Ch. 41..50
Chapter 41
Trevor could clearly sense that Summer's words about breaking up were genuine.
For the first time, Trevor felt a pang of panic, an unfamiliar pain in his chest.
He wanted to step forward and grab her hand to feel her presence.
But this time, Summer was careful. When Trevor took a step forward, she immediately took a step back.
Trevor lowered his gaze, his tongue pressed against his back teeth.
"Summer, I was wrong earlier. I shouldn't have gotten engaged to Peyton and let everyone laugh at you. For the wedding, I've invited the most famous designer from Belvare. I'll make you the most beautiful bride in the world, okay?"
Summer still stood by her decision.
"Trevor, there's no future for us. I've said it before, we are not getting married. If you try anything with me again, I'll call the police."
Trevor's eyebrows furrowed deeply. "What do you want me to do to make you forgive me?"
Summer was like hearing some kind of joke and just felt like she wasn't on the same channel as him.
"Forgive you? The last time Peyton jumped into the water, you left me for her. That was the last chance."
Trevor's voice was deep. "I told you, she's just a responsibility."
"Responsibility?" Summer sneered. "Your responsibilities seem to be weighing heavily on you."
At that moment, his phone rang.
Trevor glanced at it and immediately rejected the call.
Summer saw that it was Peyton calling.
The timing of this call was impeccable.
The phone continued to ring insistently, the sound piercing through the hallway.
Summer's lips curled into a mocking smile.
"Answer it. Maybe Peyton's heart is acting up again, and you'll blame me for stopping you from going to her. I won't take the blame for hurting your 'Sweetheart."
Trevor had blamed me before.
The ringing continued relentlessly, as if it wouldn't stop until someone answered.
Trevor's grip on the phone tightened, the veins on his arm bulging.
At the last moment before the call ended, he finally answered.
Peyton's soft, melodious voice came through the phone.
The Final Break
"Trevor, I'm not feeling well tonight. Can you come and see me?"
Trevor looked at Summer.
"Peyton, if you don't feel well, call Josh. I'm busy right now."
Free Coins
Peyton's voice trembled. "Trevor, my heart pains so much, I can't breathe. I don't want Josh. I only want
you.
Josh's voice could be heard in the background. "Peyton! Peyton! Are you okay? She's fainted! Trevor, Peyton's breathing is weak. You need to come now!"
Trevor's jaw clenched, his expression grim.
In the next second, he rushed towards the elevator.
Seeing that the elevator would take too long, he ran down the stairs instead.
Summer watched his retreating figure and felt nothing but numbness.
This time, the feeling of sadness isn't too much.
Of course not. The heart had been broken so many times before. No, it had been
cut by a knife so many times. If it still hurts, I might as well be dead.
Summer picked up the keys from the floor, opened the door, and went inside.
She went to the bathroom and filled the bathtub with water.
The tension while facing Trevor slowly began to ease as she soaked in the warm water.
After bathing, Summer put on a pink silk nightgown with a deep V-neck and a hem that barely reached her thighs, revealing her long, slender legs.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
Summer's nerves tensed. Could it be Trevor? No, it couldn't be. Based on past experience, Peyton's illness would keep him busy all night.
She put on a long gray coat, covering herself completely before walking to the door.
Looking through the peephole, she saw that it truly wasn't Trevor; it was Fraser!
Why did he come so suddenly? Was something wrong?
Fraser had gone to a business dinner earlier and had a few drinks.
After dinner, his driver picked him up and asked where he was going.
Without thinking, Fraser blurted out, "Brookhaven Estates."
When the driver dropped him off, he realized that he had arrived in Summer's neighborhood.
It was too late to visit her, so he didn't want to go upstairs.
He just wanted to stay quietly near her building, under the starry sky, and feel an unprecedented sense of
contentment.
Just then, a luxury car drove past his car.
In such an ordinary residential community, the presence of such a rare, limited
edition luxury car seemed out of place and jarring.
Fraser casually glanced at the luxury car.
It was Trevor. What was he doing here? What had happened between Summer
and Trevor?
A wave of intense irritation surged in Fraser's chest.
Without thinking, he got out of the car, found the security guard, and asked for Summer's building number.
Chapter 42
Summer opened the door.
"Fraser, why are you here suddenly?"
Fraser stood gently by the door with his hands in his pockets. He was tall, wearing a shirt and black pants,. with the sleeves casually rolled up to reveal his strong arms.
When the door opened, Fraser raised his eyes, his dark gaze fixed intently on Summer.
Summer had just taken a bath, her skin glowing with a soft pink hue and her slightly curly hair still damp.
She was wrapped in a gray robe that revealed her slender, pale calves. She wore dark blue slippers, her feet pale, and her toes tinged with a soft pink.
Summer looked at her closely, as if trying to see through her. His voice was low and deep. "What, am I not welcome?"
Summer tightened her cloak. "It's late, and it's... a bit trouble."
There was a hint of coldness in Fraser's dark eyes, and the corner of his mouth curled into a faint, mocking smile.
"Trouble for me, but not for Trevor? Summer, do you remember what you promised me? To break up with Trevor and stay away from him. Have you done that?"
How did Fraser know that Travor was here?
