Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 173

Summer clearly heard the commotion and panicked, immediately ending the call.

She was terrified of being seen and sparking an unnecessary misunderstanding.

Alaric was one second too late. By the time he reached the screen, the call had already disconnected.

Alaric cursed his sluggish old legs in frustration. If only he had moved a little faster, he could have caught a glimpse of his prospective granddaughter-in-law!

Refusing to give up, Alaric leaned in to squint at the dark screen. Leo simply handed the phone back to Silas. "Dad."

Silas took the device and pocketed it. "Grandpa, next time you come to my room, please wait until I actually invite you in."

Frustrated that he hadn't seen anything, Alaric lashed out. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you lecturing me on manners? I only came in because I heard you say so!"

In the past, Silas might have been helpless against the old man's antics.

But today was different.

"Grandpa, Leo is sitting right here. Are you sure you want to set a bad example for him? Leo knows perfectly well whether I told you to come in or not."

Alaric backpedaled immediately. "Leo, what Great-Grandpa just did was wrong. Don't learn from me. I'm usually not like this, I promise. I have impeccable manners."

"I know," Leo said sweetly. "Great-Grandpa just likes me and wanted me to drink my milk quickly."

"Oh, my precious boy! Why don't you sleep in Great-Grandpa's room tonight?"

Alaric was desperate to pry some details out of Leo about him and his mother.

Unfortunately for him, Silas instantly vetoed the idea. Alaric had to be ushered out, looking back longingly with every step.

***

Maeve Vance had suffered a severe stroke. Fortunately, it was caught early, and with immediate medical intervention, she still had a chance at recovery.

Even though Xavier claimed the Sterling and Whitmore families were close allies, Summer was still determined to seek out Dr. Whitmore for help.

She discovered that Dr. Whitmore was an avid collector of antique calligraphy, so she purposely attended a high-end auction to win a piece for him.

The sale of South Bay Manor had been entirely handled by Hugh, the real estate agent. The property had officially changed hands, and the remaining two hundred and fifty million dollars had been securely transferred into Summer's bank account.

The sarcasm in Summer's eyes deepened. "Besides, since when are we on speaking terms? Please, have a little self-awareness."

Lily maintained her innocent facade. "We know each other, so saying hello is just basic etiquette. There's no need to lose your temper."

"But interacting with you makes me feel physically sick."

Xavier's patience shattered. "Summer, that's enough!" he warned darkly.

"What, does it break your heart?" Summer looked at him with a smirk. "I just wonder in what capacity you're rushing to her defense, Mr. Sterling. As her underground lover? Her shameful secret boyfriend? Or just her childhood sweetheart?"

"Summer!" Xavier barked in a threatening tone.

"Oops, none of those titles are particularly honorable, are they? If I were to speak just a little louder, your precious sweetheart's reputation would be ruined in seconds. Why don't you just sign the divorce papers early, so you can protect her out in the open?"

Xavier's jaw clenched tight. "Summer! Do you want your mother to receive treatment or not?"

If he wanted to, a single phone call would have Maeve thrown out of the hospital, and not a single medical facility in Empire City would dare to take her in!