Chapter 231: Under the Table

“Who are you to question me? This is clearly a case of Summer unlawfully seizing shares, and I’m merely making it public.”

Someone nearby chimed in. Elus is the son of Aldridge Group, the new president of our association. It’s well known that Havenbrook’s lifeline is dominated by the Graham family, the Larson Group, Aldridge Group, and the Hathaway family.

At that moment, a man as refined as jade, dressed in a light gray suit with his tie perfectly straight, stepped forward. His voice was clear: “Where is security?”

Soon, several guards rushed out and apprehended Harvey directly. Harvey struggled vehemently, “Let go of me! Is this association really so low, knowing Summer climbed her way up through such underhanded methods and not even auditing her?”

Lucas, his gentle features briefly flickering with coldness, stated, “I think it’s not your place to speak right now. I’m the president.”

As Harvey was escorted out, a murmur of disapproval arose among the crowd, all waiting to see how Lucas would handle the Stewart Group issue.

Lucas picked up the microphone handed to him by the host, his soothing gaze briefly meeting Summer’s. When Summer met his reassuring look, Lucas shifted his gaze back to the crowd.

“This association celebrates its 50th anniversary, founded on the principles of friendly exchange and mutual growth. Over the years, it has become a benchmark in the industry. It’s precisely because of this inclusive and flourishing approach that we should not prematurely meddle in what is essentially an internal matter for Stewart Group.”

With Lucas having spoken, the crowd eased off, and the drama slowly subsided.

Quinn finally rushed back, bowing her head. She whispered, “I’m sorry, Ms. Stewart, I didn’t call security in time.”

Summer gave her a meaningful look. She’d known about Quinn’s minor schemes before, but had forgiven her, considering she’d become her assistant right after graduation. But this time, it crossed a line.

Summer’s expression darkened slightly. “From today, you don’t need to follow me anymore.”

Quinn was incredulous! “Ms. Stewart, just because I was five minutes late calling security, you’re firing me?”

Summer scoffed, “The things you’ve done behind my back, do I even need to spell it out? When Margaret took that proposal from my office to the Graham Group to solicit investments, didn’t you know and keep it hidden?”

Quinn hadn’t expected Summer to remember such a long-ago incident. She’d just graduated then and didn’t want to get involved in the Stewart family’s internal struggles, which is why she hadn’t spoken up. Summer was so devious, having seemingly let it go at the time only to bring it up now. Such a fake leader!

She scoffed at the idea of staying by her side. With that realization, Quinn turned and left angrily.

Summer didn’t bother with her, her gaze following Lucas, now surrounded by a group of businessmen. After a while, when he was alone, Summer approached him.

“Lucas, thank you for just now.”

Summer was curious, “Why did you help me just now?”

Lucas smiled, his demeanor as gentle as jade and refreshing as a spring breeze. “Ms. Stewart, don’t you remember me?”

Summer paused, taking another look at the man. He was tall and upright, his features somewhat lean, his eyes deep beneath his glasses, yet approachable, his skin like jade. He was the quintessential gentle and humble gentleman, though not as strikingly handsome as Fraser. But if Summer had ever met this kind of man, she wouldn’t have forgotten him.

Lucas spoke softly, “Three years ago, at Lumina Restaurant, the night you booked the entire place.”

That jogged Summer’s memory. It had been Trevor’s birthday, and she had booked a restaurant for a candlelit dinner to celebrate. But Trevor had stood her up again.

Summer had waited until the restaurant was about to close. The waiter told her they were closing, and Summer, looking at the cold dishes and untouched cake, was reluctant to leave. She asked the waiter for another hour, until midnight. The waiter, sticking to the restaurant rules, did not accommodate her.

At that time, a man passing by heard Summer’s request. He stood there and instructed the waiter, “Extend the closing time until this lady is finished.”