A hint of disdain tugged at the corner of Maxwell's mouth as he said to Martha, "Can you call Jennifer down here?"…By dinnertime, the whole family was finally gathered around the table. Only then did Camila feel the weight lift from her shoulders. It didn't matter if Jennifer couldn't forgive her. Maxwell wouldn't make things difficult as long as she wore a mask of genuine remorse. After all, blood ties weren't so easily severed.Jennifer, wearing a grim expression, sat in silence as she fed Cassidy. Right then, Maxwell calmly spoke up. "I'll hold a press conference to set the record straight in a couple of days. Lance Group's reputation and profits have taken a hit from this situation, so it needs to be addressed quickly."Mom, I'll need you to clarify things tomorrow. Only if you speak up personally will people believe it was just a misunderstanding."Camila understood that Maxwell was giving her a chance, so she quickly responded, "Don't worry, Maxwell. I'll make it clear
Maxwell nodded and replied, "I hope you keep your word."…After dinner, he returned to the bedroom, where Jennifer sat on the bed with her laptop on her lap, seemingly engrossed in her academic work. In reality, she only wanted to seem busy and avoid acknowledging him.Maxwell's lips curled into a resigned smile. He then approached her and took the laptop away, saying, "Pregnant women shouldn't use these devices too much. The radiation isn't good for you."Jennifer looked at him coldly and snapped, "Maxwell Lance, you may have forgiven her, but I'll never forgive her! I'm not going to that press conference. You and your mother can attend without me!"His deep gaze locked onto hers as he reached out to pinch her puffed-up cheek. "You don't trust me, huh? She has done so many terrible things, hurting both of us. Do you really think I would just let her off the hook?"Jennifer stared at him, confusion written across her face. "What do you mean? You've already agreed to hold a pre
Maxwell's promise sent a rush of excitement through Jennifer, and her heart raced with anticipation. The end was finally in sight.She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in the crook of his arm. "Thank you, Maxwell."He paused for a moment before asking, "Why are you thanking me?""Thank you for choosing justice this time, and for not letting family ties cloud your judgment," Jennifer answered seriously.A bitter, helpless smile tugged at Maxwell's lips. "You and the kids are my family. As for that woman, when has she ever treated me like family? Do you really think there's anything left between us?"Every time Maxwell spoke of this, Jennifer felt a pang of sorrow. Her heart broke for him—for the injustice he had suffered. All she could do was love him and stand by his side as his family.…For the next two days, Jennifer and the children deliberately kept their distance, acting indifferent toward Maxwell.At that sight, Camila felt a sense of relief. It seem
Madison trembled as she said, "I-I won't betray her! Just tell her that if she spares my life, I'll take my mother and sister and disappear for good. I won't be a threat to her anymore. Please, don't kill me. I'm begging you!"Michael approached her, pressing the cold edge of his knife to her cheek. "How am I supposed to believe you? You've got enough dirt on Madam Camila to ruin her. If we let you go and you turn on us, then what? How are we ever going to recover from this?"Madison felt death creeping closer. She was trembling so violently that her teeth chattered. Finally, through gritted teeth, she spat, "Camila, that old hag, deserves to be abandoned by everyone!"She used her own son and hurt her daughter-in-law. I've always known she's a lunatic! If you kill me now, I'll haunt her for the rest of her life!"Michael sneered inwardly. It seemed like he had overestimated her. Even now, all she could muster was an empty threat, her face drained of color. "Don't worry. Since
After Camila finished speaking, the reporters wasted no time questioning why Jennifer, the main culprit in the elder abuse case, wasn't present. It was clear that Camila's explanation hadn't satisfied them.After all, who wouldn't want to chase a juicy story?Now that they had a lead, how could they just take her word for it? And so, the reporters turned their attention to Maxwell, firing one question after another."Mr. Lance, is your mother's statement true? Or is she hiding something to protect Lance Group's reputation?""Mr. Lance, was anyone pressuring Madam Camila to say what she did? If her words are accurate, how do you explain the injuries on her head and the testimonies from the other women?"…Camila could barely hide her smug satisfaction. The more the reporters persisted, the more she stood her ground, denying all allegations. Only by doing so would Maxwell understand how crucial she was to the situation.Right then, a figure pushed through the crowd of reporters li
Maxwell refused to believe that a woman like Madison could ever change for the better. Turning to his subordinates, he instructed, "Take Ms. Hackett to rest."Once Madison was escorted away, Maxwell took control of the microphone and announced, "Thank you all for attending today's press conference. Please report the facts honestly."As for my mother's past actions, I've only just learned of them. I've already contacted the police, and my wife and I will cooperate fully with the investigation."Terrified, Camila rushed to him. She gripped his arm tightly, pleading, "Maxwell, you can't involve the police. Please, don't do this! Let's go home and discuss it. We can't let this escalate any further!"The thought of spending the rest of her life in prison was unbearable—especially at her age.Yet, Maxwell calmly said, "Mom, all you need to do is cooperate with the investigation. I'm confident the police won't wrong an innocent person, but they won't let a criminal go either."At that m
Madison felt a chill run down her spine, seeping into her very core. She quickly nodded and dropped to her knees before Maxwell. "Mr. Lance, I-I promise I'll be careful with what I say! I won't cause you any trouble. Just don't harm my mom and sister, please!"Maxwell let out a cold chuckle. "Don't worry. As long as I'm satisfied with the outcome and once you and Camila have faced the consequences, I'll personally see that your mom and sister get home safely."Nearby, Jennifer observed everything in silence. "Why did you bring her here? Couldn't you have handled this at the office?" she asked in a low voice.Maxwell looked at her, his gaze brimming with tenderness. "I wanted to make sure justice was served and that she apologized to you in person. You let her off once, and she turned around to work with Camila. She doesn't deserve sympathy."After saying that, he signaled the bodyguards with his eyes. One of them immediately grabbed Madison by the collar and forced her to kneel
Hugo scoffed. "I don't accept your apology. I came here today to celebrate the New Year because I wanted to see my sister. This has nothing to do with you! If you ever mistreat her again, we'll be enemies. And I'll still beat you up!"Maxwell had long since gotten used to Hugo's sharp tongue. However, he knew that underneath it, the man had a soft heart. After all, they both had a common goal—Jennifer's happiness. There was no point in holding a grudge. So, Maxwell softened his tone. "You're welcome to keep an eye on me, Hugo."Hugo couldn't help but chuckle in resignation. "My sister's four months pregnant, and the wedding still hasn't happened. Don't call me by my first name just yet. Wait till everything's official, then you can call me Hugo."…Meanwhile, Laura and Jennifer were busy preparing lasagne and chatting."By the way, aren't you worried about those two fighting in the kitchen?" Laura whispered.Jennifer smiled and replied, "It's not the first time they've fought.