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
Eleanor knew she had no chance talking to him as equals, so she decided to just say it. "I know you want to be with her. I can help you. I have a plan to make everyone approve of your marriage."James was silent after she said that, but he didn't ask her to leave. He was willing to listen.Eleanor saw that and continued, "Among the four major prestigious families, plenty of stubborn old people are getting in the way of your marriage. You know that too."But if the Myers family gives you full support, I believe the rest won't be able to do anything to the Quigleys. That's the card that I'm putting on the table. Let's play a game.""What game?""I want to test whether Summer likes you or not."James immediately saw through Eleanor's plan. She wanted to prove that Summer didn't like him at all. She wanted to make him lose confidence in his marriage.He didn't care about playing such a game. There were plenty of well-respected seniors and shareholders among the four major prestigi
Seeing this, James asked coldly, "What? Are you scared now?""I'm not scared! But what if you lose? If you lose, you have to get divorced and marry me!"This was a gamble that would determine their fate.James was always conservative when it came to running his business. He only took risks when he was sure he would win. However, he wasn't confident about this so-called game. But he was confident about Summer. So, he said, "Alright, I agree. If I lose, I'll marry you."Just like that, the game began, while poor Summer was still in the dark.…After finishing her schedule for the day, Summer came back from the tea party and lay on the bed, exhausted. Beside her, Lexi was giving her a massage."Mrs. Quigley, you've had a long day.""Yeah, I think so too." Summer didn't know how many people she had interacted with throughout the day. In fact, she really disliked socializing with strangers. But Caroline said that she had to do so in order to become part of the Quigley family
"I'll ask the housekeeper to bring your meal over. Now, go to the piano room for your lesson," Caroline said in an irrefutable tone. If this had been the old days, she would be like a landowner exploiting peasants.Summer obviously didn't want to go, but she had no choice. It was her own fault for saying that she wasn't tired. That had given Caroline an excuse to give her extra lessons. In the end, like a diligent slave, Summer went for her piano lesson.According to the piano teacher, they were supposed to practice one simple song during the three-hour piano session.However, Summer had no energy at all and couldn't concentrate. Like a robot, she mechanically followed the teacher's instructions. She couldn't remember any of the essentials of playing the piano.When the lesson finally ended, Summer stumbled back to her room lifelessly. She couldn't understand why Caroline's attitude toward her was getting worse.Caroline hadn't had a good impression of her before they had gone
Summer listened to James and found his words reasonable, so she decided to wait for another month. Once that matter was settled, Summer brought up another crucial issue."James, you're close with Zach, right? Can you do me a favor?" Summer asked mysteriously. Her favor was to help play matchmaker for Kelly.Although James didn't know what Summer was thinking, he could tell from her expression that she was up to something. "What do you want to do?""Help me ask Zach out. If you ask him out, he will definitely come. I want to introduce him to a friend."James was too smart not to see through Summer's intentions right away. She obviously wanted to set up a blind date. He replied, "That won't do. He's not ready for a relationship now.""I know about his past. He's been hurt before, but what's the harm in trying again?"Summer added softly, "Aren't you the same? You obviously have no interest in women, but you still ended up marrying me. How do you know that Zach doesn't want someone
"Fooling around? You chose the wrong time to fool around."The Quigley residence was enormous. It had a magnificent main hall, but the other areas were slightly run down. After all, the manor had been around for some time. If one went deeper inside, they would notice how eerie the atmosphere was.That was why Summer felt uneasy when she walked through the dark and narrow corridors sometimes. She wouldn't dare to walk through them alone. It seemed that Howe was like a grown child who liked to play pranks. He had managed to scare her this time.Come to think of it, considering the fact that the manor was nearly 50 years old, the Quigleys had done a pretty good job of preserving its history. They were probably wealthy enough to build dozens of gorgeous manors, but they had never left this one.It was commendable. It seemed there was a good reason why the Quigley family could establish themselves as the head of the four major prestigious families. The older and larger the famil
