Ch. 161..170

Chapter 161

The Art of Provocation

Summer felt uneasy.

The awkward goodbye that afternoon had left her unsure how to face Fraser now.

Before coming, she had told herself, Just treat this man as a financial backer. Fulfill the necessary obligations as agreed.

But now, seeing him in person, her heart beat a little faster than usual.

Was it because he was too damn attractive? Bare-chested, his exposed skin radiated an unbridled wave of male pheromones.

Men could be such visual temptations.

Finished

Even when angry, Summer still had to admit. These striking looks and flawless physique were enough to overshadow his terrible temper

Fraser set the water glass down on the counter with deliberate weight, his lips quirking. "I know my body really attracts you, but can you at least control your gaze?"

Summer's face burned at his words.

Only then did she realize she'd been staring.

Who walks around half-naked like an exhibitionist, wrapped only in a towel? Of course people would look!

Just then, there were two sharp knocks on the door.

"Mr. Graham, your food is here."

Summer turned to see two cooks in crisp white uniforms rolling in a small cart. Fraser nodded slightly.

With practiced efficiency, the cooks arranged the cart's aromatic dishes on the dining table. Each plate a meticulous display. of color and fragrance. When finished, they bowed and quietly withdrew, closing the door behind them.

'Come cal

Fraser's deep, indifferent voice cut through the room.

Summer glanced at the barbecued ribs, sautéed mushrooms, mushroom soup

with garlic bread, chicken chop, fried prawn, and fish and chips.

She swallowed hard and decided not to fight the demands of her stomach.

She sat down, kept her head down, and concentrated on eating,

Minutes passed.

"Summer."

Fraser's voice was lazy, almost teasing. "Feed me."

She choked, almost swallowing her food. Her wide, innocent eyes blinked. "You have hands. Why should I feed you?"

Leaning back in his chair, he said matter-of-factly, "Fulfill your girlfriend duties."

Gritting her teeth, she muttered, "You might as well let me eat for you.

The Art of Provocation:

As the meal approached, he parted his lips leisurely and chewed with calm.

When he finished, he tilted his chin up, silently demanding more.

Summer's eye twitched. She aggressively grabbed another mushroom and pushed it forward.

But i

just as her hand reached out, Fraser yanked her wrist without warning Off-balance, she had no time to react before tumbling into his lap. Finished

Fresh from his shower, his scent was cold, distinct, and unnervingly potent. He wrapped around her, invading her senses with an almost predatory intensity.

The sudden proximity burned her skin. Instinct screamed at her to flee.

Fraser's voice was a slow, deliberate taunt. "I find this way... more romantic. "Romantic my ass.

He raised an eyebrow. "What? You never did this with your ex?"

The words hit her like a splash of ice water.

Her frown deepened. "My ex wasn't that childish!"

Fraser grinned. "Really?"

In one fluid motion, he released her and pushed her back into her seat.

Then he stood, his movements dripping with arrogance, and strode to the bedroom. He reappeared minutes later in black gym shorts and a fitted T-shirt. Summer seethed.

This man is unbearable!

Her appetite, once ravenous, now soured. She forced down a few bites before pushing her plate away.

After dinner, Fraser sprawled on the sofa, idly scrolling through his phone, probably working.

Suinmer waited, then approached, stopping a foot away.

"Fraser. We need to talk."

He looked up, his gaze cutting through her. "If it's something I'm not going to like, save your breath."

Her jaw clenched.

Hote am I supposed to know what you like or dislike!

Steadying herself, she spoke slowly.

"Even if our relationship is transactional, I want an end date."

Fraser's brow arched. He tossed his phone aside and leaned further back. A

smirk played on his lips.

"With me, you don't get to negotiate terms.

Chapter 162

Terms of Surrender

Summer was both angry and desperate.

But she knew she was no match for this man in a battle of wills.

Finished

So she softened her tone. "Fraser, why are you being like this? You're interested

in me now, but who knows? You might lose

interest tomorrow."

"So eager to leave me!" His lips curled into a mocking smile. "In a hurry to go back to your ex?"

Summer pursed her lips. "I didn't say that."

"You want an end date?" Fraser's handsome face was blank. Fine. Try to please me tonight, and we'll talk."

Summer pressed her lips together, her fingers twisting unconsciously.

After a pause, her ears flushed slightly. Through gritted teeth, she said, "If I satisfy you, will you negotiate?"

"Try me."

His mouth lifted, but his tone was indifferent. "Oh, and I prefer a challenge."

The blush on Summer's ears instantly spread across her entire face.

Pervert!

Even though they'd been intimate before, it had always been under his control. Summer had almost no experience taking the lead.

Fraser lounged on the sofa, his dark eyes fixed on her with undisguised hunger, like a blizzard howling silently through a frozen night.

