"That seems unlikely," James replied, carefully analyzing the situation to explain why.First, Keith was already the designated heir to the Ritter family, meaning he would naturally take over as chairman once York stepped down. There was no need for him to resort to murder to secure his position.Second, York was Keith's biological father. No matter the circumstances, it was hard to imagine him being ruthless enough to kill his own father. After all, blood was thicker than water.Third, and what James considered the most compelling reason, was that Keith was a cautious man. He wouldn't risk everything on a plan that, if uncovered, would ruin him for life. He simply wouldn't take such a gamble.As Summer listened to James' reasoning, it made sense to her. But if Keith wasn't behind the murder, why did he send Kelly to ask for James' support on the upcoming Committee of Prestigious Families' decision?James suggested, "Maybe Keith is anticipating something. Right now, everything is
The Committee of Prestigious Families' decision on the head of the Ritter family was initially intended to be advisory. However, due to the unique circumstances surrounding the situation, the Committee was granted decisive authority to select the rightful head of the Ritter family.The committee vote was scheduled to take place in a week. Upon receiving the invitation, James discussed the situation with Summer.There wasn't much to debate initially; based on her promise to Kelly, Summer was committed to supporting Keith, regardless of what happened. However, recent events made her reconsider whether supporting Keith was truly the right decision.York's death was shrouded in mystery, and blindly backing Keith might lead to unforeseen consequences.But if they didn't support Keith, what alternatives did they have? The police had already confirmed the cause of York's death. As a civilian, Summer had no means to conduct a deeper investigation."I think we should stick to what Kelly as
Monica approached Summer by orchestrating a car accident to force her to stop. Couldn't she have used a more straightforward and reasonable method to contact her?"What exactly is so urgent that you had to go to such lengths?" Summer asked."It's about the position of the head of the Ritter family. My brother contacted you, right?" Monica wasted no time with pleasantries and went straight to the point. As soon as she mentioned the head of the family, Summer could immediately guess why Monica was there. The position of the head of the Ritter family was highly contested. It was rumored that after recovering from the car accident, Monica had joined forces with some of the Ritter family's elder statesmen to oppose Keith. Even though she had no blood relation, Monica was determined to vie for the position. It was clear that Monica was seeking Summer's support to help her.The choice of the head of the Ritter family was now in the hands of the Committee. There were a total of three vo
Monica continued, "Summer, I believe that you should realize it, too. Everything seems too coincidental. "My father dies, and suddenly, my brother applies to the Committee to be recognized as the head of the family. At the same time, both the Myers and Walsh families face business crises. Haven't you connected these dots?"Monica's words struck a chord. Summer had noticed the peculiar timing: the family head decision, Kelly's seemingly prophetic warnings, and the simultaneous business crises. It all suggested a possible scheme involving Keith. Yet, Summer couldn't fathom why Keith would resort to such drastic measures.Sensing Monica might know more, Summer asked, "Tell me what you know. What motive would your brother possibly have for killing your father?"Monica, who had survived the crash and was the only family member to do so, was undoubtedly aware of some deeper truths. As a Ritter family member, she likely had access to sensitive information.Monica didn't hesitate to re
"Monica, you said so much because you want my help, right? From a personal standpoint, I won't help you, but—"Summer was about to continue, but Monica cut her off, "But from a moral standpoint, you will. Because I know you."Monica did know Summer. Although they hadn't been close when they first met, Monica had spent years following Summer, analyzing her character. She had a clear understanding of who Summer was. Summer was kind and deeply committed to justice—traits that Monica saw as a kind of naive idealism. To secure the position of head of the Ritter family, Monica had no qualms about exploiting that idealism to her advantage. She knew that if Summer sensed any injustice in the succession process, she wouldn't stand idly by.Taking a deep breath, Monica continued, "Summer, I may not hold you in high regard, but I have to admit one thing—you're different from the others in the prestigious families. "You're not like those who chase after power and wealth. I've counted on t
James rubbed his temples thoughtfully. "After I got back today, I spoke with my father in detail about the Ritter family's situation. According to him, York and Hailey's relationship had indeed deteriorated significantly. So, it's not out of the question that York and Mary might have conspired to kill her."He paused before continuing, "As for whether Keith could have orchestrated the car accident, I can't say for sure. We'd need to find him and get the answers directly from him.""But where is Keith now?" It had been nearly a week, and despite all efforts, they hadn't been able to reach him. With the Quigley family's resources, they should have been able to track him down.James had, in fact, discovered Keith's whereabouts. But knowing where someone was doesn't necessarily mean one could confront them. "Keith is hiding out in Sanden City, about nineteen miles from here. Even if we manage to get there, it's unlikely he'll meet with us willingly. He's probably taken extensive sec
The screech of the brakes echoed as the car came to a halt. The sudden jolt made Summer's stomach churn like a stormy sea. Despite the nausea, she steadied herself and asked, "What's going on? Aren't we supposed to be heading to the Committee of Prestigious Families voting session?""We're not going there now. We're taking you to the hospital," James replied firmly, his eyes already giving the driver a silent command. The driver immediately turned the steering wheel and stepped on the accelerator, redirecting the car toward the nearest hospital. Summer couldn't accept that. The vote for the Ritter family was too important—both for uncovering the truth and because James' vote as the Quigley family representative could determine the outcome. "James, you can't do this.""Summie, stop talking. Your health comes first. You look really unwell," James said with concern. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, gently guiding her head to rest against his chest.Summer knew James meant
Seeing the ultrasound image, Summer felt her knees go weak. She almost collapsed onto the bed. After a moment, she regained her composure, her eyes glued to the image in front of her."My baby. My child…" Summer was overwhelmed by the unexpected joy of becoming a mother. The realization left her speechless, almost as if a precious gift had suddenly fallen into her lap. The thought that she was pregnant seemed surreal at first. How did she become pregnant all of a sudden?However, as she reflected on it, she understood it wasn't so surprising. Her relationship with James had grown so close and intimate. Having a child was a natural outcome.With this understanding, Summer's face lit up with a bright smile. A sense of pride swelled within her. Finally, she had something to prove.Caroline had always belittled Summer in the Quigley family, spreading rumors that she couldn't have children. The media had also speculated about her supposed infertility. This pregnancy would silence al