Night gradually deepened. Spencer yed several rounds of chess with Ivan. Both were skilled, and neither gave the other any advantage, resulting in a series of draws.


    As they reached the final game, Ivan said, “I have to go abroad for a few days on a business trip. If you need anything, you can call me anytime.”


    “Don’t worry about it. I won’t need to bother you,” Spencer replied, feeling content with his lifetely. “I’ll handle things with Summer’s mom. We’re just one step away.”


    “You’re good at winning over women,” Ivan reassured him. “It might just take a bit more time, so don’t stress too much.”


    “Alright, I’ll follow your advice.”


    Ivan added, “If you need help, you can always ask me.”


    “Okay.”


    That evening, when Spencer was about to take Summer home, Jennifer suggested they stay the night since there were plenty of empty rooms in Emerald Bay. However, fearing Summer might feel ufortable, Spencer chose to leave and thanked his brother and sister-inw for their hospitality, promising to visit again soon.


    In the departing Maybach, Summer turned her head and said from the passenger seat, “You were supposed to treat your brother to dinner, but it ended up being him hosting us.” She felt a bit awkward about it.


    Spencer didn’t mind. He looked at her with a smile and half-jokingly said, “When we get married, we’ll cook for them!”


    Summer felt a wave of tenderness at his words but couldn’t help thinking about her mother and wondering when she would approve of their rtionship. To be truly happy, they needed her parents’ blessing.


    The next morning, Ivan had nned to leave early on a private jet for his business trip but changed his mind at thest minute.


    In a spacious and bright bedroom in Emerald Bay with curtains half-drawn, Jenniferyfortably in bed while Ivan stood by the bed putting on his shirt. “Darling, sleep a bit more. I’m going to visit the Campell family first,” he said. He hadn’t slept well the previous night.


    “Did Spencer ask you to go?”This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    “No,” Ivan replied as he fastened his cufflinks. “But from our conversation, I learned that Summer’s mother doesn’t like him much. This might be the only issue standing between them now.”


    As an older brother, Ivan wanted to help as much as he could.


    Jennifer didn’t say anything.


    After dressing, Ivan told his wife lying in bed, “I’lle back to pick you up after I’m done. I’ll call you beforehand so you can rest some more.”


    “Okay, be safe,” Jennifer replied sleepily since she had be more tired during her pregnancy.


    Ivan called the pilot to dy the flight by two hours without exining why.


    About half an hourter, Ivan’s Lamborghini stopped at the entrance of an old alley that caught his eye with its serene charm. The morning breeze was cool as he walked alone along the cobblestone path into the alley. This was an area ted for redevelopment with official demolition notices already issued.


    He stopped in front of a flower shop where the cool morning air brushed against his handsome face. Confirming he was at the right ce, he stepped inside.


    Business owners usually rise early; the flower shop was brightly lit with rows of flower racks filled with fresh blooms. The air was filled with a mix of floral scents and the aroma of noodles.


    Ivan entered but saw no one around. He stood by the flower racks and took in the surroundings with his deep gaze.