Kelly was just like the other women. They all approached him with ulterior motives. If they weren't after his money, they would be after the status he could offer."Forget it, Ms. Williams. As adults, love is nothing but a joke. I'm more interested in what you can offer me instead." He smiled lightly. His blue eyes were piercing. It felt as though he could see directly into her mind.Kelly didn't avert her gaze. "I know you're looking for happiness, Mr. Ritter. If you date me, I'm certain that I can make you happy."Keith was stunned. Her words drowned out all his negative emotions in an instant. At a loss for words, he remained still for an extended period of time before finally coming back to his senses.He shook his head lightly and said, "Your acting skills are superb. I couldn't even tell if you were joking. You're a much better actress than the rest of the women I've met."She said that she'd make him happy, and he felt like she meant what she said. However, upon further c
Kelly started panicking at the sight of this. She reached for his arm to stop him from leaving. However, she lost her footing when she got up and fell over. In the process, her arm knocked over the cup of coffee on the table. The drink splashed onto her white dress and left a brown stain.At the sound of the commotion, Keith turned around and found that she had fallen onto the ground. Instead of going over to help her up, he spat emotionlessly, "You're doing an awful lot of work just to stop me from leaving. It's really foolish."She probably tripped herself in an attempt to make him stay. Many women had done the same thing at the parties he attended. Still, she looked like she was in a tremendous amount of pain. Her face was contorted, and she was gripping her ankle. Her shoe heel had broken off, too. If this was all an act, she would be a brilliant actress. He didn't think she would break her ankle just to stop him from leaving. So, he chose to believe that she'd actually
Kelly had only sprained her right ankle. According to the doctor, she'll make a full recovery after a week of rest.Taking a seat beside her, Summer asked, "What happened? Weren't you on a date with Keith? How did you end up injuring yourself?""It's my own fault." Kelly laughed. "Keith wanted to leave, so I tried to stop him. One thing led to another, and this happened."Summer looked grim. How could Kelly be so clumsy? She then noticed the pair of 5-inch heels next to the bed. With a shoe like that, it was no wonder that the latter ended up with a sprained ankle. Besides, Kelly rarely wore high heels. If she were heading out, she'd usually be in a pair of sneakers.Even the shoes she wore to work were flats. Hence, if she made such an effort to dress up, this date must be important to her."You still haven't told me how the date went. Did everything go okay?" Summer asked."Not really." Kelly pouted. She seemed unhappy. Then, she told Summer everything that had happened wit
Summer started making wild guesses. These events could take place in tv shows as well as in real life. For all she knew, that could have been what happened between Kelly and Keith, too.Kelly denied it. "How is that possible? That's not what happened.""What happened then?""Do you remember what my university major was? I majored in finance. During my internship in my final year, I conducted an interview at a finance company. That was the first time I met him—Keith was the person I interviewed."All of a sudden, Kelly started recalling events from the past. All those memories gradually began coming back to her.Everything changed with time. As the days slipped by, seeds sprouted, and trees grew taller. As Kelly took a trip down memory lane, she found herself back in the younger days of her final year in university. During her internship period, in order to complete the assignment given by her university, Kelly headed to a finance corporation. As an editorial assistant for a fi
Kelly started to ask him questions. She'd practiced this line countless times before the interview. So, the words naturally slipped out of her mouth right as she saw Keith. However, she didn't get to finish before two men appeared behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. She turned around and came face to face with two incredibly muscular security guards. They were menacing and looked as if they were about to throw her out. She refused to comply. She put a lot of effort into meeting Keith Ritter, and if she couldn't go through with this interview, it would've all been for nothing. Moreover, if she had interviewed him, her chief editor would have given her a hefty commission fee. He would also leave an outstanding review on her internship report—Kelly's grades were on the line.She broke free from their grip with all her might before approaching Keith once again. Drenched in sweat, she lifted her microphone and asked, "I believe Ritter Corporation must've announced some hu
That seemed to have caught Keith's attention. He turned around, narrowed his eyes, and walked toward Kelly instead."I know you're trying to provoke me, but I find you relatively interesting. You're willing to go to such lengths for your job?""Of course—it's my job after all. Are you willing to do an interview with me now, Mr. Ritter?""Sure, I'll do it."That was how the pair met for the first time. She sat on the hospital bed, Kelly's hands clasped together, and she had a blissful look on her face. She seemed to be happily reminiscing about the past memory."My heart felt like it was about to leap out of my chest, Summie. It felt like Cupid shot my heart with one of his arrows," she remarked in a starstruck manner. This was not the first time she was infatuated with someone. However, she seemed particularly obsessed this time around. Her heart was about to leap out of her chest? Surely that must be exaggerated.Summer gently patted Kelly's head. "Get a grip, Kelly. This
