Chapter 187: The Price of a Favor
Summer continued, โMasonโs the one who started mocking Aspira Design Instituteโheโs the head of Prospera Design Studio.โ
Fraser shot her a sideways glance, his tone light and teasing. โWhat, you want me to get revenge for you?โ
โNoโheโs holding something over Sienna.โ
At that, Fraser let out a disinterested โhmm,โ his expression unreadable, like he couldnโt be bothered to care.
Summer looked over, trying to figure out what he was thinking. โSiennaโs a really close friend of mine. I just want to help her.โ
Fraser let out a soft scoff, his voice light and dismissive. โYou really care about her, huh? So much that youโre willing to pour all your money into a design firm thatโs barely hanging on?โ
Summer caught the edge of sarcasm in his tone. Her teeth pressed lightly into her lower lip before she responded, her voice steady.
โWhen I first met Sienna, I hadnโt 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 theyโd hold me backโso 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.โ
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, sheโd return the favorโno 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 Fraserโs 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. โYouโve lived a life I canโt relate to, Fraser. Youโve never had to worry about survivingโso yeah, I donโt expect you to get it.โ
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.
โI never said I wouldnโt help. No need to pout.โ
Summer frowned. โYou didnโt exactly say youโd help. And you made it sound like my investment was a waste.โ
Fraser kept his eyes on the road, his expression unreadable. He tapped the steering wheel lightly with his fingers. โIt was a bad investment. If it were me, Iโd start a new firm instead of throwing money at one thatโs falling apart. But Summer, when it comes to investing, itโs not just about the business. Sometimes, itโs about the people behind it. If you know exactly why youโre doing it and youโre ready to handle the outcomeโthen, yeah. Itโs worth it.โ
Something shifted inside Summer at that. Only then did she realize Fraser wasnโt criticizingโhe was breaking it down from a business perspective.
Then Fraser spoke again, his voice low and smooth, with a trace of amusement. โIโll helpโbut itโs going to cost you more.โ
With the Graham Group behind him, Fraser was easily the wealthiest man in all of Havenbrook. And she didnโt exactly have much to offerโnot 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, โTonight Iโll help you.โ
Fraser was still driving when he heard it. He turned his head slightly, his dark, narrow eyes glancing sharply at her, laced with amusement. โHelp me with what?โ
Summerโs face turned bright red, the blush creeping across her cheeks. Flustered, she snapped, โYou know exactly what I mean. Donโt play dumb!โ
Fraserโs usually calm eyes shimmered with a teasing glint, and a soft smile tugged at his lips. โWhy are you blushing so hard, Summer?โ
Summer had already worked up the courage to say itโnow she was being teased on top of it. Embarrassed and annoyed, she huffed, โForget it. Iโll offer you something else instead.โ
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 driverโs seat.
Fraserโs gaze burned as he looked up at her, his voice low and rough. โYou get me all worked up. Then say Forget it? Thatโs cruel, Summer.โ
Sitting on his lap, she could feel the tension in his bodyโthe 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 theyโd been in each otherโs arms. In the tight space of the driverโs seat, she felt completely surrounded by him. The faint scent of pine clung to himโsharp, addictive, and far too easy to get lost in.