Chapter 145: Making Her Own Decisions

“Since when do I need to report to you?” Fraser responded casually.

Jasper laughed awkwardly, clearly embarrassed. Fraser turned to Summer, his expression softening as he gently said, “Let’s go.” Immediately, three pairs of eyes shifted between Summer and Fraser. Were they already living together?

Julia felt uncomfortable. She hadn’t even fully repaired her relationship with Summer yet, and now someone had swooped in and stolen her daughter away. Jasper secretly celebrated. If they were already living together, engagement and marriage wouldn’t be far behind. That meant Stewart Group’s 14-billion-dollar investment project might finally have a solid backer.

Summer subtly took a step away from Fraser. “I’m going to stay at Yvette’s.” As soon as she said it, Fraser’s gaze snapped sharply towards Yvette. In that instant, Yvette felt an overwhelming wave of pressure and intimidation radiating from him.

With a stiff smile, Yvette quickly backpedaled. “You know, Mrs. Stewart made a great point earlier. I’ll be traveling for work soon, so my place isn’t really an option.”

Summer rolled her eyes. Wow. Some best friend you are.

Seeing an opportunity, Jasper quickly chimed in, “Mr. Graham, if you’re willing to look after Summer, we’d feel much more at ease. Summer, you should definitely stay with Fraser.”

Summer’s irritation grew as she watched Jasper eagerly try to sell her off. Jasper flashed a smile. “Mr. Graham, you should stop by the Stewart estate sometime. It’d be a great way for our families to get closer.”

With that, Jasper quickly pulled Julia—still visibly hesitant—out of the room. Yvette watched as everyone left and figured it was her chance to slip away too. But just as she took a step, Summer grabbed her hand, stopping her in place.

“I’m staying with you,” Summer insisted.

Yvette shot her a nervous look and whispered, “Uh…and what about him?”

Summer turned to Fraser with a perfectly straight face. “Sorry, but Yvette just went through a breakup, her career’s in shambles, she’s emotionally wrecked, stress-eating, and basically falling apart. She really needs me right now, so I have to stay with her for a while to help her through it.”

Yvette stared at Summer, speechless and irritated. Bestie, could you not curse me like this?

Before Fraser could even respond, Summer grabbed Yvette’s hand and quickly dragged her out towards the parking lot. On their way out, Yvette shot multiple puzzled glances at Summer. She wondered if Summer’s time in the hospital had somehow messed with her head.

Summer sighed. “You just need some peace and quiet.” Yvette was silent. With Summer settled in the passenger seat, Yvette pressed the gas and pulled out of the hospital.

Tires shrieked against the pavement as a sleek sports car cut in front of them, a flash of headlights briefly blinding them. Yvette gasped and slammed on the brakes. The car door swung open.

A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped out of the car, his long legs clad in black casual pants, exuding effortless dominance. Without hesitation, he slammed the door shut behind him and strode toward their car, each step steady and deliberate. Even from inside the vehicle, both women could feel the intensity of his presence.

Fraser stopped at the passenger side, braced his hand against the window, and tapped his knuckles against the glass. Summer frowned but slowly rolled it down, a faint smirk playing on her lips. “What’s wrong?”

Fraser braced a hand against the window frame, his deep voice calm yet firm. “Get out.”

Summer leaned back, sighing. “Yvette needs me right now. I have to stay with her.” Inside, Yvette groaned, wanting no part of this conversation. Fraser’s gaze remained steady, his tone dropping even lower. “I won’t say it again.”

Yvette lowered her head slightly, lost in thought. Fraser didn’t rush her. He just stood there unmoving, his dark eyes fixed on her, waiting. Behind them, impatient horn beeping broke the silence. The basement parking lot was getting backed up—cars were trapped behind them, and the noise only grew louder.

Yvette leaned in urgently and whispered in Summer’s ear, “Babe, I really want to support you, but I’m filming a horror movie right now, and the director wants to keep it under wraps. Please don’t make me a headline today. Maybe just go with him?”

Summer exhaled in defeat, then reached for the door handle and stepped out. Without looking back, she followed Fraser towards the sleek black sports car. The engine roared as they sped down the open highway. Streetlights flickered across the tinted windows, casting shifting shadows over Fraser’s face, making his expression unreadable.