Summer had just been harassed by Trevor, and now she had to deal with Fraser's sarcastic tone.
She couldn't help but feel a wave of frustration and blurted out, "Fraser, are you following me?"
Fraser's lips twitched. "Follow you? Do I have to do that?"
Summer pressed her lips together. The accusation had slipped out without thinking.
Of course, Fraser didn't have the time or interest to follow someone as insignificant as me.
"Our dinner plans can be rescheduled. I'm not in the mood today, Mr. Graham. You should go back."
“Hah.” The man let out a short, cold laugh.
She wasn't in the mood to see me, but she was in the mood to see Trevor.
This woman really knew how to play favorites.
"Summer, don't forget the investment funds from today. Is this how you show your gratitude?"
Summer felt a little uncomfortable in front of Fraser.
Maybe it was the guilt of accepting his help, as the old saying, "When you eat
someone's food, your words become soft; when you take someone's hand, your arm becomes shorter.
Before she could finish, her lips suddenly felt warm.
Fraser took his long, slender hand out of his pocket, his warm fingertips brushing
the corner of Summer's mouth.
His fingers moved slowly, causing an unfamiliar tingling sensation.
Summer's breath caught.
Then a deep, almost ominous voice rang out. "Did he touch you?"
Summer's heart skipped a beat.
His tone carried a strong, almost murderous aura.
Earlier, Trevor had actually tried to kiss, but I had pulled away just before the lips could meet.
From Fraser's perspective, I had taken his investment money and promised to break up with Trevor.
However, the next moment, I was involved with Trevor again.
No matter how rich Fraser was, he probably didn't like being made a fool of.
Before Summer could explain, Fraser took a long step forward, stepped inside, and closed the door behind him.
His presence felt even more dangerous than Trevor's, like a lion ready to pounce and destroy everything in its path.
"What... what do you want to do?"
Fraser's eyes narrowed, his gaze dark and intense, his words seeming to grind between his teeth.
"Summer, I told you to stay away from him."
With that, Fraser lowered his head, his hand gripping her slender waist, and kissed her hard.
He deliberately lingered on her full lower lip, teasing and nibbling.
Summer was overwhelmed by the scent of pine and a faint hint of tobacco that clung to him.
Fraser's kiss was alternately tender and fierce.
It was a seductive, domineering kiss that penetrated her lips with undeniable desire.
Summer struggled to breathe, her hands pressing against his chest, but in the next moment, Fraser pinned her wrists behind her back with one hand.
This action arched her body against his, pushing them even closer together.
Summer tried to stomp on his foot, but Fraser quickly caught her legs and trapped them between his.
Summer was so lost in the kiss that reality seemed to blur.
She knew how intoxicating this man's kisses could be.
Fraser had intended to punish Summer, but the softness of her lips and the
warmth of her body ignited an uncontrollable desire in him.
His other hand slipped under her nightgown.
Summer shivered, a spark of clarity returning to her eyes.
"Fraser, let me go! Fraser!"
Fraser looked down at her, his gaze dark and intense.
Her lips were slightly swollen from his kiss, glistening and red.
His voice was hoarse, rough like gravel, yet undeniably sensual. "Summer, you
are disobedient."
With that, Fraser delivered a sharp, punishing slap to her bottom.
Summer's body stiffened and her face turned crimson.
How could this man be so brazen?
Summer tried to explain, "Trevor came to see me out of the blue. I didn't know he
would..."
But Fraser didn't want to hear. "Tonight, I don't want to hear another man's name from your lips!"
Chapter 43
Fraser didn't want to hear another word about Trevor from Summer's mouth.
He lifted her up, supported her hips, and pinned her against the wall, spreading her legs apart.
Suspended in midair, Summer instinctively wrapped her arms around Fraser's neck.
Her entire body clung to him, arms and legs intertwined.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Fraser's lips, pleased with Summer's compliance.
The anger of him slowly dissipated.
He tore off her coat and threw it to the ground without a second thought.
Free Coins
The woman's sexy nightgown was revealed, a patch of ethereal skin on her chest as seductive as white porcelain in the light.
Fraser's throat felt dry and tight; his eyes darkened.
His big hand slowly began to explore.
"Who makes you feel more, him or me? Hmm?"
Summer couldn't answer.
The man's touch sent chills through her body.
Summer felt like a boat floating in the ocean, relentlessly beaten against the shore by the waves.
Tonight, Fraser was like a man possessed.
Ignoring her struggles, he took her fiercely.
Their first round ended at the door.
From the door to the sofa and then to the bed.
In the latter part of the night, Summer was too exhausted to move.
Her eyelids were heavy, and as she drifted into unconsciousness, she could still feel the man relentlessly enjoying her.
. The next morning, sunlight streamed through the blue curtains, filling the air with a golden warmth and a
lingering sense of intimacy.
Summer blinked in the bright light, feeling as if her entire body had been taken apart and put back together again.
As she shifted slightly, she felt the man's long, muscular arm draped over her soft waist.
She couldn't move.
She turned her head to see the man's strikingly handsome face beside her.
Morning After
In an instant, memories of last night flooded her mind like scenes from a movie.
