Chapter 246: Schemes and Alliances

Just like that, Julia was unceremoniously ushered out of the Graham Mansion. As she stood before the towering wrought-iron gates, her heart ached at the thought of Summer’s unborn child.

I had come hoping to test the Grahams’ attitude. If there had been even a hint of openness, I would have revealed Summer’s pregnancy. But Madam Graham’s hostility made it clear: acceptance would be harder than scaling the heavens.

Inside the Graham Mansion, a figure dressed all in black—a hooded sweatshirt and pants—was discreetly ushered through a side entrance by the butler.

“Madam Graham,” the man bowed respectfully before making his report.

Helen’s expression changed from calm to anger. “Pregnant?! So that’s why this woman came crawling here today!”

The butler ventured cautiously, “Shall we…allow things to proceed between Mr. Graham and Ms. Stewart?”

“Let her bring a child into our family? Never!” Helen’s nails dug into the armrests.

The butler hesitated, “Anyway…that child is still Mr. Graham’s.”

“Stop!” Helen interrupted coldly, her eyes blazing. “It’s not even certain if it’s Fraser’s.”

“Then…what do you mean?” The butler looked at her cautiously.

Helen frowned, contemplated for a while, and let out a cold laugh. “That bitch took our shares, promising to leave Fraser alone, then deliberately got pregnant. Such cunning cannot be rewarded!”

After a weighted pause, her lips curled. “Let her carry to term. If the DNA proves it’s a Graham, we’ll take the child.”

The butler nodded. “Understood.”

Since Lucas had been introduced to expert Ryan, he and Summer had grown closer. Recognizing her need for guidance in running the Stewart Group, he frequently invited her to industry events.

Today’s Corporate Leadership Forum proved particularly enlightening. As applause followed a keynote address, Lucas handed Summer a glass of water.

“Rest your voice. You’ve been asking questions nonstop.”

“Thank you.” She took a sip. “These management strategies are just what I needed.”

Lucas adjusted his glasses and smiled. “Rare to meet a woman so dedicated to the dry details of business.”

Summer arched her brow. “Oh? What are the women you know usually like?”

Truth be told, Lucas had little experience with women beyond his college sweetheart, a dancer. Summer was his first encounter with someone who genuinely enjoyed boardroom battles.

“Women should be nurtured,” he said pointedly. “Too much striving isn’t becoming…”

Summer laughed. “What choice do I have? I can’t let the Stewart malls crumble on my watch…”

Lucas’s eyes softened behind his glasses. “You’re too stubborn for your own good.”

At the buffet, he piled delicate pastries on her plate. The moment the cloying sweetness hit her tongue, Summer’s stomach revolted.

Before she could answer, the forum organizers approached. “Mr. Lucas, the participants are requesting your insights on stage.”

Lucas felt a bit embarrassed.

Summer waved him off. “Go ahead. I’ll get some air.”

Lucas hesitated. “Don’t go far. I’ll drive you home afterward.”

“I’m not a kid,” she teased.

The sprawling five-star property had several function rooms, but Summer only needed the patio. These days, even mild smells made me nauseous. My pregnancy was nearing the three-month mark.

Suddenly, two boys ran around a hedge brandishing toy guns.

“Bang! Bang! You’re dead!”

One darted behind Summer, using her as a shield as he tugged at her skirt. “Stay still! Block him!”

Class pellets stabbed her arms. Summer quickly covered her stomach and was about to step away.

“No! You can’t go!” The brat clung tighter. “You have to block him in front of me!”

Summer poked at his grubby fingers. “I’m not going to play. Where are your parents?”