After grasping Flynn's wine theory, Summer became much more accurate in assessing the price of wine. Now, with just a sip, she could roughly estimate the wine's value. The wine class continued for seven days before coming to a close. Throughout these seven days, Summer indeed acquired a wealth of knowledge. The only drawback was having to study alongside Howe. Howe always managed to find ways to bother Summer, but fortunately, he didn't cause any major trouble during the classes. On the seventh day, as the classes concluded, Summer felt a sense of relief as she departed from the wine cellar. However, Howe, who had also been attending the classes, quickly caught up with her. "Summer, why are you walking so fast? Wait up for me!" Howe's voice called out, prompting Summer to quicken her pace even more. She attempted to evade Howe, but it appeared he was shameless enough to persistently follow her. "Do you really dislike me that much, Summer? Come on, we've been classmates
"What exactly did you do to my dad?" Summer asked. This time, Howe extended an invitation for horseback riding to both her and Fred. Summer's greatest concern was her family. While Howe could pose a threat to her, she couldn't bear the thought of him hurting her father. Consequently, she wore a serious expression, her eyes flashing with a cold gaze. Observing Summer's evident concern, Howe finally offered a reassuring smile. He knew that Summer's concern was exactly what he desired. Without her concern, his plan wouldn't unfold as intended. "Summer, rest assured. Mr. Charter is doing well. I haven't done anything," Howe assured her. "Why did you invite my dad then? Do you think I'll believe what you're saying? What exactly do you plan to do?" Summer demanded urgently, her voice laced with anger. Howe was never straightforward. He was as cunning as a snake, striking lethally when the opportunity presented itself. Naturally, Howe wouldn't divulge his true intentions. If
Summer rolled her eyes. Howe wasn't a good person. Instead, he was a vicious and ruthless man. He probably invited Fred for horseback riding to set her up this time. However, Summer wasn't an idiot. She wouldn't be fooled easily. Therefore, she said, "Dad, please promise me that you won't go horse riding, okay?"Fred asked, "Why?"Meanwhile, Summer didn't know how to reply. She couldn't say that Howe was a problematic person who kept trying to harm her, so she didn't want Fred to go. But if she said that, he would start fretting. Fred might also think that his daughter was being treated terribly by the Quigleys. She would rather give her parents happy news than cause them to worry. Fred and Amelia believed that Summer was living comfortably with the Quigleys. As such, Summer didn't want them to know too much about her situation. She didn't want to let her parents know that Caroline kept making things difficult for her and that Howe kept trying to ruin her relationship with Jam
Summer asked, "A business project?""Yes. Charter Corporation has been developing a few apartments recently. Howe told me that he could invest in us on behalf of Quigley Group. So, he wants to discuss this business project with me while riding horses."After hearing that, Summer realized why her father wanted to ride horses with Howe. His main purpose wasn't to go horse riding. Rather, it was to discuss a business project!As expected, Howe was very heartless. He pretended to invest in Charter Corporation on behalf of Quigley Group because he wanted to bait Fred. Though he had an excellent scheme, Summer had a plan to defeat him. Since she knew why her father wanted to go horse riding with Howe, she came up with a solution. "Dad, I know that Quigley Group wants to increase their investment in Charter Corporation too. Why don't I discuss this with Howe instead?"Meanwhile, Fred asked curiously, "Will you be able to do it?""Dad, have you forgotten that I'm Charter Corporation's
Lexi thought that Flynn didn't teach Summer properly, so she was enraged. However, the truth was that this had nothing to do with him. Summer was just worried about Howe's schemes instead. As such, Summer told Lexi everything. When the latter heard what had happened, she became concerned. "Mrs. Quigley, is Mr. Howe causing trouble for you?""Yes. Previously, Susanne had already warned me about him. Howe wants to be the next heir, so he keeps trying to pull James down. Moreover, the simplest way to prevent James from becoming the head of the family is to ruin his relationship with me."When Lexi realized how severe the matter was, she held Summer's hand and asked, "Does Mr. James know about this?""Most probably."Although James didn't address the issue directly, he kept reminding Summer to be careful of Howe. This meant that he knew what his brother was like. Lexi suggested, "Since Mr. James knows about it, shouldn't you tell him what happened today? He might be able to help yo
James noticed the worry on Summer's face, so he said, "Stop overthinking."Summer retorted, "I'm not overthinking. Anyway, don't you know the kind of person Howe is, James? Why are you so relaxed about this?"Seeking clarification, Summer couldn't help but voice her confusion. James had warned her repeatedly to be cautious around Howe. Yet, he still allowed Howe to represent Quigley Group and collaborate with Charter Corporation. It seemed contradictory.James explained, "I don't fully trust my younger brother, but I recognize his intelligence. He can be an asset to Quigley Group."Despite Howe's seemingly carefree demeanor, he harbored ambitions to usurp James as the heir. In normal circumstances, James might have harbored resentment toward his brother. However, James was a rational individual who understood Howe's behavior as mere immaturity. Instead of harboring grudges, James chose to forgive his brother."My younger brother is indeed capable, but he's also prone to making m
James lowered his head, but he didn't kiss Summer. Instead, he simply brushed something away from her head. "Summie, you have something over here," James said calmly, pointing out a speck of cotton in his hand. Summer's embarrassment intensified as she realized the innocuous reason for his closeness. James moved away to discard the object, putting some distance between them.Flushed with embarrassment, Summer felt a mix of emotions. She had been prepared for a possible kiss from James, but his simple gesture left her feeling disappointed yet relieved."James, where were we…" Summer tried to regain her composure, only to find James already engrossed in his work at the table, typing away furiously on his keyboard. Then, Summer yelled, "James!"James' behavior had deeply angered Summer. Initially, she had hoped for a meaningful conversation, but James quickly retreated to his work, leaving her feeling disregarded and frustrated. Did he have no interests beyond work?Meanwhile, J
As Summer pondered the situation, she came to realize the challenges James faced. Despite waking up earlier than her every day, he had never accidentally disturbed her slumber. This demonstrated his carefulness, which deeply touched Summer. James revealed himself to be a caring individual.After waking up, Summer went to the bathroom and washed up. Upon returning to the room, she found James still asleep, even though it was already 6:05 am, a departure from his usual wake-up time. Contemplating whether to rouse him, Summer recalled his late-night work session, extending until 2:00 am. Considering this, she concluded that he deserved more rest.Silently approaching James, Summer grappled with the dilemma. Failing to awaken him might lead to his discontent upon waking later. "I should wake him up…" she muttered to herself, reaching out tentatively. However, she hesitated just before making contact.The sunlight illuminated James' handsome features, casting him in a statuesque light.
"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