Chapter 35: The Truth Unveiled

Margaret, seated nearby, had a clear view of the stage. Signing under everyone’s gaze? She’d be on Havenbrook’s trending list tomorrow.

Thrilled, she tossed off her red shawl, revealing her deep V-neck, and lifted her skirt like a proud princess. “Mom, I’m going up to sign for Stewart Group,” Margaret said proudly. Julia’s smile widened. “Go, go! Mom will snap photos from below. You’re my pride!”

Seeing Summer lounging with crossed arms and a half-smile, Margaret sneered. “Summer, jealousy twists people, just like you right now.” With that, she sashayed onto the stage like a peacock fanning its tail. Jasper watched her approach, his stern face softening as he nodded.

Margaret took the pen and, under the spotlight, signed “Margaret Stewart” in the Party B section. Camera flashes tracked her every move. Delia, unfamiliar with Summer’s appearance, assumed Margaret, Jasper’s daughter, was her. After Margaret signed, Delia took the pen from the staff. She prepared to sign for Graham Group in the Party A section, sealing the 1 billion dollar deal.

Before writing, she habitually skimmed the contract. The name was wrong. She double-checked. Party B read “Margaret Stewart,” not Summer! Good thing she hadn’t signed; her 20-year career would’ve been toast. She tossed the pen aside, her face stern, and asked, “Why isn’t this Summer’s signature?”

The hall’s tension spiked again. Jasper frowned in confusion. Why was Summer suddenly involved? “Ms. Delia, didn’t you ask for Ms. Stewart to sign? That’s my daughter, Margaret Stewart.” Margaret’s unease surged, her palms sweating.

Delia smirked. “You’re mistaken. This investment came through Ms. Stewart. Mr. Graham invested 1 billion because of Summer, not some Margaret.”

The room erupted. Whispers buzzed below. “So it wasn’t Margaret who got the investment, it was Summer.” “She took credit for it? Shameless.” “That’s her style; she even took Summer’s parents and clung to the Stewart family.” “Scary woman. Poor Summer!” Reporters sensed a scoop, their cameras flashing furiously.

Margaret’s eyes stung from the lights, humiliation washing over her like she’d been stripped bare. Unwilling to accept the twist, she fought back. “Ms. Delia, are you confused? It was me who met Fraser that day. I secured this investment. How dare you lie!”

Delia replied icily, “A 1 billion dollar investment, I don’t make mistakes. I’ll only sign with Summer.” Margaret panicked. “Dad, don’t listen to her! Maybe Summer bribed her. I’ll call Mr. Graham myself; talking to him will clear this up.” She reached for her phone, then froze; she didn’t have Fraser’s number.

Delia’s patience waned. “It seems Ms. Margaret doubts my integrity. Mr. Stewart, if Ms. Stewart doesn’t sign for Stewart Group today, Graham Group can’t provide the 1 billion.” Jasper felt his dignity sink into the Pacific. He regretted this grand ceremony. Hundreds of eyes bore into him. After 30 years in business, he barely kept from fainting with rage. His face darkened as he hissed, “Margaret, you’ve shamed the Stewart family enough today. Not embarrassed yet? Get off the stage!”

Margaret caught the disappointment in his tone. He’d told her to get off… Jasper had never been so harsh with her before.