Chapter 84: A Strategic Move

Trevor suddenly recalled that Stewart Group was also in the shopping mall business and a competitor in this fierce battle. Regarding the previous investment, Trevor had been wrong to force Summer to beg him. It would have been wiser to extend an olive branch instead. Perhaps this could be the opportunity to bring Summer back to his side, to stop her from resisting him.

Trevor turned to Peyton, his tone firm and unwavering. “Peyton, I can’t help you with this.”

Peyton thought she had misheard him. Her eyes widened in shock as she stammered, “What?”

“Trevor, you never refused me for such small matters before. Do you really… despise me now?”

As she spoke, pearl-like tears rolled down her cheeks. Trevor frowned, his gaze unusually serious. “Peyton, Stewart Group is also competing for the Marloux brand.”

Peyton instantly understood. Summer again. She momentarily lost control of her expression, biting her lip as she seethed. “Did Summer tell you not to help me on purpose because she hates me that much?”

“No, Peyton. I chose to help her on my own.”

Peyton looked as if she had heard something unbelievable. She shook her head repeatedly, her tears now real. A sharp pain stabbed through her chest, making it hard to breathe. Choking back a sob, she said, “Trevor, how can you do this to me? I’m the one who loves you the most. If your mother hadn’t forced me to leave you back then, you would still be my boyfriend now.”

Trevor felt guilty, but this time, he did not waver. “I’m sorry, Peyton. I can agree to anything else, but not this.”

Peyton knew Trevor’s personality well; once he made a decision, he would not change it. Digging her nails into her palm, she forced herself to stay composed.

Peyton, you are gentle. Men can never escape when they are consumed by guilt.

“I understand, Trevor. I put you in a difficult position. I’m sorry.”

Tears streaming down her face, her delicate figure trembling, Peyton turned and ran out. Trevor watched as the door closed behind her.

He knew she was hurt. But right now, his priority was to win Summer back. He pulled out his phone and dialed Andrew. “Andrew, transfer one million dollars to Peyton’s account.”

Since Yvette had once been a brand ambassador for Marloux, Summer was able to leverage that connection to secure a meeting with Martin Michaux, the brand’s director. Martin was a middle-aged Frenchman dressed in an elegant suit, his silver hair neatly combed. He sat casually on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, flipping through Summer’s proposal. After a brief glance, he placed the document atop a thick stack of other proposals.

“Ms. Stewart, just tell me why Marloux should open in your family’s mall.”

Summer followed his gaze. She understood that these were all proposals submitted by competing businesses in Havenbrook. The competition was intense. Calm and composed, she outlined the benefits and advantages that Stewart Group could offer.

Martin smiled, a polite, charming smile, but his tone was indifferent. “That’s not the point. Whatever your mall offers, the others can provide as well, can’t they? Let’s not waste each other’s time.”

Summer grew anxious. “Martin, I…”

Martin said, “In Havenbrook, connections matter. The only reason you’re here is because of Yvette’s past association with our brand. But when every mall is offering the same incentives, I have to prioritize relationships. You understand? Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

With that, Summer was escorted out.

Just then, her phone chimed with a WhatsApp notification. She glanced at it and saw a transfer receipt from Peyton. It was one million dollars transferred from Trevor to Peyton. Summer’s already sour mood turned even worse. Why hadn’t she deleted that woman yet? Now Peyton was flaunting her wealth in front of her?

Her fingers moved to delete WhatsApp, but before she could, her phone rang. By accident, she answered. A deep, familiar voice came through the speaker.

“Summer, come back to me. I’ll help you secure Marloux’s partnership with Stewart Group.”

Summer let out a cold laugh, her eyes flashing with determination. “No need, Trevor. We’re over. I’ll secure Marloux’s partnership on my own.”