"That's great. Did you do it with James?"Caroline looked slightly awkward as she asked that. She was nearing her 50s, so she felt uncomfortable asking the youngsters such a question. But she had to ask. The Quigleys' future depended on it, after all.Of course, Summer understood what Caroline meant. Caroline was talking about doing the deed.To Summer, Caroline was going crazy over the prospect of a baby. Summer was a carefree person. She really wanted to tell Caroline that she and James had done nothing the previous night. In fact, she hadn't even let James touch her. But if she did, Caroline would probably kick her out.Truth be told, Summer wouldn't mind being kicked out. But she was afraid she would drag her family down. Charter Corporation was finally booming with the Quigleys' help. They had managed to come this far. If they continued, the company Fred had built from scratch wouldn't meet its end easily.So now she had a problem. She didn't know how to reply to Caro
"Oh, we're just going to enjoy some tea and talk to each other. Well-known women will show up at the tea party. It's organized by the four major prestigious families."Caroline continued to ask impatiently, "Why do you ask? You sound like you don't want to go. Is it because you don't want to keep an old lady like me company?""No, no, how would I dare to do that?""Then, you should join me. Remember to dress up well. Don't embarrass me." Caroline made the decision for Summer before the latter could agree. It was like she was forcing Summer.After that, Luca led Summer to an opulent room on the first floor of the Quigley residence. About four stylists were waiting there. They were probably there to style Summer's hair.A woman with straight hair dressed in a long, fashionable floral dress walked over to welcome Summer. "You must be Madam Summer. We're here to dress you up as per Madam Caroline's instructions.""Dress me up… Yeah, I know." Summer took her seat. She watched as t
Summer got a little worried when she saw Lexi so shocked. Her outfit was way different from her usual appearance, and she didn't know if she looked good or not. She asked, "Lexi, do you think my outfit suits me?""It suits you! Of course, it suits you. Mrs. Quigley, you're pretty to begin with. With this outfit, you look even prettier than those celebrities now." Lexi paused and raised her brow as if she thought of something.She took out her phone and snapped a photo of Summer. She said, "I'm going to send a picture of you to Mr. Quigley. He'll be very happy to see this.""No, don't!"Summer wasn't sure if the icy James would laugh at her for being pretentious and dressing up like this. She stepped forward, wanting to snatch the phone from Lexi and delete the photo.But she was no match for Lexi. Lexi stepped back and quickly dodged. Then, she tapped the send button immediately after. The photo was sent to James.Summer looked at the sent timestamp and felt a sense of resign
There were already plenty of women seated when they arrived. Everyone spoke in a low voice, so the venue was eerily quiet, although all of them were clearly talking.Caroline drew a lot of attention when she showed up. Many people greeted her as she walked past. It was a given since Caroline was a Quigley. She had a high status and was respected by everyone in their circle.But Caroline treated the nobodies coldly and arrogantly. She either pretended not to notice them greeting her or gave them a silent nod. Those women probably had little influence and were not worthy of Caroline's attention.There were also women whom Caroline talked to enthusiastically. When Caroline and Summer were seated, a middle-aged woman in extravagant clothes and jewelry came over to them. Caroline stood up immediately when she saw the woman, and the two hugged each other."Mrs. Walsh, long time no see.""Yes, Mrs. Quigley, it's been so long. If it weren't for the things going on in my family, I would
Caroline pointed in a direction. Looking across, Summer spotted a beautiful woman in the spacious teahouse. The woman wore a light blue lace gown as she made tea. She looked ethereal and graceful, as if she had stepped out of a painting.In Summer's eyes, the woman's good looks were just a bonus. The main thing was that she had been dismissed and could finally get away from Caroline.Summer left her seat the moment Caroline let her go. She hurried over to the beautiful woman, Eleanor Myers.As she walked, she thought about Eleanor's name. If Eleanor was a Myers, was she related to Zach Myers? In Rosseera City, everyone would think of Myers as the Myers from the four prestigious families. If Eleanor was from one of the four prestigious families, Summer had some questions for her.Before Summer could ask about Eleanor, Lexi explained, "Mrs. Quigley, it's better if you don't go to Ms. Myers.""Why?""Well… I don't know if I should tell you." Lexi hesitated as if she were in a di
"Ms. Summer—or should I say, Mrs. Quigley? Why were you running away as soon as you saw me? Don't tell me it's because I used to pursue Mr. Quigley. Is that why you want to avoid me?"As Eleanor spoke, she looked gentle and smiled. But her words shocked Summer out of her wits. How come Eleanor knew her so well?In fact, only the four major prestigious families and some powerful individuals were aware of James' marriage. Although the public was oblivious, Eleanor, who belonged to one of the prestigious families, was crystal clear about it. She had recognized Summer the moment the latter had shown up to the tea party.Since Eleanor knew her, Summer no longer tried to hide her identity. She smiled and replied, "I'm not avoiding you. I just—""Mrs. Quigley, you're probably worried that I'd be hostile and think we shouldn't talk to each other, right? Rest assured. I don't hate you," Eleanor explained. Taking Summer's hand, she led the latter to the tea table. "I know what happened
Bradly had mentioned this about Zach too. Zach must've been badly hurt by a woman. But Summer was curious. Who would dump a scion from the four major prestigious families? There must be some messy story behind it.Another thought also occurred to her. If Zach was too scared of being hurt again to date, would he remain single forever? Would he never marry and build a family?Having children was an important issue for the four major prestigious families. If the heirs didn't have children, they might face threats to their positions."Ms. Myers, think about it. It's because your cousin has been hurt before that he needs a new relationship. Otherwise, he would be trapped in the past forever and be unable to move on." Summer paused and continued, "You wouldn't wish for your cousin to stay alone forever, would you?""Of course I wouldn't.""Exactly. That's why I think we should work together. Let me introduce someone to your cousin, hmm?"Eleanor slightly turned to one side. She did
Eleanor smiled brightly at James and said, "James, it's been a long time.""Why are you here?""I'm here to see you, of course. We haven't met for so long." Eleanor quickly walked up to him as she spoke. She turned around swiftly, wanting to sit in his lap.James wasn't having any of it. He immediately dodged as Eleanor lowered her body. Thanks to his fast reflexes, she didn't manage to sit on him and instead ended up in the empty office chair.She ran her fingers through her hair. Now, she no longer looked pure and innocent, like a fairy. She was a femme fatale."Oh, James. You're still the same. Do you really hate me that much?"James didn't reply. An inexplicable look flickered in his deep eyes. No one could figure out what he was thinking. But Eleanor was used to James being like that. His mysteriousness pulled her in.She put one hand under her chin and continued, "I don't think there's anything good about your wife. Zach and the guys are really curious why you chose a woma