Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 352

"If it's such a thoughtful gesture, you can keep it yourself," Miles said, striding right up to Lilith. He snatched the gift box from her hands and aggressively shoved it into Beatrice's chest. "Open it. Let everyone see exactly what this thoughtful gesture is."

Beatrice clutched the box in absolute terror, refusing to open it. She knew exactly what was inside.

"Open it," Miles demanded, watching her squirm with predatory amusement. "Or do I need to find someone to help you?"

Without missing a beat, Miles threw a sharp look at one of the other maids. "Help Beatrice out."

The maid ripped the box open, revealing a custom-engraved dog collar.

Aside from the high-end jewelry given to Lilith and the Sutton parents, Xavier hadn't picked out a single item himself. He had dumped the task entirely on his assistant, Paige Brooks.

Which meant even Xavier had absolutely no idea the box contained a dog collar.

Xavier cast a deeply suspicious look at Beatrice before shifting his intense gaze directly onto Lilith.

Catching his stare, Lilith frantically shook her head. "I had no idea. Beatrice explicitly told me it was her gift."

Lilith was lying through her teeth. Paige Brooks had meticulously run down the entire gift list with her beforehand, so Lilith knew exactly what was in every box.

"What an incredibly thoughtful gift," Miles mocked ruthlessly. "Put it on, Beatrice. It's the thought that counts, right? It's a custom gift from the richest man in Empire City. It's practically a status symbol."

Beatrice's face burned a violently humiliating shade of crimson. Her lips trembled violently as she stammered, "I'm so sorry, Miles, Summer, Lilith. It looks like I grabbed the wrong box. I'm sorry."

Miles' voice dropped to a freezing register. "Beatrice, I strongly suggest you remember your place. You are nothing but the hired help in this house, not the one running it."

"Alright, Miles, there's no need to be furious. Beatrice was just trying to help," Lydia interjected smoothly, desperately trying to salvage the disaster. She picked up her own lavish gift box and held it out to Summer. "Here, Summer. You can have mine."

It was the exclusive New Year's gift Xavier had personally handpicked for his mother-in-law—a breathtaking set of natural pearl jewelry worth millions of dollars.

Flawless, top-tier natural pearls were incredibly rare. Finding an entire set completely uniform in luster, size, and iridescent glow was essentially a once-in-a-lifetime miracle, impossible to secure regardless of budget.

Not to mention, this was a complete, masterfully crafted suite featuring a necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring.

Summer absolutely wasn't going to reject it. She reached out, smoothly taking the velvet box, and flashed a brilliant smile. "Thank you, Aunt Lydia. You really do love me best."

Lydia had fully banked on Summer politely declining, or flat-out refusing it entirely. She never expected her to snatch it up without a second's hesitation.

Lydia's heart practically bled out onto the floor.

That was a multi-million dollar set of heirloom jewelry, and she hadn't even gotten the chance to wear it once.

Lilith was furious on the inside but didn't dare show an ounce of it on her face. Xavier had just caught her in a lie, and he clearly didn't trust her anymore.

The realization made her chest tighten with heavy panic.

Summer didn't care about their misery; she was utterly thrilled.

Holding the luxurious velvet box, she paused right next to Xavier. "How long are you staying here? Who's watching Leo?"

"He's at the estate with his Great-Grandfather," Xavier replied. "Relax, there's a small army of staff in the house. Nothing is going to happen to him. I'll head back right after lunch."

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