Under that gaze, Summer felt completely exposed, as if she were standing naked in front of him.

Fraser snorted mockingly. "What's the matter? You were so bold earlier, but now you're backing down?"

Her hands shook slightly, but she forced out, "1... can do this."

If it weren't for the icy tension between them, if it weren't for their earlier

argument. I wouldn't feel so humiliated.

Biting her lip, she slowly walked over and knelt before him.

After taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and leaned in, pressing her lips to his.

Fraser's mouth was cool, slightly tinged with the taste of tobacco.

Not unpleasant, but dangerously intoxicating.

In the past, a kiss like that would have made him respond immediately.

But seconds passed, and he remained still, watching her with cold detachment.

Embarrassment coiled like vines in Summer's chest. She drew back, instinctively retreating.

"That's it?" Fraser's laugh was icy. "Ms. Stewart's commitment is disappointingly lacking

Liis words were a blatant mockery.

Terms of Surrender

#meshed

Fraser seves darkened. "Take off your clothes?

Summer froze

Biting her lip she slowly stood and began to unbutton her blouse with trembling fingers. The emerald lace underneath peeked through as the fabric shipped away. The cold air made her skin tingle

Fraser watched as the fabric parted, revealing ivory skin glowing in the light, a heady contrast to the dark silk.

His throat moved. A searing heat ignited in his gaze, spreading like wildfine as his voice dropped to a harsh whisper. “Sit on

summer's mind went blank. Her pulse roared so loudly she feared it would burst from her throat.

"Can...can we turn off the lights?"

In the next second, he was pulling her forward, grabbing her waist and forcing her to straddle his thighs.

Summer gasped as she felt him, hand and insistent against her.

The sensation sent electric shocks through every nerve.

Fraser's last vestige of control shattered.

He'd wanted to punish her. But the sight of her trembling broke him

He'd wanted her to take the lead. But in the end, he was the one who could not resist.

Growling, he clenched a hand in her hair and crushed his mouth to hers. A kiss so fierce it felt like annihilation.

Summer could only surrender to the onslaught.

Later, she barely registered as he tossed her onto the sofa. The lights stayed on, mercilessly illuminating every inch of her

flushed skin.

Against the floor-to-ceiling windows, their tangled shadows twisted into

Summer bit her lip raw, refusing to make a sound.

But Fraser refused to let her hide

e silhouettes.

He pulled whimpers from her throat, sweet, broken sounds that dissolved into frustrated sobs.

She didn't remember when it ended.

Somewhere in the hare of exhaustion, she felt him gently wipe her down before darkness claimed her.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, painting the quiet rou

Chapter 163

The Strings of Control

Summer slowly opened her eyes.

Finished

She lay in bed for a long moment, dazed as fragments of last night's debauchery flashed through her mind like a scandalous movie reel.

Every position, every place.

The sofa. The floor-to-ceiling windows. The dining room table. The shower

This die. The wine. And my mouth,

Summer sat up straight, the sheets sliding down her body. In the daylight, the bruises stood out starkly-violent blooms of purple and red against her skin. Regret washed over her.

I had been devoured, and yet, no terms had been negotiated

She grabbed her phone from the nightstand and fired off a text.

About the terms you promised last night, would you like to explain?

The moment she hit send, her phone rang.

"Leona? What's wrong?"

"Ms. Steward, Mrs. Stewart has been having chest pains for days. She refuses to tell you, but...we all know she misses you. Could you come visit?

Summer's fingers curled around the phone.

"She's barely sleeping. The family doctor insists she go to the hospital, but she won't."

A pang of sympathy broke through her resolve. "I'll go later."

After hanging up, she sent a message to her mentor at work that she would be late.

The second she swung her legs out of bed, her muscles screamed in protest. Her body felt wrongly reassembled. As if Fraser had taken it apart and put it back together haphazardly.

That bastard

She hobbled to the walk-in closet and pulled out a high-necked silk blouse, which

evidence.

After cleaning herself, she drove to the Stewart Mansion.

the only thing that could hide the

A maid spotted Summer's arrival and rushed to announce her, but Summer waved her off. "I'll go up myself."

On the second floor, she paused outside her mother's bedroom, just as raised voices erupted inside.

Jasper's moar was venomous, "You can't even control your own daughter! Useless!

“She's our child. Jasper. After neglecting her for Margaret all these years, shouldn't we make amends instead of forcing her!" Julia said while coughing

that shes with Mr. Graham now, so she should unlize this resource to pave the way for our Steward family

set her track under thu mnt and inn the Sacın Groun Bald and woull no lamar le Mr.

ce turned icy, "You know what matters to me. The Stewart name will sit among Havenbrook's elite. Anyone who stands in my way daughter or wife, is expendable"

The door flung open. Jasper stormed out without a backward glance.

