"Stop." James retracted his arm from her grasp before swiftly turning away from her. "You'll have to excuse me. I have other matters to attend to. We can talk about other things in the future," he said coldly.Nothing could stop him from going to see Summer right now. He had never seen her so upset before—she ran off without saying a word. She was still a girl, after all. Despite being strong and resolute, she was fully capable of being jealous of him. The outside scenery flashed by the window as his car sped toward the Beaut Moon residential area. He was feeling extremely complicated.Lexi was standing at the front door when James arrived. "Hello, Mr. Quigley. Mrs. Quigley seems very upset. I think it's best if you don't provoke her any further."As Summer's personal bodyguard, Lexi was fully aware of what happened at the cinema. She followed closely behind her all the time, so she was informed of her whereabouts. In her opinion, she believed that he was at fault. He was a
Subsequently, she inhaled deeply before signaling for him to leave. "Mrs. Quigley would like to be left alone, so please head back for now, Mr. Quigley. She'll see you when she wants to see you."Lexi was just a mere bodyguard. James found it strange that she would say something like that.On the other hand, Charlie and the rest of the bodyguards were assuming that she'd gone mad. How could she disobey her employer like that? Was she looking to get fired?Charlie puffed his chest and grunted, "Step aside, Richards. If you keep going against Mr. Quigley like that, you'll end up getting fired. Did you forget that you have a family to feed?"Lexi's family was poor. She had a couple of younger siblings who depended on her for a living. James had offered her a handsome salary in return for her work as a bodyguard. If she lost this job, she'd face a huge financial problem.Despite that, she seemed like she'd made up her mind about this. She refused to give in. "I've decided to protect
Regardless of what she thought, Lexi brought Summer back into the house and instructed her to get some rest. The next morning, dawn broke, and a wonderful new day was about to begin. Yet, Summer seemed incredibly unspirited.She recalled the events from the night before. She refused to believe it was true, but she saw it with her own eyes—James was with another woman. They looked as intimate as an actual couple.Was he seeing someone else? Was he actually cheating on her? Summer started to overthink again. Her brain felt like glue. Upon further reflection, she started to wonder if it was actually a misunderstanding. She didn't even bother to hear him out.How would she know about the events that actually took place? There could've been a reason he was so intimate with her.Now that she had a good night's rest, she felt calmer than before. The more she thought about it, the less sense this incident made. They couldn't possibly just stay like this forever, so she decided to ask
Keith didn't just tell her about Suzanne's identity. He placed extra emphasis on the fact that the pair were from similar backgrounds. It wasn't hard to grasp what he was trying to imply. Summer used to think that he talked too much, but there were some things that she wasn't aware of."Why was she with James then?" She didn't remember this woman at all. She just appeared out of nowhere and was now being so intimate with James. If they knew each other before this, she would've known."The Quigleys are trying to set them up. Quite a number of their businesses were from the Camberwells. If the pair were to get together, it would greatly benefit both of their companies," He told her all that he knew.Then, he stopped before flashing her a mocking smile. "Is this what they call a marriage of convenience? That didn't sound too bad."Didn't sound too bad? Summer was fuming. Then, her heart started to ache. In the past, there were plenty of women who tried to pursue James. Since she h
Lexi regarded Summer with sympathy. "Mrs. Quigley, perhaps you should talk to Mr. Quigley. I think there might have been a misunderstanding that night."Summer stayed quiet but motioned for Lexi to leave. She craved peace and solitude above all else. She had no desire to dwell on things any further.Realizing she shouldn't disturb Summer any longer, Lexi quietly exited.Summer found herself alone in the room as the door closed behind Lexi. She wrapped her arms around her knees and curled up, appearing somewhat forlorn.Lexi stood outside the room, sighing softly. She found the situation regrettable. Knowing that James was the one who could lift Summer's spirits, Lexi resolved to get him involved to help Summer.James sat in the Quigley Group office. His brow furrowed deeply, his expression troubled and tense. Lexi approached cautiously. She had been rude to James the previous night, even going so far as to threaten to beat him if he intruded into the house. Meeting him again n
James sighed involuntarily at the sight of Summer's behavior. She used to be so different. She was known for confronting problems head-on. Yet, she preferred avoidance when it came to matters of the heart.Slowly, James approached and tried to lift the blanket covering Summer's head. However, the blanket remained firmly in her grasp, and he couldn't remove it."Summie, can you hear me out? Nothing's going on between Suzanne and me. I was just at the cinema with her for work," James explained sincerely.Summer wasn't buying it. Whose job would involve going to the movies with a stunning woman anyway? Only James could spin such a yarn."I don't want to hear your explanations. Just go," Summer said curtly.Even though she told James to leave, he wasn't about to be that easily swayed. He wouldn't just do as she say and walk away. He sat on the edge of the bed, still as a statue, explaining, "You're probably aware of the overall situation."Suzanne's parents and mine have been clo
Summer seethed with frustration when she saw the scene. "James, what's the deal? You just walk out like that?"Everything she said was purely out of anger. Did the cold-hearted blockhead James not understand a woman's feelings? She had hoped he would comfort her, but he simply walked away instead. Summer pulled the blanket aside, hugging her knees as a strong wave of unease and emptiness enveloped her once. She began to reflect inwardly. James had tried to comfort her, yet she had pushed him aside. Was she expecting too much?She shook her head and pushed the thought away. Wasn't it fair for her to want more from him? Who was at fault now? She wouldn't be so enraged if it weren't for his affair with Suzanne. She slammed the pillow onto the floor and firmly stated, "James, you jerk! I'll never forgive you. Ever!"Lexi stood just outside the door, having seen it all with a touch of resignation. She had hoped bringing James to console Summer would help, but now she wondered if it
An inviting, sweet fragrance filled every corner of the house. Decorations adorned the space, highlighted by a large, intertwined heart pattern on one of the walls. Rose petals carpeted the wooden floor, with candles flickering on both sides.It was a scene straight out of a romance novel, so perfect that one might mistake it for a proposal happening. Charlie was in the living room. When Lexi returned, he exclaimed, "What brings you here?""Charlie, shouldn't I be asking you that? What brings you here?" Lexi asked."I'm helping Mr. Quigley with setting up the venue. Weren't you aware?""Of course not," Lexi replied, her face puckered like a sour lemon. She sensed something big was happening, yet she and Summer remained clueless. "Charlie, what's going on? Is there something happening? Why is the house decorated so nicely?"Charlie didn't think it was much of a secret, but before being completely open, he warned her, "I'll tell you because we'll need your help later. Just promise
"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