Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 211

"Why isn't it necessary? It’s about making an example out of her. If she doesn't apologize in front of the staff, why would they ever take me seriously? If one of them gets careless and causes me to miscarry, don't come crying to me."

Carlson Sterling considered her words and realized she had a point. He knew exactly how the estate staff behaved, even if he usually couldn't be bothered with such trivial matters.

But now that Summer Vance was pregnant, everything had changed. He compromised with a nod. "Fine, we'll do it your way."

"Dad!" Zelda Sterling looked at Carlson in utter shock. "How could you agree to this? She’s just using the baby to get revenge!"

"Zelda, if I wanted revenge, I would have gotten rid of this baby ages ago. I would have taken Leo Sterling and flown far away where the Sterling family could never find us, leaving your bloodline to rot. After all, the stunt you pulled at The Sanitarium is enough to make me hate you for the rest of my life. If I didn't care for this child, and if I couldn't bear the thought of Leo growing up without a father, do you really think I'd forgive you this easily?"

Zelda was so furious she opened her mouth to argue, but Carlson interrupted her with a dark expression. "Enough! How old are you? Do you not know how to admit when you're wrong? Do I need to teach you? Summer is returning your malice with grace, and instead of being grateful, you're throwing a fit. Are you only happy when this house is completely upside down?"

Zelda ground her teeth in rage. Yet, intimidated by Carlson's absolute authority, she had no choice but to swallow her anger and stay silent.

Once Xavier's parents left, Summer's task was complete, and she prepared to leave as well.

"Summer, where are you hiding Leo?"

Summer paused her steps, turning her head to give him a cold, hard look. "I have full custody of Leo now."

"I know that," Xavier replied, his gaze heavy as he offered a warning. "But I don't want my grandfather getting suspicious. When you have time, bring him back for a visit."

Better safe than sorry.

Until she had the official divorce decree in her hands, Summer had no intention of revealing Leo's whereabouts.

She wasn't about to give Xavier another opportunity to threaten her.

Summer said flatly, "If Carlson asks, just tell him Leo was drafted by the government for The National Elite Program."

Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

It was obvious to the naked eye how much livelier and more outgoing Leo had become. He was no longer the stiff, unsmiling little old man he used to be.

The chaotic mess of her life was finally smoothing out, and she had something to look forward to again.

Summer could finally put her mind at ease and focus on her career.

The HR director knocked on her office door. "Summer, there are a few interviews lined up. Do you want to come take a look?"

Summer arched an eyebrow in confusion. "Why would I need to do that?"

Director Hennessey smiled. "Because we're hiring your assistant. Since they'll be working directly for you, you should naturally pick someone you actually like."

Summer thought that made sense and followed her to the interview room.