Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 115

It was truly a small world—she walked right into Xavier and his entourage.

When Xavier saw her, his brow furrowed briefly before smoothing out. His dark eyes swept over her with a calculated nonchalance.

They hadn't crossed paths since the hospital incident. He had secretly checked with the medical staff and knew Edward's surgery had gone perfectly.

And from the looks of it, Summer was doing quite well herself.

The forecast had promised a temperature drop tonight. She was dressed in an oversized cream sweater adorned with a stunning blue pearl brooch, paired with a flowing light blue skirt and pale ankle boots.

Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her light makeup highlighted her radiant complexion. Her lips were a soft, inviting peach. She exuded a warm, gentle elegance that was impossible to ignore.

Xavier's gaze drifted over her, finally snagging on the beautifully wrapped gift in her hands.

The corner of his mouth quirked up, but his tone was like ice. "What are you doing here?"

Before Summer could even reply, Julian let out a loud, mocking laugh. "Xavier, what else? She tracked us all the way here."

"Go back," Xavier ordered coldly.

Summer was so utterly exasperated she let out a deeply unladylike eye roll, cursing her terrible luck internally.

Taking her silence as a victory, Julian puffed up with even more arrogance. "Summer, seriously, I have never met a woman as desperate as you. Where did you even find out that Xavier's birthday dinner was being held here? You even got all dolled up and chased him down."

Summer blinked in genuine surprise. It suddenly dawned on her—today was Xavier's birthday.

In the past, she would have meticulously planned this day, agonizing over the perfect gift, even though Xavier was almost always "away on business."

Looking back, how many of those trips had actually been for work?

Probably none.

The realization of all those years of wasted devotion made a flare of irritation ignite in her chest.

She offered a polite, shallow smile, her voice crystal clear. "Julian, I have never met a man who loves to gossip and stir up drama as much as you do. I'm starting to doubt you're even a man at all. You act like a petty busybody."

She then turned her bright, dangerous smile on Xavier. "And don't flatter yourself. This is purely a coincidence. After what you pulled with my dad, do you honestly think I'd show up to celebrate your birthday and hand you a gift? I'd have to be devoid of all human decency to do that."

Just as Summer was about to snap back with a 'none of your business', a deep, velvety voice drifted from behind her.

It was Silas Sinclair!

At the sound of his voice, Summer's demeanor underwent a total transformation.

One second she was radiating disgust and exhaustion, and the next, she spun around, her face breaking into a brilliant, blooming smile.

The emotional whiplash was staggering.

So Summer was here to meet Silas?

And the gift was specifically for him?

A dark, sudden flash of displeasure ripped through Xavier's chest, but the sensation moved too fast for him to pinpoint.

Summer was already beaming, taking quick steps toward the newcomer. "Mr. Sinclair!"