Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 5

"Hey, Summer. I'm putting together a get-together with the guys tonight. Think you could give Xavier a couple of extra hours on his curfew?"

"You're still in the mood to party? Aren't you taking things a little too lightly?" Summer feigned surprise, her expression shifting into one of deep concern.

"I heard The Outsider at your house just landed another massive contract. A lot of people are comparing the two of you behind your back, and they're saying some pretty awful things. Want me to tell you what they said?"

Without giving Julian a chance to decline, Summer cleared her throat.

Her expression suddenly turned cold and mocking, perfectly mimicking a scornful tone. "Julian is just a useless playboy who only knows how to party. He's a complete failure."

"Standing next to The Outsider, it's like night and day. If you didn't know better, you'd think Julian was the illegitimate one."

"Hey, hey, don't look so mad." Summer instantly dropped the act, her wide, innocent eyes filled with faux panic.

"I'm just repeating what I heard so you know what you're up against. Don't be mad at me. I'm only looking out for you."

Everyone knew Yates Hawthorne—The Outsider—was Julian's absolute trigger. Bringing him up was a guaranteed death wish.

He would explode at the mere mention of him.

Julian looked as though he had swallowed a live bug, but for the sake of appearances, he swallowed his fury.

He forced a strained smile. "Summer, that's exactly why I'm getting the guys together. We need to strategize."

"What good is having them brainstorm for you? You need to put in the work yourself," Summer said earnestly, playing the disappointed confidante.

"Otherwise, The Outsider is going to trample all over you, steal your inheritance, and kick you out onto the streets to beg for scraps."

Her words were exceptionally vicious.

Julian's face darkened even further, his jaw clenching so hard his teeth audibly ground together. Summer had no doubt he wanted to strangle her right then and there.

Summer sneered internally. Useless trash. She was just serving him a dose of reality.

Julian couldn't lash out even if he wanted to. He was suffocating on his own frustration.

To make matters worse, he actually had to thank her.

The realization only fueled his rage.

"Thanks, Summer. You're so kind," Julian bit out reluctantly.

Summer's eyes crinkled into half-moons, looking immensely pleased. "Glad you noticed."

Muttering curses internally, Julian grabbed his files and stormed off.

"Are you really letting me drink tonight, Summer?" Xavier reached out to pull her into his arms, his handsome, sharp features radiating his usual deep affection.

Swallowing her revulsion, Summer smiled brightly. "Of course. Julian is your best buddy, after all."