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
Jennifer was almost ready to curse in anger. She fumed. "Does he think being a lawyer makes him untouchable? We should file charges against him and make sure he pays for what he's done!"Laura smiled bitterly. "I used to think justice would prevail. That if we followed the law, we'd have nothing to fear. But since I got involved with Simon, I've realized how naive I was. He can have people beat my dad black and blue in prison, yet my dad will grit his teeth and refuse to report them, saying he fell on his own. Simon has a way of making you feel pain without leaving any trace of proof against him."Jennifer felt unsettled and wanted to help Laura. Laura reassured her, "Don't worry, I've started looking for other lawyers. I've been researching attorneys outside the area who might be able to take on Simon. I found several highly regarded lawyers in Regalton, but their fees are steep. Still, if it means freeing my dad and getting rid of Simon, I'll pay whatever it takes."Jennifer nodde
Simon chucked. "Alright, just tell me where you are, and I'll come pick you up." Laura felt she must be losing her mind. For some reason, she found Simon's voice over the phone oddly captivating.Eager to see her father the next day, Laura reluctantly told him where she was and waited for him to arrive.Jennifer listened to her phone conversation, sensing that Laura wasn't the confident, spirited woman she used to know. Jennifer sighed, concern filling her as she looked at her friend.Laura noticed it and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."Laura sent Jennifer home, deciding to wait for Simon alone.About half an hour later, Simon arrived. He didn't just come to pick her up. He went to the front desk and applied for a VIP membership for Laura. The receptionist was awestruck at the amount he deposited on her behalf.Laura rushed over, surprised. "What are you doing? I just come here occasionally. I don't have time to visit regularly. Why did you pu
When Jennifer arrived home, the house was a mess. From a distance, she could hear the noisy chatter.Entering the living room, she saw Camila was hosting a tea party again.As soon as they spotted Jennifer, the group immediately turned on her."Jennifer, you've gone too far! How could you teach your child to harm your mother-in-law?""Exactly! And you call yourself a doctor? Have you no conscience? Your mother-in-law is already 60 years old. How could she handle being shoved like that? It's a miracle she's even standing here today! She could've been fatally injured!""A daughter-in-law like you has no place here! If our daughters-in-law were all as terrible as you, we'd be driven to an early grave!"Jennifer felt a headache building from the noise. She looked at them coldly. "What do you want?"Her gaze was icy, yet unflinching as she looked them over.For a moment, these ladies, who relied on their husbands and had little power of their own, exchanged uneasy glances. They only
Vicky's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea! Camila, don't worry. With us around, no one will dare to mistreat you. After all, we're all mothers-in-law here. If we had a daughter-in-law like Jennifer and she set a bad example, we'd all end up living at the mercy of our daughters-in-law."Seeing that Maxwell was due home soon, Camila told the women, "I heard you all have a banquet to attend later, so I won't keep you."She knew Maxwell hated her hosting these gatherings. She would surely get an earful if he came home to this.After bidding the ladies goodbye, Camila's mind wandered. She had to find a way to remove Jennifer from the family. Recently, she had noticed Maxwell wasn't as affectionate toward Jennifer as before and often seemed cold. This was the perfect time to force a divorce.Otherwise, she would never have peace while Jennifer was around. After all, Jennifer seemed to know too much about her. But why hadn't Jennifer revealed anything? Camila smirked. With how much Jenni
Jennifer smiled at Maxwell. "I've already prepared your bath. You should head in. Was today... exhausting?"Maxwell looked at her, puzzled and slightly surprised. He was still adjusting to Jennifer's sudden change in demeanor.Sensing his thoughts, Jennifer smiled sheepishly and explained, "I thought about what you said last night, and I think... you're right."Maxwell paused. "Really?"Jennifer nodded. "Yes, I've thought it through. Maybe you're right. I should have come to you first when something like this happens. So, Maxwell, I'm ready to confess. If you believe me, help me look into it. If not, I'll let my brother keep investigating. I know she's your mother, and I understand how difficult that can be for you."Maxwell was determined. "Do you remember what I told you? I'll always stand by your side no matter what. I'll believe you as long as you're willing to talk."Jennifer huffed, unconvinced. "Liar! You didn't believe me or the kids when Cal pushed your mother."Maxwell
Jennifer awkwardly cleared her throat. Hugo's temperament was something… Jennifer worried that any girl who ended up with Hugo might face a rough time."Alright, you don't need to worry about my brother's love life." Jennifer pushed Maxwell. "Go take a shower already. You're so annoying!"Maxwell cupped her face and kissed her before heading to the bathroom. He realized that while Camila's actions might stir his anger, they no longer broke his heart. Only Jennifer's emotions truly affected him. Now that they had cleared up their misunderstandings, he felt a weight off his chest. As for Camila... He was disappointed.Before bed that night, Maxwell went to check on Caleb. Caleb had been avoiding Maxwell for days out of guilt."Daddy..." Caleb looked up at Maxwell, nervous that Maxwell might be here to punish him.Maxwell recalled Jennifer's words. If they were true, then Camila's behavior was deeply unsettling. Encouraging Cassidy to harm Jennifer seemed like something she would do.
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