Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 462

This was Xander's official return to high society.

Years ago, his name had been legendary in Empire City. A certified prodigy, he skipped multiple grades, graduated university at sixteen, and dominated the corporate battlefield alongside his father, building a terrifying reputation.

Beyond his genius, he was devastatingly handsome. Despite being in a coma for years, his striking looks hadn't faded, and his aura had only grown more magnetic and imposing.

Unsurprisingly, quite a few unmarried heiresses in the crowd were already swooning.

"Alex, do you still have feelings for Xander? If it weren't for Lilith, you two would have been married with kids by now."

"Exactly! But instead, Lilith pulled her stunt. The second Xander ended up in a coma, she ran off to seduce Xavier. What a shameless homewrecker. I don't know what the Sterling family is thinking, parading a slut like her in public. It's embarrassing."

"Well, she was fertile enough to pop out twins for them. Word on the street is Xander woke up, but he can't have kids. That's why the Sterlings tolerate her. Otherwise, what respectable aristocratic family would ever accept a woman with her filthy reputation?"

"Wait, is he sterile, or is he impotent? Because there is a massive difference. If he just can't have kids but everything else works... I volunteer."

"Keep dreaming, Alex hasn't even said anything yet. She hasn't gotten married all these years; she's definitely still in love with him."

Standing quietly near the edge of the crowd, Summer overheard the hushed gossip and followed their line of sight.

She spotted a woman with a sharp bob cut, nursing a glass of wine, her eyes entirely locked onto Xander on stage.

So this was Xander's ex-fiancée. She radiated a clean, razor-sharp energy, looking every bit the decisive, ruthless corporate shark.

Perhaps sensing Summer's gaze, the woman turned her head. Seeing it was Summer, she paused for a fraction of a second, then raised her glass in a silent toast.

Smiling, Summer raised her own glass in return.

After that brief, unspoken exchange, they went back to their own worlds.

On stage, Xander formally introduced Leo.

Showing absolutely zero stage fright, Leo confidently steered his wheelchair forward, stopping flawlessly beside Xander.

With perfect, articulate diction, he spoke into the microphone. "Good evening, everyone. My name is Leo Vance. I am incredibly happy and deeply proud to be my father's son."

"Since I was little, I knew my father was an extraordinary man. I've always followed in his footsteps, striving to become someone even more exceptional than he is."

"My father is my ultimate role model, and he is my greatest pride. Thank you all for being here tonight to witness this moment with us."

Before the applause could even begin, Leo seamlessly switched languages, repeating the entire speech in fluent English, then Italian, and finally German, ensuring the foreign dignitaries in the room understood every word.

When he finished, Leo delivered a flawless, gentlemanly bow.

The banquet hall erupted. The applause was deafening and endless.

Tears shimmered in Xander's eyes—a fierce mix of overwhelming emotion and absolute pride.

This was his son!

To be idolized and followed by his own son was the greatest honor of his life!

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