Now that they had a way out, Summer no longer had concerns and decided to go out with Howe to have some fun.However, there needed to be some ground rules. For one, they couldn't come back too late. Now that Summer and James were sleeping in the same bed, he might worry if she didn't return. So, they agreed to come back in two hours.After changing into simple black sportswear, Summer followed Howe out.In the back garden of the manor, there was a broken hole that could accommodate one person to come and go freely. This must be the secret passage that Howe mentioned.Howe shared that he had dug that hole five years ago, when he had still been a student. He would use it to go out when he couldn't sleep at night. The reason why no one had discovered this hole after so long was because this area had the fewest security patrols. Howe had looked into it and found that out. He had used a big plant to cover up the hole, and it had remained unnoticed.After passing through the hole,
But that wouldn't do. Summer had worked so hard to get to this point with James, not because she liked him, but because it was a promise.She had said that she would be willing to give herself up if James could help her save Charter Corporation.That meant that her freedom didn't belong to her now, but to James. Unless James was the one who asked for it, she wouldn't divorce him."Howe, I don't know if marrying your brother is a good or bad thing, but it's not up to me to decide whether we stay together. The decision lies in your brother's hands.""Is that so? But have you ever considered that if you insist on getting a divorce, James would definitely agree?" Howe paused slightly, then revealed a gentle smile. He seemed to genuinely care about James' and Summer's well-being.He continued, "If you divorce, everyone benefits. First of all, Mom would definitely agree. Secondly, James can also find a better partner, and you will be free. Moreover, your family's business won't be aff
"Of course. I'm the chairman of Charter Corporation, after all. Why can't I continue working? I took care of Charter Corporation back when you got married, didn't I?" Fred patted his chest firmly, looking quite confident.Summer also believed that her father would be able to manage the company well if she left it in his care.Fred was the founder of Charter Corporation, after all. He had worked on it for decades, and he was the person who knew it the best. If he was the one taking over, Summer definitely had no reason to worry.However, Fred had already retired, so he should be relaxing at home at his age. Summer felt a little bad if he was suddenly asked to manage the company again.James comforted Summer, saying, "Summie, why don't you let him help you? Of all the people in Charter Corporation, he must be the person who's the most invested in the company other than you.""That's right." Fred smiled confidently. "How can I not care about my own company? Don't worry, Summer. Just
They were having a meal right now, so where was Fred going? Summer asked in confusion, "Dad, where are you going?"When Summer asked the question, Fred had already left the living room. He seemed to be on his way back to his room.Amelia explained, "He's preparing a gift for you.""Preparing a gift? What gift?"Soon, the gift Amelia mentioned was brought over to them.Fred was carrying a large cardboard box, which he processed to place on the table. He retrieved children's toys, baby clothes, and a jigsaw puzzle from the box.Summer was speechless when she saw that. So this was the sort of gift Amelia was talking about. But why would Fred give her these things out of the blue?Holding the clothes, Fred explained gleefully, "Several months ago, Amelia and I were shopping when we came across some baby products. We were wondering when you'd have children, and we feared that you wouldn't be able to buy all the baby products you would need, so we bought some ahead of time."Summer s
Nearby, James faked a cough as if there was another matter at hand. Noticing something off with his expression, Summer thought that he choked on something, so she asked, "Would you like some water?""No, thanks… Summie, did you forget why we came here in the first place?"Thanks to James' reminder, Summer finally remembered that she wasn't here for a simple visit. She had to tell her parents the good news of her pregnancy.At that moment, Amelia and Fred were leisurely enjoying the food. Summer knew that if they heard the news, they might get overwhelmed with emotion, so she decided to give them a heads-up. "Dad, Mom, we actually came here to tell you an important piece of news. Maybe you can stop eating for now.""What's the matter?" Fred asked curiously."Well… This is a very serious matter. Before I break the news, I'd like you to be as calm as possible. Please don't get too worked up."When Amelia and Fred heard that, they exchanged glances. They had no idea what exactly Summ
For example, Summer and James were taking a walk in the park. They might look like they were alone, but in reality, more than a dozen bodyguards were hiding in bushes and various corners of the park. To protect the child, the Quigleys pulled out all the stops to ensure Summer's safety."Alright, I get it." Summer chose to compromise. She was living a wonderful life at the Quigley residence, after all, so she felt like she shouldn't ask for too much.Also, as Caroline had said, Summer would regain freedom once she gave birth to the child. Summer would be able to live her happy life with James then, and Caroline wouldn't be around to nag her about the child.The next morning, the Quigleys arranged for a luxurious limousine to send Summer and James to the Charter Estate. Amelia and Fred already knew that their daughter would be coming over, so they were waiting at the entrance. When they saw their dear daughter, elated expressions appeared on their faces."Summer, you're back! We've p
