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
Besides, Keith wasn't inherently a bad person. With the right guidance, he could become someone who would positively impact the world. "James, Keith is your friend. Don't you want to save him? You know his mindset is slightly warped, and if left alone, he might spiral into something terrible," Summer warned.James was aware of Keith's condition. Upon reflection, he realized he might have been a bit selfish. Keith had been a good friend in the past. Since Summer had saved him, James couldn't just abandon his friend.Still, James felt a twinge of worry. He took Summer's hand and said solemnly, "Can you promise me that you're just helping Keith and nothing else will happen?""Of course." Summer understood what James was implying—he was afraid Keith might try to win her over. However, Summer thought James was overthinking. Was he really so scared of losing her? Still, Summer found it heartening to be so valued.She gently clasped his thumb and promised, "Don't worry. I'm never le
As she ascended the steps, Summer noticed the small path laid with marble stones leading into the courtyard, where a serene and beautiful garden landscape unfolded. There was even a pond and a pavilion, indicating that the Ritter residence had been meticulously preserved."Keith, when was this family mansion of yours built? It looks incredibly old," Summer asked, intrigued. Compared to the Quigley residence, which was a flat-roofed building from an earlier era, the Ritter residence seemed even more ancient. The Ritter residence exuded an aura of antiquity, its imposing architecture conveying a sense of history and weight that was palpable as soon as she stepped inside. The atmosphere was almost overwhelming.Keith glanced at Summer with a cold expression. "This house is about four hundred years old. It was built by our ancestors a long time ago.""Four hundred years," Summer murmured, her mouth slightly agape. She hadn't expected the mansion to have such a long history. While
After ten minutes, Summer couldn't take it any longer. She stood up to stretch her legs. Just then, the old wooden door creaked open, and a lithe figure slipped in sneakily."Monica?" Summer exclaimed in alarm.Monica remained calm and greeted her with a smile. "Why are you surprised to see me? I should be the one surprised. "This is the Ritter residence, and outsiders aren't usually allowed. And here you are, the wife of a Quigley, showing up unannounced. Imagine the consequences if others were to find out."If word got out, it would stir up tensions between the Quigley and Ritter families. Though they appeared to coexist peacefully on the surface, beneath it lay fierce competition and hidden rivalries. More importantly, Summer was here to help Keith. If her presence were to be exposed, she could be thrown out immediately.Summer found Monica's unexpected arrival suspicious. However, she understood the importance of concealing her true purpose. She couldn't let Monica discover
Summer took a step forward, masking her growing anxiety with a calm demeanor. "Your father said that Keith's feelings for me are against the Ritter family's code of conduct. Given Keith's recent indiscretions toward me, he hoped I could serve as a witness and confront Keith directly."Despite Summer's serious tone, Monica remained skeptical. Though she appeared to be a sweet, innocent girl, her outward appearance belied her true nature. As a Ritter family heiress, she was anything but simple.Monica scoffed and said, "Summer, whether or not what you're saying is true, you need to leave."The family meeting was meant to judge Keith's alleged misdeeds. Even if York did invite Summer, her presence here could create complications. Monica needed concrete evidence to prove Keith's feelings for Summer. His romantic interest in a married woman would make him unfit to be the heir. It was only then that she could officially displace him."Summer, please leave. I must be honest with you;