"My deepest apology, Mr. Quigley. I failed to recognize the young madam's identity." The head of security bowed at a ninety-degree angle, his expression apologetic. Then, he turned sharply and pointed at the blonde female office worker from earlier, saying, "It was Ms. Linda who reported to me that Mrs. Quigley is suspicious. "That was why I brought my men to apprehend her."In that case, it wasn't entirely the head of security's fault. If Linda hadn't casually suspected Summer, he wouldn't have mistakenly apprehended someone.Now that the president was questioning him, the head of security captain would naturally throw someone else under the bus.The blonde woman took a few steps forward and lowered her head in fear, "I'm sorry, Mr. Quigley. I didn't realize she was Mrs. Quigley."James had no time to waste on them. Every second of his time was valuable. He waved to his secretary on the side and said, "Fire them all.""Yes, Mr. Quigley."As soon as he gave the order, it
James did not speak, falling into a long silence. His eyes closed as he let out a deep sigh. "I am doing this for your own good.""I know, but they didn't actually do anything wrong. On the contrary, they were very conscientious, weren't they? Anyway, you're not allowed to fire them." Summer felt a surge of anger in her heart and reprimanded him when noticing that her advice fell on deaf ears.Summer's words shocked everyone present.Virtually no one in the company would dare to speak harshly to James. Summer not only spoke to him in a very arrogant and domineering manner, but she even used a commanding tone to stop him from firing the people. It was simply unbelievable.Just as everyone was expecting James to mercilessly reject Summer, he surprisingly admitted defeat with a dismissive wave of his hand and said, "Forget it. Let's just pretend that it never happened."Then, his lonely figure disappeared into the office like a defeated general retreating from the battlefield.
When Summer was leaving the office, she quickly chased after the blonde woman. The moment she left the office, the employees erupted in thunderous applause. The applause came not only from the blonde lady and the security but also from all of the employees. They were grateful for what Summer had done. Although they still felt that she didn't deserve to be with James, they realized that the young woman was kind, and they genuinely liked her. This was something Summer hadn't expected. Her unintentional actions earned the appreciation of the entire Quigley Group.She quickly walked off and reached the entrance of the CEO's office. There, she saw Charlie standing guard, and she asked, "How is James doing?""I don't know. Mr. Quigley didn't show any emotions." Charlie couldn't help Summer in that regard. James always had a stern look, like an iceberg. Charlie couldn't discern his emotions.However, even so, he still warned Summer, "Madam, you should be careful. You've gone too
Summer was walking on eggshells with every word. She said, "You aren't angry about what just happened?""Nope."Even though James said he wasn't angry, his voice was icy and emotionless. It seemed like he was angry but chose not to show it.She lowered her head and apologized, "I'm sorry. I just said whatever came to my mind.""You don't need to apologize. You were right. I shouldn't dismiss someone's efforts with just one sentence."When she heard him admitting his mistake, Summer felt smug and agreed with his words, "Yes, you shouldn't have. Even if you're the CEO, you shouldn't be so assertive …"As she spoke, she realized that she might've said the wrong thing again. His sharp eyes were now fixated on her, like a blade against her neck, as if another wrong word from her would push the blade into her neck.Summer wisely fell silent. She was complaining in her mind that James was someone who would say one thing and mean another. He had clearly said that he wasn't angry. Bu
She had only known him for less than a week, and now he wanted to kiss her. Should she let him or deny it?Deny it? That didn't seem right. Summer and James were legally married with official recognition from both families. It was just a kiss and nothing more. How could she refuse?Besides, James was a handsome man who attracted the attention of many. Only an idiot would refuse such a person. Allow it? That wasn't right either. They had only known each other for such a short time, and she wasn't someone who took things like these lightly. Why should she kiss someone with whom she didn't have feelings for?To men, the easier they got something, the less they would cherish it. Summer feared that James might act like Hank, where once he got something, he would toss her aside. The conflicting thoughts clashed in her mind.On the one hand, her shoulder angel was telling her to accept, saying that it was a rare opportunity for a woman like her to meet such a perfect man. On the
For example, why did he choose Summer as his wife? There were plenty of people in the world who were better than she was. With his status, he could've easily found a beautiful wife without picking her.James had explained before, claiming it was love at first sight. But she didn't believe it. While she was pretty, she couldn't be described as exceptionally stunning. So, the so-called love at first sight must've boiled down to only superficial factors. Summer suspected that he was hiding some big secret that he hadn't told anyone. Just as she was about to ask him, she noticed that he was eating! He had picked up the fallen food and started eating. Summer was alarmed and exclaimed, "Don't eat those! It fell, and it's dirty!"She made the food, especially for James, but since he surprised her with an embrace, the food fell to the floor. The floor was as clean as new from being cleaned meticulously every day, but it was still the floor. Food that had fallen on it still sho
The sudden statement made him freeze. He didn't understand why she would say such a thing. So he asked, "Why?""I think we should clarify our relationship," she said. She couldn't deny that his looks alone brought hope into her life. She would treat him as her husband because he had helped her. However, emotionally, just like filling a cup of water drop by drop, things needed time to grow. Even if James genuinely liked her, she couldn't forget her past and start a life with him in just a few days.She took advantage of the empty office and decided to have a serious conversation with him. "I appreciate your help in resolving the issues for the Charter Corporation, and I thank you for being so willing to marry someone like me. "However, I feel that our relationship shouldn't be so intimate.""Why?" he asked in confusion. They were married, so why should intimacy be a problem? It seemed strange if there wasn't any intimacy between them. But, it was precisely because of th
For that brief moment, Summer thought she was a playgirl. She was already getting all sweet with James when she had only decided to get over Hank just a second ago.Although they were a married couple, she felt the resistance in her that pulled her from accepting James that quickly. She needed some time to get to know him, at least.He fell silent as his eyes were dark and remained undecipherable. His long silence slowly drove her nervous. She wondered, "Does this mean he disagrees with it?"It wasn't weird for him to disagree with it. It was normal for a hormone rush to happen when a man and a woman shared the same space alone together.Now that they were married, she figured that it was a little too much for her to prohibit James from touching her.Thus, Summer was contemplating if she should be more lenient with her request. They couldn't have sex before she completely accepted James—that was her bottom line.Other than sex, holding hands and holding her by the waist
"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