"All right. How did you feel just now? What did you feel when you touched me?"Keith's sudden and suggestive remark caught Summer off guard. Anyone who overheard their conversation might assume something romantic between them. However, Summer remained silent, unwilling to engage in such an inappropriate conversation.Seeing Summer's lack of response, Keith pressed on. "Why aren't you saying anything? Didn't you ask for proof? "Well, here's your proof. Feel my heartbeat. It's racing, isn't it? That's evidence."Keith was right. Summer recalled the moment when she touched his chest, feeling his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. It was so strong and rapid.There were only a few reasons why someone's heart would beat so fast: either they had a heart condition or they were experiencing strong emotions. One of the most common causes was nervousness or excitement when being around someone they loved. Since Keith used his racing heart as evidence, Summer had no choice but to ret
"Who revealed your supposed affection for me?" Summer asked."My younger sister, Monica," Keith replied.Summer was familiar with the lovely, petite girl who harbored a deep affection for James. She had been constantly attempting to sabotage Summer and James' relationship."Just because she claims you like me, that doesn't mean it's true. Why don't you deny it?"Only those directly involved could truly know whether or not someone liked them. If Keith adamantly denied his feelings for Summer, no one could do anything about it.In truth, Keith had tried this approach before. However, Monica was determined to dethrone him from his position as heir. So, she had meticulously prepared for this moment."Monica had gathered enough evidence, including my diary, photos from my room, and records of the fake accounts I created for the company. Without all that, the elders would never have believed her." Keith's voice trailed off, but it was clear how dejected he felt. He had been outsmarte
With a playful grin, Summer continued, "Helping you would benefit me in two ways. Firstly, it would prevent Monica from becoming the Ritter family heir, and secondly, you would owe me a significant favor."Summer's motive for obstructing Monica's ascension to the heir position was rooted in her affection for James. Should Monica become the heir, she might wield her power to pursue James relentlessly.Summer already had a rival in Suzanne; adding Monica to the mix would only lead to a headache. Furthermore, Summer sought to extract a favor from Keith."What do you think, Keith? Allow me to assist you. I'm confident in securing your position as heir, but in return, you'll owe me a favor." Keith's eyes flickered as if he was interested in Summer's suggestion. He asked, "First, tell me what your plan is. Second, what do you need me to do to repay your favor?""It's easy. Monica mentioned you like me, right? Well, I've got a way to prove you don't. Isn't that helpful? As for the favor
Keith understood Summer's intentions. She was trying to provoke him so that he would agree to her terms."You're so naive. Did you really think you could provoke me so easily?" he sneered."I'm not provoking you. I'm just stating the obvious. You're more ambitious and competitive than James," Summer said, hitting the nail on the head.Why did Keith always view James as his competitor? That was because they were so similar—both in personality and family background. Moreover, both men were incredibly talented.The difference was that James had risen from darkness to light while Keith had sunk deeper into the shadows. Furthermore, James could set aside his career for love; Keith would sacrifice everything for his ambitions.Summer turned to face Keith, and their gazes met. After a moment, he smiled."You really are something else." Next, Keith held Summer's hand and continued, "All right. You've got a deal. Let's make this work."Summer was surprised by Keith's agreement. She had e
Summer apologized to Lexi. But unexpectedly, Lexi apologized to Summer, too. This left Summer feeling embarrassed. Over the years, they had grown as close as sisters; their bond didn't require such formality.Summer put her arm around Lexi and smiled. "It's okay. Let's not dwell on this. We'll both be more careful from now on.""Yeah. Let's both be more mindful."With that, Summer and Lexi laughed and quickly resumed their usual cheerful demeanor. Upon entering the house, Summer noticed James' absence and asked Lexi about his whereabouts. "Mr. Quigley was unreachable, too. I heard he's busy with something."Summer had spoken with James that afternoon when he mentioned a business meeting that caused him to cancel their lunch plans. Seeing as he hadn't returned yet, it was evident his work was important. "Since he isn't back, it's never mind. Lexi, you should head home now. You've had a long day running around, and you must be tired. I'll take care of myself from here."Worrie
Unable to bear it any longer, Summer slapped her forehead and berated herself for her stupidity. If James hadn't called her, she could have called him.She grabbed her phone and quickly dialed his number. Luckily, it connected."James? Where are you? Why haven't you come home? I've been so worried," Summer asked urgently, firing off questions in rapid succession.However, there was no response. The silence was unsettling, making Summer feel fearful and worried."Are you okay, James? Why aren't you speaking?" Summer asked.Still, no response came from the other end, as if no one was there at all."Please don't scare me, James. Can you say something? What happened?" Summer continued, her anxiety mounting with each passing second.She was genuinely scared as this had never happened before. James answered her call but said nothing, leaving her feeling like she was talking to a ghost. However, the glowing screen confirmed Summer was connected to James.After a long while, the call e
When James opened his eyes, he saw Summer resting beside his bed. The sunlight gently highlighted her hair and serene features. Everything about the moment felt perfect.James watched her sleep, not wanting to disturb her. Even though his head hurt, he recalled the previous day's events.James had fallen ill, but he dragged himself back home because he was determined to see Summer. Unfortunately, he collapsed and fainted before making it inside. It was clear she had brought him to the hospital.James softly brushed a hand through her hair, his usual stern expression softened by a tender smile as his eyes were filled with love. His gaze never left Summer.Just then, Summer stirred awake, the bright sunlight causing her to squint. As she raised her head, their eyes met."James, you're awake. Are you all right?" Summer asked."I'm fine now. You brought me to the hospital, didn't you? Thank you.""Don't mention it. I'm just glad you're okay."Summer sighed with relief. The worry th
Instead of confronting James about meeting Suzanne, Summer said, "What did you lie about? Tell me.""Yesterday, I canceled our plans because my mother wanted me to return to the Quigley residence to discuss a business deal. The person I met was Suzanne."Summer felt a chill in her heart; Keith was right—James had met with Suzanne.However, Summer didn't get angry as James was honest with her and didn’t hide anything. She trusted that he would never betray her.Even though he met with Suzanne, it was for business or perhaps because of Caroline's pressure.Summer wasn't oblivious. She had heard rumors that Caroline was very fond of Suzanne; she was trying to match her with James. It was likely Caroline's idea for James to cancel their date and meet with Suzanne instead."I understand, James. I trust you," Summer said gently, moving closer and resting her head on his shoulder. "I trust you. You're my husband, and I believe everything you say." Love was built on trust. Even without