Chapter 191: Kisses of Apology

Summer turned her head slightly and looked over. “What’s wrong?”

Fraser tightened his grip around her slender waist, then effortlessly lifted her onto the clean, smooth glass countertop. Now, they were face to face. His deep gaze locked onto hers, unmoving. At first, his eyes were calm and unfathomable, but slowly, emotions rippled through them. His voice dropped to a low murmur. “That night, I didn’t know you wanted me to come back.”

Summer blinked her clear, dark eyes. His words instantly brought back memories of that lonely evening when she was sitting alone at the dinner table, staring at a carefully prepared meal, and summoning the courage to send that message.

“You said your grandfather was sick. I understood,” she replied softly.

Guilt flickered across Fraser’s eyes. In a low voice, he said, “I’m sorry.”

That night, he had thought it was just another missed evening. But now, he realized that she had sent that message with hope, waiting for his return. The weight of that expectation and his absence meant two entirely different things.

Summer forced a small, stiff smile. “It’s fine. It’s all in the past, isn’t it?”

Fraser’s gaze darkened. Without warning, he cupped the back of her neck and kissed her, his movements urgent and desperate. He pried her lips apart, plundering with reckless intensity. Warmth surged through her, every nerve ending ignited by his searing touch. Their breaths mingled, heated and erratic. “Silly girl,” he murmured against her lips. His warm breath ghosted over her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

Summer’s lashes trembled as her heart softened. They had kissed countless times before. Yet, this kiss, laced with apology and longing, unsettled her the most. Her lips parted slightly as she murmured something Fraser did not catch. He leaned in, his ear close to her lips. “What?”

Summer whispered, “We haven’t eaten yet.”

Fraser’s dark eyes bore into hers. His large palm slid beneath the hem of her nightshirt, fingers grazing her soft, bare skin. “Summer, I want you.”

A sultry heat thickened the air in the kitchen. Desire, apology, and affection intertwined in an intoxicating mix. Summer could not suppress the soft whimper that escaped her lips.

“Summer—”

Her misty eyes met his. “Hmm…?”

“From now on, if I don’t reply to your messages, or if you don’t like my response, call me. Check with me.”

“Okay.”

In Aspira Design Institute, Summer stepped inside in her black-and-white checkered pattern haute couture autumn knit jacket. A fitted blue denim hugged her long legs, paired with five-centimeter heels that accentuated her tall, slender frame. She exuded effortless elegance.

Merry could not help but keep glancing at her. “Summer, your complexion looks amazing today. What did you do last night?”

Summer’s almond-shaped eyes curved into a smile. “None of your business.”

At the same time, Sienna exited from the office, her expression heavy with worry.

Chapter 191: Kisses of Apology

Compared to Summer’s radiant glow, Sienna’s anxiety was painfully apparent.

Summer handed her a folder. “I’ve got everything on Mason. Including tax evasion, illegal business dealings, and more.”

Merry’s eyes widened in shock. She gasped, “So fast! You only mentioned it yesterday, and you already have all this? Summer, you’re incredible!”

Sienna flipped through the documents, scanning each incriminating detail of Mason’s illicit activities.

Summer said, “Sienna, we can use his tax evasion records as leverage to negotiate for your photos. As for him, he won’t escape justice forever. Karma will catch up to him.”

Sienna’s expression darkened. She did not look relieved. Instead, she seemed doubtful.

“Summer, how did you get these?”

Merry giggled and raised a hand. “I know! It must’ve been the Bossman who helped her!”

Sienna tilted her head slightly. “Bossman? Only one man in Llavenbrook was ever called that—the heir of the Graham Group.”

Could it be…?

Merry nodded eagerly. “Yep! The same Fraser Graham who spoke up for us in yesterday’s meeting! Sienna, isn’t he so cool?”

Sienna’s eyes flickered with an unreadable emotion. She had not expected Summer to have such powerful connections.

Still, she smiled. “Summer, thank you.”

Sienna arranged a meeting with Mason.

Mason arrived at a private restaurant booth, his assistant trailing behind him. The assistant opened the door, and Mason strolled in leisurely. Inside, three women were already seated. His assistant, ever the sycophant, quickly pulled out a chair for him.

Mason sat down and sneered. “Sienna, you can’t beat me alone, so you’re ganging up on me now?”