Chapter 41 Schemes and Returns
Chapter 41 Schemes and Returns
Summer lowered her eyes and nodded. “I understand, Dad.”
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“Are you sure you can hold Alan?” Chandler frowned, his tone stern. “He hasn’t been staying here much lately.”
“Don’t worry.”
Summer’s voice was full of confidence. “We’ve had decades of history together. He trusts me. I just came back and he’s already set up a new company for me. Now he’s even sent his child here. It’s only a matter of time.”
“It needs to be sooner,” Chandler pressed. Then he asked, “Didn’t you say you were helping him connect with that Al genius in Astrovia–the one they call Mountain?”
“Yes.”
“Has he returned? Can you manage it?”
“In a few more days,” Summer replied. “My professor has ties with his mentor. The chances of success are good.”
“Good. Then introduce me as well,” Chandler said flatly.
Summer blinked in surprise. “Dad, you want to work with Mountain too?”
Chandler leaned back, eyes sharp. “The state has poured money into Al research for years, but progress has stalled. Mountain’s return with his team is a bombshell. He’s a national treasure, and his algorithm is already at the very top. If I can personally secure that partnership, my career will skyrocket. For the Zach family, it would mean everything.”
“I understand, Dad. I’ll find a way.”
“Good.”
After breakfast, Chandler left for work. Before he walked out the door, he gave his daughter one last order.
“Whatever happens, Alan is the priority. He trusts you now–don’t waste it. Get pregnant as soon as possible, by any means. Once you bear the Moore heir, they’ll have no choice but to recognize you.”
He was gone before Summer could reply.
The moment the door closed, her smile faded.
Mrs. Zach reached over, patting her daughter’s back with a sigh. “Your father only wants the best for you. Marrying into the Moore family will bring unimaginable benefits–not just for us, but for you. And it’s not like you don’t love Alan. He loves you too. If not for…”
“I know, Mom, I just hate it,”
13
06:08 Mon, 1 Sept
Chapter 41 Schemes and Returns
Summer’s lips curved in a cold smile, her beautiful eyes twisted with resentment.
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“If I hadn’t been overseas back then, Claudia never would have stolen what was mine. She took my marriage, made me a laughingstock for years. From the moment I came back, I swore I’d destroy her. Everything she values, I’ll shatter. I’ll make her wish she were dead.”
Her voice dripped venom, then turned mocking.
“Seven years, and she couldn’t win Alan’s heart. Even her own son was stolen away with a few sweet words. Pathetic. A failure.”
Mrs. Zach stroked her daughter’s face tenderly. “You’re right. My Summer is a thousand times prettier and more capable than Claudia. Bringing her down will be effortless.”
“Mom…”
Summer leaned into her touch, coy and spoiled like a child again.
Garden Compound.
After a day of rest, Claudia’s leg was finally healed enough that she could walk normally again.
Early that morning, she drove to the international airport. Her great–aunt was returning from the haute couture week abroad, and Claudia had promised to pick her up.
As she stepped out, she noticed a commotion across the street. Several trucks were parked outside the opposite villa, workers hauling in brand–new furniture. Looked like her new neighbors from overseas were moving in.
Claudia didn’t give it much thought and drove on to the airport.
At the VIP entrance, she caught sight of someone unexpected–Trevor. He was seeing off a distinguished- looking couple, their posture and clothes screaming wealth.
They noticed her too. After sending them inside, Trevor came over with a warm smile.
“Ms. Sue, here to pick someone up?”
Claudia nodded. “Yes, a relative of mine.”
“What a coincidence,” Trevor said. “I was just dropping off my parents. I’ve decided to settle back here, and after so many years of hard work, they finally get to travel and relax.”
Claudia’s brows furrowed faintly.
She remembered what he’d said at the Taurine family banquet, when he’d threatened his brother–about taking over the family business and Timothy along with it.
But she had no interest in the Taurine family’s affairs.
And she certainly hadn’t expected him to share so openly.
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Ub.uy Mon, Sept
Chapter 41 Schemes and Returns
They weren’t close.
Still, she answered politely, “Then your parents are very fortunate.”
