In recent years, the elder Mr. York had become quite reclusive. He had only come for a visit upon hearing of Brandon Crawford's return to the country and had no intention of disturbing his rest for too long. After about half an hour, he prepared to leave.
Plagued by illness, Brandon Crawford didn't press him to stay. "Summer, please see our guests out for me."
Summer Thorne acknowledged him and obediently escorted the elder Mr. York and Timothy York downstairs.
The two had arrived in separate cars. Downstairs, Timothy first saw the elder Mr. York to his car. Only after watching it drive away did he turn around.
Summer was standing right behind him, her gaze also having just left the elder Mr. York's car. When she saw him turn, she silently took two steps back.
Behind them, Timothy York's driver was already standing by the car, having opened the door for him.
"Take care, Mr. York," Summer said softly.
Timothy York's calm gaze fell upon her face as he bent to get into the car.
"I'll send you the address for dinner later. Thank you for gracing me with your presence, Mr. York," Summer said.
Timothy's movements paused slightly. He turned to look at her and spoke in a mild tone, "I thought we wouldn't be needing to have this dinner today."
Summer instantly understood what he meant.
The reason she had invited him to dinner was that he had told her to focus her efforts on the right person.
She had been at a dead end, which was why she had chosen him.
But now, Brandon Crawford was back.
Brandon Crawford acknowledged her as his daughter-in-law, so he would definitely help her.
A new path had already opened up before her.
She could, indeed, cancel this dinner.
But after a moment of silence, Summer simply tilted her head and smiled. "Why is that? Are you not free this evening, Mr. York?"
Her reaction was likely not what he had expected, but Timothy York's expression remained calm. He glanced at the large mansion behind her. "I was just worried you'd be too busy to manage."
"I promised I would thank you, Mr. York," Summer said. "You've helped me so many times. This dinner is happening, no matter what."
Timothy York said no more, turning and getting into the car.
Only after watching his car drive away for a second time did Summer turn and go back upstairs.
A nurse was helping Brandon Crawford drink some water. Seeing her enter, Brandon beckoned her over. "Tell me about what's going on with your family..."
"Father, you should rest first. When I need your help, do you think I'd hesitate to ask?" Summer said. "As for everything else, please don't worry about it. Resting and getting your strength back is the most important thing."
"Summer..."
"Father, I have something on this evening, so I can't stay much longer," Summer said. "I'll come see you again tomorrow, okay?"
Helpless, Brandon Crawford could only nod and let her leave.
...
Summer chose Mount Cinnar, a location outside the Fourth Ring Road, as the venue to host Timothy York.
Although Timothy York's assistant had explicitly told her that Timothy disliked eating out, Summer still chose a restaurant.
Mount Cinnar was opened and run by one of her former university professors. In its early days, most of its patrons were students. In the last two years, however, it had gradually become famous for its elegant environment and artistic atmosphere, turning into a favorite dining spot for many in the upper class.
Summer arrived early. She had just walked into the lobby when she heard someone call her name from behind—
"Summer Thorne?"
Summer turned around and saw Shirley Shields, a university classmate she hadn't seen in a long time.
Shirley's name suited her—her beauty was striking. Back in the day, she was one of the top beauties at the dance academy. After graduating, she participated in a talent show and was now somewhat famous in the entertainment industry.
Summer hadn't interacted with her much, and they had lost contact completely after graduation. She never expected to run into her here today.
"Long time no see," Summer said with a smile.
Shirley walked up to her, her gaze landing on Summer's face. She smiled faintly before speaking. "Yes, long time no see... Do you have time to sit and chat?"
Summer had intended to refuse, but seeing the look on Shirley's face, she changed her mind.
After instructing a waiter to take good care of her guest when he arrived, Summer followed Shirley up to a teahouse on the third floor.
Sure enough, a surprise was waiting for her.
Looking at the early-pregnancy ultrasound image Shirley placed in front of her, Summer couldn't help but glance at the other woman's slender waist before asking, "Yours?"
"It's his," Shirley replied.
Summer slowly lifted her eyes.
'Just as I thought. Shirley's appearance here today was no coincidence.'
'Another one of Mason Crawford's romantic entanglements.'
"He's always been quite careful about these things." Summer lowered her gaze to the photo again. "Nothing like this has ever happened before."
Shirley's gaze hardened slightly. "Are you saying I'm lying to you? Do I need to show you other proof that we're together?"
Summer didn't answer, simply asking, "Why are you telling me this?"
Shirley stared at her. "The doctor said it's difficult for me to conceive. This child is a rare blessing."
Summer nodded, waiting for her to continue.
"So I plan on having this child," Shirley said. "We were classmates, after all. For something this major, I felt I should let you know."
"Oh," Summer responded numbly.
Shirley stared at her in disbelief. "This is your reaction?"
A faint smile touched Summer's lips.
Shirley felt she was being mocked.
"Believe it or not, I didn't come here to provoke you today," Shirley said. "I just hope we can find a perfect solution to this situation."
Summer tilted her head slightly, looking at her. "Let me guess. Your so-called perfect solution is for me to give up my position as Mrs. Crawford so that you and your child can have a legitimate status, right?"
Shirley didn't respond directly, only saying, "You've been married for two years. You should know that he doesn't love you."
"You really know how to twist the knife," Summer said.
"It's better to be clear-headed about things," Shirley said. "I remember you always being quite perceptive."
Summer just watched her quietly, not answering.
Shirley couldn't take it anymore. "Don't you have anything to say?"
After a long moment, Summer finally moved.
She reached out, picked up the ultrasound photo, and asked, "Can I keep this?"
Shirley: "..."
...
When Summer walked into the private room she had booked, Timothy York was already there.
Inside the retro, dark-green private room, warm light spilled down from above. The man, dressed in a sharp suit with refined features, sat alone, looking as if he had stepped out of a historical scroll, colored by bygone days—mysterious and inscrutable.
"I'm sorry, I'm late. I've kept you waiting, Mr. York."
Timothy York turned his head. Summer was wearing a long, black, square-necked velvet dress, which made her skin look as white as snow. Her thick, long hair was loosely tied up, and she wore no extra accessories. Slender and elegant, her features were as beautiful as a painting.
Only the color on her red lips had faded slightly.
Summer sat down beside him. "I ran into a classmate, and she pulled me aside to chat for a bit... I shouldn't have talked with her for so long. It was rude of me, Mr. York."
As she spoke, she took her phone out of her handbag, but something else came out with it by accident.
The palm-sized ultrasound photo slowly fluttered down by Timothy York's feet.
Timothy York lowered his head slightly, then bent down to pick it up.