She had described the ideal type of a young girl. Now that Kelly had matured into an adult, Summer didn't expect her taste in men to stay the same. "Alright, alright—you win." Summer raised her hands in defeat. Love varied from individual to individual, after all. If Kelly truly liked Keith, there was nothing she could do about it.But now, she had another question. "Does Keith still remember you, Kelly? From what you told me earlier, I feel like he doesn't quite remember who you are.""I don't think he does…" Kelly seemed a bit nervous as well. She twirled her hair around her fingers in an anxious manner. It was only natural that she felt that way. Being forgotten by someone you liked was a devastating feeling.When they were younger, James remembered that he once donated blood to Summer, while the latter had no recollection. After asking him about it later on, Summer found out that he'd been upset over it for a very long time as well. Hence, she could only imagine how bad Ke
"You won't even let me make comments about him anymore?" Summer was flabbergasted. "You're not even dating yet! How are you already on his side?"If the pair did end up together, she had a feeling that her best friend of ten years would abandon her and run off with him.She gently swatted her injured ankle and scoffed. "How ungrateful. You can go pursue him on your own then.""That won't do," Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, Kelly said in an obsequious tone. "What would I ever do without you?" Every time she had a favor to ask from Summer, she'd start acting affectionately toward her. This had been the norm since they were younger. Despite that, Summer had always agreed to help her when she asked.Summer nodded and said, "Okay. I'll think about what to do. It's getting late, so I'm going to take my leave now."She rushed here immediately after she got off work. She had only wanted to drop by for a quick visit, but she ended up spending four hours at the hospital. The sky w
"Of course. I'm the chairman of Charter Corporation, after all. Why can't I continue working? I took care of Charter Corporation back when you got married, didn't I?" Fred patted his chest firmly, looking quite confident.Summer also believed that her father would be able to manage the company well if she left it in his care.Fred was the founder of Charter Corporation, after all. He had worked on it for decades, and he was the person who knew it the best. If he was the one taking over, Summer definitely had no reason to worry.However, Fred had already retired, so he should be relaxing at home at his age. Summer felt a little bad if he was suddenly asked to manage the company again.James comforted Summer, saying, "Summie, why don't you let him help you? Of all the people in Charter Corporation, he must be the person who's the most invested in the company other than you.""That's right." Fred smiled confidently. "How can I not care about my own company? Don't worry, Summer. Just
They were having a meal right now, so where was Fred going? Summer asked in confusion, "Dad, where are you going?"When Summer asked the question, Fred had already left the living room. He seemed to be on his way back to his room.Amelia explained, "He's preparing a gift for you.""Preparing a gift? What gift?"Soon, the gift Amelia mentioned was brought over to them.Fred was carrying a large cardboard box, which he processed to place on the table. He retrieved children's toys, baby clothes, and a jigsaw puzzle from the box.Summer was speechless when she saw that. So this was the sort of gift Amelia was talking about. But why would Fred give her these things out of the blue?Holding the clothes, Fred explained gleefully, "Several months ago, Amelia and I were shopping when we came across some baby products. We were wondering when you'd have children, and we feared that you wouldn't be able to buy all the baby products you would need, so we bought some ahead of time."Summer s
Nearby, James faked a cough as if there was another matter at hand. Noticing something off with his expression, Summer thought that he choked on something, so she asked, "Would you like some water?""No, thanks… Summie, did you forget why we came here in the first place?"Thanks to James' reminder, Summer finally remembered that she wasn't here for a simple visit. She had to tell her parents the good news of her pregnancy.At that moment, Amelia and Fred were leisurely enjoying the food. Summer knew that if they heard the news, they might get overwhelmed with emotion, so she decided to give them a heads-up. "Dad, Mom, we actually came here to tell you an important piece of news. Maybe you can stop eating for now.""What's the matter?" Fred asked curiously."Well… This is a very serious matter. Before I break the news, I'd like you to be as calm as possible. Please don't get too worked up."When Amelia and Fred heard that, they exchanged glances. They had no idea what exactly Summ
