Chapter 344: A Storm in the Banquet Hall

The only thing left was to wait for the lawyers from both parties to finalize the cooperation agreement in the coming days. This news brought unparalleled joy to Samuel and Cedar. The development project in Norwyn was a highly sought-after opportunity. Every top-tier business magnate had been eyeing it, waiting for the government’s final decision on its allocation. Yet, without suspense, the project was handed directly to the Graham Group by high-ranking officials.

Indeed, the Graham Group had more than enough financial strength to develop the area independently. However, out of respect for the Harper family and as a courtesy to Martin, Fraser agreed to collaborate with Granthera Bank. For Granthera Bank, this was akin to riding the coattails of a giant. Even if they were merely drinking from the spillover, it was an opportunity worth seizing. If the Norwyn area development turned out to be a success, the profits alone would be equivalent to three years’ worth of revenue for Granthera Bank.

Beaming, Samuel and Cedar once again raised their glasses in a toast to Fraser. Fraser stood tall, exuding an air of noble indifference. He casually swirled his glass of whiskey before taking a sip, his dark eyes scanning the banquet hall. Yet, his gaze did not land on Summer. His brows furrowed.

At the same time, another group of eager guests swarmed forward, glasses in hand, hoping for a chance to toast him, to establish even the smallest connection with the powerful man before them. But Fraser, disinterested, barely spared them a glance. His imposing aura alone was enough to keep people at bay; his cool indifference was a silent warning against further disturbance.

He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. The dial tone rang and rang, but there was no answer. His frown deepened. He called again. Still no response. The banquet was being held halfway up a mountain. Summer could not have left alone. And there was no way she would not hear her phone ringing. But she was missing, and her phone was unreachable.

Had something happened to her? The mere thought sent a chilling wave through Fraser. His grip on his phone tightened, knuckles turning white. His voice, now laced with ice, cut through the air as he issued a command: “Gather your people and find her. Now.”

Cedar, assuming Fraser was merely looking for his wife, let out a lighthearted chuckle. “Mr. Graham, no need to worry. Mrs. Graham is probably just chatting with some friends. Women tend to get carried away with their conversations and forget about time. My wife does the same all the time.”

Fraser lifted his gaze, and in an instant, a chilling, bone-deep coldness shot from his eyes. The banquet hall fell into a suffocating silence. Samuel and Cedar, despite their seasoned experience in high society, felt their backs turn rigid under the weight of Fraser’s stare. I thought we were talking amicably just moments ago. Why did this man suddenly exude an aura of pure menace, as though he were ready to kill?

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Samuel barked an order at the butler. “Tommy, take the maids and search every corner of the banquet hall for Mrs. Graham.” The butler nodded hastily and rushed off, leading a few maids on a thorough search. Cedar, attempting to defuse the tension, forced a smile. “Mr. Graham, rest assured. My father’s banquet is held across multiple halls. Perhaps Mrs. Graham is just enjoying herself in another section.”

But when he looked up, he was once again met with Fraser’s abyss-like gaze, devoid of warmth. A man in his forties, Cedar found himself trembling, unable to utter another word. Moments later, the butler returned, head bowed low. “We’ve searched the front, back, and side halls. There’s no sign of Mrs. Graham.”

Fraser let out a cold chuckle. His lips curled into a mirthless smile as he released his grip on his whiskey glass. With a sharp crash, the glass shattered against the floor, sending shards flying. Under the dazzling crystal chandelier, the spilled liquor shimmered ominously, resembling a pool of fresh blood. A shiver ran through the crowd. No one dared to breathe too loudly, let alone make a sound.

Fraser’s voice, low and menacing, sent icy tendrils creeping down spines. “A person goes missing just like that?” The deadly calm in his tone was far more terrifying than any outright outburst. It was the voice of a man who would stop at nothing to reclaim what was his. Samuel and Cedar broke out in a cold sweat. If Mrs. Graham was not found tonight, then forget about the Norwyn area development contract.

Samuel whipped around to the butler, barking furiously, “Did you even search properly?!” The butler trembled under the pressure, his voice shaky. “We… we searched the banquet halls, but we haven’t checked the upper floors where the young masters’ and young ladies’ rooms are…”

Fraser’s patience had run out. He picked up his phone and made a call. Within moments, the sound of hurried, heavy footsteps echoed through the grand villa. At the entrance, Mike strode in, leading a battalion of elite, well-trained bodyguards.