Summer squeezed into the shadows of the hallway, wanting for his footsteps to fade before entering

Julia sat slumped on the bed, her paller ghastly, strands of hair escaping her usually immaculate updo. But her eyes lit up at

the sight of her daughter 'Summer You came"

Leona said you weren't feeling well'

Just a cold nothing serious. Come on, it here"

Summer didn't move. "If you're sick... see a real doctor

Julia's eyes welled up. Tears spilled out before she could stop them.

Summer stood frozen for three heartbeats, then tumed and walked out

At this time. Jasper just walked our of the study

He had just heard the maid say that Summer had come to see Julia.

Summer saw him. It was parporly titing for me here

His smile was one of fatherly concern. Your mother's health improves when you're home. Why not move back"?

Summer's gaze froze. Tm not a doctor?

Jasper's mask slipped. Then set up a dinner with Fraser. If he's your husband, he owes me respect as your father."

A hollow laugh escaped her. "So you can make your business proposals? Sorry, we don't even speak

Our last conversation had ended in negotiations for a separati

Even if I had the clout. I'd never use Fraser for Jasper's greed.

I'd always know this so-called "father' valued power over family

But to hear him admit hed replace her mother, the woman whose family bankrolled his empire, for lack of obedience?

Chapter 164

The Weight of Scars.

Finished

Summer looked at the greedy face of this so-called father and remembered the story of his rise in the Stewart family.

Jasper had once been a nobody, a poor young man who had married into the Chapman family for their connections and start-up capital. Within a few years of the Stewart Group's rise, the Chapman family business had faltered. What Jasper called a “merger was actually a ruthless takeover that steallowed up his wife's family fortune.

d tertbook social climber. A heartless man

Any last shred of filial piety Summer might have felt evaporated today.

Jasper's eyebrows rose in anger. "You unfilial daughter, do you still recognize me as your father! I'm telling you, Summer, as long as I'm your father, you should do as I say,"

"Just because I left Stewart Group doesn't mean I have no thoughts about you guys."

After saying that, she also ignored Jasper's cursing voice behind her and directly left.

Summer drove on the road.

A red light came on at a corner street intersection.

A little girl of about five tripped over a stone and began to cry. Her mother immediately scooped her up and cooed soothing words as they passed in front of Summer's windshield,

The scene stabbed something deep in Summer's chest.

When I was that age, walking with my adoptive mother, Yolanda, I'd fallen once, too. Yolanda had turned around, frowned at her skinned knees, and then walked on without looking back.

Summer remembered standing alone as car horns honked when the light turned green. The terror of almost being hit, the sting of abandonment sharper than the gravel in her palms.

In all my childhood, Yolanda had never held my hand. Never hugged me. Only pinched my arms and thighs when I was displeased.

That's why returning to the Stewart family had felt like salvation, until I saw Julia doling on Margaret with the affection I'd never received. Even now, as Julia tried to make amends, the wounds refused to heal.

Summer blinked the moisture from her eyes just as the light turned green.

Summer pressed her foot on the gas. The car drove off.

On the way, her phone rang. Sienna's voice came through urgently.

"Summer! I was supposed to crash the GloryPath Construction CEO's party tonight to pitch our design firm, but my dad needs emergency surgery. Can you go in my place?"

"Of course. How serious is

"Just a minor procedure, but I can't leave. Merry will meet with you with the details; the future of Aspira Design may depend

on it."

Summer made a U-turn and headed for the Sonata Bar.

ven among the elite establishments, the Sonata Bar stood out. Its steps were carved from white jade, its walls adorned with incent murals worth millions. The parking lot glittered with limited edition supercars, while the women even used the entry ticket as capital to show off

But this plac

member's club, so no one else can get in

The Weight of Scars

Summer laughed. "Is it that serious?"

Merry nodded, "Really, you don't see the ten million luxury car than stars.

Finished

where here and those girls who go in are all more stars

"Oh. Summer, how do we get in?"

Summer flashed the membership card Sienna had somehow procured. "Stay close to ro

Beyond the velvet ropes, the interior was even more opulent than rumors had suggested. Crytal chandeliers cast diamonds of light across marble floors where tycoons and heirs circulated with practiced ease

After going in. Merry eyed a waiter carrying golden goblets. "Is that... actual sold gold And is that famous actor over there?"

 

Chapter 165

The Uninvited King

Summer pulled Merry back before she could attract attention.

"Don't make a scene," she whispered sharply. "Have you forgotten why we're here?"

Merry immediately pressed two fingers to her lips in a zipping motion.

"Got it. I'll shut up."

A hostess approached them.

"Miss, do you have a reservation?"

Finished

Perhaps from spending too much time with Fraser, Summer had become immune to these exclusive, high-end places.

She lied without blinking, "Room 316. We'll find our own way."

