Chapter 187: The Price of a Favor

Summer continued, “Mason’s the one who started mocking Aspira Design Institute—he’s the head of Prospera Design Studio.”

Fraser shot her a sideways glance, his tone light and teasing. “What, you want me to get revenge for you?”

“No—he’s holding something over Sienna.”

At that, Fraser let out a disinterested “hmm,” his expression unreadable, like he couldn’t be bothered to care.

Summer looked over, trying to figure out what he was thinking. “Sienna’s a really close friend of mine. I just want to help her.”

Fraser let out a soft scoff, his voice light and dismissive. “You really care about her, huh? So much that you’re willing to pour all your money into a design firm that’s barely hanging on?”

Summer caught the edge of sarcasm in his tone. Her teeth pressed lightly into her lower lip before she responded, her voice steady.

“When I first met Sienna, I hadn’t even been brought back to the Stewart family yet. I loved drawing, and it was Sienna who asked her mentor to let me join their lessons. Later, when I had to take on part-time jobs to cover my expenses, she was afraid they’d hold me back—so she always found ways to help and support me. A lot of our classmates used to talk behind my back, saying I was only sticking close to her for personal gain. But every single time, Sienna stood up for me.”

As she spoke, more memories came flooding back. Back then, Sienna had truly done a lot for her. She was one of the few people who had shown her warmth. Summer had always been someone who lived by her principles. If someone was kind to her, she’d return the favor—no hesitation. But if someone crossed her, she never let it slide.

She glanced at Fraser, still focused on the road. Outside, sunlight filtered through the trees, scattering soft, dappled shadows across Fraser’s face. His lashes were long and dark, the shadows gently veiling his eyes, making his expression hard to read.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Summer slowly turned her gaze toward the windshield. Her voice was soft, a little drained. “You’ve lived a life I can’t relate to, Fraser. You’ve never had to worry about surviving—so yeah, I don’t expect you to get it.”

Fraser turned and caught a glimpse of the frustration on her face. With one hand still on the wheel, he reached over and gave her cheek a playful pinch.

“I never said I wouldn’t help. No need to pout.”

Summer frowned. “You didn’t exactly say you’d help. And you made it sound like my investment was a waste.”

Fraser kept his eyes on the road, his expression unreadable. He tapped the steering wheel lightly with his fingers. “It was a bad investment. If it were me, I’d start a new firm instead of throwing money at one that’s falling apart. But Summer, when it comes to investing, it’s not just about the business. Sometimes, it’s about the people behind it. If you know exactly why you’re doing it and you’re ready to handle the outcome—then, yeah. It’s worth it.”

Something shifted inside Summer at that. Only then did she realize Fraser wasn’t criticizing—he was breaking it down from a business perspective.

Then Fraser spoke again, his voice low and smooth, with a trace of amusement. “I’ll help—but it’s going to cost you more.”

With the Graham Group behind him, Fraser was easily the wealthiest man in all of Havenbrook. And she didn’t exactly have much to offer—not in cash, anyway. The only thing I really have is me.

Summer lowered her head and pressed her lips together. After a brief pause, she mumbled, “Tonight I’ll help you.”

Fraser was still driving when he heard it. He turned his head slightly, his dark, narrow eyes glancing sharply at her, laced with amusement. “Help me with what?”

Summer’s face turned bright red, the blush creeping across her cheeks. Flustered, she snapped, “You know exactly what I mean. Don’t play dumb!”

Fraser’s usually calm eyes shimmered with a teasing glint, and a soft smile tugged at his lips. “Why are you blushing so hard, Summer?”

Summer had already worked up the courage to say it—now she was being teased on top of it. Embarrassed and annoyed, she huffed, “Forget it. I’ll offer you something else instead.”

The black limited-edition Cullinan sped down the road, then suddenly made a smooth turn into a quiet, sad street. Fraser hit the brakes and pulled into a secluded corner. The next second, he reached over and pulled her straight into his lap. Summer landed in his arms, straddling him in the driver’s seat.

Fraser’s gaze burned as he looked up at her, his voice low and rough. “You get me all worked up. Then say Forget it? That’s cruel, Summer.”

Sitting on his lap, she could feel the tension in his body—the sculpted muscle beneath her, the heat radiating off his skin. Her breathing grew shallow, her heart pounding louder with every beat. It had been a long time since they’d been in each other’s arms. In the tight space of the driver’s seat, she felt completely surrounded by him. The faint scent of pine clung to him—sharp, addictive, and far too easy to get lost in.