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.
It turned out that Summer had misunderstood his intentions. James wanted to explain himself, but she didn't give him a chance.Taking the lead, Summer continued, "Don't lie to me! Tell me why you asked to marry me the first time we met. Don't give me ridiculous excuses like it was love at first sight, and don't say it was because you find me good-looking. Tell me the truth, or else I can't take your feelings for me seriously."James was helpless. He would have told her the truth long ago if he could. But it wasn't the right time to tell her, and he didn't want to do it now either.In the end, he looked away and chose to remain silent. Unbeknownst to him, Summer hated this kind of response the most. She disliked that James was always so quiet. If they were a real couple, why couldn't they communicate well?"Speak, James. What do you want from me? Aren't you going to admit it? Your so-called feelings for me were just an excuse, aren't they?"James remained quiet, his expression impa
After pondering for a while, Summer threw herself on the bed and pulled the quilt over her body."Don't overthink it, and go to sleep. You have things to do tomorrow!" she told herself.Meanwhile, in the study downstairs, a figure loomed under the dim lights. James was still working at the late hour, diligently writing on documents.With a slight furrow of his brow, he suddenly put down the pen and heaved out a sigh. For some reason, something bothered him, and he couldn't shake it off.This was abnormal. Usually, James was devoted to his work without a care in the world. However, he couldn't concentrate tonight.The conversation with Summer in the car popped into his mind. She had said that there was nothing between them other than the deal they had made. Strangely enough, a sense of forlorn tugged at him incessantly."A deal … How ruthless." A dejected look crossed his face. He only acted so cowardly when it came to Summer."If everything was just a deal, why would I care so m
At first, Summer thought that James was simply smarter, more handsome, and had a better family background than the average man. But now, it seemed that was not the case.Although Summer had never tasted James' cooking, the fact that he could make such a delicious breakfast proved that he possessed great cooking skills as well.After Summer finished her breakfast, a hint of guilt surged in her heart. As a trophy wife, she seemed rather incompetent. Logically speaking, she should have gotten up early in the morning and made breakfast. But her husband had done her job instead.However, Summer quickly dismissed the guilt and shifted the blame onto James. She never forced him to get up so early and make breakfast, after all.Then again, from an etiquette point of view, married couples should treat each other with respect. Since James had made breakfast for her, Summer wondered whether she should also make something appetizing for lunch."I must do my best!" Summer pumped her fist in th
"You haven't eaten, right? Let's eat together.""Thank you, madam."Charlie was starving. He had to get up at 5:00 am to carry out his duties. He patrolled the apartment without eating breakfast. After all, only he and Connor were in charge of protecting Summer's safety. It was not an easy task for them both.At the dining table, he ate happily and gave Summer a thumbs-up. "It tastes great. Madam, you're not only beautiful but also a good cook."Summer felt happy to be complimented. Amelia was the one who taught her to cook, even though she didn't seem like a "good mother" with how delighted she had been upon hearing that Summer was to marry James. It felt like she wished Summer would never return home after getting married.But in general, Amelia performed her duties as a mother well. Summer had learned a lot from her in terms of cooking.When they finished the meal, Summer cleared away the dishes and was ready to deliver the lunchbox to James. However, she noticed Charlie stand
Summer had no choice but to seek help from Charlie. "Then, what do you think I should do?" "Madam, why not try learning?""Where can I possibly learn? Besides, James is so difficult to please. I'm afraid no one can satisfy his appetite.""Don't worry, madam. I was prepared for this," Charlie responded. He then turned around to make a call. In a commanding tone, he gave instructions to the person on the other end of the line. Five minutes later, a group of people stormed into the apartment. Among the nine people, six of them were black-clad bodyguards, and three others were middle-aged men in chef's attire. They respectfully greeted Summer, "Hello, Mrs. Quigley."The scene was quite overwhelming, leaving Summer bewildered. She could only nod in a daze.After that, Charlie ordered, "Madam needs to pick up some cooking skills. Please teach her to make Mr. Quigley's favorite dishes.""Understood," the three chefs responded in unison. Their formation was spectacular."Madam, p
However, it was clear that Summer favored Liam slightly due to his expertise in handling lower-grade ingredients. The term was used in the culinary industry for more affordable food items. In Summer's opinion, all ingredients were equal and shouldn't be categorized as high or low grade.Not wanting Finn and Liam to argue further, Summer stepped in and persuaded them with a diplomatic tone, "Please stop fighting, you two. Each of you has your own strengths. There's nothing to argue about.""Madam, you're cooking for Mr. Quigley. Please consider his well-being. He deserves the best ingredients for his health," Finn stated firmly.Liam rebuked, "What nonsense are you talking about? Ordinary ingredients can be nutritious too. I can take care of Mr. Quigley's health just fine.""Even if you can meet Mr. Quigley's nutritional needs, he cannot have what ordinary people eat. It's beneath his status."Summer disagreed with Finn when he countered with this point. Everyone's status was equal
"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