Chapter 144: A Harsh Reality

Trevor’s expression darkened, his voice low and cold. “How do you know it was her?”

“Because she hates me—hates that I took you from her, hates that I stole your attention. She’s making things up. Trevor, don’t believe her.”

Trevor clenched his jaw. “So even the part about us sleeping together was a lie? Weren’t you the one who told her?”

Peyton’s eyes filled with panic. She had been so sure Summer wouldn’t make it out of that kidnapping alive. That was the only reason she had told her everything at the warehouse—because she wanted to see Summer consumed by jealousy and rage. But those two kidnappers turned out to be useless cowards. Not only did they fail to get rid of her, but they let her walk away alive.

Trevor slammed his palm against the armrest of his wheelchair. “Didn’t I tell you not to say anything?”

Tears instantly streamed down Peyton’s face. “Trevor, please, you have to believe me! I didn’t mean to… That day, Summer and I were both kidnapped. She slapped me, yanked my hair, and made me beg for forgiveness. She told me I deserved to die! I lost control for a second—that’s the only reason I said anything. I never meant to… Summer pushed me into it.”

Trevor watched her cry, her delicate face twisted with grief. But his expression remained unreadable.

“I’ve already sent people after the kidnappers. They’ll be caught soon enough. I hope you had nothing to do with this. But if you did… I won’t protect you this time.”

Peyton shook her head desperately, tears streaming down her face. “Trevor, please, you have to believe me. I had nothing to do with those men! And besides, I’m pregnant—why would I take that kind of risk?”

The moment Peyton mentioned the pregnancy, a vein pulsed on Trevor’s forehead, and his gaze turned even colder. He took a slow, deep breath before speaking, his tone chillingly firm. “Our family is Catholic. Premarital sex is against our beliefs. If you want to keep this baby, I’ll give you a sum of money and send you abroad. If you don’t, I’ll arrange for a doctor.”

Peyton’s chest tightened as she fought back tears. “How can you be so cruel to me? If it were Summer carrying your child, would you treat her this way?”

Trevor fell silent for a moment. If Summer were the one pregnant… There was no way he’d send her away. He would go against his entire family for her. He would protect her and their baby, no matter what. But that was just wishful thinking.

As Trevor stood there, lost in thought, Peyton felt a wave of despair. She had spent so much time scheming, playing every card she had, but in the end, this man was never truly hers. Overcome with emotion, she turned and ran out of the room.

A week later, Summer was finally discharged from the hospital.

Chapter 144: A Harsh Reality

Julia stepped forward with a warm smile. “Summer, why don’t you come home with me after you’re discharged? I’ve already set up your room, and we have staff to take better care of you.”

Summer’s expression remained neutral. “No need. I’m going back to my own place.”

For the past two weeks, Julia had visited the hospital every day. Summer had tried to send her away multiple times, but she kept coming back. Even the meals Leona brought daily were all made by Julia. They weren’t particularly great, but Summer didn’t complain. Julia was, in many ways, a good mother. The problem was, for so many years, she had only shown love to Margaret, treating her like her real daughter, while Summer was left in the background. It wasn’t until recently that Julia had started regretting her actions and desperately trying to mend their relationship.

Julia tried again. “That won’t do. You just recovered—I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving you alone at home. If you don’t want to stay at the Stewart estate, how about I move in with you! That way, I can take care of you myself.”

Summer felt a headache coming on. Before she could respond, the sound of heels clicking against the floor filled the room. “With me,” Yvette declared confidently, her heels clicking sharply as she strode into the hospital room. “I have a housekeeper, and there’s already a room set up for Summer. My place is clearly the best option.”

Julia had never been particularly fond of Yvette. Julia had always assumed that someone from a modest background working in the entertainment industry wouldn’t exactly be a good influence. But things were different now. If she wanted to rebuild her relationship with Summer, she’d need to accept everyone important to her daughter.

Julia forced a smile. “You must be Yvette. I know you and Summer are close. But with your busy schedule, how will you be able to take care of her?”

Before Summer could speak up and say she didn’t need anyone to take care of her, there was a knock at the door. A tall, imposing figure stood in the doorway. His presence immediately caught everyone’s attention in the room. Even in the bustling hospital hallway, he stood out, drawing the gazes of nurses and patients alike.

Jasper’s eyes lit up when he saw him. “Mr. Graham, what brings you here?”

Fraser, dressed casually in black, walked into the room with effortless confidence. Without hesitation, he approached Summer and gently wrapped an arm around her waist.