The receptionist had dealt with plenty of people trying to meet the CEO.
She asked the standard question. “And you are?”
“I’m Summer Stewart, from the Stewart Group.”
The receptionist immediately reacted.
The Stewart family’s daughter?
Another one?
She gave Summer a quick once-over.
This one was definitely better looking than the last.
But it didn’t matter.
The executive office had already sent word – no meetings with any Stewart family daughters, no exceptions.
Flashing a professional smile, the receptionist responded, “Our CEO isn’t in.”
“Can I make an appointment?” Summer asked. “Or could you let him know I came by when he returns?”
The receptionist’s expression didn’t change. “We don’t take appointments. If we did, our CEO wouldn’t have time for anything else.”
Summer glanced at the grand, heavily guarded Graham Group building.
Forcing her way in wasn’t an option.
But if she couldn’t see Fraser, how was she supposed to secure the investment?
She made one last attempt. “Can you please make an exception? This is extremely urgent.”
The receptionist didn’t even blink. “I’m sorry, Ms. Stewart.”
No matter what Summer said, she remained stone-faced, refusing to acknowledge her any further.
Summer left the Graham Group feeling frustrated.
But at the moment, there was nothing she could do.
Just then, her phone rang.
It was Jasper.
She picked up.
“Summer, where are you? I was looking for you, but your assistant said you went out.”
“I’m securing investment.”
“Any results?”
“Still in progress.”
Jasper sighed in disappointment.
She had Trevor as a fiancé, yet she insisted on finding the money herself.
Did she think securing five hundred million dollars was that easy?
Fortunately, Jasper had received a call today from the Larson Group’s senior assistant, Andrew.
Andrew had hinted that the Larson Group was willing to provide the funds – on one condition.
Summer had to go meet with Mr. Larson in person.
Andrew had no other choice.
For the past few days, Trevor had been in a terrible mood, and the entire office was walking on eggshells.
Normally, Trevor’s face was cold and unreadable.
But now, his temper was barely contained.
During a meeting earlier, one of the employees had miscalculated a single number and was immediately reduced to tears by his scolding.
Andrew had worked under Trevor for years.
He knew exactly what was going on.
Trevor was waiting for Summer to give in.
But she hadn’t made a single move.
So, Andrew had quietly tipped Jasper off – letting him be the one to pressure Summer.
“The Larson Group reached out,” Jasper said. “They want you to come by.”
Summer stood outside the towering Graham Group building, looking up.
“I’ll handle it myself.”
Jasper’s face darkened.
It had been days, and neither of his daughters had made any progress.
Before calling Summer, he had already asked Margaret about the investment.
Margaret had hesitated, making excuses that she just needed more time.
Now Summer was saying the deal was still pending.
It was infuriating. The Global Project was set to launch next week.
Funding was the only thing holding it back – he couldn’t afford a single delay.
Suppressing his impatience, Jasper said, “Summer, you and Trevor are about to get married. Stop acting like a child. A woman’s role is to be a man’s support. Stay out of trouble, and he’ll like you more. Just be good and apologize to Trevor. There’s no need to ruin your relationship over something trivial.”
Summer let out a cold laugh. “So my value is entirely dependent on Trevor?”
Jasper fell silent.
In his mind, his daughters were meant to marry well and contribute to the Stewart Group’s prosperity.
That was why he had never truly given up on Margaret, even after learning the truth.
“Dad, I started in this company as an ordinary employee and worked my way up to manager. I earned that position with my own abilities. I don’t need to rely on the Larson family or Trevor. And I’ve said it a hundred times – we broke up.”
Jasper’s voice hardened. “Summer, I already told you – this marriage concerns both families. The Stewart family will not allow you to be so reckless, deciding to break up on a whim.”
Summer smirked. “If you want this marriage so badly, why don’t you marry Trevor yourself?”
“You – !” Jasper’s anger flared.
“You’re trying to drive me to my grave, aren’t you? Fine, I’ll give you a little more time. But if you still haven’t secured the investment, I’ll drag you to Trevor myself and make you apologize.”
Before Summer could respond, he hung up.
Staring at her phone screen, Summer clenched her jaw.
She knew Jasper wouldn’t hesitate to force her into apologizing to Trevor for the sake of the Stewart family’s interests.
Because he had done it before.
Back when she and Trevor had one of their biggest fights, she had sprained her wrist and gone to the hospital for treatment.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.