Merry exhaled in relief.

Thank God you're here, Summer. I would have blown our cover,"

They followed a corridor decorated with miniature bridges and flowing fountains until they reached room 316.

Summer paused at the door before pushing it open.

Inside, the party was in full swing.

The room buzzed with energy, men and women drinking and dancing, the air thick

with the scent of expensive alcohol and perfume. The opulence was

overwhelming.

Merry's eyes scanned the room like radar.

She leaned close to Summer.

"That's him over there, James Fletcher, the CEO of GloryPath Construction."

Summer followed her gaze.

A middle-aged man in his forties, his hair slicked back, a slight paunch visible beneath his tailored suit. He had an arm around a woman in a short skirt.

Summer took a glass of wine from a passing waiter and approached.

"Mr. James, I'm Summer Stewart from the Aspira Design Institute. May I have a moment of your time?"

James turned at the sound of her voice.

His eyes swept over her, taking in her wavy hair, pale complexion, and delicate features. Even with minimal makeup, she stood out from the other women in the room.

Interest flickered in his eyes.

He nudged the woman beside him away.

Aipira Design Institute?

He pretended to think for a moment.

The Uninvited King

"Oh Aspira

Summer felt a flicker of hope at his recognition

"Yes Our company was supposed to be in the competition, but your project manager suddenly disqualified us. We came to ask for a fair chance to compete"

James stared at them, his lips curling in amusement

"How do you plan to prove your company's worth?"

"My mentor graduated from Liberty High and has five years of industry experience

Having another design firm in the competition benefits you as well?

The woman in the short skirt sneaked up to James again, pouting

"Mr. James, are you leaving me for this new beauty?"

James chuckled and playfully pinched her cheek.

"Don't worry, you're still my favorite."

Then he turned back to Summer, his tone deliberately challenging

"Why don't you drink these boules first? Let me see Aspira's courage and determination."

Merry's eyes widened in shock.

On the table were five large boules of premium imported liquor.

Fresh out of college, she had never been in a situation like this before.

Since when did business negotiations involve drinking games?

Summer remained composed.

“I don't drink much. But I'll toast you with this glass,"

She downed the wine in one gulp.

James smiled.

"One glass? Ms. Stewart, do you think that's enough to impress me?"

He leaned back and spread his arms.

I'm feeling generous tonight. Finish these bottles, and I'll give Aspira a place in the competition.

The commotion attracted attention.

Several guests stopped dancing and gathered to watch.

Merry, though frightened, clenched her fists.

"Mr. James; if Summer drinks until she passes out, it won't solve anything. I'm

also from Aspira; let me share the drinks with hert

James's gaze shifted to Merry

muutence of a student fascinated him The Uninvited King

Before he could finish, the door swung open again.

Several men entered.

Finished

The one leading them had his suit jacket slung over his shoulder, his white shirt unbuttoned at the collar. His gray pants accentuated his long legs as he strode in with an air of effortless dominance.

The others trailing behind him seemed like mere props in the background.

The crowd immediately dispersed.

Even the host of the party scrambled to his feet.

A murmur rippled through the room.

"Mr. Graham is here."

 

 

Chapter 166

The Unspoken Game

Summer's fingers tightened around her wineglass at the announcement, and her eyelashes fluttered slightly.

James immediately stopped teasing the two women and rushed forward to greet them.

Finished

The GloryPath Construction project, a luxury resort development in Havenbrook, of course, required massive funding and several investors. The Graham Group was the largest shareholder.

Fraser settled on the sofa with effortless grace, one leg crossed over the other. His dark gaze swept over Summer with deliberate indifference.

Merry blinked at the newcomer.

Was this not the man who had waited for Summer that day? Who had thrown away those beautiful lavender flowers?

I'd even rescued them and displayed the bouquet in her design studio.

Judging by the crowd's reaction, this man had the highest status here.

Did this mean we were saved?

Hope flickered in Merry's chest as she looked at Summer.

"Summer..." But Summer stood motionless, her expression unreadable.

Why are they acting like strangers? Now of all times!

At least get us out of this drinking mess first!

Fraser pulled out a cigarette. Someone immediately stepped forward to light it. The ember glowed crimson between his slender fingers as he took a slow drag "What's going on here?" His voice was languid.

A guest chuckled. "These ladies are begging Mr. James for a business opportunity by voluntarily drinking!"

James puffed up with pride at having Fraser's attention.

"You're in luck! Drink this, and I'll let your company skip the preliminaries and go straight to the finals, all in front of Havenbrook's most respected bossman!".

All eyes turned to Summer and Merry.

Merry panicked inside.

I wish I could hold my liquor, but one sip will knock me out!

She blinked frantically at Fraser, then at Summer, but both ignored her as if she were having a seizure.

Summer pressed her lips together.

