Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 185

Xavier had always sat at the top of the food chain, accustomed to having absolute control over everything. No one dared to defy him, let alone threaten him.

What was more, he had only chosen to marry Summer in the first place because she seemed like someone who would be easy to divorce.

He never expected to capsize in a shallow ditch, completely outplayed by Summer.

His pride, his ego, and his status made him seethe with rage, and they absolutely forbade him from compromising.

"Hah." Xavier let out a dark, amused laugh. He leaned back against his seat, casually crossing his legs. His posture was relaxed, exuding the aura of a god looking down on mortals, completely in command.

It was the telltale sign before he struck back—he always did this at the negotiation table.

"Summer, the only reason you haven't released those videos is because you know you couldn't handle my retaliation. Go ahead, post them. It's just infidelity. It's not like I committed murder or arson; it's hardly unforgivable."

Xavier's tone was light, entirely unbothered. "I'll take the fall. I'll admit the fault lies with me, not Lily. I'll say I hid my marriage to seduce her, making her a victim too."

"As for me? My reputation takes a hit. I'll donate some money, do some charity work, pay some extra taxes, and keep a low profile for a few years. The public's memory is short. To me, it'll just be another scandalous rumor."

Summer was genuinely shocked. She never expected Xavier to go to such lengths for Lily, willing to absorb all the public vitriol himself.

True love really was something else.

Summer sneered inwardly and replied coldly, "Don't forget, Lily is the reason your brother is in a comatose state. Do you honestly think your family will accept her once they find out? You can kiss the company shares you've been after goodbye."

Xavier smirked lazily, lifting his eyelids to look at her. "Do you really think if I genuinely want to protect someone, I couldn't?"

She realized he was right. Xavier was now the wealthiest man in Empire City. It was under his leadership that the Sterling family had prospered and reached their current heights.

If he genuinely wanted to protect someone, who could stop him?

Summer wasn't afraid of Xavier coming after her.

But she absolutely would not tolerate him targeting her family and friends.

Trembling with fury, she snapped, "Xavier, if you dare touch a single hair on their heads, I swear I will end you."

Xavier remained perfectly composed, his calmness bordering on psychopathic. "Summer, whether or not I touch them depends entirely on you. Drop the lawsuit."

Summer ground her teeth. "I'll drop it the second you sign the divorce papers I drafted. I get half the assets, and I get full custody of Leo."

Xavier scoffed. "Summer, I told you. When it comes to this divorce, I call the shots! Do you still not get it?"

The car pulled to a stop. Summer shoved the door open, stepped out, and slammed it shut with a violent bang.