Fraser and I had crossed the line again. The first time was because of the drug;
the second time was because of the repayment. This third time, I had been fully conscious. I hadn't resisted strongly.
Summer realized that she didn't dislike Fraser.
On the contrary, his well-built physique and his skills in bed had somewhat captivated and enchanted me.
She turned her head and stared directly at the man in front of her.
His hair was slightly disheveled, his features flawless. His eyes were closed, his long lashes dark, and his thin lips slightly red. At this moment, he looked like a fluffy lion; his usual intimidating aura softened.
Summer's gaze drifted down and landed on his cold, pale collarbone.
The red marks scattered across it were my handiwork from last night.
At this thought, Summer felt her cheeks flush.
Although Fraser's eyes were closed, he felt a probing gaze on him.
Summer was watching me.
A slight smile curled his lips.
Suddenly, he turned around and pinned Summer beneath him, his arms braced on either side of her. His dark eyes bored into hers.
"Ah! Huh... Why did you wake up so suddenly without saying anything?"
Fraser raised an eyebrow. "Admiring my good looks so early in the morning? Am I that captivating?"
His eyes shimmered with a dark intensity, his figure backlit by the golden sunlight. Summer, caught in the act of staring, blushed even more.
"I just thought someone broke into my house."
A warm smile spread across Fraser's eyes.
He had been angry last night, but the woman's gentleness had soothed him
throughout the night, and his anger had vanished.
He stared at her intently, their bodies pressed close together, feeling each other's warmth.
The lingering atmosphere of intimacy continued to simmer in the morning air.
Summer squirmed uncomfortably; her face flushed. "I need to get dressed. You... get off me."
With that, Summer tried to get up.
Just as she was about to push the man away and grab a towel to cover herself, he pulled her back again.
"You still haven't answered my question. Who makes you feel more, him or me?”
Morning After
Why did he bring this up again?
Summer didn't want to be misunderstood as someone who went back on her word.
She explained seriously, "Last night, Trevor was waiting at my door. I didn't pay
any attention to him. I've completely broken up with him."
A flicker of joy stirred in Fraser's heart.
But his expression remained unreadable.
His fingers brushed against her lips, his tone teasing. "Why didn't you avoid him?"
"I told you, I didn't know. I even slapped him. Hmm... I didn't slap you."
In the end, Summer's voice was as soft as a mosquito's.
"So in your Ireart, I'm better than him?"
This Mr. Graham. Why was he so competitive?
Summer made a vague sound of agreement.
A hint of tenderness flickered in Fraser's eyes as he leaned down and kissed Summer's forehead.
Chapter 44
Jealousy by Liana
"You said it yourself, Summer."
What did I say?
Summer looked completely confused.
Fraser's thin lips trailed kisses downward, from her nose to her red lips.
He lingered on her lips, teasing and tasting, before deepening the kiss into a passionate kiss.
"Mmm..."
Soon things escalated.
Summer repeatedly begged for mercy.
Only when she claimed she was too sore to walk did the man finally let her
In the bathroom, Summer looked in the mirror at her snow-white skin, now covered in shocking marks.
Is he a part dog! Why did he like to bite so much?
After rummaging through her closet for what seemed like an eternity, she finally found a shirt that could cover the marks.
When she came out of the bedroom, Fraser had just come out of the bathroom in the living room.
He was wearing casual gray pants, his upper body bare. Water droplets dripped silently from his short hair as he casually toweled himself off, giving off a lazy, carefree vibe.
What a demon.
Summer looked away uncomfortably.
She muttered to herself, Whose house is this anyway?
This man seemed to be more comfortable here than I was.
Fraser noticed her discomfort.
It wasn't as if she hadn't seen before. Still, she acted so shy every time.
. A small smile tugged at his lips.
He went straight to the refrigerator and opened it.
Seeing the rows of sandwiches and frozen food, Fraser frowned.
"Is this what you eat at home?"
Summer looked past his tall, slender figure to see the contents of the fridge.
These were bulk purchases she had made in her spare time for convenience. Although she was a skilled cook, her culinary efforts had been mostly reserved for Trevor in the past.
She rarely cooked for herself.
Summer felt the man's disdain.
"My place isn't like Mr. Graham's place with maids and nutritionists."
Fraser picked up a sandwich and looked at it.
"No wonder you're so thin. You're growing on this junk."
Who asked you to touch me?
Summer pouted.
Despite his complaints, Fraser went into the kitchen and prepared a simple egg noodle dish.
Summer stood by the door and watched Fraser's back as he cooked.
His figure in the sunlight was tall and reserved. Even though he looked out of
place in her small kitchen, it somehow felt natural.
Summer graciously ate two bowls of noodles.
After breakfast, Summer had to go to the mall for an inspection. She was running out of time.
Fraser went out first to wait for her while Summer went back to get her forgotten cell phone.
Just then, the door next to hers opened, and a woman in high heels stepped out. The neighbor's name was Liana Lane.
Summer and Liana weren't close, but they knew each other because Liana was a junior at Margaret's school.
Liana blinked in surprise.
It's not the cold man from last night?
Thi
man looked more like a male model, tall and slim. His casual clothes could not hide his noble aura.
How could Summer be so lucky to attract so many high-class men?
