Gianna said, "Oh, you didn't know, Summie? Did I forget to tell you? The theme for this party is the 'Lovers' Party.'""The Lovers' Party?""Yes, you'll have to bring your partner to attend this party," said Gianna before she turned around and pulled in her plus-one from afar.Handsome and mature, the man was impeccably dressed in a sharp suit with glossy combed hair. The situation suggested an intimate connection between him and Gianna."Summie, let me introduce you to my new boyfriend, Frank Walker. He's the CEO of the Walker Group," said Gianna with a proud expression on her face.Right then, Frank chimed in, "So, you're Summer. I always hear Gianna talk about you."He extended his hand, intending to shake hands with Summer. He exuded a gentlemanly demeanor, but Summer did not think he was a true gentleman. He sounded arrogant, as if he was above others.Despite this, Summer patiently shook hands with him. It was a social etiquette, and although she knew Gianna intended to em
But, of course, Gianna wouldn't admit that she had once pursued Hank. She immediately denied it, saying, "Summie, what are you talking about? Don't slander me.""Slander? Everyone knew about it. Some of our old schoolmates are here as well, right? Why don't we ask them to find out?"Back then, Gianna's pursuit of Hank had caused a sensation at their campus. It had angered her greatly when Hank ended up with Summer.Summer wasn't the only one invited to this party. Those who had attended the same university were also present, and most knew about that incident.If Summer were to have them prove that Gianna had indeed chased after Hank, Gianna wouldn't know how to explain herself.However, she wasn't so foolish to let them smear her name. After all, she had gone to great lengths to be together with Frank. She wouldn't allow gossip to spread now."Ugh, Summie, I invited you to my party out of kindness. Why are you making a scene here? Do you think I'm a pushover?" Gianna sounded furi
Besides, Summer wanted food more than dancing. Her energy was wasted on quarreling with Gianna earlier. Although she had dinner before coming to the party, she was still hungry. Thus, she picked up some pastries on the table and started eating.At the same time, Summer continued searching for a dance partner. There were numerous young men in the rotunda, most of whom were invited by the Hardy family. Some were acquainted with Gianna, while some had business relations with her family.Initially, Summer had thought she would find a suitable candidate, but her attempt was futile after nine minutes of searching back and forth.In hindsight, the lads who attended the party had come prepared. In other words, they knew the party's theme and brought their own partners. So how could any of them be alone?For a moment, Summer began to panic. What if she were to be left alone, standing at one side while the rest of the guests danced? That would be so awkward!Just then, Summer suddenly thoug
Summer tried to convince Charlie. "Don't let me embarrass myself. Many of my former acquaintances will be watching. If I don't present myself well, people will make fun of Charter Corporation.""I'm sorry," Charlie replied. His terse response indicated his firmness. Summer felt exasperated by his obstinate character. No matter how she tried to explain the situation, it wouldn't go through his head. What should she do now?The lights outside the entrance were bright, but few people were around. On the contrary, loud music played in the rotunda, making the atmosphere lively.Now that the guests were in place, they would start dancing as soon as the waltz music started.Gianna came out of the hall with a smile on her face. "Summie, what's the matter? Can't you find a dance partner? I think you might as well let me help you out. I have several waiters who are good at dancing. Let's ask them to dance with you, what do you say? At least you won't ruin your family's reputation."Gianna l
After introducing Summer, Gianna continued, "I have a request to make. Is there any guy here who can leave your partner to dance with my good friend, Summer?"Immediately, there was a stir among the crowd. Everyone started discussing and whispering in each other's ears about Summer's public search for a dance partner."Isn't that Summie? I heard that she broke up with Hank. I didn't expect her to be in such a sorry state. She doesn't even have a companion to bring to the party.""It's so pitiful that the successor of Charter Corporation has trouble with love."The guests chatted non-stop, and everyone was in a mood to watch the drama unfold. Many of the guys present wanted to volunteer because Summer was beautiful. Besides, her outfit enhanced her appearance considerably. She looked truly generous and elegant.But these men already had their own companions, so they couldn't do anything about it.At this moment, Summer was flushed red from mortification. She was at an utter loss,
It would be a lie to say that she wasn't nervous. Summer's heart was beating violently now that she was with James, especially when she was about to dance a waltz with everyone's eyes on them.Summer's dance skills were poor, and she was afraid of making mistakes. James seemed to read her thoughts and said reassuringly, "Dance however you want. Don't worry."His words were like the sun, filling her up with warmth and comfort. It was as though the wandering Summer had suddenly found a home where she could belong, like a floating dandelion returning to the soil.As the music started softly, Summer rested her head on James' shoulder. The two danced on the glazed floor tiles with light steps, holding onto each other lovingly.The air in the hall was romantic and sweet. A sense of mellowness blossomed in everyone's hearts as they watched Summer and James dance in a subtle yet captivating way. Their movements were elegant and graceful, and their fluid steps ignited emotional sparks in th
The two families were worlds apart in terms of rank. No one even thought to put them side by side for comparison.Gianna's usual proud look vanished. She lowered her head when looking at Summer despite herself. She felt deeply frustrated. Even though she was satisfied with her new boyfriend Frank, he had turned into a nobody once James entered the picture.Frank also recognized James. He took a step forward and introduced himself politely, "Isn't this Mr. Quigley? I've paid you multiple visits, but your secretary always tells me that you're busy. It's great to see you here."Quigley Group had operations in various industries in Rosseera City, and their influence was widespread. Frank had always searched for opportunities to cooperate with Quigley Group, but he hadn't been able to meet James.At that moment, Frank immediately nodded at James and shook his hand courteously. However, James ignored him and remained silent after taking his business card. He was stoic as always.Gianna'
Frank and Gianna disappeared from the hall, and all that was left was the music in the background and the chatter of the guests.Summer didn't want to stay either. She left promptly once the matter with Gianna was resolved. After getting into the car, Summer closed her eyes and fell asleep. Suddenly, the man beside her said, "Rest your head on me if you're tired."As James spoke, he moved Summer's head onto his broad and solid shoulder. Whenever she was with him, she always felt so reassured.Summer murmured, "Thank you.""For what?""For what you did for me. If it weren't for you, I might have made a fool out of myself at the party." Summer didn't expect James to appear when she needed him, just like a hero rescuing a damsel in distress. It was straight out of a fairy tale, such as the classic example where Prince Phillip saved Princess Aurora at the right time.While it felt like a dream to Summer, James simply shrugged. "I didn't do anything. And even if I did, it's my duty.
"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