"They've moved?" Jennifer asked, her surprise evident. "Where did they go?"Hugo replied, "She rented an apartment for her mother and sister in a mid-to-high-end neighborhood. I heard she paid five years' rent upfront, totaling 300 thousand dollars."Jennifer's curiosity intensified upon hearing that. Given Madison's family situation and the fact she had just dropped out of school, where had she gotten that kind of money? Something was definitely off."Hugo, you need to keep looking for her. If you can't find her in Haven City, try somewhere else," she urged.Puzzled, Hugo asked, "Why are you so hell-bent on finding her? You should be putting your energy into dealing with that old hag at home.""I don't have any proof, but I can't shake the feeling that Madison is still in contact with Camila. I can't quite explain it; just keep investigating. If Madison is indeed Camila's accomplice, a woman like her out there could be dangerous," Jennifer responded thoughtfully.Hugo fully trus
Seeing Maxwell return, Fiona walked over with a smile. "Maxwell, you won at life! Your mother has returned, and you have your wife and children with you. I'm envious. I wish Simon could have the same happy family one day!"Maxwell forced a smile. "You flatter me, Mrs. Moore. Simon's just taking his time finding the perfect daughter-in-law for you."Camila approached Jennifer and took her hand. "I have the best daughter-in-law. I can enjoy my life in peace with her around. Jennifer, go greet Mrs. Moore properly!"Jennifer caught on to Camila's intentions. What a sly woman! Camila was announcing her return by inviting the high-society ladies over. It would make it much harder for anyone to send her away in the future.The ladies would visit her for the holidays with everyone aware of her return. And if Camila ever decided to spread gossip, it would only embarrass Maxwell, Jennifer, and their family. Jennifer's gaze sharpened. Camila certainly knew how to play her hand! But Jennifer
But this was a foolish and hypothetical question. So, Jennifer stopped herself from going any further.Yet Maxwell seemed to know her unspoken worry. "I would choose you."Jennifer's heart skipped a beat and she smiled. She took out the sweets she had bought for Cassidy. "By the way, how come Cass is so quiet today? She'll usually be playing in the yard when I return from work."Maxwell chuckled. "She's probably sulking from the talk you gave her yesterday. She's likely up in her room trying to prove herself."Jennifer pursed her lips. "I'd be thrilled if that's true!"With that, they took the sweets up to Cassidy's room."Where is she?" Maxwell glanced around the room in confusion.Jennifer noticed the bathroom door was closed. She knocked. "Cass, are you in there?"They heard the girl's cries inside. "Mommy, my tummy hurts. I've got a stomachache!"Jennifer frowned. "What happened? Why do you have a stomachache?"Maxwell tugged on her sleeve and whispered, "Look under there
With that, Maxwell hurriedly left for the hospital with Jennifer, taking Cassidy with them.As soon as they were gone, Camila started to cry. She sobbed to the other ladies, "I can't stay here any longer. Maxwell is completely smitten with his wife. She doesn't like me, and now neither does he. Have you ever seen a son speak to his mother like that?""Indeed, it's disgraceful!" one of the ladies comforted her, "We all noticed Jennifer's sour expression when she walked in. You're her mother-in-law! Not only is she ungrateful, but she dares to act haughty! Such disrespect!"Fiona joined in. "Camila, you returned far too late. Maxwell and Jennifer are a done deal now. Jennifer wouldn't have married Maxwell if you had returned a few years earlier! How dare a lowly woman like her disrespect her mother-in-law!"Camila continued, "You don't know the half of it! My daughter-in-law favors her son over her daughter. She only gives treats and toys to her son. My poor granddaughter is always n
Cassidy thought Jennifer would never be this harsh with Caleb or the unborn baby if they were in her place. The thought left Cassidy in despair, and tears started streaming down her cheeks.Jennifer felt a wave of helplessness and exhaustion wash over her. She signed and handed her daughter to Maxwell before going to the hallway to clear her head.Cassidy asked sadly, "Daddy, does Mommy not want me anymore? Do you… Do you both not like me?"Maxwell was taken aback and quickly lectured her. "Silly girl, how could you think that? Would Mommy go out of her way to buy your favorite treats if she didn't love you? We're only upset because you ate so much ice cream and got sick. We feel bad for you. You're our precious princess. We will never stop loving you."Cassidy asked weakly, "But will I still be the favorite if you have another daughter?"Maxwell only took it as a child's silly question and chuckled. "How do you come up with so many strange questions every day?"However, Cassidy
Hearing Martha's side of the story, Jennifer drew a sharp breath and looked upstairs in disbelief and fury.Martha sobbed. "Mrs. Lance, I... I can't continue this. Even as a maid, I am still a human. I've never met someone so unreasonable!"Maxwell couldn't take it anymore either. He said to Martha, "Martha, calm down. I'll go bring my mother down."He then instructed a maid to call Camila down.Before long, Camila came down, looking at them with displeasure. "I'm not as young as you. It's late. How dare you wake me up?"Jennifer couldn't hold back her anger. "I've had enough of you!"Camila immediately retorted, "Don't think you can speak to me like that just because Maxwell takes your side! Don't forget, it's thanks to me that your brother was released from prison. Are you trying to get rid of me now that he's out?"Maxwell shouted, "Enough! Mom, don't change the subject. Just answer me, did you lock Martha in the storage room?"Camila pursed her lips and raised her chin. "Ye
Maxwell asked coldly, "Who was the one who helped Madam Camila lock Martha up?"Two maids stepped forward in fear, admitting they had acted on Camila's instructions.Maxwell continued, "You are both fired. As of tomorrow, I don't want to see you here again! And for everyone else… Listen carefully, you are only to follow the instructions from me and Jennifer from now on."Camila paled. What a "wonderful" child she raised. Wasn't he just humiliating her in front of the entire household by warning everyone not to listen to her?Jennifer turned to Martha. "I'm sorry, Martha. This won't happen again. I'll raise your salary to triple its current amount if you stay.""Oh, no, it's not about the money, Mrs. Lance," Martha replied gratefully. "You and Mr. Lance already pay me well. I… I won't leave. You don't need to increase my salary. You're both fair, and I wouldn't want to cause you any trouble."Camila silently cursed Jennifer, thinking she was pathetic for being so nice to a mere maid. Di
Jennifer took a day off for Cassidy to rest at home.Maxwell told Camila, "From now on, Martha will take care of Cassidy. You don't need to worry about her. Also, treats like ice cream will only be given to her if approved by Jennifer or me."Camila argued, "I'm her grandmother. Do you think I would harm her? Are you saying you're going to trust a maid over me?"Jennifer replied coldly, "So what if you're her grandmother? You even tried to ruin your son's marriage. Who knows what you'll do to your granddaughter?"Maxwell felt uncomfortable, and Camila was left speechless. She gripped her spoon tightly, swallowing her anger at Jennifer's reproach.She would endure it for now, but swore she would make sure Jennifer paid for it.Meanwhile, Cassidy sulked, realizing she wouldn't get to eat any of her favorite treats anymore. Her grandmother told her that Jennifer was saving the ice cream for Caleb and the unborn baby. Would they eventually stop letting her eat anything?Feeling even
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