Chapter 22: No Longer That Foolish Girl

Jasper’s face darkened. It had been days, and neither of his daughters had made any progress. Before calling Summer, he had already asked Margaret about the investment. Margaret had hesitated, making excuses that she just needed more time. Now Summer was saying the deal was still pending. It was infuriating. The Global Project was set to launch next week, and funding was the only thing holding it back—he couldn’t afford a single delay.

Suppressing his impatience, Jasper said, “Summer, you and Trevor are about to get married. Stop acting like a child. A woman’s role is to be a man’s support. Stay out of trouble, and he’ll like you more. Just be good and apologize to Trevor. There’s no need to ruin your relationship over something trivial.”

Summer let out a cold laugh. “So my value is entirely dependent on Trevor?”

Jasper fell silent. In his mind, his daughters were meant to marry well and contribute to the Stewart Group’s prosperity. That was why he had never truly given up on Margaret, even after learning the truth.

“Dad, I started in this company as an ordinary employee and worked my way up to manager. I earned that position with my own abilities. I don’t need to rely on the Larson family or Trevor. And I’ve said it a hundred times—we broke up.”

Jasper’s voice hardened. “Summer, I already told you—this marriage concerns both families. The Stewart family will not allow you to be so reckless, deciding to break up on a whim.”

Summer smirked. “If you want this marriage so badly, why don’t you marry Trevor yourself?”

“You-! ” Jasper’s anger flared. “You’re trying to drive me to my grave, aren’t you? Fine, I’ll give you a little more time. But if you still haven’t secured the investment, I’ll drag you to Trevor myself and make you apologize.”

Before Summer could respond, he hung up. Staring at her phone screen, Summer clenched her jaw. She knew Jasper wouldn’t hesitate to force her into apologizing to Trevor for the sake of the Stewart family’s interests. Because he had done it before.

Back when she and Trevor had one of their biggest fights, she had sprained her wrist and gone to the hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, it happened to be the same hospital where Peyton was admitted. Peyton had deliberately lured her into her hospital room. And just as planned, Peyton suddenly collapsed to the floor. Right at that moment, Trevor walked in.

The room was a mess, and Peyton was lying on the ground, teary-eyed and fragile. Trevor’s brows furrowed. He rushed forward, shoving Summer aside to pick Peyton up. Summer staggered back, her arm slamming against the wall. She heard a sharp crack from her wrist, pain shooting through her body. Cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

She gritted her teeth. “I didn’t push her. Peyton did this on purpose.”

Trevor’s expression was ice-cold. “Summer, do you hear yourself? She just fell on her own? Do you think that’s funny? How could you be so cruel? She’s sick, and you still have to bully her?”

At that moment, the man she had loved for five years felt like a complete stranger. Then Peyton, still nestled in Trevor’s arms, sobbed pitifully. “It hurts… It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have upset Summer. Trevor, don’t be mad at her. It’s all my fault…”

Trevor stood up, his voice leaving no room for argument. “Apologize. Apologize to Peyton.”

Summer’s eyes burned with tears. “I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not apologizing.” She turned and ran. Because if she stayed any longer, she would break down in front of them.

Her wrist, which should have healed in a week, ended up fractured and took two months to recover. And in the end, it was Jasper who dragged her to Trevor to apologize. Back then, Summer had loved Trevor so much that she had no dignity left. Even though his distrust and accusations had shattered her heart, what she feared most was that he would leave her. So when Jasper suggested taking her to Trevor to make amends, she agreed.

Like a fool, she followed Jasper to see Trevor, thinking it would fix everything. Jasper had said all the right things, apologizing on her behalf, brushing off her behavior as a moment of childish stubbornness. Trevor glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “Come here.”

Summer’s eyes welled up as she slowly stepped forward. Trevor pulled her into his arms, his grip firm around her waist.

“Be good. Don’t throw tantrums like this again. I don’t like women who take my affection for granted.” His voice was low. “Summer, I only feel responsible for Peyton. Stop getting jealous over nothing.”

Thinking back on it now, Summer wanted to slap her past self. How had she been so blind? How had she let love turn her into a fool, believing that Trevor was everything she needed?