Half a month? Summer felt as though she had fallen into hell when she heard her punishment. Caroline was too cruel. How could she punish her for half a month? Summer felt that Caroline clearly wanted her to die from the chores.The Quigley residence did not just have a small independent toilet. It had more than ten, and all of them were very big and very hard to clean.Summer wanted to refuse. But just as she attempted to speak, Caroline glared at her sternly. It was like if Summer dared to disagree, she would drown her in a torrent of words. In the end, Summer had no choice but to accept her punishment."Mom, I will clean the toilets tomorrow. I need to rest now," Summer said. She had accepted her punishment, and now she just wanted to seize the opportunity to return to her room.She and Lexi had gone out shopping the entire day. Summer was already exhausted. Plus, it was time to sleep. She had no energy left to argue with Caroline further.However, Caroline snorted coldly
Unfortunately, unplugging the charger was pointless since the laptop had enough battery remaining. So, even though the charger had been unplugged, James could still continue to work on his laptop.James remained expressionless. His facial features seemed to be carved from stone, given how immovable they were. Summer decided to forcefully tug at his ear and ask loudly, "Did you hear what I said? James, don't you think your mom is deliberately targeting me with her behavior?""I know." Finally, the millennia-old iceberg spoke. He slightly parted his thin lips and continued, "My mom has indeed gone too far. I will talk to her tomorrow and ask her to cancel the punishment.""It's best if she cancels it."Summer knew it was effective to talk to James. In the Quigley family, only he could help her. However, there was one more thing she had to bring up. Hadn't James promised her that they would move out of the Quigley residence? If they moved out, she would gain her freedom and wouldn
Norman strongly adhered to family traditions, much like the aristocrats of Eurania. Despite living in modern times, their descendants would reside in ancient castles, as they took pride in their family history. Norman shared this sentiment. He believed that the Quigley residence symbolized the Quigley family’s glorious history, so it was imperative for the heirs to live there.This posed a challenge. Summer hoped to move out of the Quigley residence soon. If Norman opposed the idea, they wouldn't be able to move out.Hence, she said, "I've decided to talk to your dad tomorrow. Let me try to persuade him.""You?" James appeared somewhat surprised. His handsome face expressed doubt, like he didn't have much faith in Summer's ability. After all, even he himself found it very difficult to persuade Norman, let alone Summer.Summer added, "I know you don't believe me, but we won't know the truth until we try it. Let me try to persuade your dad.""Okay, I'll let you do it," James a
Lexi appeared particularly thoughtful. This time, she had not only come out to protect Summer, but she had also brought an umbrella, water, and sunscreen. Seeing her take out so many things, Summer asked in surprise, "Why did you bring all these things, Lexi?""Mrs. Quigley, of course, I have to bring them when accompanying you. A woman needs to take care of herself, especially a beautiful one like you."Summer felt delighted upon hearing the compliment. Her heart filled with happiness. Although she knew Lexi was only flattering her, she still enjoyed hearing it. She patted Lexi's head and remarked, "Lexi, you've become quite skilled lately. Your words are so sweet.""That's for sure. After all, I still rely on Mr. Quigley for my salary. How can I not flatter you, Mrs. Quigley?" For a moment, Lexi revealed her true intentions, saying that her efforts were for money.However, speaking about salary, Summer decided she should consider giving Lexi a raise. Ever since Lexi had bec
Norman chuckled, picked up a basketball, and started playing it. He handled the basketball with great skill. It was obvious that he had been in this sport for a long time. What stood out the most was his handsome posture while playing. He took a few steps before swiftly spinning the basketball. It seemed like an extension of his body, moving in sync with him.Under the sunlight, Norman's shadow stretched as he smoothly shot a three-pointer. He took two steps before leaping on the third and scoring successfully. Norman's dunk wasn't simply a straightforward shot; he had dunked the basketball into the net with flair. Summer watched in awe. Norman was not young. He was at least 50 years old, but he exuded the energy of a 20-year-old.Norman turned back and asked, "Summer, what do you think?""Absolutely amazing!" Summer exclaimed sincerely. She had witnessed many young men play basketball during her university days. However, none could compare to Norman's prowess.Had it not b
Now that he was having a conversation with Norman, Summer felt he exuded an air that was different from the others. Not only was he easy to talk to, but he was also incredibly kind to her."Dad, thank you." Summer paused, seemingly hesitating. Then, she continued, "Actually, since I joined this family, you're the first person to praise me."Norman naturally understood what Summer meant. Although he was seldom at home, he was aware of the events that unfolded in the Quigley residence, especially regarding how Caroline treated Summer.With a hearty smile, he reassured Summer, "Your mother-in-law doesn't have ill intentions toward you. She just feels that you're of average status, so she is more picky with you. "But she is a good person deep down. Once you spend more time with her, you'll discover her good qualities."Summer just chuckled in response. How could Caroline be a good person? She was clearly a vicious and cruel woman! It was precisely because Summer had spent time wi
Norman was also clever. He waved to signal his old friends not to inquire further. He said, "Young people have their own world. You've all lived for so long. Why ask?""Norman, you're quite something. It won't hurt to ask, right? Do you not care about your son's affairs?" the bald man teased."Ritche, my son has a tough personality. I can't even control his affairs, let alone you outsiders," Norman retorted. Having said that, he no longer entertained them. He waved again to dismiss them since he was about to leave. He said, "Our basketball game is over for today. Let's plan for next time."Norman wanted to leave, but the others definitely wouldn't allow him to do so. Their conversation of interest hadn't concluded. However, they couldn't possibly stop him when he wanted to leave. Eventually, Norman successfully led Summer away with him.They walked along a gravel path outside of the basketball court. There were few people around. The sun was also gradually setting.Norman walk
It was certain that Caroline wouldn't let James move out, so the problem persisted.Next, Summer still had to talk to James about the issue. Summer had already thanked Norman politely. After all, he had agreed to her request. The next steps depended on fate.After returning home in the evening, Summer went to discuss the matter with James. He had just returned from work and looked exhausted. Initially, Summer considered postponing the discussion to another day, but it could not be delayed any longer. If she delayed it further, she was afraid there wouldn't be much time."James, I've talked to your dad. He agreed that we can move out, but we have to get your mom's permission first. So, if your mom agrees, we can move out.""Is that so?" James responded calmly, like he wasn't surprised that Summer had been able to persuade Norman.Summer felt dissatisfied with his indifferent attitude. After all, she had spent the entire day under the sun to persuade Norman. At the very least, s
"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