Liana couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as she remembered the events of last night.
When she returned home the previous night, she had seen a man waiting at Summer's door.
Dressed in a designer suit and wearing an expensive watch, he exuded an imposing yet cold aura.
It was the first time Liana had seen a man of such caliber.
She couldn't help but steal a few glances.
It had taken her a full 15 minutes to unlock her door.Jealousy by Liana
The man had remained standing, motionless, not even looking in her direction. After entering her apartment, she had peeked through the peephole and noticed that he was still there.
Liana had pretended to be taking out the garbage.
As she walked past him, his pleasant scent made her heart skip a beat.
On her way back, she had stopped and asked on a whim, “Sir, are you waiting for Summer? You've been waiting for almost an hour. Would you like to come in for some tea?"
Only then did Trevor raise his eyes coldly and give her an impatient look before looking away.
Liana was struck by his look.
This aloof, dominant CEO type was exactly my type.
Plucking up her courage, she asked again in a flirtatious voice, "Sir, how about it?"
"Get lost."
The man's cold, dismissive voice echoed through the corridor.
Liana's face flushed as if she had been slapped.
She could only retreat into her home in embarrassment.
This frustration had lingered until this morning, when she stepped outside and
saw another man coming out of Summer's apartment.
Chapter 45
The Neighbor's Curiosity
What a promiscuous woman!
Liana couldn't help but step forward to warn the man. "Sir, are you Summer's husband? Let me tell you, last night, there was another man here who hassled with her for a long time. Don't be fooled by someone like her. She may look beautiful, but she's not as innocent as she seems."
Meanwhile, Summer found her phone and was heading to the door when she overheard her neighbor, Liana, badmouthing her to Fraser.
She was about to step forward and refute the accusations, but she heard Fraser's deep, magnetic voice say, "Oh?"
Fraser lazily glanced at Liana, his look indifferent but filled with contempt.
Liana thought, Good, he took her words seriously.
After all, what man would like a woman who plays with two men at the same time?
She nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! Last night, there was another man here, just like you. He was probably fooled by her as well. The hallway was filled with their sweet conversation, kissing and hugging."
Fraser let out a cold laugh, although his eyes remained icy.
"Two men in one night? That's still better than someone who can't even get one man in one night."
Liana's expression turned sour.
"How can you say that? I'm just trying to warn you. Don't let her fool you. You
might end up being tricked by her without even knowing it."
Fraser raised an eyebrow, his tone casual but sharp. "I like her. I like being fooled by her."
Like.
Summer's heart skipped a beat at Fraser's use of the word "like."
Liana was furious.
These men were completely under Summer's spell and refused to listen to reason.
"You are truly ungrateful! Falling for such a cheap woman. She's so dirty. Aren't you afraid of getting some diseases?"
Fraser's deep eyes suddenly turned cold, like glaciers freezing over, radiating an intimidating aura.
His deep, icy voice rang out like a boulder rolling down a frozen mountain, "I don't hit women, but it seems like you're about to force me to break that rule."
Hearing his words, Liana turned pale with fear. She didn't even dare to take the elevator and instead fled
down the stairs.
What kind of man was he? So handsome, yet so vicious! And with violent tendencies!
The Neighbor's Curiosity
As they walked to the parking lot, Summer was distracted.
Her mind kept replaying Fraser's use of the word “like."
She shook her head and told herself not to take it seriously.
A man of Fraser's status could have any woman he wanted.
Free Coins
He was only interested in my body. After all, he had mentioned earlier that we were compatible in that regard.
Fraser escorted Summer to her car.
When he noticed that she was lost in thought and about to walk straight into a wall, he reached out and wrapped an arm around her slender waist.
Summer shivered.
"Wh-what's wrong?"
"What are you thinking about? You were about to run into a wall."
Summer looked at the wall in front of her and whispered, "Thank you."
Fraser raised his eyebrow lazily. "Are you able to drive?"
Summer realized that she was still in Fraser's arms.
When she saw the occasional car passing through the parking lot, she took a step back.
After a moment of hesitation, she gathered her courage.
"Fraser, what happened last night was an accident. We're both adults, so let's just pretend it never happened."
A dangerous gleam flashed in Fraser's eyes.
"Are you saying that last night was just a one-night stand?"
His expression was unreadable, but his voice carried a hint of danger that sent a shiver down Summer's spine.
Summer lowered her head and remained silent.
Fraser laughed, but his laughter was cold. His red lips curled into a smile, making his face look almost bewitching.
"Summer, pulling up your skirt and pretending nothing happened is really your style."
Later, at the mall, while Summer was doing her store inspection, her mind kept drifting back to Fraser's dangerous, threatening expression.
She felt a pang of regret.
Why had I upset the delicate balance we had just restored? A wave of inexplicable frustration washed over her.
The Neighbor's Curiosity
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"Ms. Stewart? Ms. Stewart?"
Summer snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of her assistant's voice.
"What is it?"
The assistant, Quinn, was surprised to see Summer so distracted during an inspection.
Ms. Stewart had always been professional and focused. What was going on today?
Quinn handed Summer a cup of coffee and whispered, "Ms. Stewart, Ms. Wilson mentioned that the performance of the Marc Gerbers's clothing store isn't ideal. It's dragging down the mall's overall metrics. He wants to know if the head office can consider not renewing the lease."
