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;
Despite her reluctance, Monica had to greet her brother. "Hello, Keith.""What's going on here?" Keith asked flatly."Oh, nothing. I just happened to find Summer, the Quigley family's daughter-in-law, here at our house," Monica replied, pausing briefly before adding, "Do you know why Summer is here? I remember that outsiders aren't usually allowed in the Ritter residence."Monica's question was rhetorical. She didn't reveal who had invited Summer to see how Keith would respond. Keith gave a straightforward response. He stepped forward and pulled Summer behind him."What are you doing?" Monica asked, surprised by his actions."Summer is here because I invited her. You know very well why," Keith replied coldly. As they faced off, the tension between them was palpable, like a silent battle.Now that everything was out in the open, both Keith and Monica knew what was at stake. Upon seeing Keith's impatience, Monica decided to make her intentions clear."You think bringing Summer t
The main hall buzzed with people, most of them well into their fifties. The sixteen people were engaged in a serious discussion.Keith pulled Summer close behind him, causing every eye to turn their way. While everyone recognized Keith, they were puzzled by the unfamiliar woman accompanying him.Although Summer belonged to the Quigley family, she was rarely seen in public gatherings of the elite, so few knew her. Recognizing Summer, York looked startled at first, then furious. "Keith, what is the meaning of this?" "I need to talk to you about something important." "Talk? Whatever it is, this isn't the right moment. Do you understand where you are?" They were standing in the Ritter family's ancestral hall, a place steeped in tradition and reverence, typically reserved for formal family meetings. Keith's abrupt entrance with Summer was a breach of decorum, especially with so many elders in attendance.With a commanding wave of his hand, York ordered, "Everyone, leave us."Unf
Seeing the tension in the room, York tried to diffuse it, saying, "Keith, please leave. This isn't the place for such behavior."His voice softened, and he didn't call Keith by his full name, indicating his concern. The room was filled with elders who were key figures in the Ritter family. Upsetting them could have serious consequences, even for York as the family head.York knew Keith was stubborn and that forceful methods wouldn't work. He hoped a gentler approach might persuade him. However, he didn't know Keith well. Once Keith had decided on something, he wouldn't be swayed easily. "Dad, I'm sorry. I need to address everyone here. Please don’t stop me," Keith insisted."What's so urgent that it can't wait?" York asked."Once I've said my piece, you'll understand," Keith said. He then stepped forward beneath the imposing elderly portrait that hung in the hall. Keith's presence was commanding, and the room seemed to grow more solemn."Everyone, I brought Summer from the
Summer's heart raced with anxiety. With all the elders watching her, the pressure was overwhelming. She knew that despite her preparation, any mistake now could cost Keith his position as heir, and she would bear the blame.Taking a deep breath, Summer silently encouraged herself. 'Stay calm. You've got this. Just stick to the plan.'With renewed focus, Summer started, "Hello, everyone. I'm Summer. I'm here to clear up the misunderstanding that Keith has any romantic interest in me."She had expected immediate skepticism or questions, but the room was eerily silent. Their unexpected calm threw her off slightly, as she had planned to counter objections with evidence. The silence was unsettling. Hence, Summer decided to skip the questioning segment and explained, "I have proof of text messages between Keith and me. They demonstrate that any rumors of interest are simply not true."She held up her phone and placed it in a small black box. The screen was projected onto the gray walls