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
James needed plenty of rest to recuperate, so it was best to leave him alone as much as possible. In the hospital corridor, Summer saw Charlie waiting outside the room. He was tall, imposing, and impeccably dressed, and his sunglasses added to his commanding presence.When Charlie saw Summer, he greeted her respectfully, "Good afternoon, Mrs. Quigley.""Hello. You're here to protect James, right? I'll leave him in your care.""That's my duty. Please take care of yourself as well, Mrs. Quigley."Summer smiled and nodded. When she was about to leave, Charlie suddenly called out to her, "Mrs. Quigley, please wait a moment.""Is something wrong?" She turned back to see Charlie looking hesitant. Though his sunglasses hid much of his expression, she could tell he had something on his mind.Summer approached him and asked gently, "What is it?""Mrs. Quigley, Mr. Quigley doesn't talk much, but I know you were very worried last night. I was there, too, and wanted to tell you what happene
After the situation was resolved, Summer still had other matters to attend to. The issue involving Keith and Monica was escalating. Although the heir position was the Ritter family's internal matter, Summer had promised to assist Keith, and she felt compelled to follow through.After a week, James' health improved, allowing him to resume his regular work schedule. On a sunny afternoon, James arrived at Charter Corporation to pick Summer up after work.While on the road, Summer filled James in about Keith's precarious situation and her commitment to helping him secure his position as heir.Despite his efforts to stay composed, James was taken aback. "Summie, why did you agree to help with something like this?""Because I believe Keith is a good person. Moreover, he will not disrupt our relationship if I help him, and it could help me find a suitable match for my friend," Summer replied.If Summer could successfully match Keith with Kelly, it would resolve a lot of problems.James