Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 439

After the ceremony ended, Carlson pulled Summer aside for a private conversation.

The maid set down the tea and quietly retreated. Summer sipped her tea in silence, her posture flawlessly elegant.

Carlson observed her. Honestly, having Lilith as a point of comparison made Summer look infinitely better.

Not only was she highly competent professionally, but she also thrived in the cutthroat business world. She possessed a steady temperament and striking beauty.

She was perfectly suited to be the matriarch of a top-tier family.

Carlson set down his teacup. "Transfer Leo's household registration back to the Sterlings."

Leo was holding 10% of the Sterling Group's shares. Carlson wouldn't be able to sleep at night unless the boy's legal registration was safely under the Sterling name.

Summer met the old man's gaze calmly, neither arrogant nor submissive. "I'm sorry, I can't do that."

Carlson frowned. "Summer, this is entirely beneficial for Leo. You still hold his custody rights, so you have nothing to worry about."

Summer declined with the same poised grace. "I apologize, Carlson. I know you're thinking of Leo's best interests, and I appreciate the sentiment. But I will not transfer his registration."

Her tone was calm, yet her decision was absolute.

Looking at her, Carlson suddenly remembered the first time they had met.

Summer had been wearing cheap, unbranded clothes, yet she carried herself with remarkable poise. She showed none of the timidity expected of someone from a small town, and her gaze was clear and candid.

Years had passed, and while she hadn't changed at her core, she had evolved.

She was still confident and candid, but her aura was far more commanding. Her manners were increasingly refined, and she handled herself effortlessly against a seasoned corporate shark like him.

For the first time, Carlson felt a twinge of regret.

Perhaps he shouldn't have despised Summer for her poor background all those years ago.

But the thought flashed by and vanished just as quickly.

Since Summer refused to move Leo's registration, Carlson couldn't force her. Regardless, Xander was still in the picture.

He could tell Leo genuinely loved Xander.

As long as Xander remained the bridge between them, Leo likely wouldn't do anything reckless with the Sterling shares.

**

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