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
Howe had already stepped out of the driver's seat and faced the three men. "Fellas, let's all contact our own insurance companies to settle this matter. What happened here tonight really isn't good."Claiming insurance was the most reasonable thing to do when one got into a car accident, but it seemed that the three men were unwilling to do so.The leader of the trio, a wide-eyed man, said fiercely, "Insurance, my ass! Pay up!"The wide-eyed man seemed to only want money. From the side, Summer could faintly tell that something wasn't right. These men had cunning smiles on their faces, as if they were up to no good.So, Summer pulled Howe to the side and worriedly asked if these guys were trying to extort money from them.Howe didn't lie and confirmed her suspicion. But given the current situation, it would be unfavorable for them if they got into a conflict. So it would be better for them to just give the men money.Howe was very brazen to say that, but it wasn't surprising com
Summer snorted coldly, as if she didn't know what was going on. She puffed out her chest and heroically faced the three men in front of her. "If you leave now, I can pretend nothing happened here today. If you try anything else, I will resist. If you try to harm me, the police will catch you tomorrow!""Lady, believe it or not, I will kill you!" The man with wide eyes flashed his dagger and pressed it against Summer's neck. However, Summer didn't show any sign of fear and remained composed."Go ahead, kill me!" I'm not afraid of death!""You maniac!" The man was clearly shocked. He suddenly turned his head and ran away, followed by the other two guys. They hopped in the beat-up black sports car and fled.Howe was completely baffled by this scene. What the hell just happened? He thought that the three men would definitely resort to violence when Summer threatened them. Yet not only had they not retaliated, but they had also been scared off."What just happened?" asked How
Caroline lashed out at Howe, "Shut up! I haven't dealt with you yet. You actually made an escape tunnel in our house? "And I heard from your father's police friend that there was a car accident on the outskirts of the city. I'm sure that it was your doing."There were traffic cameras along the highway to the suburbs. Even though it was late at night, there were people keeping watch. When they spotted a car with the Quigley family's license plate, they had immediately contacted the authorities. That was how the Quigleys had found out that Howe and Summer had gone to the outskirts of the city.Fortunately, the two of them were fine, so everyone could relax. However, they weren't going to get away so easily. Punishment was still necessary."Howe, you're grounded for a week. No leaving the house during that time!" Caroline issued the order for Howe's punishment.The news was like a lightning bolt out of the blue. It made Howe fall to the ground in shock. He loved to have fun, a
"Right, the Quigley family's upbringing is so good, and you, Caroline, are so cultured. You're always talking about etiquette, but you're the most uncivilized person here. "You're so quick to blame and scold others. Who do you think you are?" Summer felt much better after she said that. She had released all the pent-up resentment in her chest.Caroline had tormented and oppressed her ever since she had joined the Quigleys. Now that she had finally let out her frustration, Summer felt good. But she had a premonition of what was going to happen next.Summer raised her eyebrows. Caroline's face darkened, and her body even trembled from sheer anger."Summer Charter!" A loud roar reverberated throughout the room, like a tiger's roar shaking the forest.Summer was startled by Caroline's angry shout. She felt like a ball of flames had ignited before her, and it was scary. But she wasn't someone who feared authority. Since she had already spoken her mind, she was ready to face the
James explained, "In our family, people rarely dare to argue with my mom. Normally, even my dad would give in to her. But today, you…"James didn't continue, but Summer knew what he wanted to say. But since she had already challenged Caroline, there was nothing she could do now. It was pointless to regret it.Lying on the bed, Summer buried her head in the blanket, appearing nonchalant. She said, "James, since your mom has already punished me, let's not dwell on this matter anymore. Who knows? Everything might be forgotten in a few days.""My mom doesn't easily forgive someone. I'm afraid you won't have it easy in the coming days," James replied regrettably. Summer was startled by his words. She felt a shiver run down her spine. She didn't feel good at all. Yet the whole situation was her own doing. She couldn't blame anyone else. She was already mentally prepared to accept the worst.She felt a wave of fatigue wash over her, and she didn't want to dwell on unnecessary matter
But James had already made preparations in advance. He clapped his hands. Suddenly, four young, beautiful, and fashionable women entered the room. They all held makeup kits and clothes in their hands. It seemed that James had invited them to help Summer get dressed up.Summer hadn't been used to having so many people dressing her up and doing her makeup back when she had been home. However, since the last time Caroline had brought a group of people to style her, she had gradually become accustomed to calmly accepting others' help with getting ready.The women busily surrounded Summer. Once they were done, she was ready in a new outfit. She was dressed in a black strapless outfit, and her hair had been styled with slight curls. She exuded an elegant temperament, resembling the noble and refined women in dramas.Standing on the side, James nodded in approval, seemingly satisfied with Summer's new appearance.However, Summer felt dissatisfied. For some reason, she felt as if she
"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