Chapter 37: A Deal on Her Terms

Julia studied Summer carefully, her sharp gaze scanning her daughter from head to toe. Something about her felt different lately. She was sharper, more calculating—so much so that she had even managed to outmaneuver her own parents.

Onstage, Jasper’s expression darkened as Jim returned alone, while Summer remained seated at her table. His voice was laced with anger. “Where is she? Why didn’t you bring her up?”

Jim felt a headache coming on. For the first time, he felt completely helpless in his role as an assistant. He took a deep breath and said it all in one go. “Mr. Stewart, Ms. Stewart said… she’ll only sign the contract if she gets 30% of Stewart Group’s shares.”

Jasper clenched his jaw, his teeth grinding in frustration. This girl was outright taking advantage of the situation!

Delia overheard the conversation. While this was a private matter within the Stewart family, she knew that Mr. Fraser had specifically insisted that the investment be tied to Summer. Having worked her way up to a high-level position, Delia was no fool—she instantly understood what was going on.

Feigning innocence, Delia casually asked, “Mr. Stewart, is Summer coming or not? Are we moving forward with this contract?”

Thirty percent of the shares or a billion-dollar investment—what was the choice? Jasper closed his eyes briefly, inhaling deeply as if trying to suppress the pain of his decision. Through gritted teeth, he gave Jim the order in a low voice. “Go get Summer to sign the contract.”

Jim hesitated, then cautiously asked, “And… the 30% shares?”

Jasper shot him a deadly glare. “Give it to her! Tell her she can have it!”

Jim wiped the sweat off his forehead. Why was I the one getting yelled at? It’s not like I was the one asking for shares…

As soon as Summer heard Jasper agree, she knew when to stop pushing. Without wasting any more time, she made her way up to sign the contract. As soon as her pen lifted from the page, applause erupted from the crowd.

Delia couldn’t help but take a closer look at the young woman in front of her. She was young, dressed in a nude-colored blouse and a sleek skirt that highlighted her graceful figure. Her dark hair was neatly swept up, drawing attention to a striking face—radiant, delicate, and effortlessly captivating. With flawless fair skin and refined features, she had the kind of beauty that was impossible to ignore. She wasn’t just pretty—she was the kind of woman who turned heads the moment she walked into a room.

So, this was the woman Fraser was personally backing. Of course, the Global Plan project had great potential, with impressive projected profits. But Graham Group’s investment division had no shortage of high-return opportunities. There was no real reason for them to invest 1 billion dollars in Stewart Group, especially when the Global Plan only required 500 million dollars in funding. Yet Fraser had doubled the amount without a second thought. This woman was clearly not ordinary.

Delia’s demeanor shifted entirely. She extended her hand towards Summer, her tone now polite—even a little deferential. “Ms. Stewart, it’s a pleasure to work with you.”

Summer reached out and shook her hand, her expression poised and calm. “Thank you, Ms. Delia.”

Meanwhile…

Trevor had just returned from a business trip after being away for a few days. Andrew was driving the company car to pick him up from the airport. The moment Trevor got into the car, his long fingers casually flipped through a contract—The Larson Group’s investment agreement for Stewart Group’s Global Plan. His voice was unreadable as he asked, “Did Summer come looking for me?”

Andrew stiffened, momentarily thrown off by the question, nearly missing the brake and almost running a red light. It wasn’t until this morning that he found out Stewart Group had secured a one-billion-dollar investment from Graham Group. Swallowing hard, Andrew hesitated. “Summer… uh, well…”

Trevor’s voice turned cold. “Spit it out.”

A shiver ran down Andrew’s spine. “Stewart Group already secured the Global Plan investment. She… probably won’t be coming.”

Trevor clenched the small jewelry box in his hand, his brows furrowing sharply. “Impossible. Five hundred million dollars isn’t pocket change. There’s no way Stewart Group could’ve secured that investment without my help.”

Not only did they get it, but they managed to land a one-billion-dollar investment. Andrew was just as baffled. Since when did Summer get connected with Graham Group? And of all companies—it had to be Graham Group, Trevor’s biggest rival.

Trevor’s voice was low and sharp. “What the hell happened?”

Andrew knew there was no hiding it. “The news about Graham Group investing one billion dollars into Stewart Group’s Global Plan has been spreading like wildfire online today.” Especially with all the rumors about the Stewart family’s real and fake heiresses. That only made the headlines spread even faster.

Trevor tossed the contract onto the seat beside him and pulled out his phone. His fingers swiftly tapped across the screen as he searched for the latest headlines. Within seconds, article after article popped up.

“Graham Group Invests One Billion Dollars in Stewart Group’s Global Plan—Yes, One Billion!” “Graham Group and Stewart Group Set to Deepen Their Partnership!” “Summer vs. Margaret—The Heiress Showdown Over Investment!” “The Stewart Group’s True Heiress, Summer, Secures the Historic Deal!”

A close-up shot of Summer on stage, signing the contract, was all over the news. She stood front and center, holding the agreement in her hands, her radiant smile glowing under the spotlight—bold, confident, and impossible to ignore.

Trevor stared at the screen, his deep-set eyes darkening, his fury brewing like a raging storm.