Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 120

Tessa's furious expression cracked just a little, but she kept her stern tone. "Stop trying to sweet-talk me!"

"Please don't be mad, my favorite bestie in the world."

"Oh, so now you remember I'm your bestie? What's the point of having a bestie if you don't use her when you're literally in the hospital? Next time, you call me. No excuses."

Summer nodded frantically. "Yes, yes, I promise. Please don't be mad."

"Dr. Thorne, don't be too angry. Her friend was brought in last night by a ridiculously gorgeous guy. He ran all over the hospital making sure she was perfectly taken care of." The young nurse from the previous night chimed in, her voice dripping with sheer envy.

Tessa desperately wanted to demand a name, but she was technically still on the clock. She forcefully suppressed her burning desire to gossip and told the nurse they would talk during her lunch break.

After a full night of rest and medication, Summer's stomach pain was completely gone. Once her morning IV finished, she walked over to her parents' room.

The moment Maeve Vance saw her, she immediately started nagging. "Summer, your father and I are perfectly fine. You don't need to hover over us every single day. Go back to work."

Edward Vance nodded in agreement from the next bed. "Your mother is right. You don't need to stay here and take care of us. Didn't you already hire that nice caretaker for us?"

Maeve and Edward were simple, traditional country folks. They were used to sacrificing everything for their daughter and always put her first.

They were terrified of becoming a burden and holding her back in life.

Summer sat by the bed, carefully peeling an apple. "Mom, Dad, stop worrying so much. Just focus on resting and getting your strength back. Missing a few days of work isn't the end of the world."

"But your bosses at the Sterling Group... if you're gone for this long, they're definitely going to be upset with you." Maeve's eyes were clouded with deep anxiety.

Neither Maeve nor Edward knew that Summer had already resigned from the Sterling Group, nor did they know about Xavier's blatant cheating or the impending divorce.

Since they had both just survived major surgeries, Summer was terrified that the shock would cause a relapse. She didn't dare agitate them.

When they had asked about the scandalous video they saw online, Summer lied straight to their faces, claiming it was a malicious, AI-generated fake.

Only then did the two of them finally relax enough to focus on healing.

Summer held a perfectly sliced piece of fruit to her mother's lips. "Mom, have some fruit. I promise I'll go into the office this afternoon, okay?"

Maeve finally took a bite. As soon as she swallowed, Summer held up another piece.

Maeve laughed, embarrassed. "I'm a grown woman. I can feed myself."

Summer playfully pulled the fork back. "But I want to feed you."

Edward wasn't cleared for solid foods yet, otherwise Summer would absolutely be feeding them both, alternating bites between her parents.

Summer recounted the dinner she hosted for Silas, and how it violently derailed when they ran into Xavier and his entourage.

She finished the story with a wistful sigh. "But honestly, the food there was genuinely incredible. We definitely have to go next time, and we'll drag Sebastian along too."

Tessa crossed her arms. "Honestly? I think you should just go work for Silas. The Sinclair Group is a massive empire. They aren't scared of Xavier in the slightest; they can absolutely protect you. You and Silas can team up, ruthlessly crush the Sterling Group, drive them straight into bankruptcy, and make Xavier cry and beg on his knees! God, just thinking about it gives me a rush!"

Summer was genuinely tempted, but she ultimately shook her head. "First, I'm already working for Gavin. Second, I'm not officially divorced yet, and I still don't have custody of Leo. Xavier constantly uses Leo as leverage against me. I can't take that risk right now. But... if I win the divorce, secure custody, and wait out my non-compete clause, and Silas still wants me... then maybe. But everything has to wait until the divorce is final."

Tessa nodded in understanding. Then, remembering Summer's earlier comment, her eyes lit up. "So when you're completely healed, we have to try that restaurant. I need to know if it's actually that good."

Knowing Tessa's exact taste in food, Summer smiled confidently. "I guarantee it will blow your mind."

Tessa had to get back to her rounds. She sat and chatted with Summer for a little while longer, refilled her water cup, and then hurried off.

Summer's IV bag was down to the last fifth when her phone suddenly started buzzing.

It was the caretaker. She answered, and the woman's panicked voice came through the speaker.

"Ms. Vance, you need to get up here right now! Some people claiming to be your family just stormed into the room, and they've practically made your parents pass out from anger!"