As soon as Summer stepped out of the hallway, she saw Jasper walking out of his office with a few secretaries and senior executives. They had all heard Margaret’s scream and came out to see what was going on. Summer glanced at Margaret behind her. She was clenching her fists, looking furious, ready to charge at her.
An idea flashed through Summer’s mind. She raised an eyebrow, quickly put on a frightened look, and darted behind Jasper.
“Dad! Dad! Margaret’s acting crazy! She suddenly tried to hit me—please save me!”
“You bitch, Summer! Don’t run! I’m going to ruin that face of yours today!”
Margaret had been running too fast. As soon as she rushed out of the stairwell, she didn’t even have time to stop when she saw the crowd. Jasper cared about his reputation. Seeing Margaret drenched, reeking, and acting out of control, his face darkened.
“Margaret, have you made enough of a scene?” he snapped.
Margaret’s anger boiled even hotter when she saw Summer hiding behind Jasper, pretending to be weak. She took a deep breath, pointed at Summer, and shouted, “Dad! I’m not making a scene! Summer spilled coffee all over me first, and then she—she took milk tea from the trash can—”
Summer interrupted her, her tone soft. “That’s not how it happened. Lewis was holding the coffee, but his hand slipped a little, and a tiny bit spilled on Margaret. She got upset and thought I told him to do it on purpose. Then she tried to throw milk tea at me, but I dodged, and it ended up spilling all over her instead.”
Lewis stood nearby, head down, carefully adding, “Mr. Stewart, I really didn’t mean to spill coffee on Ms. Margaret—”
“Summer, you’re lying! You’re making things up! Dad, don’t believe her! It was clearly—”
Jasper’s face turned even darker as more and more people gathered around to watch. “Enough! Have you caused enough trouble yet? Margaret, this is a company. Watch your behavior. If you keep this up, I’ll have your mother cut off your allowance.”
The moment she heard that, her face paled. No more allowance? That meant no more Hermès bags, no more Chanel clothes, and no more shopping sprees at Belvare. Margaret clenched her teeth, unwilling but afraid Jasper would really go through with it. She swallowed her anger and forced out, “Dad, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
Summer stood to the side, smirking. Oh, you know how to put on an act? Well, so do I.
“Dad, I won’t hold it against Margaret,” she said sweetly. “What really matters right now is securing the…”
Chapter 18: If Summer Keeps This Up, He Might Really Drop Her
Jasper’s mood improved at that. The company’s affairs were his top priority. These little fights between his daughters weren’t a big deal, as long as they didn’t go overboard in public.
“Both of you need to focus on securing that investment,” he said. “Whoever gets it will receive ten percent of the Stewart family’s shares—and I’ll prioritize their future.”
With that, Jasper walked off with the executives for their meeting. Everyone else quietly returned to their offices. As Summer walked past Margaret, she gave her a once-over, wrinkled her nose, and deliberately waved a hand in front of her face.
“Margaret, you stink. If I were you, I wouldn’t even show my face.”
She threw Margaret’s own words right back at her, then walked away without looking back. Margaret’s eyes burned with fury. She gritted her teeth and flung her Hermès bag to the ground.
“Summer, just wait. Once I secure that investment, I’ll rip that smug mouth of yours apart.”
At Larson Group, Trevor tossed his suit jacket onto the couch and told Andrew to call the CFO, Yannick, to his office. Less than ten minutes later, Yannick stood before Trevor’s desk. He glanced at Andrew, silently asking what this was about. Andrew shrugged. He had no idea either.
Trevor leaned back in his chair, his cold, unreadable expression making the entire room feel tense. After a moment, he finally spoke.
“Prepare six hundred million in budget funds.”
Yannick hesitated, then carefully reminded him, “Mr. Larson, our Southmere project currently requires a significant amount of cash flow. I’m afraid six hundred million is—”
Trevor shot him a cold glance. “Do I need your approval to use my own money?”
A chill ran down Yannick’s spine. He swallowed and quickly explained, “It’s not that we don’t have the funds, sir. It’s just that Southmere’s development zone—”
Trevor had been in a foul mood these past few days, and his patience was running thin. “I’m your boss. Your job is to solve problems, not create them. Understood?”
Yannick nodded hastily. “Understood, Mr. Larson. When do you need the funds ready?”
Trevor tapped his fingers on the desk twice. “Within this week.”
“Understood. I’ll make the preparations immediately.”
After Yannick left, Andrew couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Larson, what’s the money for?” It wasn’t a small sum.
Chapter 18: If Summer Keeps This Up, He Might Really Drop Her
And Southmere was one of Larson Group’s key projects this year. If Trevor was diverting money from it, it had to be for something important. Andrew had been by Trevor’s side for years. He was one of the few who truly understood him.
Trevor’s voice carried a faint trace of irritation. “Stewart Group still needs funding for their Global Project. Summer will come begging me soon.”
Andrew was surprised. This is about Ms. Stewart? Trevor and Summer had been together for five years. Summer had never stayed cold toward him for more than a week. It was already approaching two weeks—this was serious.
Trevor let out a mocking chuckle. “Women always play these little games. Breaking up, blocking numbers—just to get a man’s attention.” Last night, Summer hadn’t come to the bar to pick him up like she usually would. Trevor figured she was just using a more advanced tactic this time—trying to get him to care, to compromise.
Andrew thought to himself. This isn’t playing games. What woman wouldn’t be upset if her fiancé kept siding with another woman? Summer’s already put up with this for too long. But he didn’t dare say that out loud.
Andrew forced a smile and cautiously said, “I’m not sure, sir. Ms. Stewart doesn’t seem like the type to play games.”
“She doesn’t?” Trevor’s gaze turned cold. “She’s been throwing tantrums a lot lately. Even said she doesn’t want to get married anymore. She used to be so gentle, and now she’s completely different.”
Andrew hesitated, “Mr. Larson… do you really want to marry Ms. Stewart?”
Trevor’s tone was icy. “Did I ever say I wanted to break up?”
Andrew rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s just… everyone thinks you treat Ms. Smith better than Ms. Stewart.” Even the company employees were betting that he’d end up marrying Peyton.
Trevor’s eyes darkened. “Peyton is gentle. She’s fragile. Given her health, I have a responsibility to take care of her.”
Andrew hesitated before asking, “And Ms. Stewart?”
“She’s my fiancée. If I didn’t like her, why would I marry her?”
Trevor’s voice cooled. “But when she throws a fit, she’s really annoying.” He clearly didn’t want to continue the conversation. He had no patience for a woman’s emotions. To him, the most important thing in a girlfriend—or a wife—was stability, understanding, and consideration.
If Summer kept this up, he might really drop her.
“Remember, if she comes looking for me these next few days, let her up to my office immediately.” Then he added, “By the way, has the Belvare wedding dress designer arrived?”
Andrew frowned. “Didn’t you cancel that?”
Trevor gave him a cold smile. “Andrew, do I have to teach you that a canceled appointment can be rescheduled?”
Andrew was speechless.