Chapter 56: A Birthday Proposal
Summer tossed out her words casually. “You wouldn’t believe how the Larson family looks down on me for only being recognized by the Stewart family after twenty years. They think my manners, temperament, and character aren’t polished enough, not like Margaret, who grew up in the Stewart household. They figure I’m not good enough for Trevor.”
These weren’t Trevor’s words, but Scarlett had said them often enough. Jasper pressed his lips together. He knew Summer was deliberately highlighting their favoritism toward Margaret.
“Summer, you’re my daughter,” he said. “The Stewart blood runs in your veins. Margaret’s just a foster child. Don’t measure yourself against her.”
Summer thought, Don’t measure myself? He told me not to compare, but his actions screamed bias. In the past, I’d let it slide. Now? Not anymore.
Summer smirked. “I’m not comparing. It’s just that my status is too lowly for the Larson family. How about this? The Stewart family has another daughter, Margaret. Let her marry into the Larson family instead. Don’t worry about me.”
“Summer, you’re just dodging marriage altogether!” Jasper huffed, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He couldn’t push her too hard right now. “Alright, next month is your twenty-fourth birthday. This time, your mom and I will make it all about you. We’ll throw a big party, so everyone knows you’re our cherished daughter.”
Summer smiled, her mole under her eye quivering slightly, lighting up her face like a blooming peony. Even the taxi driver couldn’t resist sneaking glances at her through the rearview mirror.
Summer thought to herself, My birthday falls on the same day as Margaret’s. Every year, the Stewart family threw lavish celebrations for Margaret. For her eighteenth, they’d splashed over a million dollars—a hefty sum even for the Stewart family. Since I’d been acknowledged by the Stewart family, Julia, mindful of Margaret’s feelings, and Jasper, unwilling to lose face, kept hosting parties in Margaret’s name. My “celebration” was downgraded to a quiet family dinner the next day. Laughable. Truly laughable.
Summer continued her thoughts, In the years that followed, I stopped bothering with Margaret’s parties. I’d planned to celebrate with Trevor instead, but each time, Peyton conveniently fell ill. So, I never had a proper birthday since growing up.
“Fine,” she said. “But what about Margaret? We’re not exactly twins; I’d feel awkward sharing the day with her. She probably doesn’t want to share it with me either.”
Jasper mulled it over, deciding to appease Summer for now. “Like before, we’ll celebrate hers the next day.”
Summer thought, You didn’t need to guess how furious Margaret would be when she heard this.
Summer’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Will Margaret go along with that?”
“Your mom and I will handle her. So, be good and marry Trevor, alright?”
“Sure,” Summer replied. “Ask Trevor if he still wants me first.”
Chapter 56: A Birthday Proposal
The rich scent of wine wafted through the luxurious, sprawling VIP room. A French crystal chandelier cast a champagne glow, dripping with decadence.
Yvette was at a high-society party with her agent, Tom. The moment she stepped in, she spotted familiar A-listers: Best Actress winner Sandra, Best Actress winner Nina, big names who usually kept their noses in the air, all gathered here.
Yvette thought, This wasn’t just any night. Someone big was in the room.
Tom leaned in close to Yvette. “See those guys on the black sofa? The ones with that polished vibe? They’re young heirs from Havenbrook’s elite families.”
Tom’s eyes darted sideways, and he gasped. “Holy! That guy in the yellow shirt? That’s Mr. Graham, the Bossman of Havenbrook. He’s here tonight, this is huge!”
“Yvette, stay sharp. If you can catch Fraser’s eye, even a scrap from his table could launch you straight to Hollywood.”
Yvette thought, I’ve been in the entertainment game for years. Even as an A-list actress, I know the drill; rubbing elbows with the wealthy elite is part of the gig.
But when she heard the Bossman, Fraser’s name, she paused, glancing his way.
Yvette thought, The man’s striking; almost too-perfect features stood out in the crowd. He wore a yellow shirt and black trousers, legs sprawled casually as he lounged on the sofa. One hand rested on the backrest, cradling a glass of liquor. Even a fleeting look screamed power, noble, aloof, and undeniably magnetic.