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.
Maxwell gently placed Cassidy on the bed. He felt guilty. "Cass, I'm not here to blame you, so don't be scared."Cassidy backed away. "So, you're taking me to see a psychologist?""No," Maxwell replied softly. "I'm here to apologize. I didn't investigate thoroughly before and almost wronged you. Can you forgive me?"Cassidy looked confused and asked in disbelief, "You... really don't blame me anymore?"Maxwell sighed. "Although this incident wasn't your fault, you shouldn't have kept secrets from Mommy and me and let your imagination run wild. Do you not trust us? How could we ever abandon you?"Cassidy felt guilty. "Mommy already scolded me. I... I won't trust Grandma again. I only trust you and Mommy, and also Cal."Maxwell kissed his daughter's cheek and smiled. "That's right. Now go to sleep. I will take you and Cal to school tomorrow."Cassidy tilted her head at him. "So, are you and Mommy back together? You're not fighting anymore?"Maxwell chuckled. "Have we ever fought
Jennifer immediately opened her phone and saw the trending topic on Twitter. "Famous doctor at Haven Hospital abuses mother-in-law!" She stared blankly at the news. What was even more infuriating was the comments slandering Jennifer. They were all Camila's friends. After all, these women were prominent figures in Haven and their verified accounts added credibility.Just then, a group of reporters burst into the office. "Susan is here, everyone come quickly!" one reporter shouted, causing a swarm of reporters to rush in.Jennifer was no stranger to such scenes. She turned to a nearby nurse. "Please call security and inform them the reporters are disrupting the place."Just then, the reporters began with their questions."Dr. Susan, what was your husband Maxwell's response when you were abusing your mother-in-law?" "Dr. Susan, could you really be a kind doctor if you're abusing your mother-in-law back home?" Jennifer didn't answer any of their questions. Instead, she picked u
Simon finally looked up from his computer screen and gave Alex a stern look. "Do you not understand what I said, or do you have nothing better to do? Should I assign you more tasks?""No… No need for that! I'll leave now." After being scolded, Alex left the office dejectedly. Britney was still waiting downstairs. Seeing him come out, she rushed up eagerly. "So? How did it go?"Alex scratched his head and forced a smile. "Mr. Moore said… Ms. Scott needs to come in person." Britney sighed, disappointment written all over her face. "I knew it!" Alex was about to console her when she suddenly broke into a bright smile. "Still, coming here today wasn't a total waste. At least I ran into my high school classmate and got your number!"She winked at him playfully and added, "We're both from out of town. So, we've got to look out for each other!"Alex was flustered and nodded. "Of course!""Well, I'll get going then. Let's keep in touch!" Britney shrugged off the rejection. Althou
Britney hesitated but finally gave in. "Fine, I'll give it a try." … With Laura's task weighing heavily on her shoulders, Britney set off for Valor Law Firm solemnly.As expected, it turned out exactly as she had imagined. She was turned away almost immediately.She recalled the last time she had come here with Laura. Back then, Laura had also waited for a long time. Determined to ace the interview, Britney decided to stick around and wait. Surely Simon would meet her, considering how she always supported him and Laura and had even tipped him off before. "Britney!" A voice suddenly called out. Britney turned around and her eyes lit up with surprise. "Alex? What are you doing here?" Britney added, "I had some business here. Wow, you've changed so much since high school! Do you work here? Everyone here looks so formal in their suits.""Yes, I work here." Alex was happy to see a classmate. "Are you here because of some trouble? Do you need a lawyer?"Britney explaine
After leaving Simon's office, Laura headed straight to the studio. The workday had ended when she arrived, and all her colleagues had left. Laura sat at her desk, turned on her computer, and began writing down everything she had seen and heard today. With her fingers furiously typing away, she poured out the full story of Brooks Group's workplace incident. Whether it was out of anger or agitation, the keyboard clattered loudly beneath her hands.In just 20 minutes, she had completed a full article. As she typed the last word, she began to calm down. Looking at the article that was filled with sympathy for Nick's family and criticism of Brooks Group, Laura realized she was betraying her journalistic integrity.She hesitated before deleting the draft. After all, she was a reporter. She shouldn't bring her personal feelings into her work. This article contained too much of her own bias. Such a news piece would be unprofessional. Laura sighed. She checked her phone but ther