I hadn't intended to drink at all. Now I was cornered like a duck on a spit.

Her eyes flickered to Fraser.

He lounged like royalty, radiating icy detachment, as if the man who'd tangled my limbs and reduced me to trembling pleas last night had

never exuted

The Unspoken Game

The room held its collective breath. How dare this nobody bargain with Bossman?

Fraser's lips curled.

And why should 1?"

Wait, that's not the script! Merry's hope was shattered.

James, fearing Fraser's irritation, snapped.

"Enough stalling! Don't make offers you can't keep. I'm already being generous!"

Summer's cheeks flushed, less from the pressure than from Fraser's condescending look.

She refused to let him see her weakness.

Bending down, she grabbed a bottle of whiskey and raised it to her lips.

The crowd whistled.

Then, "You called me here to watch a woman drink?" Fraser's bored voice cut through the din. "How boring."

The energy of the party plummeted like a crashed stock market.

Someone hastily suggested. "L..let's play a game instead!"

Merry exhaled. Has this intentional leniency?

James scowled at her. "Fine. If you can't drink, entertain Mr. Graham. Impress him and I'll approve your entry."

Merry practically dragged Summer onto a sofa in relief.

A willowy woman in a high-slit aqua qipao sauntered over to Fraser's seat.

Finished

"Mr. Graham," she purred like melted honey, her blood-red nails uncorking an expensive bottle of imported wine. "Let me pour for you."

The amber liquid swirled in crystal as she offered the glass,

Fraser didn't even look at it.

Send Gifts

 

Chapter 167

The woman holding the glass froze awkwardly in mid-air. her carefully manicured fingers trembling slightly around the crystal rim.

A man in a garish floral shirt, the one they called "Mr. Max, chuckled loudly, "Our Lennox is practically the Sonala Bar's signboard! She rarely serves anyone personally. Only someone of Mr. Graham's status could warrant such attention."

Fraser exhaled a slow stream of smoke, his voice dripping with disinterest as he tapped ashes into the hematite tray. "Is that

50

Lennox forced a practiced smile, though her knuckles whitened around the forgotten glass. "Mr. Max always exaggerates. Since this is Mr. Graham's first visit to our humble establishment, it's only fitting that I fulfill my duties as hostess.

With deliberate grace, she placed the untouched drink back on the table and folded her hands demurely in her lap. maintaining just enough distance to appear respectful without appearing rejected.

Summer's gaze inadvertently drifted to the head seat where Fraser held court, only to collide violently with eyes so dark they seemed to absorb all the light in the room.

Her breath caught.

In that split second of contact, something electric crackled between them before Summer, like a child caught stealing cookies, snapped her attention back to the playing cards fanned across the lacquered table.

At least this is better than drinking myself into a stupor, she thought, forcing her fingers to stop trembling as she rearranged the

cards.

James's earlier words echoed in her mind. If you can entertain Mr. Graham, I'll let your company go straight to the finals.

Summer's lips pressed into a thin line..

Which probably means Fraser will only be entertained if I humiliate myself by losing.

The group had chosen to play a deceptively simple bluff game called the Coward's Gambit.

Each player drew a card face down. At each turn, one could challenge another to reveal higher numbers, forcing lower ones to accept increasingly embarrassing dares.

On the very first round, the deck betrayed them all when Fraser's long fingers revealed the King of Kings, the highest possible card in the game.

The table erupted in raucous applause.

"Wow! Mr. Graham gets to punish whoever he wants!"

Fraser toyed with the gilded card between his sculpted fingers, the edges catching the chandelier light as he lazily pointed it first at Summer, causing her heart to lurch painfully against her ribs.

Asshole!

He doesn't really want to punish me that much, right?

At least we've had a ser relationship before.

The man's finger paused, he hooked his lips in a smile, and he drew a line next to Summer, pointing at James.

James blinked owlishly, his alcohol-soaked face paling several shades.

Just a harmless game" Fraser's smile didn't reach his eyes as he leaned back into the plush sofa

Gambit

Had I somehote mulied the Bossment)

Folumered braz

The crowd, smelling blood in the water had already begin a

"Quickly

"Drink up, drink up, big men don't ink"

James's face looked like he had eaten a pile of poop

Merry tugged urgently at Summer's sleeve whispering behind her hand. The..

Summer and Fraser.

"No, he's not that kind." Summer said.

Even if he did he would claim interest from m

James closed his eyes, his heart crossed, picked up a bottle of imported wine and jar gulped in dow

After drinking a bottle of foreign wine, he put down the empty bottle and continued to dims again

Someone started taking pictures.

At the fourth bottle of wine.

Suddenly, there was a "thud" sound.

James's fat body just couldn't handle it and fell to the ground

The little girl in the short skirt immediately ran to his sade and patted him.

