Apart from their wealth, the Quigleys looked the same as the average person. Though that was what Summer thought, she didn't dare to retort. As such, she could only lower her head timidly. "Mom, you're right… I shouldn't have done that."Summer actually wasn't a pushover and was very headstrong. If she fought with Caroline, the consequences would be severe. She had a happier life with James after undergoing much difficulty. To continue living happily with her husband, Summer wanted to avoid conflict with Caroline. After scolding Summer, Caroline felt less angry. Then, she stood up coldly and said, "Summer, I wasn't scolding you intentionally, but you're James' wife. You'll have to uphold certain rules.""Yes, Mom…""Do you know what you did wrong now?"Summer wondered what mistake she had made. The greatest mistake in her life was not knowing how cruel Caroline was before she married into the Quigley family. If she'd known better, she wouldn't have married James.However, sh
As expected, once Caroline heard that James had requested that himself, she became less angry. She said slowly, "Since that's what James wanted, I believe he hopes you'll deepen your knowledge to improve your capabilities and be a better wife. However, you're a woman, so you can't be too ambitious."Caroline changed the topic. It seemed like she wasn't causing trouble for Summer anymore. Summer immediately said, "Don't worry, Mom. I'm not very ambitious. I just returned to the company to reduce my father's workload and to improve myself."Then, Caroline nodded and prepared to leave. However, she suddenly noticed a stack of documents on the table. She curiously picked up the documents and looked at them. "What is this?" Summer realized that the documents were for investment projects with property companies that Charter Corporation was involved in. "These are our business reports. We've received two important projects recently," she explained. "Is that so? You're pretty cap
"Are you still trying to give me excuses?" Caroline sneered. She continued, "I looked at one of the two projects, and it can't be given away that easily. I know that James will help you because he feels bad for you, but are you dumb? If you didn't want to steal the Quigleys' assets, would you have taken over the two projects from him?"Her eyes narrowed viciously, and she looked like an evil witch from a fairytale. Meanwhile, Summer felt deeply upset. No matter what she said, Caroline would still scold her. Her mother-in-law believed that she wanted to embezzle the Quigleys' assets. "Mom, this is the truth. I can't change your mind if you're certain I want to steal the Quigley's properties," Summer replied. "Okay, I'll take this as a confession." Caroline threw the stack of documents on the table loudly. A few sheets of paper from other documents floated from the impact. The tension in the room was palpable. After seeing how angry Caroline looked, Summer didn't dare to mak
"Where are you going, Mr. Quigley? Do you have an important event later on?" Xyla asked. Xyla was James' personal secretary, so she knew his work schedule. She thought he had a work schedule as he looked like he was in a rush. James told her that he had something planned and wanted to return home early. Women were usually sensitive and empathetic. Xyla was no exception. Although James's expression remained aloof, she felt he looked different that day. His footsteps seemed lighter, and he looked happier. Since she knew what happened between James and Summer, she teased, "Mr. Quigley, you're going to look for Mrs. Quigley, right?"After being exposed by Xyla, James' expression turned a little odd. However, he didn't respond and just walked faster. Xyla couldn't help but laugh at the sight. She stared at James' retreating figure and muttered, "Mr. Quigley is really funny. If he's returning home to meet Mrs. Quigley, he should just admit it. What's there to be embarrassed about?
Summer felt a little guilty. She didn't want to tell James what Caroline did. Otherwise, he would definitely confront his mother again.His conflict with her had already intensified. Caroline was outraged that James had moved out of the Quigley residence. If Summer told him about the incident, their relationship would worsen terribly. As such, Summer said, "Nothing happened. If there were, I'd certainly tell you about it."Meanwhile, James knew that his wife was forcing herself to look happy. She was a naive woman who didn't know how to lie or pretend. So, he saw through her terrible acting. "Summie, can you tell me the truth? I'm really worried about you. I told you that I wouldn't let anything bad happen to you. I also told you that since we have become a real married couple, we should share all our secrets without hiding anything."James held Summer's hand tightly. His palms were warm, which brought her comfort. Summer almost gave in to James' request. She really wanted to
They stared at each other. Both felt an intense connection with one another. After their conversation earlier, they seemed to share a similar feeling. It was as if they were telepathic and could see each other's emotions clearly. "I got it…" Finally, Summer decided to tell James what had happened. She knew the truth couldn't be hidden because her husband knew how sad she was. As such, he would also be affected by her emotions. Instead of being upset together, Summer should just tell him the problem. What was the true meaning of a married couple? It meant that no matter what happened, they would overcome all difficulties together. She then told James everything that had happened between Simone, Caroline, and her. Frustration was evident on James' face after she finished. He knew Caroline was vicious and manipulative, but he didn't expect her to do that. He didn't expect Caroline would suspect Summer of embezzling Quigley Group's assets. After being with his wife for a l
James stood below the staircase and looked as if he was going to greet Caroline. However, his demeanor was very aloof, and he showed no sign of respect toward his mother at all. Caroline realized something had happened, but she didn't let worry show on her face. She sat on the couch with Luca's help and asked kindly, "James, were you looking for me? What happened?""Did you look for Summie today? You said some nasty things to her, right?"Once James mentioned Summer, Caroline's expression darkened. She wanted to chat with her son because they finally met after a long while, and to grow closer to him again. However, James mentioned Summer again. She felt very upset at the mention of that name. "James, it's rare for you to come home. Don't talk about her anymore, alright? You know that I don't like her.""Mom, I told you a long time ago that I was the one who chose my wife. I don't want anyone else apart from Summer! It doesn't matter whether you like her or not. She's my wife." J
Yet, Caroline couldn't let him be too obsessed with another woman. After all, many men had been ruined by women since time immemorial. She hoped that James wouldn't ruin Quigley Group just because of Summer. "James, you have to be very clear about one thing. No matter how you feel about Summer, she isn't suited to be a member of the Quigleys," Caroline said strictly. She continued, "Even if what you said was true, and that Summer was a virtuous woman who didn't keep in contact with her ex, she has influenced your behavior. Haven't you realized that you've changed?""How have I changed?""You only care about Summer now. What do you mean that you haven't changed? Have you forgotten about Uncle Homer? He ruined his life because of a woman."Uncle Homer was Homer Yancey. Homer was the third child of the Yancey family and was the most capable person there. He was going to be the heir of the family 30 years ago. The Yanceys had a tradition of finding an heir based on their age.
"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