Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 10

Now it was Summer's turn to smile sweetly at her. "You might be his childhood friend, but I am his legally wedded wife. Our marriage is protected by law. I strongly suggest you prepare yourself and adapt to that reality. If you keep lacking boundaries, I won't hesitate to slap you next. I'll gladly teach you the meaning of personal space."

Xavier was completely stunned. Summer had struck him with terrifying force, leaving no room for mercy.

His ears were ringing violently, and the metallic taste of blood seeped into his mouth.

He had always known Summer to be mild and accommodating. Even when his family went out of their way to torment her, she had never once lost her temper.

Let alone gotten physical.

Once the shock wore off, absolute fury set in.

Wiping the blood from the corner of his lip, his gaze turned somber. "Summer!" he gritted out coldly. "I pushed my meetings and bought flowers just to surprise you at the airport, and this is the level of trust you show me?"

He wasn't there to pick her up. He was undeniably there for Lily.

He simply hadn't expected Summer to change her flight and arrive early.

And those flowers...

Summer glanced down at the bouquet in his hand.

Tulips. Naturally.

A sarcastic smile touched her lips. "You picked those out especially for me?" she asked softly.

"Who else?" Xavier snapped through gritted teeth, looking exceptionally offended.

"Heh."

While Summer was in Albany, the private investigator had uncovered the complete history between Xavier and Lily.

If she hadn't seen the report herself, she might have actually believed those flowers were meant for her.

From the day they started dating, for every date and every anniversary, Xavier had only ever bought tulips.

He claimed they suited her perfectly—gentle, beautiful, and elegantly captivating.

Because the airport was so crowded, it wasn't the right place to make a scene. Despite eating two brutal slaps, Xavier held back his temper.

He needed to placate Summer for another three months until the wedding so he could secure his grandfather's shares and seize absolute control of the family.

Feigning a helpless sigh, he softened his tone, adopting an infuriatingly indulgent demeanor. "Alright, Summer, that's enough. Be a good girl and stop acting jealous. I'll overlook the fact that you hit me, but you owe Lily an apology for jumping to conclusions."

"Overlook it?" Summer laughed as if it were the funniest joke she had ever heard, though the sound was completely devoid of warmth.

"Xavier, you might overlook it, but I don't."

"Excuse me?"

He thought a little coaxing would soothe her temper. She had always been exceedingly reasonable and mindful of appearances.

He hadn't expected her to bare her teeth like a cornered animal.

"Xavier, when a man has a wife and child, shouldn't he keep his distance from other women? Don't give me that garbage about growing up together or just seeing her as family."