Chapter 133: A Fateful Encounter
Summer calculated her liquid assets. Six hundred and ninety thousand dollars should suffice for renting an office and hiring staff. Once projects rolled in, she’d turn a profit.
That evening, after work, Summer passed a new luxury clothing store in the mall. Its lavish decor radiated prestige, with soft lighting gilding the merchandise. The mall seemed deserted, with only two staff members at the door. Inside, an elderly woman in an elegant dark dress and jade necklace was flanked by servants. The sales staff, unused to such a distinguished guest, fawned over her.
Through the glass, Summer met the old woman’s deep, piercing gaze. Their eyes locked, the moment charged with unspoken weight. Summer’s fingers twitched.
Soon, the Graham family’s housekeeper, Karena, approached. “Ms. Stewart, what a coincidence. Would you join Madam Graham for a stroll?”
Summer hesitated but followed her inside. Summer offered a friendly greeting, “Madam Graham.”
Helen sat on a sofa, sipping tea prepared by the staff, and said, “Ms. Stewart, since Marlux joined your family’s mall, more luxury brands have followed.”
Summer’s heart twinged, faintly but sharply.
Madam Graham continued, “Since we’ve crossed paths, pick something you like. I’ll gift it to you.”
Summer didn’t browse. Instead, she pulled out the 30% stake document. “Madam Graham, I can’t accept this.”
“Oh?” Helen’s sharp eyes glanced at the file but didn’t instruct anyone to take it. “Do you disdain my gift?”
Summer took a deep breath. She knew Madam Graham had orchestrated this meeting; why else would someone of her stature visit this mall? The Graham family had designers deliver seasonal jewelry to their doorstep.
Looking up, she said earnestly, “I don’t want to make a deal with you.”
Helen’s aged face showed no emotion, her deep eyes probing Summer. Her voice was flat. “What, taken with my grandson? Aiming to be the Graham family’s young madam?”
Summer’s hand trembled, her eyes flickering, her throat tightening. “Madam Graham, I know my background is messy and inadequate. I don’t aspire to that role, but I like Fraser very much. I’m sorry, but I won’t leave him.”
The burden on her chest eased slightly. Summer remained true to herself, fearless in love. Despite her doubts, she chose to leap forward.
Summer thought to herself, I couldn’t pinpoint when I fell for Fraser—perhaps that night in the speeding car, his gaze soft, or when he shielded me, saying, “Who dare bully you with me around?” This love differed from what she’d felt for Trevor. But she was certain: she loved Fraser’s wild, reckless spirit and wanted to hold onto him.
Helen’s eyes glinted with ruthlessness. “Young girls are greedy these days. If you won’t take the shares, I can give them to your brother or even Margaret.”
Summer stiffened.
Helen’s initial warmth vanished, replaced by authoritative steel. “Many women fancy my grandson, but are you so sure he’s yours alone?”
Summer paled, her insecurities surfacing.
Seeing Summer’s reaction, Helen smiled and said, “Havenbrook knows the Graham family have an engagement, but the fiancée’s absence has drawn delusional suitors. She’s been studying abroad. The Graham-Lastesh alliance will likely be announced this year. I hope you’ll attend, Ms. Stewart.”
Supported by her servants, Helen left with steady, unhurried steps.