Over the weekend, Summer Thorne visited the old Carrington family estate again and had lunch with Brandon Crawford.
Brandon Crawford handed her a business card. "I know you've been running around to different banks lately. I've already put in a good word for you and scheduled a meeting for tonight. Just go see him and tell him how much capital you need."
"Thank you, Dad," Summer Thorne said, accepting the card with a grateful smile.
Brandon Crawford wanted to take the opportunity to talk about Mason Crawford, but the moment Summer heard Mason's name, all she could think of was Shirley Shields's ultrasound photo.
But there was nothing she could say to Brandon Crawford. After offering a few perfunctory replies, she made an excuse about having something to do and left.
After leaving, Summer Thorne called the number on the business card he had given her and arranged a time and place to meet.
In the evening, Summer Thorne and Evan Cheney arrived at the designated restaurant.
The two of them waited at a table in the main dining area for nearly an hour before they saw the man they were meeting, a Mr. Ethan Hayes, emerge from a private room.
Seeing how things were shaping up, Summer Thorne and Evan Cheney exchanged a look. They both had a good idea of how this meeting would end.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Crawford. It's just so busy with the end of the year approaching that this was the only way I could meet with you," Ethan Hayes said, choosing his words carefully. "Mr. Crawford already spoke to me. This wouldn't have been difficult, but he isn't aware that our bank restructured two months ago, which has made the loan procedures rather complicated now... How about this? Give me your documents, and I'll help you submit them. We'll notify you as soon as there's any news."
Summer Thorne listened quietly. After a moment's pause, she smiled. "It must be difficult, being caught between the two Mr. Crawfords, right?"
Ethan Hayes stared at her for a long moment before finally shaking his head with a resigned smile. "It's best that you understand, Mrs. Crawford. It's not that I don't want to help you. It's just that our hands are tied in this matter."
"Then I won't take up any more of your time."
Summer Thorne didn't linger. She signaled to Evan Cheney and stood up to leave.
Just as she reached the restaurant entrance, she suddenly heard someone call out from behind her, "Mrs. Crawford!"
Summer Thorne turned to see a girl with delicate, charming features approaching her with a friendly smile. "Hi there! My name is Hazel Morgan."
"Hello, Miss Morgan," Summer Thorne replied with a smile before asking, "Have we met?"
"You probably don't know me, but I've known who you are for a long time. We were high school classmates, in the same year!"
Summer Thorne nodded. "I'm sorry, I don't recall."
Hazel Morgan waved her hand dismissively, indicating she didn't mind. Then she said, "I know your family has run into some trouble recently. You must be very anxious."
Summer Thorne gave a faint smile. "Thank you for your concern."
"I don't understand much about business, but I saw you sitting over there by yourself for a long time, and I know you must be in need of help," Hazel Morgan said. "We're having a party in a couple of days. A lot of people from our circle will be there. If you're interested, you should come hang out. Who knows, you might find an opportunity, right?"
Summer Thorne listened but didn't respond right away.
Evan Cheney was also slightly taken aback.
For Summer Thorne and the Sutton Group in their current predicament, such an unexpected offer of goodwill seemed rather abrupt.
Hazel Morgan added, "Really, you have to believe me. It's a party organized by Gale Fawley. Just think about who'll be there. What if, you know?"
Summer Thorne countered, "Organized by Mr. Fawley?"
"Yes, yes! We're all going up to the mountains for horseback riding and hunting. It's going to be a lot of fun."
Summer Thorne slowly nodded and said, "Thank you for the kind offer. I'll definitely be there."
Hazel Morgan beamed. "Great! I'm just glad I can help."
The two quickly exchanged contact information.
After Summer Thorne left, Hazel Morgan turned and went back into the private room. She gave an "OK" sign to the people inside. "Done. She said she'll definitely be there."
Outside the restaurant, Evan Cheney saw that Summer Thorne remained silent. After some thought, he finally couldn't help but ask, "You're not actually going to that party, are you?"
Summer Thorne said, "Didn't you hear? The one hosting it is Gale Fawley."
After hitting dead ends everywhere these past few days, and then having the hope from Brandon Crawford's connection dashed today, Evan Cheney seemed to have reached his breaking point. He burst out in frustration, "So what if it's Gale Fawley? Even if every rich and famous person in the city goes to his party, what can you do when you get there? You'll just be played for a fool! They'll all laugh at you!"
His emotions suddenly spiraled out of control. Realizing it, he couldn't help but run a hand through his hair and turn his face away. "I'm sorry... What I meant to say is, don't you think that Miss Morgan's appearance was a little too strange? Don't forget, you've got a mountain of troubles on your own. If you really go, there's no telling what might happen."
"I know," Summer Thorne said, her gaze calm as she looked ahead. After a moment, her lips suddenly curved into a smile. 'But the stranger it is, the more fun it will be.'
...
On Friday evening, in the desolate, chilly outskirts of Valois, high up on Mount Sombren, Aeridor Manor was buzzing with unprecedented liveliness. The roar of luxury cars was constant as they came and went.
Since the party was hosted by Gale Fawley, most of the attendees were young second- or third-generation elites from their social circle. They reveled in the rare opportunity to gather in the suburban mountains and breathe in the fresh, cold air, their laughter and chatter filling the lively atmosphere.
It was already nighttime when Summer Thorne arrived.
Many of the manor's rooms were already lit up, and the great hall was still bustling with activity. Some people were playing pool, some were in a game of Texas Hold'em, and others sat by the fireplace, drinking and chatting.
As Summer Thorne walked into the great hall, Gale Fawley was coming down the stairs. He spotted her, and after a flicker of surprise, he smiled calmly. "Mrs. Crawford, you're late."
Summer Thorne was wearing a classic, off-white, lapelled overcoat. The bold, sweeping lines of the coat gave her a powerful presence, which, combined with her stunningly beautiful and striking features, made for an impactful entrance. The moment she stood there, she drew the eyes of most people in the hall.
She smiled just as naturally. "I heard Mr. Fawley found a wonderful place, so I had to come and join in on the fun."
The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and Gale Fawley quickly instructed the butler to arrange a room and show her upstairs.
Summer Thorne followed the butler. Just as she reached the top of the stairs on the second floor, she saw the butler step slightly aside to make way, murmuring a quiet greeting, "Mr. York, Miss Rowan."
Summer Thorne looked up and saw the two of them approaching, walking side by side.
Even though it was nighttime, Renee Rowan was still bright and radiant. She had her head tilted, saying something to Timothy York.
Timothy York was listening with his eyes slightly downcast. Sensing someone ahead, he looked up, his gaze dark and tranquil, showing no ripple of emotion.
All the brilliant light in the room seemed unable to illuminate those deep eyes.
Renee Rowan followed his line of sight. Though her surprise was unconcealed, she still greeted Summer Thorne. "Mrs. Crawford, you came too?"
"Please, Miss Rowan, just call me Summer," she replied with a smile, then turned her gaze to Timothy York. "Mr. York."