"They did nothing about it. After the incident, Howe came and begged me not to tell anyone about it, so it became our secret. "Dad and Aunt Caroline had thought that everything was just an accident, so they didn't chastise us too much about it," Susanne answered.So that was Susanne and Howe's secret. Now that she learned about this secret, Summer understood why Howe couldn't wait for Susanne to leave. Susanne's presence in the Quigley residence probably made him very uncomfortable. No wonder he wanted her to leave as soon as possible. "Alright. I understand the full picture now." Summer nodded satisfactorily. "Can you trust me now?" Susanne quickly asked. "Of course not," Summer responded flatly. What Susanne had just told her wasn't much of a secret. She had intended to use the so-called secret to gain Summer's trust, but what she'd told Summer couldn't be used against her. Even if the secret was exposed, it would pose no harm to her at all. Instead, it would do more
The housekeepers were actually happy with the arrangement. After all, Summer was doing their job for them, so they had a lot more free time to themselves. After cleaning for about an hour, Summer felt like she couldn't even straighten up anymore. She could be considered quite a pampered person with a relatively wealthy background, and she had never had to do any hard labor. It was only natural that her body couldn't take such vigorous work.Lexi could only watch from the side since she had received orders from Luca that she couldn't help Summer. She couldn't help but worry about Summer. "Mrs. Quigley, you should take a break if you're tired. Madam Caroline never specified when you needed to be done with the chores.""I can sleep earlier if I finish my job earlier."Summer was already worn out by the flower arrangement class, so she wanted to go to bed earlier if possible. She wondered how long she would continue to have such a busy schedule. These days, she felt as though sh
That came as a huge blow to Summer. Cleaning wasn't just as simple as sweeping the floors and wiping the windows. Instead, she had to clean the entire manor thoroughly, so an additional day of it was a big deal to her.Summer wanted to ask for Caroline's forgiveness so that she could spare her the extra day, but when she met the latter's fierce glare, she cowered and dared not say a word. She felt very wronged. She had never been treated like this before in her whole life. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she held them back with sheer will. Unfortunately for her, Caroline noticed how dismal she looked. Had Summer obediently accepted the punishment, things would have ended there. But when Caroline saw how wronged and aggrieved Summer looked, her rage was stoked."What? Are you about to cry now? Are you not happy about the punishment? Why are you crying?""I'm not, Mom.""How dare you say you're not? Look at you. You look just like those wenches off the side of the road, and
Caroline immediately became anxious. She took a step forward and asked, "What are you doing, James? W-Why are you wiping the staircase without any reason?"It was strange. James was no ordinary man. He was the successor of the Quigley family and the president of Quigley Group. He was a king in the office who could decide where billions of dollars would go just by signing a contract. How could he do work that belonged to the lower class?Caroline stopped James. "What are you doing, James? Put that down and go back for some rest.""Why?""Do I need to say it out loud? You're not supposed to do this work!"James retaliated with another question. "If I'm not supposed to, then is Summer supposed to?"Caroline understood now. James wanted to stand up for Summer after she had punished the latter. James couldn't retaliate verbally, so he was proving that he wanted to shoulder the punishment along with Summer with his actions.That made Caroline speechless. Her goal was to punish Sum
Charter Corporation was similar to Quigley Group in that real estate was an important sector for the company, but it couldn't hold a candle to Quigley Group in terms of scale and amount of capital invested. Charter Corporation would only build an apartment complex on a modest piece of land at most, while Quigley Group constructed entire neighborhoods and dozens of buildings at once. Summer stared at the laptop screen. When she came closer, James shut his laptop immediately and turned to glare at her coldly.She knew that what she had done wasn't appropriate since James was surely dealing with confidential business-related matters. She had only looked out of curiosity, but it was still something people frowned upon. Summer took a step back before explaining, "I… I was just taking a look at what you're up to. I didn't mean anything else by that.""Summie, I'm sorry. I'm just a bit sensitive about it."It was normal for him to be sensitive, as he was the president of Quigley Gr
James' help would be ideal. Charter Corporation wasn't really in a good situation at the moment, and selling that building would surely be beneficial to the future of the company. However, Summer didn't want to owe James any favors. "We have our own ways of expanding the company, James. Your help would be nice, but I think—""I'm not helping you without any reason," James interrupted Summer. "It would be more accurate to say that I'm helping Charter Corporation as a form of compensation."Summer didn't understand that. What did he have to compensate for? When she asked James, he answered, "I learned about how my mom used the Quigleys' influence to have the authorities inspect Charter Corporation. I feel very guilty, so this land purchase is compensation for that.""So that's why." After he brought the incident up, it surfaced in Summer's memory. Caroline had had the authorities inspect Charter Group just to intimidate her. She'd been really worried about it.So, that was why
"This is a wedding ring. Until now, you haven't worn a wedding ring." James wasn't wrong. Although Summer and James were already married, they didn't have wedding rings. Summer's ring finger was still bare. But, after a moment of consideration, Summer rejected James' ring. "I know that we're already married, but I can't wear this ring. You should know why." "Because you haven't fallen for me?" "Yes, I haven't," Summer replied. Those were her honest feelings. She did have positive feelings about him, and they were gradually increasing, like a budding flower. However, the flower hadn't bloomed yet. It still needed time to grow. Thus, Summer couldn't accept his ring. Upon hearing that, a downcast look appeared on James' face. In fact, he had spent a fair bit of effort choosing that ring. He had even sought a few female employees' opinions at the company. He had only purchased the ring after they had told him that it was a good choice. In the end, his proposal had faile
In the end, Summer had no other choice but to comply. But she wasn't going to do that without contesting. Moreover, she was a quick-witted woman. So, she took the opportunity to go to the washroom. When she was there, she made a call to James to explain her predicament to him. "This is bad, James. You should come back quickly. Your mother wants me to take me for a pregnancy check-up!" Summer spoke with urgency. In fact, she should have informed James about this last night. Unfortunately, she had forgotten about it.She briefed him frantically over the phone. She wasn't even sure if he had managed to catch everything she'd said. James' reaction was surprisingly calm. He answered coldly, "Okay. I'll make my way back now. I'll leave it to you to stall Mom for now." He hung up immediately after, without any hesitation. But that triggered Summer. He had asked her to stall Caroline. Would that even be possible? Caroline's very presence made Summer feel extremely uneasy.Finding
"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