Chapter 230: Public Confrontation
Summer had booked a top private hospital in Havenbrook, scheduling her procedure for the day Yvette would be available from the film set. She wasn’t as strong as she had imagined; the thought of entering the cold operating room alone was too much. She hoped to have someone by her side. So, the decision was made. To distract herself, Summer immersed herself in work every day.
That day coincided with the Havenbrook Retailers’ Association meeting. The invitees included businesses operating shopping malls in Havenbrook and were members of the association. Big box stores, luxury malls, general malls, and international retailers—though competitors, they also shared innovations during these exchanges. The Stewart Group managed a general mall with fewer luxury outlets, ranking it in the middle class in Havenbrook.
Since taking over management of the Stewart Group, Summer had wanted to transition the business, but that required funds and professional talent. The first step of the successful Global Project would ideally lead to rapid expansion into international markets. But Summer, not wanting to rely on further investments from the Graham Group, had put those plans on hold. For now, she was focusing on transitioning within the domestic market.
Seated among the audience, Summer listened as entrepreneurs shared their experiences when suddenly a loud voice erupted.
“Summer, I am the real boss of the Stewart Group! What right do you have to represent me at this meeting?”
It was Harvey’s voice. Summer turned to see Harvey, who had somehow sneaked in. He stood there, unfurling a red banner. “Summer of Stewart Group obtained management rights through illegal means.”
The declaration halted the ongoing presentation, and all eyes turned to Summer and Harvey. The recent upheavals at Stewart Group were known among industry peers, though details were vague. Since being ousted from Stewart Group, Harvey and Jasper’s lives had plummeted, fueling their resentment towards Summer. Now at rock bottom, Harvey had nothing to lose. He had been scheming how to ruin Summer’s management of Stewart Group step by step. Such industry meetings provided the perfect opportunity. Getting Stewart Group expelled from the association would marginalize its malls from mainstream status, leading to their decline. This scorched-earth tactic would damage everyone involved, but Harvey was beyond caring; he wanted immediate revenge.
Summer frowned and immediately sent her assistant, Quinn, to call security. Quinn dashed off as instructed. Summer, facing Harvey with a cold voice, declared, “I am the largest shareholder of Stewart Group, and I manage it. It’s not your place to create a scene here.”
Harvey jumped onto a table, his eyes visibly bloodshot. “You obtained those shares through illegal means! Today, I will let everyone know how devious and manipulative you are!”
Doing so would only fuel baseless gossips and slander, reinforcing the idea that she had obtained her position unlawfully. Harvey likely anticipated her silence and laughed mockingly. “Summer, you’re too scared to say it, aren’t you? A person of dubious legitimacy like you has no place managing Stewart Group or attending this association meeting.”
The crowd murmured among themselves. “Stewart Group’s chaos really does lower our association’s standards.” “Exactly, if she can’t manage her own family’s issues, regardless of how she got her shares, she really is incapable of handling management.” Someone in the crowd suggested, “Sir, maybe we should just kick Stewart Group out. Our association doesn’t need them.”
Harvey, hearing this, smirked with malevolent satisfaction. Summer was calculating how to deal with Harvey without escalating the situation. Arguing with Harvey here, whether she won or not, would tarnish her reputation.
Just then, a calm, deep voice filled the room. “Every corporation faces internal competition, but to be this sore a loser, Mr. Harvey, it seems your methods are the ones truly lacking legitimacy.”
Harvey’s brow furrowed deeply as he glared at the man who had spoken up.