But since she had already decided not to go, there was nothing she could do. She called James and explained the situation.She couldn't tell him that she had to attend classes in the Quigley residence, so she pretended like she had work to do at the company and couldn't join him for dinner.After explaining, Summer repeatedly apologized. She genuinely felt sorry toward James, who had always been accommodating her throughout their marriage.James responded in a gentle, pampering tone, "It's okay, Summie. If you have something to do, go ahead. Our date is not urgent; we can go out another time.""Okay, then… Let's each focus on our own work. Take care of yourself, and don't overwork.""Okay."After she hung up, the office became quiet once more.In the president's office of Quigley Group, James wasn't as disappointed as expected. Instead, he was smiling, seemingly filled with joy.His secretary, Xyla, wondered what he was smiling about. She asked, "Mr. Quigley, did something good
On the other end of the phone, Suzanne sounded hasty—she even sounded a bit nervous. She was a confident woman. However, she would become unusually anxious when speaking to James. She sat on her sofa at home and waited for his reply. James was hesitating as well. Since this was not a small project, he couldn't believe that David Camberwell handed it over to his daughter. The Xomus Business and Trade Tower was the biggest joint venture between Quigley Group and Camberwell Group. Their goal was to build the first-ever entertainment and cultural center in the country. The building was 150 levels high. It was easily one of the tallest buildings in Rosseera City.Even for the Quigley Group, the Xomus Tower project was extremely significant. How could the Camberwell Group put Suzanne in charge of such an important contract?If that was the case, he couldn't possibly reject her now. He had to separate professional matters from his private life."Oceanview Restaurant, Ms. Camberwell.
James preferred quieter settings. Especially since they were here to discuss the contract, he would rather just book out the entire place. Additionally, he had security guards stationed outside the building, too. He didn't cause such a commotion because he thought highly of Suzanne. Instead, he chose to do so because he valued the contract greatly. The project was worth hundreds of billions of dollars and was one of Quigley Group's most important ones.He was seated as he waited for her arrival. Suzanne was punctual as well. She was wearing a white mini-dress that showed off her legs. Her slender figure and silky hair made her look elegant and refined, reflecting the poise of an upper-class woman.She approached James. "Hello, Mr. Quigley. I hope I'm not late.""Not at all," he responded as he pulled out the chair for her. As a gentleman, he would've done so regardless of who was on the receiving end. After they were both seated, he delved straight into the business. "The total
"The Camberwells are indeed benefiting from Quigley Group's status, Mr. Quigley. However, since we're partners, shouldn't we aim to have a mutually beneficial relationship? In regards to that, I feel like dividing the profits into equal shares would be the best way to go about this."Suzanne spoke in a soft and gentle tone. She was hoping that James would give in out of consideration for the two families' long-standing friendship and cooperation. To her dismay, he scoffed in response. "Have you ever heard of the saying, 'there are no family ties in war,' Ms. Camberwell? This is especially true in the business world. Do you think I would do you this favor?" Since they were discussing partnership plans, James wasn't planning to go easy on her. The business industry was ruthless and cutthroat—no one was willing to offer handouts of any kind. When it came to business dealings, he was extremely resolute and relentless. The Xomus Tower was a huge project. Losing out on even a small pe
It was just as she explained—if she didn't choose to comply, James wouldn't have gone through with the partnership. If someone had to give in, Suzanne chose to do so voluntarily. It was the only way they could both benefit from the situation. Subsequently, she added, "You've been in talks with my father about profit shares for a month now. On typical occasions, something like this would've been settled within three days. "The both of you were taking too long, and the market is extremely unpredictable. If you hadn't come to a consensus soon, something could've happened and impacted both sides negatively. Do you think I'm right, Mr. Quigley?""You are." James didn't deny it. Her analysis was incredibly spot-on. This surprised him. He was under the assumption that Suzanne Camberwell was the sheltered daughter of a rich family. Upon returning from overseas, she should be living a pampered lifestyle. He had underestimated her—he didn't expect her to be so knowledgeable.His impres
After a moment, David asked in a serious manner, "How are things going with James, Suzanne? I heard about it from your mother—do you really think you could get him to like you?"He was concerned about this. He only gave her such a huge project because Layla told him about the situation.At the current moment, the Quigleys and the Camberwells were close partners. However, that was still a professional relationship. If James and Suzanne could get into a marriage of convenience, it would greatly benefit both of their families.The Quigleys were one of the four most prestigious families in the country—there were plenty of people who wanted to be associated with them. Suzanne, on the other hand, seemed extremely confident. "I should be able to make him like me. At the very least, I think I'm a much better catch than his wife is.""That's great. You should try your best to make our family proud.""Of course, Dad." She smiled softly. Suzanne looked overjoyed, but her expression was lac
Since Suzanne brought up Norman, James felt like he shouldn't be too adamant about rejecting her. He shouldn't keep all his relationships purely professional. It would have seemed better if he had been more than just a business partner with the Camberwells. Besides, in his opinion, Suzanne was quite a respectable woman. She was independent and capable. Aside from being slightly immature and constantly clinging to him, she wasn't that bad of a person. Thus, he agreed. "Let's go watch a movie then.""That's great!" Upon his agreement, she reached for his hand and sprinted toward the cinema.The cinema was extremely crowded and bustling with activity. Young couples were all over the place. Posters of celebrities were plastered across the walls, and music was playing from the speakers—everything was wonderful.James sat on the sofa of the waiting room while his bodyguard got him a movie ticket. His expression was in stark contrast with the cheery environment he was currently in. He
"What are you doing, James? You drove Summer away!" Kelly yelled angrily. "Go after her!"James wanted to do that, too, but Suzanne was holding onto him extremely tightly. He couldn't possibly go after Summer."Let go, Suzanne!" he barked."What's wrong, James? Why are you so worked up? Was that woman your wife?" The latter asked in feigned ignorance. She was fully aware that it was his wife, but she still asked anyway. She just wanted to stall time and stop him from going after her.He didn't waste any more time. He broke free from her grip and took off without so much as a backward glance. The cinema was filled with people. It was not easy to squeeze through the crowd while looking for someone. He couldn't afford to waste any more time, so he began yelling in the public space. "Summie! Where are you? Let me explain…" Everyone in the lobby looked toward him at the sound of his voice. In a split moment, the crowd seemed to have stilled. Everyone stared at him with curious e
"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