Chapter 115: She Was So Close
There was no need to guess how the headlines would erupt tomorrow, yet Fraser remained completely unfazed by public opinion.
Boom. Boom.
The entire city was instantly illuminated by dazzling fireworks. They burst across the sky like blossoms in full bloom, vibrant and breathtaking. All eyes turned toward the tall, elegant man carrying a beautiful woman in his arms, stepping forward as if walking into the brilliant fireworks themselves. The guests of the Stewart Mansion watched as Fraser carried away the birthday girl.
There was no point in staying at this illegitimate celebration any longer. Besides, judging by what had just happened, Fraser was clearly protecting Summer. The Stewart family had thoroughly offended him. Such was the nature of high society—preying on the weak, fearing the powerful, indulging in flattery, and shifting loyalties at a moment's notice. Not one of them dared to stay any longer.
One by one, the guests began to leave. In mere minutes, the once lively mansion, filled with symphonic melodies, had withered into bleak emptiness. The mansion's dazzling chandelier lights now shone cold and piercingly bright.
At that moment, the family doctor rushed through the Stewart Mansion's grand entrance, medical kit in hand, accompanied by his medical team, moving against the tide of departing guests. He had arrived late and had no idea what had happened. All he knew was that the guests were leaving far too early. But there was no time to dwell on that curiosity. He hurried forward and asked, “Mr. Stewart, Mrs. Stewart, who is injured?”
Julia stood there, eyes red, her entire body drained of strength. She turned to glance at Margaret, whose legs were bleeding, then shifted her gaze to Harvey, his head covered in blood.
“Check Harvey first. Take him to the hospital.”
With that, she pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders, pressing against her pounding temples, and slowly walked toward the main hall.
After a long silence, he made his decision. “Margaret, we’ve spoiled you, indulged your every whim. But today, you went too far. You’ve disgraced the entire Stewart family. If you don’t care about the honor of this family, then from today onward, you will move out. We no longer have a daughter like you.”
The words Margaret had feared most had finally come. Her body trembled in pain; her sobs choked her breath. “Dad, no! I’m not leaving! This is my home! I belong here! I am the daughter of the Stewart family!”
Jasper no longer spared her a glance. With heavy steps, he, too, walked away. The family doctor looked at Margaret, who was just as gravely injured. But Jasper and Julia had made no request for him to treat her. So, he simply ignored her and rushed to tend to Harvey instead.
Margaret wiped her tear-streaked face with trembling hands. Her eyes were bloodshot, a flash of hatred gleaming within them.
Why? I was so close! Why? Why did Fraser have to help that wretched woman, Summer? Summer is truly formidable. Not only has she secured Fraser’s protection, but she’s also stolen Mom and Dad’s love! No. I won’t go down like this!
She looked at Harvey, who was still surrounded by doctors and nurses, and forcibly swallowed her resentment.
“Harvey, it hurts so much… Harvey, save me. Didn’t you say you would always stand by my side? It was just one mistake… Dad and Mom won’t forgive me, and now you’re abandoning me too? You used to tuck me in when I was little. When I was bullied outside, you protected me. Harvey, are you leaving me too?”
Harvey let out a long sigh. He thought of their childhood, of the sister he had loved and cared for over twenty years. In the end, his heart softened. Margaret had only been momentarily blinded by jealousy. If Summer had never returned to the Stewart family, Margaret wouldn’t have done any of this.
He raised a hand, stopping the doctor who was still treating him, and ordered in a low voice, “Go check on Margaret’s leg. Take us both to the hospital. If anything happens to my sister, I will hold you accountable.”
Fraser carried Summer outside and placed her in the passenger seat of his sleek black Lamborghini. The car roared to life, a graceful yet untamed beast surging into the night. The neon-lit city pulsed with restless energy, lights flashing and intertwining. Overhead, fireworks exploded, painting the sky with vibrant, blossoming colors, transforming the city into a dreamscape. Through the car windows, they streaked past like bold strokes on a canvas of night.