Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 220

During dinner, Xavier actively placed food on Summer's plate.

Summer didn't touch a single bite. Xavier lowered his gaze and asked, "Not to your taste?" Or was she just being difficult? He didn't say that part out loud.

Summer picked up a piece of beef and took a bite. "Has it occurred to you that I just don't like it?"

Xavier blurted out, "You used to love this."

Summer replied coolly, "You said it yourself—that was before. Pregnancy changes your hormones, which changes your palate. I don't like this anymore."

Zelda wanted to scream at her for being so high maintenance. Did she really think she was the Queen of England now? So spoiled and dramatic!

Xavier knew Summer wasn't actually pregnant, so this had absolutely nothing to do with hormones. It was just a blatant excuse to make everyone miserable.

Ever since they laid their cards on the table, Summer had completely shed her gentle demeanor. Her words were venomous and ruthless, caring nothing for anyone else's feelings.

She gave off the distinct vibe of *'I don't care if I live or die, but I'm taking you all down with me.'*

So, he was absolutely certain she was doing this on purpose.

Ironically, he was wrong this time; it wasn't a deliberate stunt.

In the past, to accommodate Xavier's preferences, Summer had forced herself to pick the most tolerable options out of dishes she hated.

Because of that, Xavier genuinely believed she liked them.

Summer said, "I've been craving spicy food. They say craving spicy food means it's a girl. I think I'm having a daughter."

Carlson frowned deeply at that. Naturally, he wanted a boy.

Summer knew this, and she saw his reaction, which was exactly why she said it. Whether he was happy or not wasn't her problem.

She had absolutely no obligation to provide him with any emotional support.

Speaking of children, Carlson asked, "Why didn't you bring Leo with you? Where is he?"

Xavier wiped his mouth with a napkin. "He caught Old Man Banks' eye and was recommended for The National Elite Program. Simply put, he was drafted by the government."

"Absolutely not!" Carlson's face changed instantly, and he slammed his silverware onto the table.

He hadn't spent all those years strictly educating the boy just to hand him over to the government.

Even if Leo wasn't quite on the level of his older brother, he was still more than acceptable.

With Xavier unable to have more children, the Sterling bloodline was dangerously thin. Leo had to return to the family!

Carlson ordered sternly, "I don't care what you have to do, Xavier, you will bring Leo back here."

Summer kept her head down, quietly eating her food. She didn't say a word or acknowledge the conversation, acting entirely invisible.

She was just here to complete her attendance requirement and score a free meal.

A massive tub filled with rose petals, custom high-end aromatherapy candles, a private reserve of red wine, fresh strawberries, and bright green grapes.

The hot water enveloped her body, the tub's automated jets massaging her muscles. The luxurious scent of the candles filled the air, melting away all her tension.

It felt absolutely incredible.

Summer applied a face mask, turned on the waterproof TV, and began watching a movie while sipping her wine.

A few minutes later, a knock came at the door. "Summer, are you done yet?"

Summer picked up a fresh strawberry with her delicate fingers, taking a tiny bite. "No. If you need to shower, go use the guest bathroom."

"Didn't you want to leave?"

Was his conscience finally kicking in?

Absolutely not!

The only logical explanation was that his precious mistress was throwing a tantrum, and he was desperate to get back and grovel.

If that was the case, she was in no rush at all. She was going to enjoy her bath to the very end.

The strawberry was quite sweet. Summer picked up another one, chewing slowly as she called out, "I don't feel like leaving anymore. The rain is just too heavy. I think it's best if we stay the night."