"No, James. Don't come closer! Don't!"Susanne rejected his help vehemently. In reality, she wasn't refusing James. She just couldn't bring herself to face him. Earlier on, she had been too overwhelmed and had tried to kill Summer. However, she had been unsuccessful in her attempt and even injured her beloved James. As such, she couldn't face him. "I'm sorry, James. I'm so sorry. I know I did something very wrong." Susanne curled into a ball and started apologizing. Her apology was very sincere and didn't seem fake at all. She could only be her true self in front of James. Meanwhile, James knew Susanne well because they had lived together for a long time. Although Susanne was cunning, she could also be innocent and kind. Hence, he hugged her. "Don't be afraid, Susanne. I won't blame you for this.""I'm sorry, James." Susanne continued apologizing, even after she embraced James. At that moment, she seemed to calm down. Summer had mixed feelings as she watched them.She w
"Of course." James' reply confirmed Summer's suspicions. She was extremely curious to find out the secrets Susanne had been hiding. "She has schizophrenia," James replied. His answer stunned Summer. So, Susanne did have a mental illness. In simpler terms, people with schizophrenia could lose touch with reality, making them appear crazy. They would often be delirious, develop hallucinations, and be paranoid. However, Susanne looked like a normal person. Earlier on, she had wanted to murder Summer. That could be attributed to her losing control of her emotions instead of having schizophrenia. "James, you aren't joking, right? Do Uncle Herbert and the others know of her condition?"Herbert was Susanne's father. Since they lived under the same roof, he would definitely know about it. Meanwhile, James shook his head and sighed. "Uncle Herbert doesn't know about it. Susanne's schizophrenia happens intermittently, and it doesn't occur at a fixed time. "Moreover, her symptoms are
It was best to keep that a secret. James had his concerns and reckoned that it would be safer if fewer people knew about Susanne's illness. It could be controlled at the moment. Anyway, her schizophrenic episode had occurred this time because Summer's words had triggered her.Summer complained, "James, you should've told me about Susanne's condition earlier. Although it was meant to be a secret, I almost died because I didn't know about it."The incident earlier had been frightening. Susanne had almost stabbed Summer's head with a fruit knife. If James had been a second late, Summer would've died. Summer wanted to know what James was going to do next and asked him about his plan. James replied, "When Susanne comes to her senses tomorrow, I'll take her to a psychiatrist to see if she needs to be isolated. If her condition isn't serious, I want things to remain as they are."James wanted Susanne to continue living her life normally. Besides, he wanted to continue keeping her ill
Still, Summer couldn't tell anyone about Susanne's illness because she promised James. Hence, she masked her panic so others wouldn't suspect anything. She remarked calmly, "Susanne, why are you here? Our exercises are very basic. I don't think they'll suit you.""It's fine. It's just for fun. Besides, I'd like to spend more time with you, Summer."Summer didn't want to spend more time with Susanne. After all, even if Susanne didn't have another schizophrenic episode, she surely had an ulterior motive for her visit. Summer thought for a while but was unable to think of a reason to make her leave. Anyway, Holly was happy to see Susanne. Holly paused her lesson and told Susanne politely, "Ms. Yancey, Mrs. Quigley told me you were coming in advance. However, I don't think I can teach you anything else."Holly was a professional yoga instructor and had been teaching for ten years. However, Susanne was also professionally trained. She had to learn yoga and dance because of her e
This time, Summer got straight to the point. "Susanne, why don't you tell me your real motive? You followed me here today and even wanted to shower with me. I don't think you genuinely want to be closer to me.""Summer, my motive is simple." Susanne smiled her perfect smile once more. She looked like an innocent angel. But Summer wasn't deceived anymore. After the murder attempt, she had found out that Susanne was mentally ill and was just pretending to be a normal person.Summer took a step back and put on her clothes. She prepared to leave the bathroom. "Why don't you shower first, Susanne? I don't feel comfortable showering with other people."She tried to make an excuse to leave, but just as she was about to walk away, Susanne grabbed her. "Summer, why are you in such a hurry? Are you going to wait for me to finish showering before you take a shower?""I remembered that there's a bathroom in the master bedroom on the second floor. I won't fight for the bathroom with you now
If Susanne had said that on the first day they had met, Summer would've believed her. However, after everything that had happened, she couldn't believe Susanne anymore. Summer replied warily, "Can I turn down your request? I don't feel well today, and I don't want to go out.""Summer, are you not going to forgive me?""What do you think?" Summer's face turned grim. Everything was just for show. After what had happened, it would be difficult for her to forgive Susanne. She sensed danger and prepared to leave, but Susanne pulled her back roughly. Although Susanne looked slim and delicate, her grip was so strong that it made red marks on Summer's skin. Summer yelled, "What do you want?""I want you to accompany me tonight." There was determination in Susanne's eyes. It looked like she would do something bad if Summer rejected her request.Summer was afraid that Susanne would try to murder her again. Hence, she ended up agreeing to spend time with her. She also wanted to see
"My dear Summer, don't you know that I'm crazy? Why would I listen to reason?"Summer was so terrified by Susanne's threat that she kept her guard up."What do you want?" Summer asked warily. "Summer, if you follow me to a place, I won't hurt you. However, only two of us can go there. We must escape the bodyguards first."Summer wasn't stupid. If she listened to Susanne and left the bodyguards, wouldn't that give Susanne a chance to do whatever she wanted? If Susanne led her to a secluded place, killed her, and buried her body, she would disappear without a trace. She regretted her decision. If she had known what Susanne had been planning on doing, she wouldn't have gone out with her. Summer had dug her own grave. She didn't know what to do. The best thing she could do was escape quickly. As long as she ran to the bodyguards, Susanne wouldn't try to kill her. With that thought in mind, Summer immediately made a run for it. There were many people in the beautiful city. Su
Susanne was a wolf hiding in a sheep's skin. She was feigning ignorance, so Summer couldn't do anything to her. Since that was the case, Summer didn't continue questioning her. She didn't want to kick up a fuss. Instead, she made up an excuse about feeling unwell and said that she didn't want to shop any longer. …Two hours later, Summer sat on the bed. She was in the master bedroom on the second floor at the Quigley residence. Meanwhile, Lexi was massaging her shoulders. "Mrs. Quigley, don't be mad." "Lexi, did you notice that something was off? Susanne tricked me intentionally.""Of course. I believe in you, Mrs. Quigley." Although Lexi didn't know about Susanne's illness, she had done more research on Susanne and found that the latter was a little strange.She had also noticed that Summer had been avoiding Susanne for the past few days. It seemed that the two women were on bad terms. Lexi believed that Summer had been tricked. After all, Summer was kind and had never do
"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