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
Maxwell looked at Jennifer, puzzled. "What… did you mean by that?"Jennifer smiled and changed the subject. "Nothing important. Let's not bring up unpleasant things anymore, okay? Cal's coming back from Minalur tomorrow. Let's go pick him up together. I miss him already.""Alright, we'll go together with Cass," Maxwell agreed. He paused with worry. "Have you noticed that Cass's been a bit… down lately?"Jennifer nodded. "I've noticed too. It's strange. She used to chatter nonstop, and now she barely says a word and always seems down."Maxwell took a deep breath and frowned. "Could it be that she's getting bullied at school and is afraid to tell us?""How is that even possible?" Jennifer rolled her eyes at him. "You've already spoken with the principal and teachers. If anyone tried to bully Cass, the teachers would step in immediately."She stood up. "I'll go check on Cass."In Cassidy's room, she was sitting at her desk blankly. When she heard footsteps, she looked toward the do
The next day, Jennifer and Maxwell went to the airport to pick up Caleb. He happily brought out gifts he had brought back for his parents, grandma, and sister. "Here's a necklace for Mommy, a tie for Daddy, and a scarf for Grandma! By the way, where's Cass?"Jennifer and Maxwell were delighted to receive the gifts, feeling proud that their son was finally growing up. Meanwhile, Camila thought to herself that Caleb would be perfect if only he wasn't Jennifer's blood.Maxwell told Caleb, "Cass isn't home from school yet. You can put her gift in her room and surprise her when she gets back."Caleb winked at Maxwell. "Do you think she'll still be upset? I brought her the most gifts—chocolate, a doll, and a cute dress."Maxwell chuckled. "If I were Cass, I'd think I have the best brother and wouldn't be upset at all.""Really?" Caleb ran straight to Cassidy's room as soon as they got home, eager to hide the gifts in her closet.Later that evening, when Cassidy came home, she wasn't as
Cassidy put down her utensils and ran upstairs. Jennifer and Maxwell were stunned, unable to understand why their daughter was acting this way. Camila scolded them, "What's wrong with both of you? Why are you being so harsh? Poor Cassidy! She's just a little girl. How can you speak to her like that?"With that, she went upstairs, pretending to be concerned about Cassidy. Jennifer was too upset to keep eating, and Maxwell didn't know how to scold Cassidy. They wanted to check on their daughter, but Caleb needed comforting too. So, they stayed and consoled him first.…In her room, Cassidy lay on her bed, sobbing. Camila walked over. "There you go again, crying. But have your parents come to comfort you?"Cassidy sat up and leaned into Camila's arms. "Grandma, what should I do? It feels like Daddy and Mommy don't like me anymore.""Oh, Grandma worries about you too. Look at how biased your parents are," Camila said slyly. "When your mom's new baby is born, they'll probably not want you
Maxwell nodded. "Got it."After Camila left, Cassidy continued thinking about making her mom slip. Maxwell noticed her distraction and asked, "What's on your mind?""What? No… nothing." Cassidy quickly replied. "I was just thinking, will you… hit me?"Maxwell sighed. "Do you realize you made a mistake?"Cassidy suddenly felt guilty. She glanced at Maxwell, wondering if she had gone too far at dinner and if that made her parents dislike her even more. She whispered, "I know I was wrong. Daddy, I'm sorry."Maxwell patted her head in relief. "Now, why don't you apologize to Cal, too? The things you said must have hurt him. It's okay for kids to be moody sometimes. But if it keeps happening, people start to lose heart. Then, in time, no one will care for you."Cassidy nodded. "Then… I'll apologize to Cal."Maxwell held her hand and walked her to Caleb's room. Caleb was still upset about Cassidy's behavior."Cal, don't be mad anymore," Cassidy tugged his hand and apologized.Caleb
But Cassidy refused to leave. Her reluctance revealed the truth.The teacher sighed, disappointed. "Mrs. Lance, I understand that not doing homework is mainly an academic issue and could simply mean a lack of interest in learning. We can work on that. But what's more concerning is that she's lying at such a young age."Jennifer felt like she wanted to crawl into a hole. Why was there such a big difference between her two children? Caleb had skipped grades and excelled in every subject, while Cassidy seemed to be under some sort of curse. Not only was she struggling academically but she was also lying about her homework.Jennifer sternly asked Cassidy, "Why didn't you do your homework?"Cassidy kept her head down. It wasn't that she didn't want to do it. She was just so preoccupied with debating whether or not to make her mom slip that she couldn't focus at all.Out of respect for Maxwell, the teacher refrained from criticism and said instead, "Mrs. Lance, I think lying is a much m
As Cassidy thought about the fact that after her punishment, she would likely have to stay up all night catching up on homework, she felt her life was growing bleak. Standing at her room door, she felt humiliated each time a maid passed by and saw her.By noon, she rubbed her aching legs, hoping time would speed up. Just then, Camila came with a bag of snacks."My sweet granddaughter, I pity you!" Camila pulled out the snacks. "Hurry, eat up. Your mom may not care about you, but I do!"Cassidy was moved to tears. "Thank you, Grandma. But… but Mommy didn't say I could eat. She'll be angrier if Martha tells her."Camila chuckled. "No need to worry. Your mom just went out. Don't worry, I'm here. I'd like to see who dares to trouble you!"With that, Camila led Cassidy to her room, giving her snacks and drinks. Camila feigned pity. "You poor thing. In a few months, life will only get harder for you when the baby arrives."Cassidy's heart sank. Suddenly, her favorite cookies and chocol
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