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
"Smile?""Yeah. You look really unhappy now." Summer noticed that Keith and James were very similar in their demeanor. Neither was fond of smiling and in many ways, they mirrored each other, which explained why they were often seen as rivals.As Keith gripped the steering wheel, he said, "I'm happy now, but there's no need to show it with a smile." He paused briefly as the wind tousled his hair, and his blue eyes glinted mysteriously under the moonlight. He added, "Heirs like us aren't supposed to smile. Isn't James the same?"This reminded Summer of what James had once told her: heirs weren't allowed to smile. Being born into elite families meant being raised in a serious and solemn environment where emotions were kept at bay. Over time, this conditioning placed reason above emotion, making feelings seem like useless things discarded into the trash.James also had another explanation: smiling can betray one's true feelings. So, maintaining a blank expression was his best d
Keith's words struck a chord with Summer. Earlier that afternoon, she had seen many elders of considerable stature at the Ritter family's ancestral hall. Despite their titles, they were merely distant relatives who collectively formed the Ritter family clan. Keith was part of the core family of the Ritter clan, also known as the central branch. They held the greatest control over the family's wealth and power.The other Ritters formed the side branches; they could only share a fraction of the family's assets. Keith's desire to become the heir was driven by his determination to avoid the fate of his relatives—living at the mercy of others, surviving on scraps, and constantly having to appease those in power. If Keith couldn't be the heir, then Monica would. When she was in ultimate control of the future, she would definitely keep Keith in check."Survival of the fittest, and the victor takes all. This is how the world works," Keith remarked casually. However, Summer couldn't accep