Chapter 120: Come Back Home

Julia texted, “Summer, come back home. I will make you something delicious.” Julia continued, “I was blind before. Give me a chance to love you properly.”

Summer glanced at the message but did not reply. She turned off her phone screen and wandered aimlessly through the mall. If, in the past, she had felt reluctance, resentment, or questions about the Stewart family, her heart was now gradually growing cold. Yet, she was still conflicted about whether to return to work at Stewart Group.

Her original reason for joining Stewart Group was simply to get closer to Jasper and Julia, to be their good daughter. But, in truth, Summer never liked business management. She loved drawing and interior design. Perhaps it was because, as a child, she had been treated with cold indifference by Yolanda. Since then, she had always loved drawing warm and cozy houses. In the past, Summer’s paintings had even won awards. But learning to paint was too expensive, so Yolanda could not possibly allow her to study it.

Later, after she was taken back to the Stewart family, she entered the family business, and painting was set aside. Now, however, as her disappointment in the Stewart family deepened, the thought of interior design resurfaced in her mind. But she was now the director of Stewart Group. She couldn’t really just walk away from an annual salary of 800 thousand dollars and 30 percent equity.

As she pondered, she strolled through the mall and unknowingly arrived at the entrance of a high-end men’s clothing store. A sales associate at the door greeted her. “Miss, would you like to come in and have a look? We’ve just launched some new arrivals. It’s a great present for your boyfriend.”

Summer’s steps halted. Through the glass window, a silk tie with blue stripes caught her eye. A memory of last night flashed through her mind: the way that man had gone too far, even tying her hands with a tie. And that tie had also been blue. At the thought, Summer’s face grew warm.

The sales associate, quick to read the situation, said, “This one is custom-made by a renowned designer. It…”

Summer took out her card and swiped 2,500 dollars. Holding the elegantly packaged tie in one hand, she prepared to leave the mall.

Taking the elevator down to the underground parking lot, she was suddenly stopped by two men in black suits who appeared out of nowhere, blocking her path.

“Ms. Stewart, our madam invites you for tea,”

Summer frowned, recalling the time she had been kidnapped. She took a cautious step back. “I don’t know any madam.”

“It’s Madam Graham of the Graham family.”

So, Summer was invited to the Graham Mansion. The Graham family’s century-old mansion stood atop Havenbrook’s mountain, nestled in a tranquil landscape with lush green trees. Almost the entire mountaintop was Graham property, and even the private road leading up was rarely traveled by outsiders.

After getting out of the car, Summer was led by well-trained servants through a vast courtyard, then along a red corridor, before arriving at a garden. There, a dignified elderly woman sat, sipping tea. A servant stepped forward and bowed to report.

Helen’s deep eyes swept over Summer, examining her from head to toe with an undisguised, probing gaze. Standing there, Summer felt as if she were an item being appraised before auction. The woman before her wore a simple white dress, with slight ruffles at the collar—minimalist yet elegant. The dress hugged her figure, accentuating her slender, well-proportioned curves. She wore no jewelry, and her lightly curled, chestnut-colored hair was casually pinned back, revealing a delicate face with bright eyes and pearly teeth. She was indeed a little beauty. No wonder Fraser liked her.

Helen slowly withdrew her gaze. “Ms. Stewart, have a seat.”

Summer had no idea why Helen had suddenly invited her. Her only impression of Helen was from that phone call she had made to Fraser—a call filled with warmth and motherly concern. Helen seemed gentle and kind, but between her brows was a quiet authority that commanded respect without anger. It made Summer feel inexplicably uneasy. “Madam Graham…”

The garden was filled with rare and exquisite flowers—even the legendary herb was present. The only sound in the garden was that of tea being poured, carrying an indescribable sense of pressure that made the air feel heavy.

Helen spoke unhurriedly. “Ms. Stewart, do you know how to appreciate tea?”

A servant handed her a freshly brewed cup. Summer accepted it and took a small sip. The tea was bright in color, rich in fragrance, smooth like silk, followed by a lingering sweetness. Even though she knew little about tea, Summer could tell this was of the highest quality.

“This is good tea.”

Helen smiled slightly, as if making a casual remark about the weather.