Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 302

"Yes," Miles agreed without a second's hesitation, his eyes lighting up. "Just tell me what you need me to do. Whatever you say, I'll do it without question."

Summer raised an eyebrow. "Think carefully before you answer. You've lived with Lily for years. Even raising a dog for that long would breed some affection, let alone a person you spent so much time pampering and protecting."

"No, no, there's nothing to think about," Miles rushed to say. "I only treated her well because I thought she was you. My affection for her was entirely based on the belief that she was my blood. But she's not. You are my only sister, the only person I truly want to protect. Every ounce of kindness I gave her was stolen through a lie. She never deserved any of it!"

He sounded incredibly sincere, but Summer wasn't quick to buy it. "And what about Bennett? He's your actual uncle. Honestly, I wouldn't blame you if you backed out. Just stay out of my way. I am perfectly capable of getting justice for all the hell my mother and I went through on my own."

Her words made Miles even more desperate, looking as though he wanted to rip his heart out just to prove his loyalty.

"It's true that I share blood with Bennett. But when I first moved into the Sutton estate, it was Leila who took care of my every need, and it was you who stayed by my side every day. You two were the ones who truly loved me, and I have never forgotten that."

"Blood isn't the only thing that makes a family. In my heart, you and Leila are my true family. Bennett forced you into exile, making you suffer for years. A man like him is a thousand times worse than the scum who traffic people on the streets. He belongs in a prison cell!"

Miles was highly agitated, his hatred palpable and his heartache entirely genuine.

But human nature was a fickle thing, and emotions could easily be faked.

Because of this, Summer wasn't particularly moved. She kept a clear head, watching him with an icy stare. "Miles, remember what you just said."

He nodded eagerly, then asked with fragile hope, "Summer, can you... call me your brother?"

"No."

She rejected him flat out.

"It's fine, it's fine," Miles quickly backpedaled. "I know I deserve it. I don't deserve the title. Just please let me help you, okay?"

He looked at her with pleading, desperate eyes.

Summer didn't speak. Those few seconds of silence stretched on forever, leaving Miles feeling as though his heart was being thrown into a frying pan.

He was terrified she would turn him down.

Timing her response perfectly, she finally said, "I'm going to put you to the test."

Miles looked as if he'd been granted a pardon. "Okay. Yes."

****

By the time Miles returned to Empire City, Lily had just been discharged and brought back to the Sutton estate. Under Xavier's meticulous care, her so-called 'depression' had miraculously improved.

Following the catastrophic fallout of the wedding, Lily had indefinitely paused all her work, choosing to rest at home while waiting for the baby.

Seeing him walk through the door, Lily called out cheerfully, "Miles, you're back! Did you bring me a gift?"

Hunter ran over as well, wrapping his arms around Miles's leg and looking up sweetly. "Daddy, what about me? Did you get me anything?"

Miles coldly pushed the boy aside. "Go play somewhere else."

Hunter froze, his bottom lip trembling before he walked away, thoroughly upset.

Lily immediately sensed the shift in Miles's demeanor. "What's wrong? Are you just exhausted from the flight?"

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