300 grand. That was two years of salary for a white-collar worker who worked tirelessly without a moment of rest. Although Summer could afford it, she didn't dare to.Kelly also noticed the price, feeling petrified. To give herself a way out, she smiled and said to the saleswoman, "It looks ordinary.""Yeah," Summer added cooperatively. Being best friends, they could read each other's thoughts with just a glance. Seeing how expensive the handbag was, they both felt the urge to leave and made an excuse to escape.Quick-witted as ever, Kelly suddenly acted as if something had come to mind. She continued, "Oh, I just remembered. There's a package that I have to pick up at the post office. Come on, Summie. Let's go collect it.""Okay."Then, two of them promptly left the store with faces flushed with mortification. They had originally intended to have a good time shopping but were too financially constrained.Unexpectedly, as they walked out of the store, Kelly stumbled on the slippe
What an unlucky day. Summer had hoped to lift her spirits by going on a shopping spree, but she ended up empty-handed and even met with misfortune.Similarly, Kelly felt powerless. It was incredibly unlucky that she had slipped and fallen on her way out of the store. Now, she had to pay 100 grand for breaking the vase. Even if she could afford it, she didn't have enough money with her."How about this? I'll leave my business card here. Give me a few days, and I'll come back to pay the full price," Kelly negotiated, as she had no cash.The saleswoman spoke up before the manager could, "Blaire, they don't have the money to begin with. What use is there of leaving her contact information behind? They'll just leave without paying. "Blaire Wilson, the manager, thought so too. There were all sorts of people in this society, and she couldn't be sure whether Kelly would keep her word. After all, they weren't obligated to return if they left their contact details at the store."Miss, you
Regardless of her doubts, Blaire treated the card with caution and swiped it into the POS machine. Surprisingly, the payment was successful!The spending limit of a Golden Card was ten million dollars, so 100 grand was a small amount in comparison. It also proved that the card was genuine.Immediately after, Blaire became very frightened at the thought that she had offended the card's owner. Thus, she courteously returned it to Summer.Blaire's angry and disdainful expression from moments before was now replaced by one of deference. She handed over the card and uttered gently, "Miss, the compensation for the Celestial Jade Vase has been fulfilled. I'm sorry that this unpleasant incident happened to you in our store."Summer and Kelly, on the other hand, were equally baffled. Neither of them had expected that the card payment would be successful.Kelly had assumed the black card was just an ordinary card, but she had been proven wrong. She asked in amazement, "Summie, what is this
Nevertheless, Summer didn't have to worry about anything at this point. Kelly was her best friend, and friendship was more precious to Summer than any amount of money.So, they both bought the designer handbag that had caught Kelly's eye earlier.The saleswoman who had acted domineeringly a few moments before politely handed the shopping bags to Summer and Kelly with her head lowered. Her flattery undoubtedly made the two of them feel satisfied.As they made their way out of the store, Blaire and the saleswoman bid warmly, "Thank you, and please come again."At that moment, Summer and Kelly genuinely understood the power of having money.While walking down the street, Kelly remarked with a laugh, "Summie, did you see how confused the saleswoman looked just now? Haha!""Yeah, I saw."Both the saleswoman and Blaire, who thought that Summer and Kelly were poor, had their minds boggled at the sight of the Golden Card.However, Summer felt a sense of guilt after spending the money.
James was a so-called perfect man. Although Summer didn't share the same sentiment, he really was outstanding. He was both handsome and wealthy. There are very few who could beat him in both aspects.Summer was still concerned about Kelly's love life, so she said assuringly, "Don't worry. I will help you find someone as good as James!"In fact, Summer already had a candidate in mind.Since James was from one of the four major prestigious families, there had to be someone with similar qualifications from one of those households.Bradly Walsh was one of them. Hence, Summer planned to talk to James about it upon returning home to see whether she could bring Bradly and Kelly together.As night fell, Summer and Kelly watched another movie after dinner and then divided their purchases. By the time Summer arrived home, it was already very late.In the lobby of the apartment, James was reading a book in his black and white patterned pajamas. When he saw Summer, he asked coldly, "Where di
It couldn't be helped though. It was easy to lose one's mind and succumb to impulses, buying whatever caught the eye. Summer was the perfect example, as she couldn't control herself from spending wildly. She typically tossed the bill onto the table and declared that she had spent a small amount. If James minded so much, she would pay him back. However, in reality, she couldn't say that. She would never be able to cover nine million dollars, even if she sold her organs!Charter Corporation's annual profit was meager, only tens of millions. Summer had used up the entire company's yearly profit in one shopping spree. She wondered why she didn't feel more anxious.Summer hung her head like a deflated balloon and asked tentatively, "James, you're not thinking of making me pay the money back, are you?""No. The card is for you to use."Immediately, Summer relaxed upon having received James' assurance. If he truly intended for her to pay it back, she wouldn't be able to. Just as she w
But to be honest, Summer couldn't resist. James' cold and handsome face had an irresistible charm, like a delicious dessert that one couldn't bear to put down after tasting it once.While Summer was lost in her wild thoughts, James leaned into her ear. Unexpectedly, he did not kiss her but whispered, "You are my wife. Even if you take Quigley Group apart, I would accept it willingly."His words were like Cupid's arrow, piercing right through her heart. Summer never expected James to say something like that.Any other girl would have thrown themselves into his arms. However, Summer was not naïve. After a dazed pause, she immediately snapped out of it and shoved James away. "Hmph, we are husband and wife. It's normal to use your money. Spare me the sweet talk."James did not respond. He stood still, gazing at Summer with a pair of bright eyes."What are you looking at? Am I wrong?" Summer asked firmly."You're right.""Very well then. Don't worry, Mr. Quigley. I promise I won'
Summer didn't like that James threw the ball back into her court. She was inexperienced in choosing bodyguards because she had never had security concerns before marrying James.Just then, Charlie suggested, "Madam, why not let them have a fight and see which one suits your preferences?"Charlie's proposed idea was to choose the strongest person among the five bodyguards. While it was a good method, Summer wasn't fond of it.After careful consideration, she thought choosing a bodyguard was not just about finding protection. More importantly, they had to get along well with each other. She proposed an alternative idea. "How about this? Ladies, come into my room and have a chat with me. I want to get to know each of you."Her suggestion surprised not only Charlie but also James. Most people chose bodyguards based on their physical combat abilities, yet Summer wanted to chat with them.However, since the bodyguard was meant for Summer, the decision was with her. According to her wi
"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