Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 67

Just then, Silas's assistant returned, panting and shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Ms. Vance. I lost the guy who smashed your car. The lunatic sprinted straight into oncoming traffic and got away."

Only after spending all that time arguing did the rest of them finally notice that Summer's car had been utterly destroyed.

Shortly after, the police and insurance agents arrived. They inspected the scene, pulled the parking lot surveillance footage, took their statements, and exchanged contact information.

The insurance company eventually towed the wrecked car away. Left without a vehicle, Summer would have to hail a cab.

"Get in," Silas offered smoothly. "It's not safe for a woman to take a cab alone at night, especially after you've been drinking."

Hearing this, a flash of pure anger ignited in Xavier's eyes. Silas even knew she had been drinking?

Had Summer been having dinner with Silas tonight?

She knew exactly how hostile the Sterlings and the Sinclairs were toward each other.

What exactly was she trying to pull?

"Summer!" Xavier snapped coldly, his frustration boiling over. "Get over here."

Summer glanced over and saw that Xavier had pushed open the passenger door of his car.

Lily and Hunter were already seated in the back.

"Come on, Summer, get in," Lily called out with a sweet smile. "You barely know Mr. Sinclair. It really isn't safe for a girl to ride with a strange man late at night after a few drinks."

Beside her, Hunter made faces and stuck his tongue out at Summer.

She wanted nothing more than to rip that tongue right out of his mouth.

Standing nearby, Julian added sarcastically, "What's the matter, Summer? Are you really waiting for your husband to beg you to get in?"

He deliberately emphasized the words 'your husband'.

"Enough with the act. Don't tell me you actually want to get into Silas Sinclair's car? Do you have any idea what kind of man he is?"

Silas was well aware of his own reputation—ruthless, brutal, cold-blooded, psychotic, and supposedly into men...

He strongly suspected Xavier was the one spreading half those rumors.

In retaliation, he had spread plenty of rumors about Xavier, too. The two of them were cut from the same cloth, and neither had a stellar reputation.

Silas let out a low chuckle. "The way you say that makes it sound as if Mr. Sterling is universally beloved by the public."

"Summer. For the last time. Get over here," Xavier demanded, his gaze heavy and warning.

Silas stayed quiet, patiently waiting for Summer to make her own choice.

Summer completely ignored Xavier. She turned to Silas and smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Sinclair. I'd appreciate the ride."

Furious, Xavier slammed the passenger door shut and climbed into the back seat.

"I'll hold you to that."

Silas didn't drive off until he watched Summer safely enter the complex.

Summer went straight to Tessa's apartment. Even though she had bought a high-end latex mattress for her new place, she wanted to let it air out for a few days just to be safe.

For the time being, she was crashing with Tessa.

Leo was already fast asleep.

Tessa was sitting alone in the living room, sipping red wine while video-chatting with her fiancé.

Seeing Summer walk in, she grabbed another glass and poured her a small measure. "Here. Have a nightcap. It's good for your sleep and your skin."

Summer sat down beside Tessa and waved at Harvey on the screen.

The two of them had been college sweethearts and were getting married soon.

Harvey was also a doctor, and since he had an early surgery the next morning, Tessa told him to go to bed, and they ended the call.

It was only then that Tessa noticed the men's suit jacket Summer had brought in. "Who does that belong to?"

"Silas Sinclair. Xavier's sworn enemy."

Summer gave her a brief rundown of the evening's events. While cursing Xavier's name, Tessa immediately reached out to inspect the back of Summer's head.