Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 62

Summer was just about to put her phone away when Silas replied.

He hadn't just replied with text, but with a sticker too.

She lifted her gaze to look at him.

Silas's face was a mask of cold, untouchable authority. Had he not just replied right in front of her, Summer never would have believed it.

It turned out that in private, he was the kind of guy who used emojis.

Then, Silas sent a string of numbers.

"This is my personal number."

Summer tactfully sent her own phone number in return.

Silas's assistant checked his watch and gently reminded him, "Mr. Sinclair, we're going to be late."

Silas was hosting tonight's dinner with some high-level executives.

It was considered highly rude for the host to arrive late, especially when entertaining VIPs who were both difficult to book and dangerous to offend.

Understanding the situation, Summer spoke up. "I won't hold you up any longer, Mr. Sinclair."

Before she could finish, her phone rang. "Excuse me," she apologized, "I need to take this. Have a good evening."

Silas nodded and left with his assistant.

Summer answered the call, hearing her former colleague's voice on the line.

"Summer, we're stuck in traffic and might be a little late. Why don't you head up to the private room first? Have some tea and snacks while you wait."

Summer smiled. "Sounds good. Take your time, I haven't arrived yet either. Drive safely."

Her colleagues were coming straight from work, and during rush hour, traffic was inevitable.

After hanging up, Summer double-checked that her car was locked and turned to head toward the restaurant.

But the moment she turned around, a flashy yellow sports car sped past her, missing her by inches.

Fortunately, Summer had quick reflexes and jumped back just in time. Otherwise, the tires would have crushed her foot, and she'd be on her way to the hospital.

Heart pounding, Summer watched as Julian Hawthorne stepped out of his gaudy car. He raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Summer, what are you doing here?"

He acted as if he had only just noticed her.

Summer didn't believe for a second that he hadn't seen her. Unless he was legally blind.

Xavier stepped out, carrying Hunter in his arms, with Lily right by his side.

They looked exactly like a perfect family of three.

Noticing Summer's gaze, Lily shot her a flawless, triumphant smile, her chin held high like a victorious swan, radiating confidence.

Summer found it hilarious. It was as if Lily thought they were competing.

But who was competing with her?

Xavier was nothing more than garbage that Summer no longer wanted.

Summer let out a soft, breathy laugh.

Julian had been monitoring Summer's every move, analyzing her every expression.

Seeing her laugh, Julian was convinced she was laughing out of pure, unadulterated fury. He assumed she was drowning in jealousy, which was the only reason she would have stalked them all the way here.

Julian smugly believed he had seen right through her.

He arched an eyebrow, his tone mocking. "Oh, come on, Summer. Are you seriously jealous again? Is your heart really that petty? Lily and I have been friends since childhood. We've always acted like this. What, do you plan to chase away every single woman in Xavier's life?"

Summer found him incredibly irritating. "Were you a gossip columnist in your past life, Julian? You're a grown man, yet all you do is run your mouth. Will it kill you to mind your own business?"