Chapter 233: A Clash of Titans

His deep eyes flickered; his obscure gaze lingered on the door for a few seconds but didn't retract. Helen also followed Fraser’s gaze to the outside but saw nothing.

“What’s wrong?”

Upon hearing her, Fraser turned back, his tone indifferent. “It’s nothing.”

Today’s dinner was a formal meeting between the CEOs of the Graham Group and the Lastesh Group, Ethan and his wife, Lucy. Ethan was mixed-race, half Cranfordian. His family had roots and grew powerful in Oblistan, becoming one of the foremost capital tycoons abroad. Their influence, however, had always been overseas, and they had been looking for ways to penetrate the domestic market. This had led to the idea of an alliance through marriage with the Graham family twenty years ago.

“Madam Graham, Fraser has managed the Graham Group very well; you’re very fortunate.”

With Maximus bedridden, Helen represented the elder generation. Helen, comforted by this, also smiled gently.

“Not to boast, but my grandson has a brilliant business mind. In just a few years, he’s multiplied the Graham Group’s assets several times over from his grandfather’s time; no one in Havenbrook can catch up.”

Ethan and Lucy exchanged a smile.

Helen then asked, “Why didn’t Anne come? I last saw her ten years ago, such a darling little princess.”

At the mention of her daughter, Lucy’s face was full of indulgence.

“That child just graduated and has been traveling the world. It’s about time she had a wise husband to manage her.”

After saying this, Lucy gave Fraser a meaningful glance. Listening to their reminiscing, Fraser’s expression was faint. He took a sip from his teacup and then set it down on the table with a firm, muted thud.

Fraser’s voice, rarely serious, declared, “Sir, madam, this arranged marriage between the Graham Group and the Lastesh Group cannot stand.”

At his words, the previously cheerful atmosphere slowly tensed, and everyone’s expressions changed. Ethan was the first to recover. “Fraser, what do you mean by that?”

Helen quickly interjected, “Fraser, what are you talking about? Today is our formal meeting; don’t ruin it.”

Fraser’s handsome face remained emotionless, his words clear. “It means the marriage arrangement is off.”

At this, Ethan frowned, slamming his hand on the table.

“This arranged marriage was settled over twenty years ago; how can you just call it off? Do you think this is a joke?”

As Ethan slammed the table, several burly bodyguards with guns rushed in from hiding. Seeing this, Helen clutched her chest, her face turning pale with fright.

Sitting in his chair, Fraser remained composed, not even twitching an eyebrow, his lips slowly parting as he looked at Ethan, then at Helen, his tone still displeased.

“Madam Graham, my daughter is of noble birth; many from the Oblistan royalty wish to marry her. If you don’t value her, we at the Lastesh Group won’t beg.”

Helen, frantic, stood up. “Ethan, no, it’s not like that.”

Lucy, haughtily looping her arm through Ethan’s, declared, “It seems we won’t be eating this meal after all, dear. Let’s go.”

They soon left. Helen, overwhelmed and in pain, clutched at her chest. The butler came in to support her, preventing her from collapsing.

“Fraser! Do you realize the loss the Graham family just faced? You just give away a Galaxo Group asset like that! Your grandfather would be furious if he knew. And your uncle—why disrupt everything when the marriage could have settled all issues?”

Fraser stood up nonchalantly. “Grandma, I’ve said before, no marriage alliance: you just wouldn’t listen.”

A flicker of malice flashed in Helen’s eyes as she shouted, “Is it because of that woman, Summer? Why can’t you see? She’s just using you!”

Fraser didn’t respond; he simply turned and walked out.

Summer emerged from the restroom, washing her hands, overhearing the restroom attendants whispering.

“Do you know who’s sitting in the most luxurious private room?”

“Who?”

“It’s Mr. Graham from Havenbrook; those formidable foreigners are actually his in-laws!”