For example, Summer and James were taking a walk in the park. They might look like they were alone, but in reality, more than a dozen bodyguards were hiding in bushes and various corners of the park. To protect the child, the Quigleys pulled out all the stops to ensure Summer's safety."Alright, I get it." Summer chose to compromise. She was living a wonderful life at the Quigley residence, after all, so she felt like she shouldn't ask for too much.Also, as Caroline had said, Summer would regain freedom once she gave birth to the child. Summer would be able to live her happy life with James then, and Caroline wouldn't be around to nag her about the child.The next morning, the Quigleys arranged for a luxurious limousine to send Summer and James to the Charter Estate. Amelia and Fred already knew that their daughter would be coming over, so they were waiting at the entrance. When they saw their dear daughter, elated expressions appeared on their faces."Summer, you're back! We've p
Hence, Summer could do whatever she pleased. If Caroline dared to restrict her freedom, Summer would be upset, and Caroline wouldn't want that.As Summer walked along the even path of the park, she did some stretches to loosen up. "It's a nice life. Before this, I was worried that something bad might happen if I returned to the Quigley residence, but now, it looks like I was overthinking it. Caroline is very good to me, and the others respect me too.""I'm glad to hear that. I was also worried that you wouldn't be able to get used to staying in the Quigley residence. You're pregnant, after all." James glanced at Summer's belly, his eyes filled with fatherly love and tenderness. By the looks of it, he had intended to be a father a long time ago."Hold your horses. I've only been pregnant for three weeks. They say that the baby will be born after ten months of pregnancy, and it's not even been a month yet, let alone ten." With that, Summer suddenly held James' hand and guided it tow
What would it mean to Howe if he gave up on the position of the head of the family? It meant that he would have to depend on someone else to survive, and he would be giving up on glory and riches along with a life filled with extravagance.Thanks to his wealthy background, Howe was already used to life like this. If James became the head of the family in the future, he might exercise his authority as the head of the family to limit Howe's movements. Howe would be stripped of freedom.Maeve felt that Howe was right as well. Her current life of luxury was built upon mountains of cash. If Howe didn't get to be the head of the family, he would definitely face restrictions."Howe, I want you to be the head of the family as well, but do you really have confidence in your capabilities? Your brother is so outstanding, and he's the official heir, too."Maeve hit the nail on the head. This was exactly what Howe was worried about as well. There was a world of difference between him and James,
So, when Caroline asked her to stay in the Quigley residence, Summer somewhat reluctantly agreed.At noon the next day, dark clouds filled the sky, making it look bleak. However, in the bustling Rosseera City, things were as lively as usual.In a luxury hotel situated in the city center, Howe was sitting on a chair, holding a glass of wine in one hand while his other arm was wrapped around the waist of a beautiful woman. At that moment, his expression was as gloomy as the weather.The young woman was good at reading the room. Extending her fingers, she traced circles on Howe's pink shirt. She asked, "What's the matter, Howe? You seem to be in a bad mood today. Could there be anyone in Rosseera City who's bold enough to offend you?""Hmph…" Howe didn't say a word. Instead, he downed the whole glass of wine.Noticing that he wasn't saying anything, the young woman pursed her lips and planted a kiss on his cheek. Smiling, she asked, "What's going on? Are you going to say that women w
James didn't want to agree to this arrangement. Even though it wasn't explicitly mentioned, he was fully aware that Summer didn't want to stay at the Quigley residence. Hence, he said, "I'll take care of Summer, Mom. I even hired Tina to look after her needs. You know how dependable Tina is. With her around, everything will be fine.""Nonsense. Even if Tina was there, there's only so much she can do on her own. This Quigley grandchild is extremely important. I can't just let her handle everything by herself.""That won't be an issue, Mom. Besides, Summer won't feel comfortable staying here either." Summer's feelings were James' top priority. Caroline could see this as well. In the end, the decision was Summer's to make. So, instead of addressing James, she turned to Summer and asked, "Would you like to stay at the Quigley residence, Summie?"If it were up to Summer, she'd say no. There was no way she would want to stay here out of her own free will. Just the mere sight of Caroli
Howe was the quietest person at the table. He was dressed in a shirt with floral patterns, and his hair was slightly curly. He was as still as a rock. He had a look of terror on his face for a while now—he didn't know that Summer was pregnant.Now that his parents were talking about it, he immediately asked, "Pregnant? Is Summer pregnant?""Yes, she is—haven't you heard?" Caroline replied. "No… How is she suddenly pregnant? I didn't hear anything about it until now." "I only found out recently as well." Caroline's hand moved over her mouth before she continued, "Isn't it great? You're going to be an uncle soon.""Yeah. I can't wait." Howe put on a forced smile.Everyone in the family was overjoyed by the news—except Howe Quigley. The Quigleys had a family rule. If the heir had a child, his position as the head of the family would be set in stone.So, if James welcomed a baby, Howe would lose the opportunity to take his place as the family heir. By that logic, he would never be