"Hugo's eyes were bloodshot as he gripped Camila's neck, consumed by an urge to take her down with him.Camila's pupils rolled back. She even felt she was on the brink of death. Yet, despite the dire circumstances, a smirk curled at the corners of her mouth, as if she had somehow triumphed.Summoning every ounce of strength left in her, she pressed the call button.Moments later, nurses and doctors burst into the ward. They froze in horror at the scene and quickly rushed forward to pull Hugo away.Camila, deprived of oxygen, had already slipped into shock.At that moment, Hugo remained dazed. He realized he had lost all rationality. But even now, the urge to take her down with him lingered.…Meanwhile, Maxwell had just picked up Jennifer, and they were on their way to get the kids. As they drove, he recounted Hugo's reckless rampage at Lance Group."Knowing Hugo's temperament, did he lay a hand on you?" Jennifer asked with concern.Maxwell could
But what had Maxwell done wrong? He had worked so hard to atone for Camila's mistakes. Yet, they treated him the same way they had treated her, branding him a sinner.At that moment, the doctor called Maxwell over. It seemed Camila had suffered from oxygen deprivation for too long, nearly resulting in cardiac arrest. Hence, he needed to sign an advance directive. After signing it, Maxwell ignored Jennifer and hurried toward Camila's ward.Left alone in the corridor, Jennifer sat in silence. At that point, her hands and feet were icy cold. She wanted to leave, but couldn't bring herself to go until she knew if Camila would wake up.Earlier, Maxwell's demeanor had made it clear. If anything happened to Camila, he wouldn't let Hugo off the hook.It felt as if Maxwell had reverted to the cold, ruthless man he once was. Jennifer couldn't even bear to recall the look he had given her just moments ago.Right then, Michael approached her slowly. He offered a cup of warm milk and said,
Jennifer wiped away her tears, her voice trembling as she said, "Michael, thank you for telling me."With that, she took the milk from his hand and began to sip it. Right then, Maxwell walked over.Michael quickly stepped back. It was clear he wanted to avoid getting caught in the middle.Feeling the weight of Maxwell's intense and conflicted gaze, Jennifer rose immediately. She lowered her head and muttered, "You should stay. I need to head back. Cassidy and Caleb can't be left alone."But as she turned to leave, Maxwell grabbed her hand.Confused, Jennifer glanced up at him.In a low voice, he uttered, "Let's go together. I promised Cassidy I'd tell her a bedtime story tonight."Jennifer was momentarily stunned. "B-But she hasn't even woken up yet. Shouldn't you stay here?""She just woke up," Maxwell replied flatly, his expression still tense. "I've asked Michael to stay and keep an eye on her. Let's go."And so, he led Jennifer away. She had no choice but to follow.…
"Alright, I'll talk to Simon and see if he can find a way for you to meet Hugo," Maxwell replied.As the car came to a stop, he looked at Jennifer earnestly and added, "But you have to promise me one thing. No matter what happens, our family can't fall apart. "I won't forgive my mom for the harm she caused you and Hugo in the past, not even after she almost lost her life this time. Most importantly, I need you to stand by me. No more tantrums, running away, or hiding out at Nimbus Lounge, okay?"Jennifer shot back, "You were the one who raised your voice at me today!"Maxwell's face reflected a blend of irritation and affection. He ruffled her hair before pulling her into an embrace. "Okay, I'm sorry, honey. I was wrong. From now on, I'll try—no, I'll make sure to keep my temper in check, alright?"Once they cleared the air, they finally headed home.…Cassidy and Caleb observed their parents, noting that the tension seemed to have eased. Both children let out a sigh of relief.