Walter sighed, "Mrs. Quigley, it's really fortunate that Mr. Quigley married you. If he wakes up and finds out that you did this, I fear he might—""It's okay. There's no need to say more. Please help me to donate my heart." Summer interrupted him.Time was of the essence. Every second wasted could worsen James' condition. Since she had decided to donate her heart to save James, there was nothing more to discuss.Subsequently, Summer followed Walter to another operating room. Several doctors and nurses had gathered there, indicating the importance of the surgery. Walter personally took charge. He held the cyanide injection and slowly pumped the white liquid from the syringe to the needle.Before proceeding further, he asked again, "Mrs. Quigley, I'll ask you once more. Have you made your decision? Once this injection is administered, you'll die.""Yes, I've made up my mind." Summer confirmed it.In truth, there was really nothing to hesitate about. The moment she'd laid on the
Summer continued her journey for quite a while. The road was rugged. There were bones all over the place, as well as occasional bloodstains. The sight was very gruesome and terrifying. Summer was unable to suppress the nauseating feeling in her stomach. As the minotaurs and centaurs led her away, she finally came face-to-face with the judge of the afterlife, Lord Hades.Hades was a burly, middle-aged man with a thick black beard. He had an imposing and righteous air about him. "Who is this ghost?" Hades slammed against the gavel. Summer truthfully told him who she was and how she died. After hearing her story, Hades expressed mercifully, "So, you died trying to save your beloved. It's truly pitiable.""No!" Summer retorted. "I wasn't trying to save a lover. Although James is my husband, he isn't my beloved.""If he's not your beloved, then do you dislike him?" Hades questioned in astonishment. His eyes emitted an eerie green glow as he asked the question, making him look
Once Hades had decided a ghost's fate, there was no escaping it. The minotaurs and centaurs exchanged glances. Then, they suddenly kicked Summer directly into the cave entrance for beasts. But Summer was quick-witted. The moment they kicked her, she immediately let go of them, leapt over the beast path, and darted toward another cave entrance. She still felt that it was best to reincarnate as a human, so she chose the human path.However, just as she was about to enter the cave entrance for humans, one of the minotaurs suddenly struck her with an iron rod, sending her tumbling back into the beast path.With a loud thud, Summer crossed the entrance to the beast path and became a pig!The dream world shattered, and the lines between reality and imagination blurred.Suddenly, Summer screamed out loud. She snapped open her eyes and found herself still lying down. Sweat dotted her forehead. She realized that everything she'd just experienced had been a dream.She touched her body
After Summer learned the truth, her jaw dropped. She asked in disbelief, "So you're saying that all of you knew the truth, and you conspired together to deceive me alone?""Yes," James replied.Summer felt as though she'd been struck by a heavy blow. She trembled all over. It turned out that all her concern and even her sacrifice for James had all been for a sham.Now that she knew the truth, she felt a mix of joy and anger. She was happy to be alive but furious that James had actually deceived her.Although she had only known him for two months, he had never lied to her before. This was the first time he'd lied to her, and it was actually such a huge lie.It made sense why Caroline's behavior had been off earlier. She must have known that it was all an act to test Summer, and she must have played along.After the realization, Summer really felt like she was a pig. She was indeed a pig—a complete and utter fool! No wonder Hades had wanted to transform her into a beast in the dr
Summer thought that, given Caroline's status and usual attitude, it would be beneath her to join Eleanor and deceive Summer. Caroline had many ways to torment Summer. She didn't need to use such tricks. Summer feared that Caroline probably knew the terms of the bet and wanted to help Eleanor fulfill it.James also revealed the terms of the bet earnestly. Basically, the bet was that if he won, Eleanor would never appear in his life again. But if he lost, he would have to marry her.It all made sense. Caroline had hoped to see Summer lose. If Summer had refused to donate her heart at the hospital, it would show that she valued her own life more than James'. That way, Caroline could claim that Summer didn't love James and use it as an opportunity to get them divorced.After all, her ideal daughter-in-law was Eleanor. If she won the bet, she'd be rid of Summer and also gain Eleanor as a daughter-in-law. It was killing two birds with one stone.Unfortunately, the plan had failed. No
Recalling the situation now, it was actually quite risky. If Summer hadn't agreed to donate her heart and prioritized James' life over hers, would they be divorced now?Although she didn't care too much about the divorce, she still felt uneasy about it.James held Summer's hands and said affectionately, "We will never be divorced. If I'd really lost the bet, I would've been ready to bear the consequences and break the agreement. Besides…" He paused for a bit before continuing. "I knew you would save me. From the moment I made the bet with Eleanor, I knew you would definitely rescue me, even if you had to sacrifice yourself."After hearing what he said, Summer's face flushed red. She didn't want to let him see it, so she turned around and pretended to speak coldly. "Mr. Quigley, who do you think you are? Don't think too highly of yourself just because you have some money." Then, as if feeling her words lacked confidence, she added, "I didn't save you because I like you. I just fe
That day's events were the catalyst. James wanted to let Summer know that he wouldn't divorce her, no matter what. That was why he'd hugged her.After they parted ways, James remained silent. The atmosphere became somewhat awkward. Summer adjusted her clothes and glanced at him. She said, "I can pretend as if the hug didn't happen earlier."Despite Summer's words, James didn't react at all. Once again, he returned to acting like a millennia-old iceberg. It didn't bother Summer too much since she was used to it. She was used to him being cold and showing little emotion.She continued, "How about you talk about what the outcome is now? You've won the bet. Does that mean Eleanor isn't going to show up in your life ever again?""Yes," James replied."Well, that's good," Summer said. Then, she took another glance at James. She noticed that he looked very cold, like he had a layer of frost on his face. He had a cold and imposing air about him once again. To be honest, this was the
Despite being the heir of one of the four major prestigious families, Bradly had quite the reputation as a playboy. Summer remembered his wild and unrestrained demeanor when they'd first met. The thought made her immediately shake her head. As Kelly's good friend, Summer knew that if she was going to set Kelly up with someone, it had to be the best match. That was where Zach came in. Summer had already made Lexi conduct an investigation earlier on. According to Lexi's findings, Zach had only been in one relationship before and had remained single for quite some time afterward. Zach's character was undoubtedly commendable. He was warm and kind, treated his subordinates at work in a friendly and patient manner, and was even compassionate toward strangers. He was the kind of person who readily extended a helping hand whenever he encountered someone in need. Such individuals were rare. However, Zach's behavior toward Summer stood out as an exception. He firmly believed that 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