Jennifer paled, and her heart sank. The ring on her finger felt like a tightening shackle, burning and hurting her.Seeing her reaction, Jordan knew he had achieved his desired effect. He softened his tone and feigned gentleness. "Now you understand, right? Maxwell merely wants to use you to gain favor with Grandpa. If he genuinely cared for you, why would he keep Rachel abroad, accompany her to every prenatal checkup, and spend a fortune treating her leg? And you? You're just a puppet on a string to him!"Jennifer never imagined that Rachel's child was still alive. She also never thought that Maxwell, who treated her so well, was treating Rachel the same way. She was being eaten by guilt, afraid that Maxwell would resent her over what happened to Rachel.Jennifer laughed self-deprecatingly. So, it was all a lie! Why was fate so cruel? It gave her everything, making her believe she had reached the pinnacle of happiness, only to burst her bubbles and leave her falling from grace head

Nathan ignored Maxwell. After paying his respects to Robert, he approached Jennifer."You're here, Dr. Lowe." Jennifer stood up and thanked him for coming over.Looking at the pale and noticeably thinner Jennifer, Nathan's heart ached. He gazed at her. "My condolences. I'm waiting for your return.""Thank you, Dr. Lowe," Jennifer replied weakly, her sorrow evident in her voiceNathan was surprised. After all, Robert was not Jennifer's biological grandfather, yet she was showing filial piety. His admiration for Jennifer seemed to grow even stronger.Just then, Maxwell approached them. He said coldly, "As you can see, Dr. Lowe, our family has a lot to handle right now. Many matters need our attention so I won't be keeping you. Michael, please see him out!"And so, Nathan was forcefully escorted out by Maxwell.Maxwell gave Jennifer a stern look and warned, "Don't forget your promise to Grandpa, Jennifer. You'd better behave yourself at his funeral."Jennifer felt wronged. She and

Jennifer's heart tightened. She knew they couldn't reconcile. But she had promised Robert to protect Maxwell and not let anyone harm him. Even if she wanted to leave, she would wait until Maxwell had sorted out the situation with Lance Group and found his footing.Jennifer smiled. "Rachel's child is also your child. It's natural not to wish to kill your flesh and blood. And I will keep my promise and stay with you through this difficult time."Maxwell's heart warmed and he pulled her into his embrace. He mumbled, "Jennifer, I'm not sure if you know this, but you've grown soft."Jennifer used to be a rose with thorns. But now, she seemed to have shed them away. But Jennifer knew that wasn't the case, that she was left with no other choice.There were many things beyond her control, and she could only accept them reluctantly.After Maxwell ate, they went to bed early. After many busy days, lying together gave them a sense of security, allowing them to finally fall asleep.The next

"You!" Lorraine rushed forward. "As your elder, I'll teach you some manners today!"However, Maxwell grabbed her wrist before her slap could land. She glared at him nervously. "What… What are you doing? Are you going to hit me?""I don't hit women. But I won't tolerate anyone being unruly in my home! No one is allowed to land their hands on my woman!" He pushed her away with a dark look.But Lorraine was not one to back down. Maxwell had always oppressed her since Robert protected him. Now that her husband and son controlled Lance Group, why should she endure Maxwell's disdain?"I advise you to be sensible and apologize to me on behalf of that brat, Maxwell! Also, you clearly tampered with Grandpa's will. There's no reason he wouldn't leave some assets to your father. Zachary is his only child. These assets should belong to him instead!" Lorraine sneered. "If you comply, you might still get some dividends from Lance Group in the future. But if we take this to court, I guarantee you

Jennifer decided not to press further. She knew Maxwell must have tried his best to find his mother, but she might be deliberately hiding from him. Or perhaps she was no longer alive. Either scenario would shatter Maxwell's hopes and cause him great pain. After all, it would be even more heartbreaking if his mother intentionally avoided him for over 20 years.Maxwell read her mind and mumbled bitterly, "Maybe she's dead. Or maybe she started a new family. She might have even forgotten about me."Jennifer didn't know how to comfort him. Any words seemed pointless because she had not experienced what he had. All she could do was be there for him, letting him know she was by his side.After a while, Jennifer spoke gently, "I believe your mother still remembers you. Perhaps she was hurt too deeply by your father and didn't want to come back. Maybe she is thinking of you, watching over you from a place you can't see."Maxwell smiled and stroked her hair. "I'm not a child anymore. Are yo