Chapter 186: Under Pressure

Merry asked, “Sienna, why?”

Sienna pressed her lips together. “Summer, I’m sorry. I know how much you’ve put into this project, but I have my reasons.”

Merry’s voice rose, frustrated. “Sienna, this is completely out of line. After everything we’ve put into this, how can you just turn down the project like it’s nothing?”

Sienna’s eyes welled with tears. She clenched her fists, then turned and bolted from the room.

Summer frowned, uneasy. Sienna suddenly backing out of the Glory Path Construction project—there had to be a reason. Without thinking, Summer chased after her, grabbing her arm before she could get away.

“Sienna, do you even consider me a friend?”

Sienna’s voice caught in her throat. “Of course, Summer. You’re a really important friend to me.”

Summer’s brow furrowed slightly, her voice steady. “Then tell me the truth—why are you turning down this project? If you give me a real reason, I’ll back you up as your friend. But if you’re refusing for no reason at all, then I’m sorry—this isn’t just your call. Aspira Design Institute doesn’t run on your say-so.”

Sienna looked away, unable to meet her eyes. “Please… don’t ask.”

Summer narrowed her gaze. “It’s Mason, isn’t it? What did he say to you?”

Sienna flinched at the mention of his name, her eyes flicking with panic.

Summer narrowed her gaze. “I knew it. It’s him.”

Sienna hesitated. “Summer, I…”

Summer spoke gently but firmly. “Sienna, I may not know exactly what Mason said, but even if it’s not the Glory Path Construction project, what about the next one? He’s just going to keep holding this over you.”

Sienna’s eyes shifted, a flicker of emotion passing through them. She’s right. If I keep letting him control me, that bastard will keep threatening me with those photos. I’ll never have a way out.

Sienna took a long breath, locking eyes with Summer. After a moment of silence, she bit her lip and said through gritted teeth, “Mason… has nude photos of me. He said, if our firm takes the Glory Path project, he’ll leak them to the press.”

Merry had just caught up and overheard the last part. She immediately rolled up her sleeves.

“That scumbag did what? I swear, I’m going to beat the hell out of him.”

Summer frowned. “Merry, if you storm over there now, those photos could be all over Havenbrook by tomorrow—if not sooner.”

Summer scanned the area and spotted a tall, lean man in the distance, just about to slide into his car. She quickly moved toward him—at first walking, then picking up speed until she was running in her heels. The sound of her heels clicking sharply across the concrete.

“Fraser!” she called out.

It was the first time Fraser had ever seen Summer running toward him like this. Something unfamiliar stirred in his chest. Summer, afraid he’d leave, had run faster than she realized.

When she reached him, he opened his arms and caught her effortlessly. He spoke casually, a trace of amusement in his voice. “What’s the rush? I’m not going anywhere.”

Summer, still catching her breath, said, “I… I need to talk to you.”

Fraser raised a brow, casually amused. “Let me guess—it must be important if you came running like that. You need a favor, right?”

Summer’s face was flushed—whether it was from the run or getting called out on her intentions, she couldn’t even tell.

Fraser’s lips curved slightly, a faint, amused smile playing at the corners. “Looks like I guessed right. Summer, when you ask me for a favor… just know it comes at a price.”

Summer’s clear eyes sparkled. She paused for a moment, then lightly slipped her fingers into his palm. Her voice was soft. “What kind of price?”

Fraser glanced down, his gaze drifting to her hand in his. Something about it made his chest tighten just a little. This woman’s gotten clever, he thought. She’s figured out how to play her cards. Smart girl.

“Get in the car first.”

Summer didn’t argue. She followed him into the passenger seat.

Inside the sleek, black, limited-edition Cullinan, Fraser gripped the steering wheel with one hand. With the other, he absentmindedly brushed his fingers along hers as he started the car.

They pulled smoothly onto the main road. Summer turned to glance at him. He kept his eyes on the road, his profile sharp and defined—high-bridged nose, lips pressed into a faint line. He sat behind the wheel with effortless poise, and when they stopped at a red light, his graceful fingers tapped the steering wheel in a slow, steady rhythm.

Summer’s gaze lingered a little too long. Damn, she thought, he really is my type.

She finally spoke. “Fraser, can you help me look into someone? His name’s Mason Aldridge.”

Fraser arched a brow. “Mason?”