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
Summer's plan was to prove that Keith's affection for her was nothing more than a ruse. Upon hearing her presentation, the crowd seemed to accept her explanation. However, not everyone was convinced. A middle-aged man in a suit with stubble voiced his skepticism. "Are a few text messages really enough to prove this? Ms. Charter, are you fooling us?""I assure you I'm not trying to deceive anyone. I simply don’t want anyone to be wrongly accused," Summer replied calmly. Though she had been nervous at first, Summer now spoke with growing confidence. Her experience as a university host had taught her how to manage her emotions and adapt to any environment. Having shown preliminary evidence, Summer proceeded with her second round of proof. She knew that text messages alone might not be convincing enough."If you're still doubtful, perhaps these photos will help." Summer pulled out a stack of photos from her handbag, neatly wrapped in white plastic and handed them to the elders.
On the other hand, the middle-aged generation, like Thomas, supported Monica because they thought it was easier to manipulate her. More importantly, she had promised them various perks. In essence, Thomas preferred Monica to become the heir instead of Keith, as the latter's rise to power wouldn't benefit them at all. Unfortunately for them, Keith quickly saw through their shallow plans. "Nonsense! My opposition to you becoming the Ritter family isn't for personal gain. Keith, you should watch your words," Thomas warned, though his anxious expression and the sweat on his brow betrayed his true feelings.Just then, a middle-aged man seated in the right-side chair stood up. He was Paul Ritter, a cousin of York, and held a respectable position within the family."Keith, it's inappropriate to speak to Thomas this way. Since you know this meeting concerns the selection of the heir, you should let the elders handle the matter. Bringing outsiders like the Quigleys into this is detrimenta
Just moments ago, all the criticism had been directed at Keith. He managed to shift the attention to others through his own efforts. Just then, emotions that had been simmering inside Keith began to surface. If he was going to speak, he decided he would lay everything bare—about fairness and injustice and his experiences living with the Ritter family.Keith said calmly, "Elders, it's pointless to keep certain matters hidden. Although no one says it outright, it's clear that the heir position affects many people's interests. I understand that none of you want me to be the heir."Keith spoke with unflinching honesty, showing no hesitation. Even York, who had originally intended to stop him, chose to listen quietly to what his child had to say. Keith's words were genuine. The family meeting was mired in conflicting interests. Known for his aloof and detached demeanor, Keith struggled with maintaining good relationships with the Ritters. Unlike the charming and savvy Monica, he had l