Chapter 34: A Grand Stage for a Grand Mistake

Reporters from Havenbrook lined the sides with cameras. Clearly, Jasper aimed to leverage Graham Group’s investment to kick off the Global Plan with a bang. Summer’s lips twitched as she walked straight to Margaret’s table and sat.

Margaret scowled. “How’d you get in?”

“What, not welcome to celebrate your big day?” Summer replied, setting her phone on the table.

Margaret didn’t buy Summer’s goodwill. “You’d better be here to celebrate, not to stir trouble.”

Julia coughed. “Enough, both of you. It’s an important day; your father’s speaking.”

Margaret fell silent. The host handed Jasper the microphone. He stood at the podium, speaking confidently.

“Thanks to Graham Group’s 1 billion investment, our Global Plan can launch smoothly. Thank you to Graham Group and Mr. Graham for partnering with us.”

The crowd gasped.

“1 billion dollars, Graham Group’s loaded!”

“Of course. You think their assets have… rook’s top family title is a joke? Since Bossman returned three years ago, their assets have multiplied who knows how many times.”

“Bossman is incredible. Is he here today?”

“Hmph, 1 billion’s a big deal to you, but it’s pocket change to him. Today’s rep is Ms. Delia, Graham Group’s investment director, the ‘she-devil’ of the investment world.”

Jasper cleared his throat. “Now, please welcome Graham Group’s investment director, Ms. Delia, to sign the contract with us.”

Cameras swiveled to Delia, seated at the head table below the stage. A well-preserved middle-aged woman, Delia had no visible wrinkles. Her neat, short hair was tucked behind her ears, accented by smoky pearl earrings, and she wore a gray suit, radiating mature professionalism. Delia flashed a polished smile and waved to the media and crowd. As she prepared to ascend the stage for Graham Group, her phone buzzed. She glanced at it and blinked. It was Fraser!

Delia thought, He typically only finalized investment targets and amounts, leaving details to others. Investing in Stewart Group’s Global Plan had been his sudden call. The investment team hadn’t been involved. It was already special treatment. What merit did Stewart Group have to catch Mr. Graham’s eye?

Ignoring the waiting staff and audience, Delia answered, “Mr. Graham, hello. What can I do for you?”

The man said a few brief words.

“Okay, okay, Mr. Graham, I understand.” Delia replied.

Hanging up, Delia strolled onto the stage. Jasper shook her hand.

“Thank you so much for Graham Group’s investment today. Please tell Mr. Graham our Global Plan won’t let him down.”

Delia smiled cryptically. “Mr. Stewart, if you’re thanking anyone, thank Ms. Stewart.”

Assuming she meant Margaret, Jasper nodded.

“Ms. Delia’s right. My daughter worked hard to secure this investment. I plan to transfer 10% of Stewart Group’s shares to her once the contract’s signed.” Jasper said.

Staff brought the contract onstage. Under the cameras, the 1 billion figures shone brightly. Per protocol, Jasper and Delia would sign before posing for photos. As Jasper grabbed the pen, Delia interjected, “Wait!”

The hall fell silent. Jasper looked up, puzzled, and thought to himself. Had Graham Group backed out? The 1 billion wasn’t slipping away, was it? He swallowed, and asked, “Ms. Delia, is something wrong with the contract?”

Delia smiled faintly. “Call Ms. Stewart up to sign. Mr. Graham said this investment is for her sake, so she should represent Stewart Group.”

Jasper’s racing heart eased. No reversal, thank goodness. He’d thought it was serious.

“Of course, of course, I’ll call my daughter up to sign on Stewart Group’s behalf.”

“Jim, get Margaret up here to sign with Graham Group.”