Cassidy mumbled, "I didn't want Cal to tell you because I was afraid you would like me even less. But Cal said we're a family, and that wouldn't change even if we have a new sibling. Mommy, I'm sorry…""Silly girl. Why didn't you come to me with all your worries." Jennifer pulled Cassidy into a hug and gently stroked her hair. "But I forgive you. Just promise you'll come to me whenever you're feeling sad. Don't make me worry, okay?"Caleb huffed. "It's that witch's fault! If she hadn't scared Cass by telling her we would abandon her, Cass wouldn't have been tricked."Jennifer reassured Caleb. "I will handle this. But be on your best behavior for the next couple of days, okay? Daddy's in a bad mood, so try not to upset him, alright?"Both children nodded, though uneasiness lingered over them.That night, Jennifer slept with Cassidy, while Maxwell lay awake in the master bedroom. Despite all the harm Camila had caused, she was still his mother, and he didn't want to see her hurt. O
Once Caleb and Cassidy left the table, Jennifer finally had enough. "Maxwell, enough is enough. You're going too far! Cass isn't sick. I'm a doctor myself. I know better than anyone what's going on with my daughter!"Maxwell didn't agree and said coldly, "You can treat physical illnesses, but not what's going on in her mind. Cass admitted her need for attention almost caused you to lose our child.""Is that really Cass' fault?" Jennifer gritted her teeth. "You choose to doubt your daughter but believe an evil liar! Have you forgotten she abandoned you for 20 years? Have you forgotten how she used your relationship as mother and son to deceive you? Or are you still not done being her pawn?""Enough!" Maxwell shouted. "Jennifer, that's enough! I know my mother isn't a good person. You don't have to keep reminding me. I don't want a mother like her either, but I can't change reality!"With that, he stormed off.Jennifer rubbed her temple helplessly and let out a deep sigh.Not long
Jennifer felt she gained more questions than answers, and every step forward was two steps backward. She gasped. "How could Madison know anyone from the Shaw family? She's just a broke college student."Hugo sneered and kicked the man on the ground. He roared, "Spit out everything you know! Or I'll cut your tongue and make sure you'll never say another word!"The man said weakly, "Camila and Nelson had been sleeping together for a while now. Whenever Nicholas went out for a business trip, those two would meet and have fun. But Camila kept this a secret. And since she had a number of people working for her, Nicholas never found out. Some time ago, a young woman from Haven City claimed to have some urgent business involving Nelson. But he chased us out so I didn't know what they discussed."Hugo and Jennifer knew the man was talking about Madison. They were shocked to learn Camila cheated on Nicholas, though the moment was fleeting. After all, that seemed like something Camila would d
After the maids left, Jennifer's gaze hardened.Camila huffed. "Would you look at that? Are you going to kill me?"Jennifer sneered. "I know you won't admit to anything now. But you sure are sly with your plans. You first set the fire and pinned the blame on someone else to win your son's pity. Then you taunted my brother, threatening to jail him unless I made a deal with you. And now you're manipulating my children. Camila, I finally understand how you managed to stay by Nicholas' side."Camila's face fell. She worried that Jennifer was just baiting her to confess. Nelson had always been good at destroying evidence. And Madison should have been dealt with by now. How did Jennifer learn about the fire?So, Camila remained unmoved. "What's this? Are you trying to accuse me since your plan to use your kids against me failed? Oh, poor me. Why did I get a daughter-in-law like you?"Jennifer hummed. "Nelson Shaw… Does the name ring a bell?"Camila's heart dropped. How did Jennifer kno
Jennifer didn't want to deal with Maxwell. "Just spit it out. I'm on duty and can't leave the patient area."Maxwell paused. "Did you ask your brother to investigate my mother?"Jennifer froze. "What? Can't I investigate? She did so many despicable things back then and I don't trust her. Is it wrong of me to look into her?"Maxwell said through gritted teeth, "You can look into her all you want. But why did you ask your brother to do it? And why didn't you inform me? Were you afraid I'd tell on you? Or do you not even trust me as your husband?"Jennifer didn't know how to retort. She groaned. "Maxwell, can you stop accusing me? You say I don't trust you. But what about you? Do you trust me? If you did, then you wouldn't have suggested Cass to visit a psychologist! And you wouldn't think I was trying to chase your mother away!"Maxwell's heart tightened and he asked in disappointment, "So, did you only welcome my mother home because you wanted to free your brother? You never forgav
Seeing Jennifer's dejectedness, Laura asked, "Did you have a fight with Maxwell?"Jennifer looked at her in surprise, realizing no one could understand her better than Laura.Laura pouted. "You haven't asked me to go shopping with you since that last party. I thought you'd forgotten all about me, caught up with work and taking care of the kids every day. So, now that you've argued with Maxwell, you remember me?""Come on, stop teasing me! Do you have any idea what I've been through lately? If I had even a little time or energy, I wouldn't have avoided calling you." Jennifer sighed. Laura slapped her knee. "I get it!""What?" Jennifer looked at her, amused.Laura gave her a mysterious look. "You told me Maxwell found his biological mother. Is your mother-in-law giving you a hard time?"Jennifer groaned. "You guessed it. But it's more than that. By the way, do you only write interview articles for work? Or do you write story pieces too? I could give you some material and you coul
Laura even considered exposing Maxwell's shamelessness along with Camila's. She ranted, "That shameless old hag even manipulated her granddaughter! She must have a death wish! And you're saying… Maxwell doesn't believe you? Or even Cass?"Jennifer nodded. She leaned back in her chair and sighed. "I've finally realized Maxwell will never fully trust me despite the many terrible things Camila has done since she's his biological mother."Laura looked baffled. "But it doesn't make sense. He should have some faith in you after everything you've been through together. Besides, he's well aware of the kind of person his mother is, isn't he?"Jennifer smiled bitterly. "Maybe he trusts me a little, but not much."Laura snapped, "If Maxwell can't tell right from wrong, you don't need to stick with him either! You're carrying his third child, and he still doesn't trust you, preferring to believe a woman who's lied and done so many horrible things. He doesn't deserve you!""And that's not even
Jennifer was about to share her thoughts, but Hugo kept ranting. "Was this Maxwell's idea? Do you trust that witch's son over your own brother? Jennifer, has that guy brainwashed you? I'm going to confront him right now!""No, don't!" Jennifer stopped him. "Hugo, please trust me. I want to give him a chance. If he disappoints me again, I swear I'll divorce him immediately, okay?"Hugo sighed. "Fine! Jennifer, you said it yourself. If you come back later in tears saying you can't let him go, I'll just drag you away myself!" He hung up, clearly frustrated.Jennifer's eyes widened with a mixture of anxiety and disbelief as she stared at her phone screen.Laura was amused and joked, "Your brother sure has a loud voice! I could hear him through the phone!"Jennifer shot her a look. "Stop making fun of me! Speaking of which, what about you? How are things going with Simon? When did he gift you the Sea of Dreams? I never would have thought that cold lawyer had such a caring side."Lau
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