Summer looked at the Marc Gerbers's clothing store in front of her.
I remembered this store. It was one of the first brands to open in the Stewart Group's mall 20 years ago. But with the impact of e-commerce, this mid-tier brand had struggled to maintain its relevance.
Chapter 46
Moreover, the brand was expensive, and its consumer base was relatively small. So, its declining, sales have become inevitable in recent years.
Summer's voice was even-toned as she asked, "Ms. Wilson, what do you think?"
Hannah Wilson cleared her throat.
This subpar brand store had been a drag on the mall's overall revenue. She had long been eager for headquarters to remove them.
Hannah spoke with cold decisiveness. "Their contract expires at the end of this year. Although Marc Gerbers' Cranford distributor said they would still sign a renewal, their revenue and sales have been declining. My recommendation is to eliminate them immediately
Summer lifted her gaze slightly, sweeping Hannah with a meaningful look. "Ms. Wilson, you're in charge of Stratosphere Square's operations. Have you tried helping them reverse their downward trend? For example, have any mall promotions ever featured the Marc Gerbers store?"
Hannah hadn't expected such a professional question from Summer.
Every mall had a fixed budget to help stores expand visibility and sales, but that budget was always prioritized for high-performing stores with strong brand value.
She had barely paid them any attention to stores like Marc Gerbers. Investing money in them would just be a waste of funds.
"We have done that, but there are simply too many stores in the mall. Once the budget is divided up, the results may not meet expectations."
Summer had worked her way up from an entry-level position. She understood mall operations inside and
out.
Just one listen, and she knew Hannah was lying.
Summer's tone turned cold, striking straight at the heart of the matter. "Ms. Wilson, before you demand that I clear out stores, you should at least make an effort to help them recover. Instead of immediately kicking them out just to boost the mall's efficiency, try to support them first. Marc Gerbers has been with us for 20 years. Back when we were just a small mall, they were the ones who helped establish our reputation. Now that their brand is declining, whether for business reasons or out of basic decency, I believe we should do what we can to assist them."
The other executives were momentarily stunned by Summer's professional and well-structured argument.
It turned out Summer wasn't just some figurehead. On the contrary, she understood mall operations even better than they did.
On the other hand, Hannah had just been lectured by Summer in front of everyone, her face turning an ugly shade of red.
She was a senior figure, one of the founding members of Stewart Group.
Hannah frowned, her voice carrying a trace of anger. "Ms. Stewart, how do you know we haven't made an effort? If every underperforming store received constant financial support, do you think the mall could survive? You're an office worker, you should just stick to handling paperwork. Leave on-site management to us seasoned employees'
Her words were a clear jab at Summer, implying that someone with only office experience shouldn't be meddling here.
Summer let out a cold laugh, her eyes sweeping over Hannah with an icy indifference. “Alright, Ms Wilson, then please compile a detailed report of all mall
promotional events this year, including the specific allocations given to each store. I expect it to be on my desk by tomorrow morning"
Hannah was speechless.
Because this year, the mall had barely given any promotional support to Marc Gerbers. In fact, they never had.
All those promotional slots had gone to the brands that had bribed her.
Now that Summer was demanding a detailed report, it would expose the mall's unfair resource distribution.
It was obvious that Summer was targeting her directly.
Summer wasn't even the head of Stewart Group yet, but she already carried herself like its rightful owner. If she ascended to power, those who had built the company would inevitably be pushed out
Hannah gritted her teeth. No. I absolutely can't let Summer become the head of Stewart Group.
Summer didn't bother acknowledging her further. She led the group of executives onward to continue the mall inspection.
The executives resumed reporting on their respective stores' data.
Only this time, everyone was far more alert.
After witnessing Summer's sharpness just now, no one dared to slack off.
One of the executives spoke up. "Ms. Stewart, just ahead is the Louvertin store. It's a luxury brand from Belvare. All their shoes are custom-designed to attract Havenbrook's wealthy clientele. It's one of the best-performing stores in our mall this year."
Summer took the report, flipping through it as she walked.
Suddenly, a sharp, commanding female voice rang out from the store. "Summer, get in here!"
Summer lifted her gaze.
An elderly woman stood inside, dressed in a custom-tailored dress of deep rose velvet, embroidered with large floral patterns. In her hand, she carried a luxury
Chapter 47
The elderly woman looked elegant and dignified, exuding an air of noble sophistication. This person was none other than Trevor's mother, Scarlett Foster.
The crowd exchanged glances.
The voice was sharp, as if calling for a maid.
Summer thought for a moment and initially didn't want to respond. But considering Scarlett's
temperament and wanting to avoid any unnecessary trouble, she handed the report back to Quinn and told them, "That's it for today. Organize the mall's operation data and give it to me tomorrow."
She walked over at an unhurried pace, her tone calm and casual, as if she didn't take the other person seriously. "Is something wrong?"
Scarlett was immediately displeased by her first words.
Summer hadn't used an honorific. She was completely disrespectful.
"Oh my, isn't this Summer?" a voice chimed in. "Scarlett, your daughter-in-law is so obedient. She knew you ordered custom shoes and came here early just to wait for you."