Hence, Summer could do whatever she pleased. If Caroline dared to restrict her freedom, Summer would be upset, and Caroline wouldn't want that.As Summer walked along the even path of the park, she did some stretches to loosen up. "It's a nice life. Before this, I was worried that something bad might happen if I returned to the Quigley residence, but now, it looks like I was overthinking it. Caroline is very good to me, and the others respect me too.""I'm glad to hear that. I was also worried that you wouldn't be able to get used to staying in the Quigley residence. You're pregnant, after all." James glanced at Summer's belly, his eyes filled with fatherly love and tenderness. By the looks of it, he had intended to be a father a long time ago."Hold your horses. I've only been pregnant for three weeks. They say that the baby will be born after ten months of pregnancy, and it's not even been a month yet, let alone ten." With that, Summer suddenly held James' hand and guided it tow
What would it mean to Howe if he gave up on the position of the head of the family? It meant that he would have to depend on someone else to survive, and he would be giving up on glory and riches along with a life filled with extravagance.Thanks to his wealthy background, Howe was already used to life like this. If James became the head of the family in the future, he might exercise his authority as the head of the family to limit Howe's movements. Howe would be stripped of freedom.Maeve felt that Howe was right as well. Her current life of luxury was built upon mountains of cash. If Howe didn't get to be the head of the family, he would definitely face restrictions."Howe, I want you to be the head of the family as well, but do you really have confidence in your capabilities? Your brother is so outstanding, and he's the official heir, too."Maeve hit the nail on the head. This was exactly what Howe was worried about as well. There was a world of difference between him and James,
So, when Caroline asked her to stay in the Quigley residence, Summer somewhat reluctantly agreed.At noon the next day, dark clouds filled the sky, making it look bleak. However, in the bustling Rosseera City, things were as lively as usual.In a luxury hotel situated in the city center, Howe was sitting on a chair, holding a glass of wine in one hand while his other arm was wrapped around the waist of a beautiful woman. At that moment, his expression was as gloomy as the weather.The young woman was good at reading the room. Extending her fingers, she traced circles on Howe's pink shirt. She asked, "What's the matter, Howe? You seem to be in a bad mood today. Could there be anyone in Rosseera City who's bold enough to offend you?""Hmph…" Howe didn't say a word. Instead, he downed the whole glass of wine.Noticing that he wasn't saying anything, the young woman pursed her lips and planted a kiss on his cheek. Smiling, she asked, "What's going on? Are you going to say that women w
James didn't want to agree to this arrangement. Even though it wasn't explicitly mentioned, he was fully aware that Summer didn't want to stay at the Quigley residence. Hence, he said, "I'll take care of Summer, Mom. I even hired Tina to look after her needs. You know how dependable Tina is. With her around, everything will be fine.""Nonsense. Even if Tina was there, there's only so much she can do on her own. This Quigley grandchild is extremely important. I can't just let her handle everything by herself.""That won't be an issue, Mom. Besides, Summer won't feel comfortable staying here either." Summer's feelings were James' top priority. Caroline could see this as well. In the end, the decision was Summer's to make. So, instead of addressing James, she turned to Summer and asked, "Would you like to stay at the Quigley residence, Summie?"If it were up to Summer, she'd say no. There was no way she would want to stay here out of her own free will. Just the mere sight of Caroli
Howe was the quietest person at the table. He was dressed in a shirt with floral patterns, and his hair was slightly curly. He was as still as a rock. He had a look of terror on his face for a while now—he didn't know that Summer was pregnant.Now that his parents were talking about it, he immediately asked, "Pregnant? Is Summer pregnant?""Yes, she is—haven't you heard?" Caroline replied. "No… How is she suddenly pregnant? I didn't hear anything about it until now." "I only found out recently as well." Caroline's hand moved over her mouth before she continued, "Isn't it great? You're going to be an uncle soon.""Yeah. I can't wait." Howe put on a forced smile.Everyone in the family was overjoyed by the news—except Howe Quigley. The Quigleys had a family rule. If the heir had a child, his position as the head of the family would be set in stone.So, if James welcomed a baby, Howe would lose the opportunity to take his place as the family heir. By that logic, he would never be