Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Man by Her Side

Summer Lancaster had met Caleb Bell in the photography club. Back then, Caleb was the club president, and they got along great. They became close friends who could talk about anything. After graduation, Caleb went to Francelia, and they lost touch. Seeing him here today was an unexpected and happy surprise, so Summer hurried over to him.

“Caleb, when did you get back? Why didn’t you call me?” Summer ran over with a wide grin, nearly twisting her ankle.

“Summer, it’s been two years. You’re still as clumsy as ever,” he chuckled. “Be careful. I’ve been back for a few days. I actually came to the Yates Group today to ask you out to dinner. Want to catch up?” The man before her always had a way of making people feel at ease, as pleasant and refreshing as a spring breeze.

“Sure!” Summer nodded. Caleb smiled and gently patted her on the head.

“Get in.” Their car drove away. The perspective shifted upward to the top floor of the Yates Group building, where Kenneth Yates had been watching the entire time. He had never seen that man before. He’d never bothered to care about her social life, but seeing the sweet smile she gave that man sent a chill through his heart. He was in a foul mood. He shoved open his office door.

“Fletcher, what is this proposal you prepared? You’ve been my assistant for years, how are you still making such basic mistakes? If you don’t want this job anymore, you can leave!” Kenneth Yates snapped. Zane Fletcher checked the proposal again. There was nothing wrong with it. ’What’s with the President today?’ he wondered. ’Usually, his expression is unreadable; you can never tell if he’s happy or angry. From what I know, he’s a master at hiding his emotions. Did something set him off today…?’

「Valoria Hotel」

They dined on high-end steak paired with fine red wine. It was a true indulgence.

“So, Caleb, how were your years in Francelia? Find a girlfriend?” Summer asked, giving him a mischievous, gossipy look.

“Haha, you think I’m that popular? Besides, girlfriends are the biggest hassle.” He raised his glass of red wine and took a small sip, his eyes never leaving her.

“No one in Francelia pursued you? Look at you! You’re handsome, in great shape, and rich. A total diamond bachelor! The people there must have no taste.”

“Is that so? You think I’m that great?” he asked in a teasing tone, gently swirling the wine in his glass. “Then why not consider me?” Suddenly, Summer’s expression faltered. She avoided his gaze, staring down at her own wine glass.

“Caleb… I’m married.” The hand Caleb Bell was using to swirl his wine froze. ’Was I too late?’

“Why are you avoiding my eyes? Getting married is a wonderful thing. Is he… not good to you? If you have anything on your mind, you can tell me. I’m willing to be your sounding board. I’ll always be a safe harbor for you.” Summer’s face was flushed. She was getting a little drunk.

“He doesn’t love me.” Summer was definitely drunk. She would never normally say something like that; she wasn’t that weak.

A short distance away, Kenneth Yates and Audrey were also having dinner. Kenneth hadn’t expected to run into Summer and… that man here. He watched them chatting and laughing together. Summer had clearly had a lot to drink; her eyes were hazy and unfocused. ’She looks so alluring like this,’ he thought, ’but she’s showing this side of herself to another man.’ Furious, Kenneth slammed his hand on the table.

“Kenneth, what’s wrong? Is the food not to your liking?” Audrey asked. Kenneth shot her a vicious glare, and she immediately fell silent. The truth was, Kenneth didn’t actually like Audrey. He was just going through the motions, as men sometimes do. More importantly, he was using her to spite Summer. He was still furious with her for driving Thea away.

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