Since Alisa took a beating in the fight with Eliza in Leonardo’s mansion, she had attributed her humiliation to Summer’s connivance with Eliza, and she hated Summer even more now. It was no wonder that when she saw Summer this time, she shot Summer a glance and looked away, feeling bitter.
The termination of Adams’s contract by Leonardo had also exacerbated the problem between the two. No one was talking to the other, and the atmosphere in the living room was awkwardly dreary and vexing.
Summer felt very uneasy. On the contrary, Leonardo did not seem to be bothered. He even picked a few large Hawaiian nuts from the fruit basket on the tea table, peeled them, and gave them to Summer. She saluted him for being able to remain so calm, cool, and collected in such a situation.
Since Leonardo could be so composed, she told herself to stay cool. After all, it was part of the show. Whoever had the best acting skills would be the winner.
“It’s very crunchy. You should try one,” Summer said.
While she spoke, she put a Hawaiian nut into Leonardo’s mouth. It was buttery, fragrant, and crunchy—something that girls loved. Leonardo did not enjoy it but still chewed and ate it, albeit with a frown.
“Mom.” Adams sat down next to Violet and asked with concern, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I could have picked you up from the airport.”
Alisa sat down beside Adams and echoed what Adams had said, “Auntie, it’s not like you can come back very often. Since Elder Brother’s in the country, you should have allowed him to give you a ride.”
“Adams’s busy, so I had someone else pick me up instead. It’s not a big deal.”
While the three of them looked happy to talk to each other, it was all silent on Summer’s side. Leonardo was peeling the Hawaiian nuts, while Michael was sitting across from him, also saying nothing.
Finally, it was time for lunch, and Summer thought that they could leave after lunch.
Halfway through the meal, Alisa suddenly pointed at her mobile phone. “Adams, someone’s defaming you online.”
Summer’s heart skipped a beat. It was not because she was concerned about Adams. She was worried that they would drag Leonardo into it. Leonardo was the founder of Tip Top Entertainment, and the Emerson family knew about the termination of Adams’s contract but did not intervene. Perhaps those elders could not care less about such a petty thing, but at that moment, the two parties concerned were present.
Adams was completely composed. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s have lunch first. People just like to babble online.”
“It’s different this time. You’re on the trending topic again. It’s attracted a lot of attention. They say you used to abuse a crew member’s puppy to death. The person who provided the information used to work in your team.”
Alisa was working in a TV station, and she naturally switched on to things that happened in showbiz.
“That’s ridiculous! How is it possible? You’re a kind person.” Alisa tried very hard to hide the fact that she was buttering up to Adams, but it still showed up in her tone.
Summer glanced at her, and she knew Alisa had discovered earlier on that it was easier to apple-polish Adams than please Leonardo.
Under the table, Summer jabbed Leonardo in the waist with her finger, asking if he was the one behind the online attack.
Her gut feeling told her that Leonardo did not only want to tear up Adams’s contract but he also wanted to get something back from Adams.
She knew how vindictive Leonardo could be. When she poked him, he caught her hand. When she looked up at him, he looked over at her and fetched her more food.
“Eat more. After this, we can go home,” Leonardo said to her.
Summer tilted her head, blinking to put her question across. Leonardo shook his head very subtly to answer it.
Then he looked at Adams, and their eyes met.
However, no one took the first move to talk to the other. Neither of them had any expression on their faces. The others started to find the atmosphere a little odd.
Adams looked away with a smile, seemingly unbothered. “Of course, that’s not true. Some loser is trying to smear my name. Alisa, stop looking at it. Let’s eat.”
“Okay.” Alisa put down her mobile phone and started to ask curiously, “Why do you want to terminate your contract with Tip Top Entertainment? For all I know, Tip Top has been treating you very well.”
After Alisa said that, the atmosphere at the dining table turned uncomfortable again.
Summer was a little surprised that Alisa did not know Leonardo was the man behind Tip Top Entertainment. Then again, she found it logical too. Considering Leonardo’s cold nature, his dislike of the Emerson family, and his lack of closeness to Alisa, it made sense that Alisa did not know Leonardo was the owner of Tip Top Entertainment.
There was no smile on Adams’s face this time as he glared at Alisa. Alisa wondered what wrong she had done.
Violet, who had been silent the entire time, put some veggies into Alisa’s bowl. “Alisa, try this.”
“Thanks, Auntie.” She quietly glanced at Adams, keeping her head low and saying nothing.
…
Lunch was over, and Summer thought they could finally go home.
“Leonardo, may I have a word with you? Come to my room,” Michael suddenly said.
Summer knew right then that she would not be going home anytime soon. She let out a sigh and gave Leonardo a gentle push. “Go, I’ll wait here.”
Without a word, Leonardo held her hand and brought her to Michael’s reading room.
“Your dad wants to talk to you. Why are you bringing me along?” Summer tried to shake his hand off.
“Take a walk. It’s good for your digestion.” Leonardo sounded serious.
“Is there an even lousier excuse?” she mumbled.
“Say that again.” Leonardo looked at her.
She shrank back and shook her head, keeping her mouth shut.
Arriving before Michael’s room, Leonardo pushed the door open and brought Summer inside.
When Michael saw Summer, he frowned. “Aren’t you having a chat with Alisa and the others, Summer?” He wanted to talk with his son. Why the hell did she come along?
“Just get straight to the point.” Leonardo brought Summer to the sofa and sat down. Only then did he look at Michael.
Clenching his jaw, Michael was apparently offended by Leonardo’s attitude. Summer looked at Michael and then at Leonardo, finding the two equally angry.
“I thought by taking over Emerson Corporation, you’d have thought it through.” Michael’s face darkened with an expression that demanded respect.
Summer could not help but sit tight.
“Let me correct you. It’s because of Grandpa that I only agreed to take over a mess like Emerson Corporation.”