"Mr. James, Mr. James. It's not working: Mr. James's nose and mouth seem to be bubbling white."

Those present were all group bosses or sons of wealthy families, with similar status to James and many even higher than him.

Who would care what happened to him'

Not to mention it was a punishment handpicked by Mr Graham.

This bit of wine was just a stomach wash, and even if he died. Fraser would be there to cover it.

Someone said impatiently. "Then ask someone to carry him to the hospital; you can't just fall over and take care of him."

When the people left, the next game continued to start.

The table continued to deal the cards.

Summer saw that Janies had already been carried away, so there was little point in them staying here

At the game resumed with James's departure, Summer leaned toward Merry. "We're leaving after this round."

Their comperiation was just finished.

Then they heard the man called Mr. Max in a floral shirt directly pointing to Summer's card.

Summers eyes moved slightly, slowly lifting the cardboard into a corner.

Merry saw it from the side and drew a breath. The next second she heard Max say, "Little beauty, let's give you a small punishment, the men in the room you choose one to sit down on his lap

Send Gifts

 

Chapter 168

The Calculated Fall

Summer's mind exploded with shock: this punishment was beyond anything I could have imagined.

At a complete loss, Summer's eyes instinctively sought out Fraser.

He was sitting there completely unaffected, showing not the slightest intention of helping her out of this predicament.

Merry whispered urgently, "Summer, you'd better choose someone. Otherwise, you might end up like that, Mr. James. These people don't seem to be going easy on us."

A cunning gleam flashed through Max's eyes.

"How about sitting on my lap, beautiful? I wouldn't mind at all"

Merry rolled her eyes.

You're already drooling

If Summer sits with you, you'll have your hands all over her before she can blink. Trapped with no way out, Summer hesitated.

Faced with the choice of being fondled by a disgusting stranger or dealing with the devil I knew all too well, I chose the latter.

Steeling herself, she got up and walked towards the man seated in the place of honor.

The crowd gasped.

"This girl is playing the long game, choosing Mr. Graham

Max was not about to let his prey e

escape so easily.

"Do

you even know that Mr. Graham has an obsession with cleanliness? What makes you think that someone of your can choose him?"

Assuming that Fraser would reject such a woman, Max added with a greasy smile, “Mr. Graham, if she bothers you, I'll gladly take your place."

Merry was furious.

These disgusting men make up rules as they go along,

But on their turf they had no choice but to obey

The corner of Fraser's mouth lifted in a mocking grin. "I'm not an invalid in need

of a replacement. Unless you want to be

one"

There was an icy edge to his tone.

Max's neck prickled as if a cold blade had already sliced through it; his bravado instantly dellated.

Lennox's gaze, dark with barely concealed jealousy, rested heavily on Summer. The woman has ambitions.

But from what I'd observed of Fraser during their brief interactions

an impenetrable aura of icy detachment.

As she walked down the narrow aisle, someones foot suddenly shot our catching her completely off guard. Her body lurched forward uncontrollably, straight at the sharp-edged glass table

Summer's mind went blank.

At the critical moment, a powerful hand shot out Frasers a miked around her slende

Summer landed in the man's lap.

The familiar scent of sandalwood enveloped her

Her racing heart began to calm from the near-mis A.

vaist and yanked hard.

It happened so fast that to onlookers, it appeared that Summer had eagerly thrown herself a Fraser

It took several moments for Summer to regain her composure

Not dining to meet Fraser's gaze, the awkwardly extricated benef

The glamorous women present sneered in silence.

Pretending to be an i

innocent bunny but really just a vizen.

With her face burning, Summer retreated to the restroom after returning to her seat

At the sink, she splashed cold water on her flushed cheeks, unsure whether from lingering fear or em

She texted Merry, "We're leaving."

On her way out, she found Fraser leaning against the corridor wall

His broad shoulders rested against the wall, his long legs casually crossed. The

light carved his sharp profile into relief as a cigarette dangled from elegant fingers.

At the sound of her footsteps, his dark, lazy gaze swept over her.

Summer pressed her lips together as she passed him.

Thank you for earlier

Without Fraser's intervention, my face would have hit the glass, probably disfiguring me.

Probably tripped by one of those jealous women.

Fraser exhaled smoke, his voice dripping with lazy amusement. "Idiot"

Summer frowned.

You want the GloryPath project

Summer lowered her lashes. I'll earn it by myself

Of course. Ihre that using him toas the quickest but also that Fraser himself was

the most dangerous conoble.

As she turned to leave, something occurred to her

She turned back to him.

"Why haven't you responded to my text The Calculated Fall

Cloud Freceived anything

ferent voice a larified.

"ulence is also an answe

Summer was speechless.

 

Chapter 169

The Hidden Strings

Summer gutted her teeth and torved herselt to remam patient out tell me the great Bossinan, Mr. Graham, is going on huis word now!

