Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 12

The Sterlings wouldn't have harbored such a deep hatred for her, exiling her abroad for seven years and leaving her essentially homeless.

And Xavier had only married Summer because she had a poor background with no powerful family to back her up. She was obedient and easy to control.

It was supposed to be a temporary arrangement, making it simple for Xavier to divorce Summer once Lily finally returned.

Even though Lily knew the marriage was just a calculated move on Xavier's part, she had spent the last seven years living in constant anxiety. She lived in terror that Xavier would blur the lines between his act and reality, genuinely falling in love with his stand-in wife.

Driven by paranoia, she had hired private investigators back home to take photos of them.

Like a creature lurking in the shadows, she had secretly watched Xavier spoil Summer, witnessed their moments of intimacy, and observed their life as a family of three...

They always smiled so brightly. They looked so blissfully happy.

A devastatingly handsome and devoted man, a gentle and beautiful woman, and a well-behaved, adorable son. They were the picture of a perfect family!

It drove her absolutely insane with jealousy!

That was her Xavier!

She was the one who should be standing by his side!

She was the one Xavier should be loving and pampering!

Summer was just a thief who had stolen the life that rightfully belonged to her!

She couldn't stand it anymore. She had rushed back to Empire City, desperate to reclaim her place beside Xavier, drive Summer away, and take back everything that was hers.

Grabbing Xavier's hand, Lily turned pale and furrowed her delicate brows. She placed her other hand weakly over her slightly rounded stomach. "Xavier, my stomach feels a little crampy."

Supporting Lily, Xavier looked up just in time to see Summer and Sebastian walking away.

Sebastian was tall and imposing, while Summer was slender and graceful. Walking shoulder to shoulder, they looked incredibly compatible—and it blinded Xavier with rage.

Xavier personally escorted Lily to a villa he had prepared in advance. On the way there, he contacted his private doctor, instructing him to wait for them at the house.

Meanwhile, Summer and Sebastian found a quiet cafe at the airport to sit down.

Sebastian updated her on the progress of her case.

Because Xavier was the wealthiest man in Empire City with an extensive portfolio, and since they were conducting a private investigation, fully auditing his financial assets would take some time.

Additionally, while the investigation abroad had yielded some results, the photos they received only showed Xavier and Lily holding hands or hugging.

They had yet to uncover more damning evidence—like them kissing or sharing a bed. That would also require more time.

"So I have to keep enduring this?" Summer asked.

"You don't need to put yourself through that," Sebastian said, sending her the drafted paperwork. "You can go ahead and throw the divorce agreement right in his face."