"Let's go. It's just a Christmas party. I'll dress up nicely and won't embarrass you," Summer said. "That's good to hear," James replied, relieved to see Summer so relaxed about it. This was exactly what he had hoped for—that they could attend the event without any unnecessary stress.Having settled the matter, James changed the subject. "How are things progressing with Kelly and Keith?"Summer shook her head, admitting she wasn't entirely sure. "I think it's going well? They're on their second date now. I'll call Kelly later to get the details.""That's good. I really want Keith to find happiness, but..." James trailed off, seeming hesitant to continue.Summer, never one for suspense, pressed on. "What is it? Is there a problem with them being together?""It won't be smooth sailing for Keith and Kelly. The family dynamics are the main obstacle," James explained."Family dynamics?" Summer asked."Yeah. Family dynamics." James sighed, his expression resigned as he began to expl
After entering the bedroom, Summer called Kelly, who quickly answered."Is that you, Summie?""Yes, it's me. How did it go? Are things progressing smoothly between you and Keith?" Summer replied cheerfully."Very smoothly. We're actually a couple now," Kelly said, her voice brimming with joy. The news caught Summer off guard. Surprised by this development, she double-checked. "You're not joking, right? Are you two really together?""Yes, we're officially together. As of today, he's my boyfriend. We even kissed," Kelly revealed.Summer was speechless by the explosive news. Their relationship seemed to be moving incredibly fast, and they were already kissing on their second date.Summer's mind started racing with questions. Who took the initiative? Hence, she teasingly asked, "Don't tell me you made the first move, Kelly?""Of course not! He kissed me!" Kelly replied firmly.Despite Kelly's assurance, Summer couldn't help but worry. If Kelly had initiated the kiss, Summer might
Some things were worth trying. If Kelly and Keith faced potential conflicts or unhappiness later, they could always break up. Besides, Summer would be keeping an eye on their relationship, so there was no need to worry too much.Kelly, however, felt pressured. She wasn't sure if being with Keith would bring her happiness, but being with him was what she wanted. She believed that things would work out naturally over time.Kelly also felt the need to thank Summer. If Summer hadn't suggested they visit Keith's mother's grave, she and Keith might not have gotten together so smoothly. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude over the phone: "Thank you, Summie.""No problem. If anything happens, make sure to tell me. Don't forget we're best friends.""I understand," Kelly replied.After hanging up, Summer smiled contentedly. Her biggest concern had been Kelly's situation, but now that Kelly and Keith were together, the weight on her heart was lifted. However, to ensure Kelly's relation
"Yeah?"Kelly hesitated, her lips parting slightly. "Are we really going to do that?" she asked uncertainly."Do what? Are you asking me to devour you right now?" Keith teased with a mischievous grin. His strong hands pulled Kelly closer, enveloping her petite frame in his embrace.Kelly squirmed even though she knew she couldn't break free. She lightly tapped his chest. "I meant about your family's situation."Keith paused, then gently kissed her forehead. "Yes. If you want to be with me, I need your help with that.""I can help you, but do you love me? Or are you just using me to achieve your goals?" "Both," Keith replied.Keith's willingness to be with Kelly stemmed from a mix of love and personal gain. As he spoke, he slowly began removing Kelly's top, revealing her porcelain skin in the soft lamplight. Keith leaned in, his nose grazing her collarbone. His tongue traced a line along her neck, eliciting a soft moan from Kelly as she closed her eyes, her cheeks flushing.
Summer expressed her frustration. "Busy? He can't even meet his girlfriend's friends?"Kelly, holding the coffee Summer ordered for her, replied with a hint of annoyance, "It's not like he hasn't met you before. Don't be so petty, Summie."Summer's plan to see how Kelly and Keith's relationship was progressing fell through since Keith didn't show up. She sighed and suggested, "Since Keith isn't here, there's not much to discuss. When he's free, arrange for us to meet. I'd like for all of us to have dinner together, and I'll invite James, too.""Invite James? Are you suggesting the four of us have dinner together?" Kelly was taken aback, knowing the dynamic between James and Keith. Having those two cold personalities in one place could make for a tense atmosphere.Summer reminded her, "Have you forgotten the promise we made back in high school?"Ten years ago, on the rooftop balcony of their high school, Summer and Kelly lay on the floor, gazing at the sky. They made a solemn v
Summer was carrying two full shopping bags along the snowy street. Lexi followed behind, also laden with bags. The two walked along the snow-covered street."Mrs. Quigley, you bought so many things this time," Lexi said cheerfully. She loved going out with Summer because Summer would often buy clothes for her as well. Lexi was never very fashion-conscious, but she now had plenty of outfits to mix and match, which made her very happy.However, the mention of clothes made Summer feel a bit troubled. "I think I've been buying a lot of clothes lately, but most of my wardrobe is for the summer. I have fewer winter clothes, so buying more should be fine." She smiled and glanced back, adding, "Besides, James is a rich heir. So, it doesn't matter if I spend more money."James was like a gold mine, with seemingly unlimited funds. Moreover, Summer no longer needed his money to support her lifestyle. The Charter Corporation had grown into a major enterprise, earning billions each quarter
Compared to the lively atmosphere inside, the area in front of the house was quiet and cold, with snowflakes swirling in the air. A tall figure stood there—James, dressed in a black plush suit. His handsome face and elegant demeanor exuded maturity and authority, but his expression revealed a hint of seriousness and unease.Nearby, Charlie approached James cautiously. "Mr. Quigley, I've called Mrs. Quigley and Richards, but neither of their phones were reachable. It seems they're turned off.""Turned off? She couldn't have forgotten about today," James murmured.Today was the Quigley family's Christmas party. To ensure Summer didn't forget, James had left her a note this morning before leaving. It was unlikely for her to forget such an important event.The Quigley family placed great importance on this gathering, and being late could lead to repercussions for Summer. With only ten minutes left before the party started, James was worried she wouldn't make it in time. He waved h
As James was someone the younger generation looked up to, his attendance at the party was important. Soon, the younger relatives started asking about him. Even Norman, who was seated right in front of the stage, could hear the commotion. After turning around, he saw them causing a ruckus in the back row and felt incredibly frustrated. Seated next to him, a few of the senior men also asked, "Where's James, Norman?""He must have gotten caught up in work. Although it's Christmas, there's still plenty of work to be done at the office." Norman brushed the question off with a laugh. He then got up and went to ask about James' whereabouts. Soon, Caroline learned what was going on. She was currently conversing with a few women who were distant relatives of the family. When she heard about James' absence, she immediately sent someone to look for him. Upon locating him at the front gate, she personally went to get him.At the gates of the Quigley residence, four security guards were s