Someone from the audience asked, "Mr. Ritter, who will serve as the judges for this competition?""Yeah, it's an important competition. It can't be judged by someone without qualifications."In response to the guests' inquiries, York laughed and replied, "The judges for this competition will be the four heirs of the major prestigious families, all of whom are from the younger generation. I believe everyone should have no objection to this, right?"The fact that the heirs of the four major prestigious families would serve as judges elevated the crowd's excitement to a new level. It was difficult to meet the heirs under normal circumstances, but now they were the judges for the wine-tasting competition, which naturally pleased the aristocrats.Many people were now thinking that they could perhaps seize this opportunity to connect with the heirs of the prestigious families. That would be truly fortunate.Amidst the lively atmosphere, Summer appeared solemn in the corner of the lobby,
Susanne retorted, "So what if you cheat? You're his wife. Isn't it normal for them to give you a high score?"Helping one's own family was a natural thing to do. Susanne didn't think it was unreasonable. Besides, if James failed to give a high mark during the competition, Susanne would definitely hold him accountable later and pester him relentlessly.While Susanne and Summer were discussing, the additional competition had already begun.In the main hall of the evening party, the glass counters in the first, second, and third areas were cleared out. Waiters spent 20 minutes rebuilding the stage, transforming it into a glamorous and modern display area.The display area was made of sturdy black plastic boards with graffiti-style paintings, giving it a street vibe. Colorful neon lights illuminated the area, creating a festive atmosphere.Inside the boards was a large, specialized space containing nearly a hundred glass counters. These counters were stocked with professional mixing t
The competition venue was beginning to resemble more of a dance competition.As Summer watched, a man's calm voice rang out, "It looks like tonight's event is undergoing a major transformation, just as James predicted."Summer turned to find that the speaker was Zach!"Zach? Aren't you supposed to be staying in the judging area?" Summer asked in surprise. Zach was one of the four heirs. He should be in the judging area waiting for the participants to bring their cocktails over.Zach replied, "The competition has just started. No participants could prepare their cocktails so fast, so I came to take a look."It was boring to stay in the judging area. Besides, James, Bradly, and the others were busy with their tasks. No one was waiting at the judging area, so Zach decided to take a look around.Seeing that he had left the judging area, Summer secretly asked him a question. She asked, "Since the judging this time will be done by you four heirs, wouldn't it be easy to cheat?"Zach co
Summer then suggested a new possibility, "If I can score eight points, does that mean others can't score eight points?"Currently, there must be several participants who had more points than Summer. There might be participants having 26 or 27 points. Those strong competitors definitely knew how to make cocktails. Thus, even if Summer could obtain a high score of eight points, others would also likely score high. Therefore, it was still impossible for Summer to become the champion.In fact, Zach was aware of this possibility. He grew solemn and said, "If in the next competition, three out of the four heirs give everyone else zero points, do you think you can win?"Summer was left speechless. Could it be that James and the other heirs planned to give everyone else zero points but her? That would clearly be cheating. If they did so, this wine-tasting party would become a laughingstock for others to look down upon the four prestigious families."No, you can't do that," Summer immedia
But Zach wouldn't expose his buddy's whereabouts. Instead, he advised, "Why not listen to James? Work hard to be the champion this round. Otherwise, our efforts will be in vain.""Zach, you're the most rational and mature person among them. Don't you understand the seriousness of the consequences?"In fact, he knew very well what could happen. He put on a stern look with sweat beading on his forehead. He was very worried when making this decision. But emotionally, he felt it was the right decision to make."Now, including myself, the three heirs all hope you can be the champion. Summer, please don't refuse anymore. You don't have to worry too much about the consequences. We will definitely bear them together."Summer felt it was pointless to argue with Zach. It was as if he had been brainwashed by James, intending to help her cheat during the judging phase.Summer didn't need this kind of unexpected reward. She was the type of person who worked hard for her achievements. She didn'
However, one thing to note was that no one was a fool in this competition. Even if they couldn't find evidence to prove that the three heirs had intentionally helped Summer, everyone knew deep down that Summer must have privately made a deal with the three heirs.Summer shook her head repeatedly and said, "I won't allow this! Why are you so eager for me to be the champion? You're only harming yourself by doing this."James remained silent. His bright eyes reflected a glimmer of crystal light, while his long eyelashes made his eyes appear sharp and cold."What's wrong? Why aren't you talking?" Summer asked anxiously, seeing him standing like an ice sculpture. "Hey, answer me. Why do you want me to be champion so badly? Aren't you worried about harming yourself?""I'm not afraid. Besides, if you win the championship, you'll adapt more easily to the living environment here," James replied.Summer understood what he meant. The so-called "living environment" he meant was the environmen
The warm white light filled the room with brilliance. Summer couldn't understand why James suddenly brought her here. She was about to compete. Why did he bring her to this place?"James, what are you trying to do?" she asked."I want…" James trailed off as he suddenly cupped Summer's face with one hand, brushing his fingers against her lips.Summer was startled by the sudden gesture. Her body tensed up. She had a feeling that something bad was about to happen.She moved a little, trying to shift away from James."What are you trying to do?" Although the words came out of her mouth, Summer could already guess what was about to happen.A man and a woman alone in a room with a large bed. It was obvious to anyone what was likely to occur.Summer crossed her arms over her chest, projecting an image of righteousness and fearlessness. In truth, she had overanalyzed the situation. James gently took her hands and guided her to the table. He said, "I'm going to teach you how to mix drink
At this moment, James appeared quite incongruous. Although he had a stern and cold expression, his eyes were clear and bright. Coupled with his elegant posture, he possessed a captivating charm that could touch people's souls.Summer stood in a daze. It was as if her soul had momentarily left her body. After a long while, she finally reacted, shaking her head. She had almost been enchanted by the handsome man before her."Hey, James. Didn't you say you want to teach me how to make this cocktail?" she asked."Yes. If you can memorize the technique, you can easily make this cocktail," James replied.As long as one followed the cocktail mixing steps carefully and didn't mix them up, there wouldn't be any problem. Even someone who had never mixed drinks before could create a wonderful cocktail.James had gone to great lengths to ensure Summer's success.Summer naturally understood his intentions. She held the shaker in her hand and said seriously, "Tell me what to do now. How should
"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