The speaker was Bobby's mother. Summer glanced over and saw Caleb's mother was also present, along with the lady of the Yeager family.
She recognized them.
They were part of Scarlett's usual social circle, the wealthy ladies of elite families. They often played poker or went shopping together.
Scarlett used to call Summer over to serve them tea and refreshments.
She enjoyed this form of servitude, using it to establish her authority as the future mother-in-law.
On the surface, she framed it as, "Since you love my son, you should start
adapting to the life and rules of the Larson family's lady."
But in reality, Scarlett was inherently arrogant and condescending.
She believed that since Summer had only reunited with the Stewart family after 20
years, she wasn't worthy of someone as prestigious as Trevor.
In the past, for Trevor's sake, Summer had constantly tried to please Scarlett, despite knowing she didn't like her.
For Scarlett's 60th birthday, she demanded that Summer personally prepare 101 dishes for her banquet.
Said something about how a daughter-in-law cooking for her on her 60th would bring longevity.
That was ridiculous.
People even thought she might have Parkinson's.
When Trevor found out, he merely frowned and said, "Why are you so dumb? Couldn't you have asked for help?"
Summer didn't bother explaining that it was Scarlett who had insisted she do it alone.
Scarlett scoffed. "Madam Stone, hold on. Summer hasn't married my son yet. Calling her my daughter-in- law is premature. She's still under evaluation."
Summer no longer wanted Trevor, so naturally, she wouldn't be as deferential as before.
"Madam Foster, you're right. I haven't married your son, so I'm not your daughter- in-law. And to add one more thing, I've broken up with Trevor and won't be marrying him in the future. Have you noticed you haven't been able to reach me lately? That's because I blocked all of you."
The ladies exchanged shocked glances.
The Summer, who had once loved Trevor desperately and humbled herself before Scarlett, was now declaring that she had broken up with him,and even blocked their contact!
Scarlett's face darkened.
No wonder her calls never went through when she tried reaching Summer to massage her aching back for days.
But she didn't believe it.
3
Summer loved her son so much that it was impossible to believe she would truly
have the heart to break up with him.
She should be clinging to Trevor for life.
She had seen these empty threats before.
"Summer, who do you think you are? My son choosing you was a blessing for you. Don't be ungrateful and talk nonsense about breaking up. Don't come crying when Trevor no longer wants you."
Summer didn't get angry. She simply smiled-a poised, radiant smile. "Madam Foster, I'll pass on that blessing. I won't be your daughter-in-law, so you can save that position for someone who needs it."
Scarlett was livid at being humiliated.
Bobby's mother leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Scarlett, I heard from Bobby that Summer's been acting crazy lately, jealous of Peyton, and she's using this as a tactic to pressure Trevor into choosing only her."
Peyton?
Scarlett didn't like her either.
Peyton had been kicked out five years ago and later went to Ameros, where she supposedly developed heart disease.
Trevor, being soft-hearted, had always been easily manipulated by these lowly
women.
At that moment, a sales associate, wearing white gloves, approached with a beautifully wrapped shoe box. She bent down, ready to help Scarlett try on the shoes.
These were custom-made a month in advance, costing 250,000 dollars.
Scarlett stopped the associate and spoke with the lofty arrogance of someone granting charity.
"Summer, come put my shoes on for me. I'll tell Trevor to stay away from Peyton."
Chapter 48
True Love
"You've been with Trevor for so many years, yet you're still such a failure. Now you can't even handle Peyton. Trevor is the president of The Larson Group. He's bound to have more than one woman in the future. If you want to be his wife, the first thing you need to do is swallow your pride."
Summer immediately found it both amusing and speechless.
"Madam Foster, if I remember correctly, years ago, Trevor's father, Michael Larson, had an affair with a famous actress. But you deliberately hired people to smear her reputation, exposing her as a homewrecker, and she was ruined in the entertainment industry. That actress was even pregnant. You even went so far as to hire people to force her to miscarry. You were also the lady of the Larson family, but your actions didn't look like 'swallowing your pride' to me."
Summer spoke in the gentlest tone while dropping the most explosive revelation. Her words were like a sharp blade, tearing apart the filthy past that Scarlett had tried to bury.
Scarlett trembled with rage. "Summer, you... you wretched woman! What nonsense are you spewing?I will make sure Trevor abandons you. Just you wait!"
"That would be for the best. Being his wife seems like such a demanding role. I'm not qualified. It should be left to someone who needs it."
With that, Summer turned to leave.
She left behind a group of stunned socialites.
Scarlett was so furious her head felt like it was about to explode.
"Was that really Summer just now? Has she lost her mind? How dare she talk to you like that?"
Scarlett's eyes blazed with fury. "She is insane! I'll make sure she regrets it! Trevor will break up with that woman, and from now on, none of you are to call her my daughter-in-law, or you'll be going against me!"
Caleb's mother blinked. "Scarlett, about that actress Summer mentioned... Did you really do that back then?"
Scarlett was livid. "I already said she was talking nonsense!"
The Larson Group.
"Step aside!"
"Madam Larson, Mr. Larson is in a meeting. Why don't you wait in his office for a while?" Andrew followed closely behind.
