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
Maxwell stared at the unreasonable woman before him and asked through clenched teeth, "Did you call the police?""When did I ever call the police?" Camila shot back.She knew there was a devoted man out there willing to help her, so she confidently added, "Seems like someone else couldn't just stand by and watch what you two have been doing to me. They've decided that justice needs to be done.""I'm done letting you pull these stunts. Enjoy your good days while they last!" Maxwell declared, his words slow and deliberate.Camila scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "Anyone can make threats. Now that the police are already involved, what could you even do to me? "Here's a tip. Hold a press conference and divorce her. Announce to everyone you were deceived but that you've chosen me in the end. Maybe that'll cool down the public outrage."Maxwell, seething, slammed the door on his way out.Back in his bedroom, he struggled to calm his rage. "Where's Hugo? Call him! I'll send t
At that, Martha sighed heavily. "I've watched you and Mr. Lance go through so much from the very beginning. It wasn't easy, but now things are finally stable."And you've got Cassidy and Caleb. They're such wonderful kids! How did it all come to this? Moreover, that woman is Mr. Lance's mother. So, you can't even stand up to her. When will this ever end?""I believe it'll be over soon." A cold glint flickered in Jennifer's eyes as she spoke, making it unclear if her words were aimed at Martha or herself.Right then, her phone rang. It was Hugo.Jennifer answered right away, and his excited voice burst through the line. "Jennifer, I've finally caught that bastard, Nelson Shaw! All these days of work finally paid off!"She froze for a moment, then quickly asked, "Where are you now?""I'm at the Shaw residence, in the family hall. Nelson has confessed to everything!" Hugo exclaimed. He then continued through gritted teeth, "If that bitch Camila hadn't trashed your reputation in th
Camila was stunned to hear Madison's voice. Why hadn't Nelson dealt with her? How could she still be alive? With everything Madison knew, she was now a liability."Did you hear me? Why aren't you saying anything?" Madison yelled in frustration.With no other choice, Camila could only ask, "What? When did that happen?"Madison's voice was laced with urgency as she explained, "I'm in hiding, and I can't even risk seeing my mom or sister! I had to ask the neighbors to keep an eye on them."But they told me a group took my mom, and my sister hasn't come home from school since the day before yesterday. They're in danger! It has to be Maxwell and Jennifer!"Yet, with her own survival at stake, Camila couldn't be bothered to care about Madison's problems."T-That can't be true," she replied dismissively. "Maxwell is a respectable businessman, after all. He wouldn't resort to abduction. Maybe your mom and sister are just visiting relatives. Don't panic. Just stay low, okay? They're not a
After that, Camila could slowly come up with a plan to get rid of Madison. Finally, she made up her mind and headed to Jennifer's room.…At that moment, Jennifer was absorbed in her medical journals. When a knock came at the door, she assumed it was Martha. But after opening it, she was surprised to see Camila standing there.Jennifer's expression instantly turned wary. "What do you want?" she asked with a frown."Well, Jennifer, I-I came to apologize," Camila muttered, casting an uneasy glance at her.But Jennifer's face remained emotionless as she coldly replied, "What trick are you pulling now?"With no other option, Camila put on a mask of remorse, her expression aggrieved. "I'll admit it. I misunderstood you before. Those other women egged me on, saying you'd kick me out. I let it get to me, and I lost my judgment. C-Can you forgive me?" Jennifer let out a dry chuckle. "Do you really think that calling it a 'misunderstanding' will fix everything between us? If you want
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