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
Cassidy finally beamed. "Can we go to the amusement park?"Jennifer wanted to remind her that she hadn't touched any of her homework all week and only thought about playing. But seeing her daughter's recent unhappiness, she held back and decided to let it go.The next morning, Maxwell took Cassidy out. Before leaving, he had Cassidy give Jennifer a quick kiss.Cassidy whispered, "Mommy, I'm going with Daddy now. Rest well!"With that, Maxwell left for the office with Cassidy.Jennifer planned to catch up on a week's worth of sleep. But not long after, she heard the sound of cars arriving in the courtyard. She quickly got out of bed and ran to the window. She saw several luxury cars pulling into the yard. One by one, rich socialites stepped out of the cars, cheerfully greeting Camila.Jennifer felt a headache coming on. Camila just couldn't stop causing trouble. Jennifer closed the window and pulled the covers over her head but couldn't fall back asleep.Just then, she grabbed her phon
Jennifer immediately caught on. Camila had gathered a group of allies to put her in her place. But Jennifer had to maintain the image of a dutiful daughter-in-law in front of these gossipy women. She didn't care what others might say about her behind her back, but she did care about Maxwell's reputation.Jennifer feigned humility. "You're absolutely right, madam. I'd love to learn from you. Perhaps we can get together again sometime with your daughters-in-law so I can get some tips."Vicky was taken aback. Jennifer's calm demeanor left her at a loss for how to continue.Camila sighed helplessly. "Oh, my daughter-in-law's hands are made for performing surgery, and my son cherishes her dearly! How could I ask her to cook? Jennifer, I'll send someone to call you down to join us once lunch is ready. I just hope you can join us for lunch later."Camila sounded understanding, but each word pushed Jennifer further into an uncomfortable spotlight.Fiona couldn't help but add, "Camila, t
Jennifer was at a loss when Martha hurried over. She whispered, "Don't worry, Mrs. Lance. Mr. Lance will be home shortly.""Maxwell?" Jennifer was surprised. "Didn't he take Cass to the office?"Martha smiled. "I overheard those women giving you a hard time, so I quickly called Mr. Lance. He said he'd be back soon and told you not to worry."Jennifer's heart warmed and she instantly calmed down. While cooking wasn't her forte, she could handle washing vegetables and preparing ingredients, so she began to rinse the vegetables, waiting for Maxwell to return.Meanwhile, the women outside were still intent on making things difficult for Jennifer.Fiona sneered. "Who knows if she's actually cooking in the kitchen or if she's letting the maids do it?"Vicky chimed in, "Let's find out, shall we? Camila is too soft to teach her daughter-in-law her place, but we're not so easy to fool. I won't go easy on her if she tries to trick me!"Camila, seeing her friends rallying to her side, felt
Maxwell embraced Jennifer from behind, startling her."You scared me!" she turned around and complained. "Why are you back so soon?"Maxwell leaned down and whispered, "Martha told me that my mother was giving you a hard time again, so I hurried back with Cass."Jennifer's cheeks flushed, but her heart fluttered. She frowned at the ingredients in the sink. "This isn't exactly my strong suit."Maxwell chuckled, rolling up his sleeves. "Leave it to me. Just keep me company."He first washed some fruit for her and made a fruit."The doctor said you're prone to low blood sugar during pregnancy, so you should eat more fruit." He handed her the platter. "Finish all of this."Sitting down with the platter Maxwell had prepared, Jennifer felt loved. She had never felt safer with Maxwell around.Jennifer couldn't help but admire Maxwell as he worked in the kitchen. Even though he was cooking, he still looked strikingly handsome.Maxwell moved efficiently, handling each step in the kitch
Camila, worried about offending Vicky and losing her support, quickly interjected, "Maxwell, what are you saying? This is all nonsense."Maxwell smiled. "Don't take offense, Mrs. Inkling. I was just kidding! Please, enjoy your meal."Since Maxwell stood up for Jennifer, no one dared to speak ill of her, though many still harbored resentment. These socialite women had faced hardship from their mothers-in-law when they were young. Now, even if they no longer endured such challenges, they seemed eager to put others in similar situations.After lunch ended, seeing Maxwell present and unable to stir up any trouble, the women left unenthusiastically. Camila felt frustrated. She had thought her plan would go smoothly, but with Maxwell defending Jennifer at every turn, her efforts were in vain.When the others departed, the smile vanished from Maxwell's face. He turned to Camila. "Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do. If you want a peaceful life, we can put on an act of famili
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