"Do I need an announcement just to see Trevor?"
The doors of the conference room were soon pushed open. Scarlett stood outside, handbag in hand, looking displeased.
True Love
In his words, the senior executives immediately grabbed their notebooks and left.
Andrew silently shut the door, leaving the mother and son alone.
"What's so urgent?" Trevor's tone was unreadable. He was used to Scarlett's overbearing ways,
* 62%
Finished
Scarlett stepped forward and placed her handbag on the conference table. "What's going on with you and Summer?"
Trevor's brows furrowed.
"I ran into her at the mall today, and she had the audacity to be rude to me! I've said before that she lacks proper upbringing. Even her biological parents, Julia and the others, don't value her, why should you? Thankfully, you're only engaged and not married yet. Just pretend this never happened. I'll find you a proper young lady from a respectable family. Also, stay away from Peyton. She left you for Ameros, got into an accident, and now suddenly has some illness? What a pathetic excuse to crawl back to you! These women are all schemers, each one worse than the last!"
Trevor's face darkened with impatience. "Mom, stay out of my relationships."
"Stay out? How can I?! You're the sole heir of the Larson family. Your wife determines the future of The Larson Group! I never liked Summer from the start. It was you who insisted she was persistent, so I tolerated her. But now her true colors are showing. Break up with her today."
Trevor's tone was edged with anger. "I won't."
"Why? After everything she's done, you still won't break up with her? Trevor, have you lost your mind?"
Trevor stood up, unwilling to listen any longer.
"As the heir of the Larson family, I'll do what I must. But my marriage is none of your concern. And stop bothering Summer."
With that, Trevor walked out of the conference room, leaving Scarlett alone.
"Trevor! Trevor... How am I the one bothering her? She's the one who embarrassed me in public today!"
Scarlett had come here expecting to put Summer in her place. She hadn't expected Trevor to refuse to break up and even accuse her of causing trouble.
Summer must have done something to bewitch Trevor!
Trevor called Andrew over. "Has Linden, the Belvare wedding designer, finished the wedding gown?"
Andrew nodded. "Yes. Belvare's next season jewelry collection, 'True Love,' including the ring and necklace, has also been auctioned off. We're just waiting for Ms. Stewart to try on the dress and jewelry."
The "True Love" set had once been worn by a Belvare princess in the old era. Acquiring it had cost a staggering six million dollars.
Chapter 49
Out of Her Reach
The phone rang at that moment. It was Peyton calling.
Trevor answered.
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Finished
"Trevor, I had nothing to do today, so I tried making some desserts. Do you want
to come over and try them?" The woman's voice carried a hint of excitement.
"I'm not coming over today."
Peyton's voice fell slightly. "Trevor, is something going on?"
Trevor thought for a moment. "Summer is trying on wedding dresses today."
Peyton's hand stiffened around her phone.
A wedding dress? Does that mean they've already set a wedding date?
Peyton hurriedly said, "Trevor, I know I'm asking too much, but I'm getting a heart transplant next week. Can you wait until after my surgery before trying on wedding dresses?"
Trevor's face remained cold. "Peyton, getting a new heart is about taking care of your own body. How can you use that as an excuse? Josh will take good care of you."
With that, Trevor hung up.
Peyton stared at the disconnected call and threw her phone onto the bed.
Although Trevor had stayed with her last night, he had been visibly distracted. When he saw that her condition was stable in the middle of the night, he had even tried to leave. It was only because she had cried and begged him, saying she was afraid of suddenly relapsing in the middle of the night, that he had reluctantly stayed.
Lately, she could clearly feel that Trevor no longer treated her with the same care as before.
No. If this continues, Trevor will eventually lean toward Summer.
When Josh entered the hospital room, he saw Peyton sitting on the couch, her delicate brows furrowed, her face a little pale. Her long, dark hair cascaded over her chest, making her look fragile and pitiful.
Josh's heart clenched painfully.
"Peyton, it's time to take your medicine."
"Josh, Trevor is taking Summer to try on wedding dresses. Where are they going? I need to stop them."
Josh quickly reassured her, "Peyton, you're about to have a heart transplant. You can't get emotional."
"If Trevor marries Summer, then my recovery will be meaningless."
Josh couldn't hold back his anger. "Peyton, do you know how much money and effort went into securing
"Josh, I'm sorry. It's just that I love Trevor too much. I'm afraid that once I recover, he won't come to see me anymore."
"Trevor wouldn't do that. He really wants you to get better. Think about it, ever since you returned, he's always been there for you. He cares about you."
Peyton wiped her tears. "You're right. Trevor has been so good to me. I have to get better so I can be worthy
of him."
Josh sighed and gently stroked Peyton's long hair.
Peyton, can't you look at someone else for once?
Summer returned to Stewart Group.
As soon as she sat down in her office, she saw that the approval for the 500- million-dollar investment had been processed.
The investment was a large sum, so Graham Group had transferred the funds in two installments.
Graham Group's efficiency was truly impressive. It handled billions as casually as spare change.
Well, that made sense. Graham Group was the wealthiest corporation in the country, with money beyond
measure.
