Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 423

Although the perks of being Xander's son seemed incredibly lucrative, Leo maintained his angelic facade and said sweetly, "Thank you for liking me, Xander, and I like you too. But for something this big, I have to listen to my mom."

This was entirely unchartered territory for Summer, and she needed time to strategize.

Summer looked down at her son. "Leo, this is a massive decision. Let's head home and discuss it properly, alright?"

Leo nodded obediently. "Okay, Mom."

Xander knew exactly how to read the room; Leo was practically sold on the idea, so the real challenge was convincing Summer.

But with the boy already on board, he considered the battle sixty percent won.

He was in no rush.

**

After lunch, Summer and Leo left the bistro and headed to Empire City General Hospital to visit Miles.

Leo excitedly recounted his physical therapy progress to Miles.

Summer washed some fresh fruit and brought it out, then dropped the bombshell about Xander's adoption proposal.

Miles' immediate reaction was to ask for Leo's input.

They always prioritized the boy's autonomy.

Since he didn't have to legally change his residency, alter his surname, or separate from his mother—and merely gained a loving father figure—Leo was completely fine with it.

Summer looked at Miles. "What's your take on this?"

Miles thought for a moment. "Didn't Xander mention wanting to attend Leo's upcoming birthday party?"

Summer nodded.

Miles advised, "Then hold off until after the party."

Summer understood exactly what he meant. She had been leaning toward the same strategy: use the birthday banquet to properly gauge the depth of Xander's sincerity before committing.

Summer stayed for a short while longer before heading to the Sutton Group to finish her workday, leaving Leo at the hospital to keep Miles company.

Just before 5:00 PM, Summer received an urgent call from Miles, instructing her to head straight to The Gilded Table.

Though bewildered, Summer trusted him and followed his instructions.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify