Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Bring Her to the Birthday Party

The atmosphere at the dining table was cold and cheerless again. Yvonne Lancaster hadn’t come home last night, but Gregory Lancaster and his wife seemed used to it and weren’t overly concerned. Summer Lancaster certainly wasn’t going to ask about her. If Kenneth Yates hadn’t been here today, Audrey Adler would have undoubtedly started mocking her again. ’That’s just how that mother and daughter are.’ If Melody Donovan had been home yesterday, Summer wouldn’t have come here in the first place.

“Dad, I’m done. You guys take your time.” Summer Lancaster pushed her chair back and left, and seeing this, Kenneth Yates also excused himself from the table.

“Summer Lancaster, let’s head to the office together,” Kenneth Yates called out to her.

Summer Lancaster stopped. “Okay, but don’t run any red lights.”

“Alright. Hurry up, or we’ll be late.”

Yates Group

Summer Lancaster had him drop her off a short distance from the office to avoid any misunderstandings among their colleagues. Her office was neat and orderly. She was a meticulous person who strived for perfection in everything she did. When Summer went to make some coffee, she ran into Serena Monroe walking toward her. Summer had a gut feeling this couldn’t be good.

“Summer, your makeup is a bit heavy today. Going on a blind date?”

“I knew it. You never have anything nice to say. I could tell just from your expression,” Summer Lancaster said, poking her with an index finger. “Honestly, is that all you ever think about? Blind dates? I’m still young, you know!”

“Yes, yes, you’re so young, and I’m so old,” Serena Monroe said, feigning disappointment. “Anyway, Summer, did you hear? Tonight is the patriarch of Allura’s birthday. President Yates is definitely going. Who do you think he’ll take as his date? Do you think it’ll be Becky?”

’Becky? She remembered his explanation was that the media was just spreading baseless rumors. He probably wouldn’t take her, right? Kendrick Thorne from Allura? Dad knows him a little… he’ll probably go with Audrey Adler.’

“President Yates can take whoever he wants. Why do you care?” Summer Lancaster’s reaction was clearly a little unnatural.

“Summer, it’s not like President Yates is going to take *you*, so what are you so nervous about?” Serena Monroe teased her openly.

“Director Monroe, don’t you have work to do? Or do you just plan on gossiping with me all day?” Summer Lancaster said with a look of disdain.

“Alright, alright, I’m going. Sheesh, so sensitive.” Serena Monroe walked away, grinning.

’A birthday party? Who will he take…’

Her desk phone rang. Summer Lancaster quickly put down her work and answered. “Summer Lancaster, come to my office.” Kenneth Yates hung up as soon as he finished speaking, giving her no chance to ask why. ’He’s calling for me… Is it about work?’

KNOCK KNOCK

“Come in.” Strangely, Kenneth Yates wasn’t at his desk today but was sitting on the sofa.

“President Yates, you wanted to see me?” Summer Lancaster asked respectfully, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Seeing her formal posture, Kenneth Yates put on a serious face.

“Director Lancaster, take a look at this proposal. It looks like there’s a loss on the funding side.” ’A funding loss? She always checked her reports several times. How could there be a mistake?’ Summer Lancaster leaned down to look at the report lying on the sofa. Only then did she see that its title was “Financial Statement.” Just as she was about to straighten up to question Kenneth Yates, he leaned in and kissed her forehead. Summer froze for a few seconds before standing up, hands on her hips. “Kenneth Yates, you dare to trick me!” Beside her, Kenneth Yates burst out laughing. He had only called her in for lunch, but seeing how she assumed it was about work, he had decided to play along.

“Summer Lancaster, you’re so gullible,” Kenneth Yates said, still laughing.

“Do you actually need something? If not, I’m leaving.” Summer Lancaster was annoyed. It was one thing to be tricked, but she was even more irritated that he had taken liberties with her.

“My mom sent over lunch, and I can’t finish it all by myself,” Kenneth Yates said, pointing to a small dining table. A small spark of pleasure lit up inside Summer Lancaster. ’So it was just about lunch. And what’s this about not being able to finish it? He could just throw the leftovers away. He obviously just wanted an excuse to see me.’

The two of them sat down and began to eat lunch.

“Kenneth Yates, are you going to Kendrick Thorne’s birthday party tonight?” Summer Lancaster asked cautiously.

“Of course. I’m good friends with his son,” Kenneth Yates replied nonchalantly.

“Oh…” Summer Lancaster lowered her head, lost in thought.

“What’s wrong?” Kenneth Yates asked, not noticing anything unusual about her.

“Nothing, nothing, it’s nothing,” Summer Lancaster said, waving her hands. ’He didn’t offer to take me. I can’t just brazenly ask him, can I!’

“If you’re free tonight, come with me.”

“What? What did you say?”

“If you’re not free, then forget it.”

“I’m free, I’m free!” Summer Lancaster couldn’t suppress her smile, and she unconsciously started eating faster.

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