Last year's billionaire rankings showed that Fraser's net worth had skyrocketed, growing several times faster than Trevor's
Summer was well
aware of her limits. If she had failed so miserably with Trevor, then a man like Fraser was even more out of her reach.
But now, she had a clear goal. She would become the heir to Stewart Group.
She never had such ambition before, but recently, something had awakened it within her.
Rather than letting Margaret take over, she might as well claim it for herself.
30 percent of the shares was the beginning of something new.
She opened WhatsApp and immediately saw the pinned chat, “Pudding's–Dad.”
The last message remained from yesterday.
Summer thought for a moment, then began typing, "I received the investment today. Thank you. This morning, I didn't mean to..."
Just then, her assistant, Quinn, knocked on the door. "Ms. Stewart, Mr. Stewart wants to see you in his office."
"Got it." Out of Her Reach
Taking the elevator to the 27th floor, she stopped at Jasper's office door and knocked.
A deep male voice came from inside. "Come in."
Summer opened the door and stepped in, her heels clicking against the floor
Then, she saw a familiar figure sitting on the couch.
She froze for a second before her brows furrowed.
Jasper stood up. "Summer, you said you were going to try on wedding dresses today. Why didn't you mention it earlier? Why did you go to the mall instead and make Trevor wait for so long?
Chapter 50
Love Me Forever
Trying on the wedding dress?
Summer glanced at Trevor, who was leaning against the couch.
Finished
He wore a silver suit jacket, his tie perfectly knotted, legs crossed, exuding the commanding aura of a man in power even while seated.
It seemed that Trevor's way of making amends was through a grand, extravagant wedding.
But she no longer needed it.
Summer said coldly, "Dad, I already told you. I broke up with Trevor. We're not getting married."
Jasper choked on her words, his expression darkening.
She had been talking about breaking up for a while now, but he had always dismissed it as childish
tantrums.
After all, in families like theirs, marriage and breakups weren't child's play. They involved the reputation of entire corporations.
Besides, it was normal for couples to argue and even break up in the heat of the moment.
Today, Trevor had specifically brought up the wedding again. He even made it clear that his wedding gift would be a global logistics company for Stewart Group.
Jasper had long dreamed of expanding into logistics, but he didn't have the resources yet.
Now, with Trevor offering this wedding gift, Jasper wished Summer could marry him tomorrow.
Trevor adjusted his cufflinks and stood up, unfazed by Summer's declaration of their breakup.
Ever since the "kidnapping incident," she had been acting like this.
He believed that once Summer tried on the top-tier wedding dress, adorned herself with the one-of-a-kind "True Love" jewelry, and realized that this wedding was designed by none other than the world-famous Linden, making her the most prestigious bride in Havenbrook, her anger would naturally dissipate.
Besides, Peyton's surgery was scheduled for next week. Once she recovered, he would have more time to spend with Summer.
Then she wouldn't have to be jealous all the time.
"Summer has been upset with me lately, and I admit I haven't done enough," Trevor said smoothly. "The wedding dress was meant to be a surprise. I should have told her in advance."
Seeing that Trevor wasn't angry, Jasper beamed. "Good. Go ahead and try it on." Summer remained motionless, her face full of resistance.
Love Me Forever
Finished
Summer's eyes widened in shock. "Dad, you promised me this before! As the chairman of Stewart Group, how can you go back on your word?"
Jasper, ever the cunning businessman, smirked, "I did promise, but I never said when. Once you're married, it's yours. Now, be good and go try on the wedding dress. Remember to take pictures so your mom and I can see how beautiful you look. I heard Trevor even invited the world's most renowned wedding designer, Linden, for this."
In the end, Summer was still dragged out by Trevor, all the way to the underground parking lot.
Trevor watched her, amused by her attitude.
"Summer, I never knew you were so obsessed with the Stewart Group. If you like it that much. I'll give you 5 percent of the Larson Group's shares once we're married. That's worth far more than 30 percent of Stewart Group's. So just be my wife, alright?"
Summer rolled her eyes dramatically. "Trevor, are you deaf? Do you really think I'm joking about breaking up? I'm telling you, I'm not."
Trevor stared at her, watching as frustration colored her face a delicate shade of pink.
Her upturned eyes shimmered, her gaze sharp yet captivating. Even in anger, she was so strikingly beautiful that it was impossible to look away.
Trevor had always known that Summer was breathtaking. At first glance, she was stunned.
But the more one looked at her, the deeper the spell she cast, like a siren, enchanting and dangerous.
"I never thought you were joking," Trevor said. "Summer, give me a chance to make it up to you. This wedding and this dress are the best proof of that."
Summer took a deep breath.
She knew Trevor was just that arrogant and confident. That was why he had once hurt her so recklessly. convinced she would never leave.
"Trevor, I don't love you anymore."
Her voice was calm, steady.
Trevor's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as if he had just heard the most absurd thing.
"You don't love me?" He let out a low chuckle. "Summer, do you really think I'd believe that? You were the one who chased after me. You promised you'd love me forever. That's the only reason I agreed to be with you."
Summer's face flushed red.
Indeed, she had been the one to chase him back then, clinging to him, forcing him to be with her.
She never thought that the love she once held so fiercely would now turn into a blade aimed straight at her