Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 81

Summer flipped to the end of the document. Xavier's signature was bold and sharp, but why was her name missing?

She distinctly remembered signing the *Divorce Agreement* before handing it to him.

Unless—

Under the dim streetlights, Summer reviewed the document.

Property division: Three houses, three cars, and thirty-three million dollars in cash. Nothing else.

Leo's custody would remain with the Sterling family.

Not only that, but after the divorce, Summer was bound by a strict non-disclosure agreement regarding their marriage. She couldn't breathe a word of it to the public.

It wasn't hard to figure out why. He wanted to protect Lily from any grievances or public backlash.

This wasn't the *Divorce Agreement* Summer had given him at all.

Summer let out a soft scoff and looked up at him. "Who are you trying to insult, Xavier? Thirty-three million? Are you calling me a cheap homewrecker? And Leo's custody must go to me!"

"You're the one demanding this divorce, Summer. These are the terms. If you don't agree, the next offer won't be nearly as generous."

Summer knew exactly what his unspoken threat meant. The next offer would only be worse.

Xavier pulled open the car door, ready to leave.

Summer's voice was ice. "Aren't you afraid I'll blow this out of proportion?"

He paused, turning back to look at her. His predatory gaze was darker and colder than the night itself.

He spoke slowly. "Haven't you realized, Summer? You have absolutely no one backing you. I used to be the one standing behind you, but you insisted on pushing me away."

So what leverage did she possibly have to fight him?

He used to spoil her, which was why she repeatedly pushed her luck, acting arrogant and defiant.

Now, he was done indulging her.

She was easy to manipulate, easy to handle, and easy to control.

Xavier never had to worry about the cost of lying to her. Even if his lies were exposed, what could Summer possibly do about it?

She couldn't make any real waves.

But if he had married Ms. Whitmore, she would never have let it go upon discovering the deception. Divorcing her wouldn't have been so simple.

Even if he succeeded, it would cost him dearly. She would have walked away with half, if not more, of his fortune.

In comparison, marrying Summer was the safest, most cost-effective option.

As for treating her well during their marriage, that was merely a facade to deceive his grandfather.

He needed Carlson to believe he no longer loved Lily, so the old man would comfortably hand over his shares and the family empire, letting Xavier take total control.

"Since we were once married, I'll give you a piece of advice, Summer. You have no one backing you, yet you have a whole crowd relying on you. If you really want out, let's part amicably and keep our dignity. If you insist on making a scene, think carefully about the consequences and whether you can bear them. Think it over."