Summer had to thank James. So, she said seriously, "Thank you.""It's fine." James waved his hands dismissively. Perhaps he thought that helping her was something he should do. Yet, Summer didn't feel that way. Even if they were a family, she shouldn't expect him to help. Besides, they weren't a real couple anyway. "I'm extremely grateful to you, James. You helped me a lot. First, you saved Charter Corporation from bankruptcy. Then, you quarreled with your mom because of me. Now, you've even allowed me to return to work."Summer was so grateful to him that she didn't know what to say. In the end, she could only say, "Thank you." Actually, she had thought about returning to Charter Corporation before. The previous time she had returned to her parents' house, Fred had discussed the company's issues with her. Though everything seemed to be progressing smoothly, Summer couldn't bear seeing Fred look so tired. Moreover, he had already reached the age of retirement. She felt bad
On top of that, Summer and James had held hands and walked on the street for a long time that day. So, the two were considered lovers. After interacting with him for half a year, she had already started to like him. As such, Summer replied, "I'll kiss you.""Really?""Why would I trick you?" Summer frowned. However, she had a small request. "If you want to kiss me, you must close your eyes. No peeking."That was because she was a little shy. The previous time they had kissed, he had suddenly kissed her, catching her off-guard. Since they were going to kiss with Summer's permission, she wanted James to close his eyes so it wouldn't be too awkward. James closed his eyes obediently. The light shone on his handsome face. Since he had his eyes closed, Summer could see his long eyelashes. Upon seeing that, she wanted to kiss him urgently. It was great that he was good-looking. She would feel happy when she kissed him. Then, Summer held his face and slowly moved closer. She wante
Summer lowered her head and said, "I'm sorry… Actually, you weren't in the wrong. I'm to blame instead.""I got it." James sounded very crestfallen in his reply. It seemed that he was unhappy. This made Summer upset as well. After putting herself in his shoes, she realized that James did many things for her unconditionally. Wasn't his affection for her very obvious? Since Summer knew that she had fallen for him, why couldn't they take things to the next step?At that moment, she came to a realization. They were a couple, so they couldn't continue keeping a distance like that. So, she courageously approached him and placed her arms around his neck. "James, I'm going to kiss you!" she said domineeringly. This stunned James, who was usually very calm. Just as the latter prepared to ask her what was wrong, Summer suddenly moved closer. Ignoring his shocked expression, she hugged him and passionately kissed him. Their love for each other grew intense at that moment. Even the
Their love slowly grew deeper. James sat up from the bed and put on a white shirt. Then, he placed a hand on Summer's shoulder. "I was really happy yesterday.""Me too. That was the happiest night of my life."They were overjoyed to have each other and be with one another. So, they kept feeling happy. Summer was James' first love, and it had been his first time with the woman the previous night. Meanwhile, though James wasn't Summer's first love, it was also her first time the previous night. Their first times were magical and unforgettable. The two stared at each other with love in their eyes. If was as if time seemed to stop. Love was a great thing. The two had known each other for half a year, and it was their first time experiencing the sweet taste of love. That sweetness made them feel like life was worth living. However, time didn't stop then. They woke up at 9:00 am. Three hours passed as they continued staring at each other. At 12:00 pm, Charlie stood outside the do
Lexi drove Summer to Charter Corporation. Once she saw the big company building, she exclaimed, "Is this your company, Mrs. Quigley?" "Yes." Summer nodded. She saw the shock in Lexi's eyes. It seemed that Charter Corporation was doing well. Though it was a medium-sized company, their office building didn't look too bad. There were 100 people working for the company, so they rented a standard office building. After entering the place, Summer realized that nothing had changed. The corridors, offices, and security guards remained the same. She entered the building. When the employees saw her, they greeted her. All of them were shocked to see her return. After all, everyone knew that she had married James from the Quigley family. Summer expected their reaction. All of them probably didn't understand why she had returned when she was already the daughter-in-law of a wealthy family. They guessed that she had returned to visit Fred. However, contrary to their expectations, Su
Fred couldn't help but feel moved upon hearing Summer's words. He believed that her comprehension and sense of duty drove her desire to help him and understand his difficulties.Fred sighed and asked, "Is this really appropriate? Shouldn't you put more effort and care into the Quigley family?""I don't have much to care about there. James treats me well. Since I'm idle at home anyway, I should go back to work."Although Summer spoke casually, she was actually worried that Fred might not agree.Fortunately, Fred wasn't old-fashioned. He gladly handed over his tasks upon hearing that Summer wanted to help him."Since you're coming back, this position is still yours. You're my daughter, and I don't know who else to entrust with Charter Corporation's affairs."Summer said firmly, "No problem. I'll work hard, and I won't let you down this time." She had previously disappointed Fred. Charter Corporation would not have encountered bankruptcy issues had it not been for Hank. Fortunatel
"Uncle Gerald, I'm coming back this time because I want to help my dad reduce his workload.""That's great! You're a good daughter!" Gerald glanced toward Fred and continued, "Fred, you're fortunate to have such a helpful daughter. You can retire in glory now."Fred retorted, "What are you saying? You're pretty much at retirement age yourself. You're just reluctant to leave.""What do you mean by me being reluctant to leave? I just don't want to retire so soon. Retirement life would be too dull."The two old men's argument seemed endless, but their conversation revealed their harmonious relationship.Summer also understood Gerald's situation well. Gerald was still unmarried to that day. He had no wife or children. Work had been the focal point of his life.Though his workaholic tendencies weren't as extreme as James', they were undeniably intense. He practically lived in the office.Thus, Gerald had become Fred's most trusted employee and friend, with a closeness that allowed
Gerald was also deeply troubled by the issue. "Summer, your father and I have been persistently addressing this matter, but the client has been causing delays. Unfortunately, there's little we can do about it.""Can't we just pay them a visit?" "We can't risk that since they are our primary client. Directly approaching them might sour our relationship, putting us in a difficult situation."Charter Corporation faced its own set of challenges. In comparison to Knight Garden's company, Charter Corporation was still relatively small. It wouldn't be wise to offend them.Summer wondered about the identity of Knight Garden's client. The contract only referred to them as Party A. Even if the full company name was mentioned, she couldn't recall ever hearing about them."Knight Electronic Technology Corporation? Uncle Gerald, is this a newly established company?" Summer guessed that the company likely wasn't a small startup, given Gerald's indication of its financial strength.Gerald ex
"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