Fraser exhaled a slow strain of smoke, his lipsuring to that annoyingly used gum "Simmer, I said I needed to be sattsted. But clearly I was the one who did all the work last might

Is he seriously suggesting I should have been the one? This man is absolutely insane!

The way Summer was biting her lower lip and trowning made her look like an irritated kitten about to undersch her claws. and scratch someone.

As if reading her thoughts, Fraser's tree hand, the one not holding hus cigarette, snaked around her waist with practiced case, pulling her flush against his hand body.

His dark eyes sparkled with mischief and something more dangerous as he leaned down, hus warm breath ghosting across the bowl of her car as he whispered. "Shall we continue tonight? Give you a lunce to participate more actively)

Summer couldn't help the sneer that escaped her. How energetic of you, Mr. Grabamı"

His answering chuckle sent vibrations through her entire body. "Can't afford not to be"

He murmured, his lips brushing deliberately against her sensitive carlobe. "Not when my temporary gulfciens might be leaving any day now. I should make the most of our... hmmited time together, don't you think?"

She brought her hands up to press against his chest, just as Merry's voice echoed down the hall. "Summer? Summer, where

are you?"

Reacting instinctively, Summer clenched Fraser's expensive shirt in her hands and pressed herself sleeper into his shadow. if she could disappear inside him.

A low, knowing laugh rumbled from above her. "All that fire and attitude, and you're afraid your little assistant will see ins together?" His tone dripped with amusement.

After several days of working closely together, Summer knew Merry's personality all too well; if the girl discovered their relationship I trould undoubtedly begin to "help" in the most well-intentioned but ultimately disastrous tEVEYS,

There's no point in letting people know about our relationship, Sumser urmured against his chest, her words slightly nuffled by his shirt. "Since we're going to go our separate ways eventually anyway, I don't want you to think I'm using your precious family name and title for advantage."

Fraser's grip on her waist tightened almost painfully for a brief moment. "How... considerate of you," he said, his voice suddenly several degrees colder.

They remained frozen in that position until Merry's searching footsteps finally faded down the corridor. Only then did Fraser release her, not without giving her a sharp, stinging slap on the backside that made her jump,

"She had already gone away, little rabbit."

Outside the Sonata Bar, Summer stepped into the cool night air and immediately spotted Merry waiting anxiously at the

"There you are!" Merry ran over, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Tve been looking everywhere for you! Where do you go?

Summer straightened her slightly wrinkled blouse. I went to the washroom"

Merry narrowed her eyes. I had just searched all over the bathroom.

"I went there too, how come I didn't see you? Huh, why is your lace so red? Chapter 169 The Hidden Strings

When driving down the road, Merry opened her mouth

"Summer"

"What's wrong?

danished

I just knew that man hack there was the Fraser Graham The Bossman of the Graham Group Did you know that their family is worth tens of billions? They practically own hall of Havenbrook

Summer kept her eyes on the road as she carefully turned left. "We've met," she said in what she hoped was a sufficiently

mmer steering wheel turned a

Merry carefully looked at Summer, with a bit of gossip in his voice, "What is your relationship with hum

Summer looked ahead; her voice was waveless, "Just recognize

"Oh, well."

Merry pouted at the non-answer, but sensing Summer's unwillingness to elaborate, she wisely changed the subject.

The car soon arrived at the hospital.

Summer and Merry carried the fresh fruits and nutritional supplements they had just purchased on their way, heading toward the hospital room.

Merry, bouncing with energy, was about to push the door open when they heard voices inside.

Why is our family so unfortunate? Now we can't even afford your father's minor surgery fees?

"Mom, I'm sorry. If I hadn't brought Mason into our home back then, we wouldn't be in this situation."

"Ah, Sienna, this is just fate. Over these years, our family has been constantly paying off debts, and your design firm keeps requiring investments Maybe... you should just find a stable job instead.

Summer knocked on the door, interrupting the conversation betweenSienna's mother, Laurett Reed, and Sienna

She glanced at Sienna's father, Natelie Monroe, who was still unconscious after the surgery.

"Hello, Madam Laurent," Summer greeted warmly.

Merry followed behind, placing the supplements and fruits on the table before greeting politely, "Hello, Madam Laurett"

Laurent studied Summer's face, a flicker of recognition passing through her eyes..

Summer smiled and explained, "Back in university, Sienna once brought me and Yvette to your home for dinner."

The reminder sparked Laurent's memory.

Her gaze swept over Summer Once a timid young girl, now a poised and elegant

woman.

Having been a society lady herself, Laurett could tell at a glance that Summer's outfit wasn't cheap.

