Chapter 119: People Are the Same
Summer reached out, teasingly lifting Yvette’s chin and stroking it. “While I still have some money, I’ll generously sponsor you for once.”
Meanwhile, at the Graham Mansion, Diana wore a dark designer suit, her makeup light and understated, lacking her usual sharp and commanding presence. She sat properly on a pinewood couch, her posture rigid. The Graham Mansion was massive, blending modern and traditional styles. The grand hall alone had nearly ten large red doors, each guarded by a servant.
Diana had been sitting upright, waiting for almost two hours. She was growing impatient but didn’t dare lose her temper. After all, meeting Helen was a hard-won opportunity.
Just then, one of the red doors swung open. Helen emerged, flanked by two servants, walking unhurriedly. Diana immediately stood up and bowed slightly. “Madam Graham, hello. I’m Diana, the wife of Simon Smith from Smith Group.”
She gestured toward the delicate gift box on the table. “This is a thousand-year-old herb from Archerale Hill. Our family has kept it for nearly ten years. I heard that you’ve been feeling weak lately, so I specially brought it to nourish your health.”
Helen glanced at it indifferently and nodded. A servant stepped forward, took the gift, and retreated. Helen, supported by the two servants, sat at the head seat. After a brief pause, she said mildly, “That’s very thoughtful of you.”
Diana smiled flatteringly. “Our family has some connections with the Graham family. I’m not sure if you remember, but when Mr. Graham Sr. was in the military, my grandfather was one of his subordinates.”
Helen took a sip of tea. “Diana, just say what you came to say.”
Diana observed Helen carefully. The elderly woman was dressed in a fully custom-made dark purple cheongsam with intricate patterns. Though nearly 80, her meticulous self-care made her look barely in her sixties. Her silver hair was combed neatly, and her kind expression concealed the shrewdness necessary to helm Havenbrook’s most powerful family.
Diana smiled, her voice lowering. “I came today because I’m afraid the Graham family’s bossman is being deceived.”
Helen’s usually calm eyes flickered slightly at the mention of her grandson, Fraser. “Oh?”
“You might not know this, but the Graham Group recently allocated one billion dollars to the Stewart family’s global project. Not long ago, they even spent a fortune to secure the Marloux agency rights for them. Could it be that Mr. Graham has fallen under Summer’s spell?”
Helen lowered her gaze, giving the document a brief, indifferent glance. Her aged voice was unreadable. “You seem quite invested in my family’s affairs.”
Diana tensed. “I wouldn’t dare.”
Helen’s tone cooled. “My grandson has always done as he pleases. And as for the Graham Group, whether it’s one billion or ten billion, we wouldn’t even blink.”
“Yes,” Diana quickly lowered her stance. “But didn’t you specifically have last night’s trending topic about Mr. Graham and the Stewart family removed?”
The moment she said this, Helen’s sharp gaze cut across the room like a blade.
Diana broke into a cold sweat and confessed directly. “Madam Graham, I didn’t mean to pry. The Stewart family stole the Marloux deal from us, so we hold a grudge. But at the same time, I also noticed that Mr. Graham’s feelings for Summer go beyond a casual fling. Knowing how noble the Graham family is, I wanted to give you a kind reminder.”
After Diana left, Helen’s wrinkled hands tilted her teacup and poured the tea out. Her voice carried a trace of irritation. “This tea is tainted with impurities, yet you still served it to me?”
The housekeeper, Karena, immediately stepped forward with a respectful bow. “This tea has been sitting for a while. The servants failed to check it properly and caused you displeasure. I’ll brew you a fresh cup right away.”
The water boiled, pouring into the porcelain teacup. The fine red tea released a delicate aroma. Helen slowly lifted the cup and took another sip. “Now this is how tea should taste.”
Karena understood the meaning behind her words and responded accordingly. “Tea has its own grades. The freshest, highest-quality leaves are naturally the best. Inferior ones aren’t worthy of your taste. People are the same.”
Helen’s gentle expression curved into a subtle, intriguing smile. “In that case, let Ms. Stewart have a taste of what it means to drink the finest tea of the upper class.”
Yvette had another event to attend. After chatting with her, Summer went to watch a daytime movie alone. Her phone was on silent. When she stepped out of the theater, her screen was filled with missed calls and messages from Jasper and Julia. Jasper texted, “Summer, are you feeling unwell today? Why didn’t you come to work?”