Chapter 225: The Price of a Billion-Dollar Deal

She was well aware of the recent internal changes within Stewart Group. Diana maintained her usual professional warmth. “Miss Stewart—oh, no, I should address you as Chairwoman Stewart now!”

Summer remained modest. “It’s just a title. Besides, we are still the secondary party in this partnership.” She began her report. “Thanks to Graham Group’s investment, the Global Plan Project achieved a profitable first quarter. Moving forward, we plan to expand into the eastern overseas market…”

Just as she was speaking, a knock sounded at the conference room door. She paused, turning toward the interruption. Fraser’s special assistant, Mike, entered.

“Ms. Stewart, you are requested to personally report the next quarter’s Global Plan Project plans in Mr. Graham’s office.”

Summer froze. Her project was relatively minor. Why did she need to report it directly to his office? The Graham Group employees exchanged puzzled looks. It was rare for Mr. Graham to personally concern himself with such a small investment project. In fact, this was the first time anyone had seen him specifically summon someone to his office for a project update.

Diana quickly recalled the circumstances of their previous contract negotiations. It seemed that Summer’s and Mr. Graham’s relationship was far from simple. Reacting swiftly, she explained, “Ms. Stewart, the Global Plan Project was personally approved by Mr. Graham, so your report must go through the executive office’s procedures.”

Summer had no choice. Her two vice presidents expressed their understanding and prepared to accompany her. But Mike spoke firmly, “Mr. Graham specifically requested Ms. Stewart to go alone.”

Summer was speechless. Following Mike, Summer arrived at Fraser’s office. Mike knocked respectfully. A deep, leisurely voice came from inside. “Come in.” Mike pushed the door open and gestured for her to enter. Summer hesitated at the threshold, clenched her hands briefly, then released them and stepped inside. Behind her, the door clicked shut. She quickly realized that Fraser was not alone.

In the seating area, several men in suits were gathered, engaged in a meeting. Fraser sat on a black leather single-seater sofa, positioned with his back to the floor-to-ceiling window. He wore a black dress shirt with gray trousers, his collar unbuttoned at the top, exuding effortless authority. His long legs were casually crossed. The other executives sat in two rows, engaged in discussion.

As the door opened, Fraser’s gaze lifted. His deep, black eyes locked onto her, sharper and more piercing than usual. His stare lingered for a few seconds before he looked away.

But as the servicing party in this business deal, she had no choice but to cooperate. Silently, she found a seat in the distance and waited. Suddenly, something one of his subordinates said seemed to displease him. Fraser let out a cold scoff. Even from her seat, Summer could sense the sudden tension in the room.

After nearly thirty minutes, the meeting concluded. Once the others had left, Summer hesitated for a moment before finally standing and approaching him. Fraser remained in his seat, flipping through a document, seemingly oblivious to her presence. The air around him was heavy with indifference.

Standing there awkwardly, Summer pressed her lips together and spoke in a neutral, professional tone. “Mr. Graham, I’m here to present Stewart Group’s next quarter plans for the Global Plan Project.”

Only then did Fraser lift his head, casting her a fleeting glance. With an almost dismissive gesture, he tilted his chin, signaling for her to proceed. Then, he lowered his head again and turned to another page of his document. The soft rustle of paper filled the office. Summer felt as if she had become just another subordinate, someone seeking approval from her superior.

If she had known it would come to this, she would have never accepted his one billion investment in the first place. All she wanted now was to finish her report and leave. Pushing aside her discomfort, she started presenting the project update. Halfway through her explanation, she noticed that his attention had shifted.

At some point, Fraser had stopped reading the document. He was now resting his head against his hand, his gaze fixed intently on her. Caught off guard, Summer momentarily lost her train of thought. After a long silence, his calm, indifferent voice broke through the air. “It’s lunchtime. Let’s eat first.”

Before she could respond, he picked up the phone and ordered a meal to be brought in. Summer quickly shook her head. “I’m not hungry.” Fraser’s lips curled slightly, his tone unreadable. “I am. If you’re not hungry, then just sit and watch me eat.”