"Summer. I remember you all now I've seen in the news that Yvette has become a big celebrity"

fina ve all grown up so well. Unlike my Sienna, who just

get ahead"

 

Chapter 170

Ghosts of The Past

Sienna finally showed a glimmer of life in her tired eyes. "Really? Did you manage to convince Mr. James today?"

Merry shifted uncomfortably where she was standing.

Well.. technically, the man had passed out drunk. That counted as handling the situation, right?

Summer kept her expression perfectly neutral as she nodded in agreement.

For the first time in months, Madam Laurett's face lit up with genuine hope.

Finished

After some light conversation about Mr. Natelie's condition and recovery schedule, Summer volunteered to buy dinner for everyone.

The fluorescent lights hummed ominously overhead as Summer turned a comer near the hospital's administrative wing and froze mid-step.

Three uniformed officers were escorting a shackled woman in standard prison garb. The prisoner's greasy, unkempt hair hung limply around her sallow face, her hollow eyes staring blankly ahead.

Clatter!

The stack of takeout containers slipped from Summer's suddenly numb fingers and hit the linoleum with a loud crash.

At the sound, the woman's head snapped up with animal-like alertness. Their eyes met across the sterile hospital corridor.

Yolanda!

Even through the prison pallor and the deep wrinkles of hard years, Summer instantly recognized the woman who had raised her, now glaring back at her with unadulterated.

Summer's hands shook a little.

I thought I would never see her again in my life.

One of the officers pushed Yolanda forward when she stubbornly refused to move. "Move it! We don't have all day!"

Only when the skeletal figure disappeared around the far corner did Summer remember to breathe again.

Her thoughts, however, gradually returned to the year when he was recognized back to the Stewart family.

On her way to her part-time job, Summer was accidentally hit by a luxury car. She picked myself up from where a black luxury sedan had grazed her bicycle. Her knees stung through ripped jeans.

The door of the luxury car opened, revealing an elderly woman with silver hair leaning on a cane, Holly Stanton, who would later be revealed as Summer's biological grandmother.

With grandmotherly concern shining in her eyes, Madam Holly insisted on personally taking Summer to the hospital for a thorough examination

Before Summer could respond, the car's rear door flew open violently. Margaret emerged like an angry princess in her haute couture gown, her disdainful gaze sweeping over Summer's fallen form.

"Grandmother, these commoners are always faking injuries for money," she sneered, adjusting her diamond bracelet impatiently "Just throw some rash at her and let's go! My debutante ball starts in an hour"

Somer would later discover Yolanda's carefully hidden alburn Its pages filled with grainy photographs of a girl growing up Surveillance shots taken from afar, newspaper clippings carefully cut out all documenting the girl's privileged lite

During their conversation in the examination room, Summer leamed several dictumong concutences. She shared not only Margare's exact birthday but also her extremely rare Rh-null blood type

These revelations planted the first seeds of doubt in Summer's mind about her te

Years later, when Summer finally gathered the courage to share her suspicions with Miatam oly, the eldersy woman didn' dramas her claims Instead, she arranged for DNA testing that confirmed Summer we must be me Stewart heiress.

e day Yolanda discovered the test results in Summer's bag, something inside the womansamped Summer would never

sw Yeslanda's eyes had bulged with madness as she locked all the doors, her hands shaking violently as she grabbed a

all wou before let you take Margaret's place! Yolanda had screamed, referring to her biological daughter who had been ling a Wargaret all these years.

Omy Wadim Yally's timely arrival with armed guards prevented the murder. Afterwards, using all her cr infuence the woman nut only secured Summer's position as the true Stewart heiress but also ensured Yolantadacted justice

Summer apachet passing doctor, her voice barely above a whisper. "This prisoner... why is she here?"

The duo hused his dipboard without looking up. "Yolanda? Diagnosed with early- stage colon cancer. She willin accompament her montille for chemotherapy He finally looked at Summer's pale face. "I heard that, with good behavior credits, she probate beaut on parole in a few months."

Returning the hospitalium. Merry frowned at Summer's empty hands, "I thought you went to get something ar

had forgotten it will gauw, Summer's voice sounded distant, like she was speaking through a thick fog.

Sienna immediately touched her arm, sensing something was wrong. "We'll just order takeout. You look exhausted. You d Merry should go home and msk.

Merry declined the ride: dung prior plan for the evening.

Before leaving, Summer med Sama with que reassurance. Sienna, focus on taking care of Mr. Natelle for now. Don't worry about Aspira, Murry and have everything under control

Back on Ravenshire Boulevari, the house is salint and dim, only the moonlight outside the floor-to-ceiling window hangs high in the air, a faint cool light haiong

an

Summer did not turn on the lights, lezecbered fie-hughlindla on the legs, so bare feet, and walked straight to the wine rack.

The wine rack in the living room is as big will acting design, filled with dozens of bottles of expensive foreign wine,

red wile.