Chapter 33: A Public Confrontation
Summer’s voice stayed flat. “Margaret, do I need your help?”
“Summer, why are you so spiteful? Last time you yanked my necklace, and now you’re mocking me. We’re sisters, after all. Even if you hate me, can’t we get along for Mom and Dad’s sake? Just because I’m better than you, you can’t stand me?” Margaret said, shaking Julia’s arm.
“Mom, look at Summer, always bullying me like this. I happily secured investment for the family, and she’s so devious, doubting me,” Margaret added.
Summer watched, dumbfounded. She’d only asked if Margaret was sure about the investment. Before she could elaborate, Margaret had flipped the script. Now, Summer seemed like the troublemaker. Sadly, Julia always fell for it.
Julia frowned and leapt to Margaret’s defense. “Summer, stop being so unreasonable to Margaret. Mom knows you’re upset, but this is her achievement. It’s your fault for not trying harder. You didn’t even apologize to Trevor. Think you’re too good for that? Keep this up, and you’ll drive him away,” Julia said.
A growing crowd formed a small circle around them. Gossipy employees whispered.
“Looks like Margaret’s 80% likely to be Stewart Group’s future head.”
“Obviously. Three years ago, Summer started as an ordinary employee like us. But Margaret’s first day screamed, ‘I’m the Stewart heiress.’ That confidence comes from Mr. and Mrs. Stewart.”
“True. She snagged Graham Group’s investment this time. I hear she’s joining the company; Mr. Stewart’s making her a director.”
Summer’s face betrayed no emotion, but her heart grew colder. In the past, she’d been proud and aloof. Whenever she clashed with Margaret and saw Julia blindly favor her, Summer would scoff, turn, and leave. She’d tell herself she didn’t care if Julia preferred Margaret. She didn’t need Julia’s love; she just refused to stoop to their level.
But deep down, it stung. Her pride wouldn’t let her bend. Over time, Julia always sided with Margaret, assuming Summer was antagonizing her. Now, Summer realized pride was useless. Walking away looked cool but fixed nothing. It only emboldened Margaret. This time, she’d make Margaret pay.
Meanwhile, the meeting venue was ready. Jim, alerted to Margaret’s imminent arrival, descended from the GM’s office to greet her. He hadn’t expected to walk into this drama in the lobby. After a moment’s thought, he wove through the crowd and addressed Julia first.
“Mrs. Stewart, the meeting’s about to start. Why don’t you and Ms. Margaret head in?”
Julia glanced at Summer, shook her head, and hummed assent. Margaret linked arms with Julia, brushed past Summer, deliberately bumping her shoulder, and strutted inside.
Jim dispersed the onlookers. “Break it up, don’t you have work to do?” He turned to leave.
“Jim.”
Jim spun around with a grin, facing Summer. “Ms. Stewart, anything I can do for you?”
Summer raised an eyebrow lazily. “Jim, you’re quite capable; no wonder you’re Stewart Group’s senior assistant.”
“Heh, you flatter me, Ms. Stewart. Why not join us in the venue?” Jim wiped his brow. He hadn’t planned to invite Summer, but her light words carried a subtle edge, making refusal tricky. Summer’s cool gaze swept over him, as if indulging him, and she clicked her heels toward the venue.
Before entering the banquet hall, she pulled out her phone, opened her pinned WhatsApp, and sent a message. Moments later, her lips curved into a wicked smirk, and she sauntered in.
The banquet meeting was held in Stewart Group’s 7th-floor hall, typically reserved for press conferences or VIP guests. Today, it was adorned lavishly, with huge screens, a speech stage, and dozens of tables for Stewart’s executives and partners.