Summer inquired, "What changed? Weren't you just keen on finding a suitable blind date? Why the sudden agreement?""Don't be ridiculous. Why would a remarkable woman like myself rush into marriage? Right now, my focus is on building my career and financial stability. Blind dates can wait."Kelly was now in high spirits. Why had she never been in a relationship? That was because she always held the belief that a strong, independent woman didn't need a man. Moreover, she was confident in her ability to earn money and lead a fulfilling life on her own terms.Kelly was resilient and self-assured, so finding a partner was not a pressing concern for her.Kelly appeared much calmer now, no longer perturbed by the news of Zach and Yolanda. She lay on the bed with a blissful expression, seemingly consumed by the happiness brought on by the job offer.Two days passed, during which Kelly settled into her new role at Myers Corporation with Zach's assistance. Initially unfamiliar with the wo
Summer couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Was Felicia's death truly a suicide?"James, have the police confirmed it as suicide? Do you think this is likely?""She committed suicide," James said matter-of-factly as if he had witnessed Felicia's death with his own eyes.But Summer couldn't reconcile this with what she knew of Felicia. Despite her family's financial woes, Felicia was resourceful and had a knack for making money. It seemed unlikely that she would resort to suicide."James, do you have evidence to support that conclusion? We can't make assumptions about a person's life without proper investigation," Summer insisted."She liked Zach. When she couldn't handle his rejection, she killed herself."Upon hearing James' explanation, Summer found it difficult to comprehend. Felicia was the one who had left Zach initially. Now, because he had feelings for someone else, she couldn't bear it and resorted to suicide? It seemed absurd.James stepped forward and p
Seeing Summer like this, James was taken aback and asked, "Summie, what's wrong?""James… I-I made a mistake! I made a mistake!"James understood the weight of Summer's words. She likely felt culpable for Felicia's death, believing that her intervention led to the tragic outcome. If it weren't for her, Zach and Yolanda wouldn't be together, and Felicia wouldn't be dead. Summer felt responsible for Felicia's death. The burden weighed heavily on her heart, her chest tightening with each passing moment. Waves of guilt and fear washed over her, consuming her thoughts entirely."I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Felicia… It's all my fault." Overcome with emotion, Summer collapsed to her knees, her tears flowing freely as they blurred her vision.Summer couldn't understand why she felt so distraught. Logically, she shouldn't have been affected by Felicia's death, yet an inexplicable sadness consumed her, gnawing at her emotions like a relentless demon. Her tears flowed uncontrollably. In that
Yolanda was a kind-hearted woman, and even though she and Felicia were rivals in love, she would probably be devastated to find out about Felicia's death. Summer felt uneasy and decided to give Yolanda a call.However, her attempt to connect failed, leaving Summer anxious about the unanswered call."James, do you think Yolanda is okay?" Summer asked James. But even with his vast abilities, James couldn't know everything."Let me call Zach and ask him," James said as he picked up his phone.Zach and Yolanda were a couple now. As such, James believed that Zach would have the best grasp of Yolanda's well-being. Yet, when James attempted to contact him, Zach's phone was switched off, intensifying James' apprehension.Summer felt something was off and asked, "What's going on?""I think something happened to them," James surmised, his hope conflicting with the troubling thoughts brewing in his mind.While Summer grappled with guilt over Felicia's passing, the remorse felt by Yolanda a
Upon receiving the clue about their presence on Greenleaf Road, James wasted no time in driving there with Summer in tow. Despite an exhaustive search, their efforts proved fruitless, and Zach and Yolanda remained elusive.Greenleaf Road, now eerily deserted, was illuminated only by sporadically flickering streetlights, with the occasional passing car adding to the desolate ambiance.Unease gnawed at Summer as she scanned her surroundings, acutely aware of every passing moment. Despite her vigilance, there was no sign of Zach or Yolanda.Doubt crept into Summer's mind as she voiced her concerns, "Are they really here?" "It's uncertain. They could have left already. But the technical report confirms their presence here just ten minutes ago."Considering the time it took to arrive, it was likely that Zach had been present fifteen minutes prior. Although Zach wasn't here, he definitely should be somewhere nearby. Based on the images James received, it was clear that Zach and Yolan
Observing Summer trembling, James discerned her fear and gently rested a hand on her shoulder.James' shoulders were broad and strong. Summer could smell the scent of orchids from his body when she was near. It momentarily calmed her frantic mind. However, Summer found herself puzzled, wondering why James always carried a pleasant scent with him. She couldn't quite identify the fragrance, but it was undeniably appealing. She wondered if he habitually wore perfume. Despite her curiosity, Summer didn't dwell on it too long, as James interrupted her thoughts by patting her on the shoulder and announcing, "Found them."James was right. Roughly 30 feet ahead stood Zach and Yolanda, their figures exuding an air of desolation and loneliness, as if enveloped by sadness. Relief washed over Summer as she hurried toward them."Yolanda, Zach. Thank goodness you're both okay."Yolanda seemed surprised to see Summer. "Summie, why are you here?""I came to look for you guys. I heard about wh
At this moment, Yolanda was especially gentle. When Zach was sitting on the ground, she didn't hesitate to sit down next to him, disregarding the fact that she was wearing a skirt. They didn't exchange any words, but there was a tacit understanding between them.From their current situation, Summer knew that both of them would probably sit there for a while. Perhaps this silent sitting was a way for them to mourn Felicia.Summer also observed a moment of silence before uttering a silent prayer. Even though she didn't like Felicia, paying respect to the deceased was still necessary. After that, Summer and James left.Their purpose was to ensure that Zach and Yolanda were fine. So, after seeing that they were safe and didn't do anything stupid, they felt reassured.Time would heal all sorrow and pain in people's hearts. About a week later, Zach, who had been immersed in grief, gradually recovered, and Yolanda returned to her usual cheerful self. They continued to live their lives lik
"James, Mom wants to bring you for a health check-up. Get up, quick." Summer nudged James, who was still sleeping soundly, with her foot. He was immediately startled awake by this."What's going on?" James muttered, his eyes looking particularly dazed. When he noticed Caroline was there, he lost his composure for a moment. "Mom, why are you here?"Caroline was momentarily taken aback. It hadn't occurred to her to subject James to a check-up, but now, rudely awakened by Summer's disturbance, she felt a surge of anger."Summer, you're too much. James worked late last night. Can't you let him sleep a little longer?"Summer feigned innocence, saying, "Mom, what are you talking about? Don't you think it's important for us to go for a check-up? You're aware that conception involves both the woman and the man. We've been trying for a while now without success. Have you ever thought that maybe James could be the issue?"At first, Caroline thought that what Summer said made sense. But afte
"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