Laura had to accept reality. Simon feigned nonchalance. "Wait for me. I have some work to finish, and then I'll take you out for dinner, alright?"Laura sat quietly on the couch nearby, listening to the sound of him typing on his computer. Her heart tightened.Her mind replayed the events of how she and Britney had gone to interview the victim's parents. Their cries echoed in her ears as did Simon's conversation with William. Finally, Laura walked over to him. "The work you're handling... Is it related to Brooks Group?" Simon paused and looked at her. "How do you know about this case?" Laura replied truthfully, "My boss assigned me to interview the victims. I... I just visited the family this afternoon and got back from the countryside not long ago.""I see." Simon didn't think much of it and even teased, "Well, it looks like we might see each other more often now. You could say we're mixing business with pleasure." Laura wasn't in the mood to joke. "Are you going to
But it seemed like Simon was slowly warming up, though Laura couldn't tell if it was just her imagination. Laura tapped Britney on the back of her head. "What are you daydreaming about?"Britney answered solemnly, "I'm worried about you, Laura! Let's check things out at Valor Law Firm tomorrow, okay? After all, each side has its own version of the story. Maybe Mr. Moore will have a completely different explanation tomorrow." Laura felt a sense of unease. When they reached the city center, she got out of the car. "Go back to the studio on your own. I... I need to take a walk." Britney knew Laura was planning to see Simon to clarify things. So, she didn't press the matter and drove off.Laura headed straight to Valor Law Firm. The receptionist saw her and asked, "Do you have an appointment, Ms. Scott? Mr. Moore is currently in a meeting.""It's fine. I'll just wait for him here." Laura had just sat down when she noticed Alex coming in. Alex walked over eagerly. "Are y
Laura spent the entire morning investigating the Brooks Group's construction site incident and the people involved.In the afternoon, she took Britney and visited the victim's family.The family lived in a remote rural area and looked poor. When they heard Laura was a journalist from a well-known studio, the victim's family members broke into tears. "Please, you must stand up for us!"These were ordinary people with no way of beating influential figures. Having someone to speak for them filled them with gratitude. Laura quickly helped the victim's grieving parents to their feet. The deceased worker, Nick Klaus, was only 20 years old. His parents were in their early 40s, yet their hair had turned completely white, and their wrinkles made them look much older.Laura couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness, while Britney looked like she was about to cry from sympathy.The victim's father cried, "Those bastards at Brooks Group are so heartless! It was their fault for not ensuri
Laura sighed to herself. She just needed to coordinate with Simon to get the news. Why did Joseph make it sound like such a difficult task?She promised, "Don't worry, Mr. Zone. Our News Department has coordinated with Valor Law Firm before, and we've done quite a few exclusive interviews with Mr. Moore. This shouldn't be a problem."Joseph smiled. "You're good at keeping work and personal life separate, but I haven't finished yet. The reason we're focusing on this news piece is because the family of the deceased worker is suing Brooks Group for insufficient safety measures. Plus, the workers at the site are agitated. The company is unwilling to pay compensation and hired a lawyer to minimize the settlement. The family of the deceased refuses to accept the proposed 200 thousand dollars as compensation. Both sides are at a stalemate." "200 thousand dollars?" Laura was stunned. "A human life, and they're offering only that little?" Joseph nodded. "Even you're outraged. That's why
"Simon Moore!" Laura had enough and huffed. "I never thought you were so frivolous! I know I can't stop you, nor do I have the right to. But can you leave me out of it? I don't want to watch you guys mess around!" Simon's voice was low and husky. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken you. I thought since Joseph is your superior, it might be good to introduce you two so he would go easier on you at work. I didn't expect to upset you." Laura shot him a gloomy look. "Do you wish I was more like those two hostesses? What did you guys even do after I left?" Simon couldn't help but laugh. Her jealousy pleased him.His tone softened. "I could go to any club if I wanted women like that. Why would I need you?"Laura snorted. "Who knows what you and Joseph used to do together? Only a fool would believe you!"Simon knew that she was just upset. He ruffled her hair and explained, "Joseph wasn't always like this. He was hurt by a woman, and... He became cynical and stubborn after. He's bee
Laura's expression turned unpleasant after hearing the rules. She quickly turned to Simon.Did this mean they always played games like these when Joseph visited? The thought of Simon being with hostesses in her absence disgusted Laura. Joseph chimed in, "Come on, Simon! Let's play a few rounds, then we'll eat! I rarely get to visit Haven City, so you have to party with me until I'm satisfied!" The two hostesses by his side set a pair of dice on the table. They smiled flirtatiously. "Let's just play the dice game. If Mr. Zone loses, we'll take something off. If Mr. Moore loses, then…" Simon cut them off. "Laura doesn't play these kinds of games, and she won't." One of the hostesses rolled her eyes. "Isn't this the most basic game in any club?" Simon's expression darkened. Noticing his mood, Joseph quickly shot the hostess a look, signaling her to stop talking. Then, he tried to lighten the awkward atmosphere with a laugh. "Simon, are you keeping things solid at hom