As I was listening, I understood why Nathaniel fell for me. In hindsight, the answer had been obvious all along. That man was so vain he thought he could own anyone and everyone around him. However, the competition between him and Anthony prompted him to come after me as well.
Nathaniel knew that I was the only person who could influence Anthony. Hence, I became a prized possession he desperately craved.
Nathaniel would normally despise the people who tried to seduce him. But since he knew how much Anthony loved me, his perception of me changed. Regardless of how normal I’d act, he’d always perceive it otherwise. Hence, I became someone special in his heart.
It just so happened to be me because of the external circumstances.
When I figured it all out, my lips curled into a self-deprecating smile. “Previously, I desperately looked for a woman who could seduce Nathaniel. Who would’ve known that I would end up as the best candidate to spy on him.”
Emery then tapped on my shoulder and said earnestly, “What you’re doing is a big task. You must be alert at all times. Now that I think about it, it’s a good thing you’re doing this personally after all. At least you’d be in control of the outcome.”
“That’s true.” I pursed my lips and smiled at her. “Don’t worry. I’ll be able to handle it. By the way, is everything fine with Summer?”
Actually, I wasn’t too worried about Summer. She was a wise person. Besides, Anthony would always have her back.
Emery looked at me with a strange expression the moment I mentioned Summer. “What could go wrong? She’s bold, decisive, and organized. At times, as her godmother, I feel like I’m not even as impressive as her.”
Her tone was cold and flat when she said that. Besides that, she folded her arms and looked away as she was speaking.
As a friend of Emery for more than a decade, I didn’t feel the need to phrase my sentences indirectly. So when I felt something weird with her tone, I asked, “Did Summer do something that annoyed you?”
Without denying it, Emery lowered her gaze. But perhaps due to the friendship we had, she didn’t speak too badly of Summer. “Well, not really. It’s just that we have different views on things. Perhaps it’s because of our age gap. Our opinions are bound to contradict.”
Emery phrased her words expertly. That way, she avoided offending anyone. Her words were always harsh, but she’d always have the best interests of others at heart.
After all, she’d been around ever since Summer was still a kid. I was certain that she would never cause Summer any harm.
Initially, I wanted to get to the bottom of what happened between her and Summer. However, she kept avoiding the topic intentionally. So I decided not to ask further.
After leaving The Jade, I went to Summer’s club.
The servers were all Lucas’ subordinates. They were all dressed in uniforms with bow ties on them. At first glance, they looked out of place. However, they somehow managed to hide their hostility underneath those bow ties. Along with the smiles on the customers’ faces, everything looked surprisingly normal.
Although my arrival had put everyone on edge, they still escorted me to my seat politely. They even served me drinks while I waited for Summer.
Not long after, Summer showed up. “Mommy! What brought you here today?”
Being her usual self, Summer flashed a perfunctory smile.
Due to her decisions made, I was actually worried that it’d be awkward to see her. But she handled herself surprisingly well. In fact, her warm welcome made me feel like nothing had ever happened between us.
I smiled and blurted, “I was only passing by. Then I realized we hadn’t had a meal together for some time now. Audrey and the others are missing you badly. Are you free to come home and have dinner with us?”
She took a short pause and agreed. “Yeah, sure. Shall we go buy some groceries?” she asked sweetly.
“Sure!” I nodded and accompanied her to the biggest mall nearby.
Summer was walking next to me with a cart. While she watched me pick out groceries, she occasionally put snacks for Audrey and the others into the cart.
After picking out everything we needed, we strolled around leisurely. When I thought the time was right, I casually mentioned Emery to her. “I heard from Aunt Emery that the club is doing well. Is there any new plan going forward?”
“Yes, there is,” Summer said calmly. “Our marketing efforts have worked well. Hence, our cash flow has improved by quite a bit. Aunt Emery wants to use the money for investments. She said that by doing so, we’d achieve passive income.”
“Well, that sounds like a good idea! Besides, she has an eye for investment. Do you think otherwise?” I stopped in my tracks and analyzed.
Summer stopped walking as well and smiled gently at me. “I do agree with her. It’s just that I want to use the money to open up new branches. I have nothing against investing the money elsewhere. But it can wait.”
“There’s no right or wrong when it comes to business decisions. But Emery means well. If the two of you have any contradicting opinions, communication is key. Otherwise…”
“Mommy.” Summer cut me off, and she suddenly held my hand. With a smile, she said, “Daddy has told me that I have the final say in managing the club. Hence, I’ll do what’s best.”
I was shocked upon hearing that. I could only swallow whatever I wanted to say in the first place. Summer’s words, glare, and action were her way of telling me to back off. I had no say in her decisions.
I had always felt there was a distance between us. But at that instant, she felt like a stranger to me.
Before I could react, Summer said, “Since you’ve said what you came here for, I shall make a move, Mommy. The club needs me.”
After that, she let go of my hand and left without giving me a second glance.
The cart was full, and yet, all I could feel in my heart was emptiness. I took out my phone and called Emery. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t get Summer to change her mind. If you’re unhappy with her decisions, do whatever you feel is right. I’ll understand.”
In response, Emery chuckled. “Don’t be silly. I won’t be making a fuss out of it. Why didn’t you tell me you were going to meet her?”
I let out a sigh and said helplessly, “I just don’t want things to be difficult between the two of you.”
“That’s not going to happen. I’ve seen enough families ruined because of business matters to know that won’t happen to us. Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on Summer. I guess she’s just going through a rebellious phase. Soon, it’ll all be all right.” Emery wasn’t bothered at all.
“Well, I hope so too.” I could only helplessly wait and hope for the best outcome.
“Hey, Sienna?” Emery suddenly blurted.
“Yes?” I asked.
“Thank you.”
I felt I didn’t deserve her gratitude because I didn’t confront Summer for her. I just wanted what was best for Summer. “That’s unnecessary. Unlike Alexander, I can’t be deceived by your sweet gestures!” I joked.
“Haha! Maybe you should learn a few tricks from me. That way, you can deceive Nathaniel and get him to be more invested in you!” Emery started joking around as well.
“He’s already all over me!” I paused and continued, “However, I haven’t heard from him since yesterday. I’m not sure what’s going on.”
“Be patient. He’ll surely come back for you. All we have to do now is wait,” Emery said convincingly.
“All right, I’ll wait. Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?” I asked as I gazed at the full cart of groceries.
“Are you cooking?”
“Yes, I am,” I answered firmly.
“Well, okay! I’ll see you later.”
I had prepared a variety of dishes for dinner. The kids were being supportive as well by eating more than usual.
Since Emery was around, Audrey didn’t mention anything about Summer.
For the first time in so long, the atmosphere in the house was lively and warm again.
Late that night, the strong winter wind was blowing, slamming the windows every minute. I felt incredibly troubled and was unable to sleep at all. I got up with my blanket wrapped around me and sat by the window.
There was still a tiny flame in the fireplace. The wind blew the embers onto the nearby rug and turned to ash.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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