Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 68

Her scalp was bright red, though thankfully, there was no swelling.

After checking her head, Tessa lifted Summer's shirt to examine her lower back. It was covered in a massive, ugly purple-and-blue bruise that looked agonizing.

Tessa ordered Summer to take a quick shower. Once she was done, Summer lay face down on the bed while Tessa massaged a medicinal ointment into her bruised skin with expert, professional hands for a full half-hour.

The pain brought tears to Summer's eyes, but by the time Tessa finished, the agonizing throb had subsided significantly.

The next morning.

Summer woke up early to make breakfast. Fang wagged his tail and trailed right behind her, acting like the most well-behaved dog in the world.

Summer had never fed a wolf before and wasn't entirely sure what he ate. Seeing a pack of chicken drumsticks in the fridge, she boiled all of them in a savory broth.

Once breakfast was ready, she woke Tessa up. Leo had a strict internal clock and had already woken up on his own.

After washing his face and brushing his teeth, Leo changed into his school uniform and sat obediently at the dining table. It was a school day.

Fang lay peacefully at his feet. Leo rested his soft, chubby little bare feet right on the wolf's back.

The wolf's coarse outer coat tickled the soles of his feet, causing Leo to erupt into a fit of giggles.

Walking past, Tessa affectionately ruffled his hair. "Look at you, grinning from ear to ear! What's so funny? Tell Aunt Tessa so she can laugh too."

Tessa wandered into the kitchen to help Summer bring out the food.

A hearty breakfast bowl, fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp cucumber salad, deeply aromatic roasted chicken drumsticks, and perfectly golden hash browns.

Just looking at it made their mouths water.

However, Leo's mind was still on the wolf resting at his feet. "Mom, what is Fang going to eat?"

Summer carried a massive metal bowl out of the kitchen, filled with the eight remaining boiled chicken drumsticks.

"Fang!" she called out.

Fang happily trotted over. The moment he laid eyes on the chicken, his entire demeanor brightened. He let out an excited "Awoo!" and affectionately nuzzled Summer's leg with his head.

Summer patted him affectionately. "Go on, eat up."

After washing her hands again, she sat down at the table where Leo and Tessa were waiting.

"Let's dig in," Summer smiled.

After breakfast, Summer prepared to order a cab to take Leo to kindergarten.

"What do you mean, cab?" Tessa stopped her. "Am I just chopped liver to you?"

Summer was worried she would be late for work.

"We have plenty of time." Tessa grabbed Leo's hand and headed for the door. "I haven't dropped my godson off at school a single time since he started. This is a rare opportunity. I'm taking him today no matter what."

Refusing to acknowledge the classmate any further, Leo grabbed Summer and Tessa by their hands and pulled them toward the school gates.

But the moment they reached the entrance, the smiles vanished from their faces. Standing right by the gates was Xavier.

Xavier and Lily were holding Hunter's hands on either side.

Hunter had actually transferred to Leo's school.

The principal was personally greeting them, repeatedly referring to them as "Hunter's father" and "Hunter's mother." And shockingly, Xavier didn't correct him once.

Tessa let out a sharp sneer. "You never cease to amaze me, Mr. Sterling."

Lily maintained her sweet smile, completely unfazed. She trusted Xavier completely.

If Summer dared to make a scene here, the only person who would look like a shameless homewrecker was Summer, and Leo would be branded the illegitimate child.

So, she had nothing to fear.

Xavier's expression remained perfectly composed, exuding an aura of untouchable authority. His deep, calculating gaze swept over Tessa and Summer.

When his eyes landed on Leo, they finally softened. "Leo."

Leo looked up, offered a polite bow, and said, "Hello, Uncle."