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
"Thank you, Dr. Gardner. Your trust is all I need," Jennifer said. Preston left after that.Not long after, Maxwell called her, sounding anxious and worried. "Jennifer, are you okay? I just finished a meeting and saw the news online. Don't be afraid. I'll clean up this mess as soon as possible. I'm going back to confront my mom right now.""Could you pick me up on your way back?" Jennifer sighed helplessly. "The hospital told me to take maternity leave early, which, to put it bluntly, means I've been suspended."There was a moment of silence on the other end before he mumbled, "Jennifer, I'm sorry.""I'm not blaming you. You're your own person." With that, Jennifer hung up.Half an hour later, Maxwell arrived at her hospital and took her home. Upon arriving home, they found that the women who had been slandering Jennifer were all there. Camila was surrounded by them, appearing as if she had been wronged.Maxwell walked in with Jennifer, his face red with anger. He didn't car
Fiona's words gave these women their confidence, and they regained their calm. They turned to Camila. "Camila, we'll head back for now. If anyone else bullies you, just give us a call! We won't believe that an ungrateful daughter-in-law can get the better of us!" They left after that. The living room finally fell silent.Jennifer turned to Maxwell. "Do you see your mom's true colors now?"Maxwell was filled with disappointment and anger. If Camila weren't his mother, he would have thrown her out by now! Having reached this point, he completely understood Camila's true nature. Even without finding Madison, he realized how evil Camila truly was. He shouldn't have just sent her to the countryside but straight to prison instead.Maxwell suppressed his anger. "Jennifer and I have given you enough chances. We even brought you back home, wanting to let the past go. But you didn't cherish that chance. Do you think I have no way to deal with you?"Camila dropped the pretense, leaning ba
Despite Maxwell's fury, Camila didn't show the slightest sign of fear. Instead, she raised her voice and declared, "Go ahead, try it! If I suffer even a bit more, let's see if the media lets you off the hook."And don't think Mrs. Inkling, Mrs. Moore, and Mrs. Patterson will sit back and do nothing. They'll make sure I get justice!"Maxwell sneered, nodding. "So, that's your goal, isn't it? Getting others to do your dirty work? You've certainly gotten good at it."By then, the bodyguards had arrived, waiting for his command.Maxwell understood that the public's outrage hadn't subsided, and any retaliation against Camila now would only make things worse for Jennifer. It would be as if he had stood by, blinded by love, while she mistreated her mother-in-law.It took every ounce of his self-control to hold back the burning urge to end Camila once and for all. Noticing his hesitation, Camila knew she had won. She had bet on the right outcome!A triumphant smile played on her lips.
Simon was exasperated. "When have I ever pushed back against you?" he asked."Just look at that bitch you've been seeing!" Fiona huffed. "How many times have I told you to cut ties with her? But did you listen?"This whole mess with the Lances has made one thing clear to me. You should never pick a wife from an unknown family! Just look at Jennifer! What kind of upbringing does she have? She even has the nerve to mistreat her mother-in-law."And that woman you're involved with? She's just as bad. If you marry her, I'll end up like Camila! Hailey is the right choice. She's a proper, educated woman from a respectable family. She would never stoop to such disgraceful behavior!"Simon didn't want Fiona to keep bringing Laura up. So, he replied, "How does this have anything to do with what we're actually dealing with? Aren't we discussing your lawsuit? Do you even want to resolve it?"Only then did Fiona remember why she had summoned her son home. If he weren't the most renowned lawyer
Simon grappled with a mix of anger and helplessness toward Fiona. He gently reassured her, "Mom, don't worry about this anymore. I'll talk to Maxwell. I don't think he'll make things too difficult for you."Besides, with so many people attacking Jennifer, he isn't singling you out. But don't get involved in this from now on and just stay home."Fiona sighed. "I'm sorry for causing you trouble again."Simon shook his head and reminded her, "Just stay out of these matters from now on, okay?"…That night, Camila realized that the posts criticizing Jennifer had vanished, along with the previous accusations of Jennifer mistreating her.She immediately called Vicky, eager to find out what was going on. When Vicky answered the phone, her dejected voice came through the line. "Camila, I'm really sorry, b-but we can't help you now. That lawyer's letter was delivered to my house, and Dominic says I've put Inkling Group in jeopardy. He's so furious he's threatening to divorce me!"Camil
"How is this possible?" Maxwell mumbled.He had clearly suppressed the trending topic the night before. Even the high-society women who had received the lawyer's letter dared not stand up for Camila anymore. So, he couldn't fathom who would be bold enough to repost it.Without wasting a moment, he called Michael and instructed him to investigate.Ultimately, Maxwell learned that the IP address linked to the trending topic was traced back to a location overseas.He immediately thought of Nelson, the man Jennifer had mentioned. At a time like this, only Camila's lover would be willing to lend her a hand.Though Madison resented them too, she lacked the ability to pull off such a stunt. So, the only person Camila could count on was Nelson.A sigh escaped Maxwell as he glanced at Jennifer, who was still sound asleep beside him. Guilt washed over him. If she hadn't gotten involved with him and had chosen someone else, would her life have been less miserable?Right then, someone gen
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