Chapter 167: Chapter 167: Punishment
Summer Lancaster glanced at him and then laughed. "What’s wrong? You make it sound like you’re smuggling arms or something. Are you dealing with the mob? Heh, you guys are too much. The business world is all about survival of the fittest, the strong devouring the weak. Do you really think the people who fail will hold a grudge against Kenneth Yates?"
Summer had been joking, but the words died on her lips when she turned and saw the serious expression on Dominic Thorne’s face.
’She had suspected it before—that Kenneth Yates was involved in some kind of illegal activity. He was always so mysterious. That time he went to Francelia, he never explained the purpose of his trip. Summer knew it wasn’t for the company, so why else would he have gone for so long?’
’Besides, the people around him were clearly no ordinary bunch. They even called him "Boss." If they were just friends, that might be understandable, but Summer sensed the bond between them was far more complicated than it appeared.’
’Her mind was a mess. She wanted to ask for a clear answer but didn’t dare cross his boundaries.’
Summer turned back to face the uncharacteristically serious Dominic Thorne. "Are you and Kenneth involved in some kind of secret business...?"
Dominic Thorne’s eyes darted away. He was about to speak when someone interrupted him.
Lianne Vance ran over, a worried look on her face. "Summer, I finally found you! You shouldn’t be wandering around when you’re sick. You just need to rest!" Lianne was panting, her tone a mix of slight reprimand and overwhelming concern for Summer.
"Mommy, I’m fine, don’t worry. Look, you’re all sweaty from running." Summer smiled and wiped the sweat from Lianne Vance’s forehead.
"Dominic, you’re here too? Are you visiting Summer?" Lianne Vance was surprised to see Dominic Thorne sitting nearby. ’Since Kenneth asked me to take care of Summer, he probably wouldn’t have asked anyone else over.’
Dominic Thorne quickly waved his hands. "Hello, ma’am. I’m actually a patient here. Just a minor illness. It wasn’t really a problem, but... ah, anyway, I’m sick..."
Lianne Vance nodded, not paying much more attention to Dominic Thorne.
Though Summer was facing Lianne Vance, her eyes kept drifting toward Dominic Thorne. ’Sick? He doesn’t look sick. Lovesick, maybe?’
"Summer, let’s go back to your room. Don’t catch a chill." Lianne Vance took Summer Lancaster’s hand and waved goodbye to Dominic Thorne.
"Okay, Mommy, I know." Summer Lancaster gave Dominic Thorne a small smile before following Lianne Vance back to the hospital room. Lianne carefully peeled an apple for Summer, looking up from time to time to remind her of things, telling her she absolutely had to be careful. She had been falling ill far too frequently lately.
"Summer!" Lianne Vance handed a slice of apple to Summer Lancaster. Summer gladly took it, but just as she was about to take a bite, an unwelcome guest ruined her appetite.
The door creaked open, and Gregory Lancaster pushed it to enter.
"Summer, why didn’t you tell us you were sick? We were so worried about you." Gregory Lancaster took Summer Lancaster’s hand, his expression full of concern. His already aging face looked even more haggard as he frowned.
Audrey Adler followed behind him, looking extremely reluctant. ’Kenneth Yates had said Summer Lancaster was hurt and that they should come see her, but why did she have to tag along? Couldn’t Gregory Lancaster have just come by himself? But no, Gregory insisted she come too, saying it would show more sincerity.’
’What’s sincerity worth? In this day and age, isn’t everyone just hustling for money?’
"Dad, what are you guys doing here?" Summer Lancaster’s heart ached when she saw Gregory Lancaster. It had only been a few months, but he seemed to have so much more white hair, and his wrinkles had deepened. ’Could it be true, what Yvonne Lancaster said? Is he dealing with trouble at the company? If he would just ask me, I’m sure Kenneth Yates would help. Why does he have to be so proud?’
An unnatural smile appeared on Gregory Lancaster’s face. It was true they hadn’t been paying much attention to Summer Lancaster, to the point that she hadn’t even notified them first when something so serious happened.
"It was Kenneth who called me. Silly girl, if anything happens in the future, you have to call your father first. I worry about you!"
Summer Lancaster’s eyes welled with tears. Her father was still the same man who had doted on her and cherished her completely all those years ago. As for Audrey Adler, she would just ignore her for now. ’This fleeting, tender moment between father and daughter should be savored in its most perfect form.’
She had lost her mother at a young age, so to her, Gregory Lancaster was the closest person she had in the world. She would do everything in her power to protect him from harm.
But she really didn’t know how to tell them about Yvonne Lancaster. ’She’s so rebellious at such a young age. Once she enters the real world, no one is going to spoil her like they do now.’
