Chapter 128
Emmitt’s gaze rested on Summer’s face, which was once radiant with vitality, now drawn and lifeless. Her reddened eyes were seemingly brimming with endless regret and remorse. Even her usual meticulous attention to appearance had been cast aside, all for the sake of an apology, an explanation.
Watching Summer in this state, Emmitt felt a whirlwind of emotions. His lips twitched as if he wanted to say something, but then the image of Mirabella – cool, aloof, and prideful – flashed before his eyes. Mirabella didn’t cry or make a fuss. Even when misunderstood, she wouldn’t stoop to justifying herself, stubborn as a mule.
After a moment, he finally spoke with a softened voice. “What’s done is done. There’s no need to bring it up again. As for the apology…” Emmitt paused, then simply added, “… it’s not necessary. Mira, she won’t dwell on it.”
Summer’s eyes lowered slightly, and her fingertips nervously twirled on the tabletop. With tentative care, she added, “But is that really okay? After all, I’m the one who caused the misunderstanding… Emmitt, you don’t need to worry about me. As long as it makes Mira happy. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
When Emmitt heared this, his brow furrowed involuntarily, and then he replied firmly, “It’s alright.”
Summer’s heart skipped a beat; suddenly she felt unsure of how to interpret his demeanor.
Soon, the sound of the waiter knocking at the door interrupted them. Summer wanted to probe further, but with the interruption, she simply fell silent. As the server entered, she quickly slipped her sunglasses back on. After the dishes were served and the waiter left, Summer took off her sunglasses once again.
She glanced at Emmitt across from her, who was now attentively cutting into his steak, and she realized the earlier conversation couldn’t be continued. Thus, she too picked up her knife and fork. Her dining was absent–minded as her thoughts wandered.
For a while, the private dining room was enveloped in silence, both lost in their own worlds.
After the meal, as Emmitt went to settle the bill, Summer left the room, again donning her sunglasses and a face mask to avoid recognition.
Stepping out of the restaurant, she looked at Emmitt, about to speak.
“Do you need a ride home, or…?” Emmitt asked first.
“I’ll head home,” Summer replied softly.
Emmitt nodded. “Alright, let’s get you back.” After saying that, he headed towards the parking lot.
Summer watched his retreating figure. His presence reminded her of a time when there was no rift between them. Her eyes lowered, and she subdued the flurry of thoughts within. Perhaps
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Chapter 128
she was overthinking things.
Twenty minutes later, Emmitt dropped Summer off at the gates of the Gilbert family mansion.
“Emmitt, drive safely, okay? I’m heading in,” Summer said gently as she unbuckled her seatbelt. With a quiet acknowledgment, Emmitt watched Summer exit the car. He didn’t immediately start the vehicle but instead gazed through the windshield at the grandeur of the Gilbert family mansion, with its decorative lights casting hazy halos and the three–story building standing like a miniature castle, a testament to the family’s wealth.
Suddenly, Emmitt’s lips twisted into a wry smile. There was a trace of bitterness in his eyes. After a while, his hands, still resting on the steering wheel, finally moved, and he turned the car
around, driving away.
As soon as Summer entered the house and changed her shoes, she encountered Aiden descending the staircase. She furrowed her brows but didn’t bother with a greeting.
Colton was lounging on the couch, engrossed in a TV show. Summer approached and called out sweetly, “Dad, I’m home.”
Colton looked up at Summer. His rounded face broke into a smile as he casually inquired, “Mmm, what kept you out so late today?”
Chapter 129
