Summer Lowell instinctively felt that Tina Huxley's gaze was ill-intentioned, but due to her powerful background, she didn't dare not to show respect, and could only patiently deal with her. "Miss Huxley, you flatter me. I'm just an employee trying to earn a living."
Tina Huxley observed Summer's every frown and smile exuding a unique allure, increasing her jealousy.
She knew that Maxim Sinclair was attracted to Summer the moment he first laid eyes on her.
Now, a year later, Summer has gained a mature charm, which would surely draw Maxim's attention even more.
The more Tina thought about it, the more anxious she became, followed by a bold idea forming in her mind.
The banquet tonight was grand, attended by notable figures.
If Summer made a scene in such a big event, regardless of reason or emotion, any possibility with Maxim Sinclair would be out of reach forever.
"No, Secretary Lowell, you're too modest. I've always admired independent women like you who can freely do as they please. It's wonderful."
She appeared sincere on the surface, but Summer only felt nauseous inside.
"Miss Huxley, you're too kind." Summer smiled perfunctorily, then looked at her apologetically, "I'm sorry, I need to go to the restroom. Can we chat later?"
"Please, Secretary Lowell, the restroom is to the right, just straight ahead."
"Alright then, I'll take my leave." Summer politely thanked and hurriedly left the terrace, fearing that if she stayed longer, she would lose her composure.
Currently, she hadn't settled her footing and really couldn't afford to confront a high-society lady like Tina Huxley in Stellarion.
Watching Summer's figure disappear at the terrace exit, Tina took out her phone from her handbag, thought for a moment, and dialed a number: "Do you still have that drug you showed me a month ago? If you do, send one to me. I'm at the club in Norvane Hill Villa, try to get it to me within ten minutes."
Whatever was said on the other end made Tina sneer: "I'll pay for that car you're interested in, one of only five in the world. This deal is a win-win for you."
After saying this, Tina's face showed a smug smile: "I have my uses for it. Once it's done, you'll be credited as the main contributor, so stop wasting time and hurry to get it delivered."
Meanwhile, Summer was dawdling as she came out of the restroom and was called over by Noah as soon as she entered the banquet hall.
Summer took a glass of champagne from a passing server and quickly walked to Noah's side with her dress held up: "President Norris, you were looking for me?"
Noah nodded and introduced her to the two middle-aged ladies in front of him: "This is Summer Lowell, the newly appointed Creative Director for the Stellart Stellarion Division. Summer, say hello to Ms. Collins and Ms. Jacobs."
"Hello, Ms. Collins, Ms. Jacobs. It's an honor to meet you." Summer gave a faint smile.
"Director Lowell, the honor is ours as well to meet you."
Just then, someone came to speak with the two women, and Noah seized the moment to bend down and whisper in Summer's ear, "These two are notable jewelers in Stellarion. Building a good relationship with them will benefit your future development."
Summer maintained her poised smile, speaking softly as she sipped her drink, "Thank you, President Norris, for your guidance."
"No need to thank me," Noah replied lightly, "Just remember my kindness and repay it well."
"Certainly, certainly." Summer grinned at him, deliberately clinking her glass against his.
The two chatted happily, not noticing the intense gaze of Maxim Sinclair from afar.
Maxim stared intently, and noticing the strangeness, Noah lowered his head to remind Summer, "Your old nemesis, President Sinclair, doesn't seem pleased."
Summer downed her glass: "It's fine, just ignore him."
Noah stroked his chin: "After the banquet ends, leave with me in my car; otherwise, I'm a bit worried about your personal safety."
Knowing he meant well, Summer sincerely thanked him.
After thanking him, Summer looked at her empty glass and was about to get another when a server happened to walk by: "Miss, give me the empty glass. I have freshly poured drinks."
"Alright, thank you."
Summer placed her empty glass on his tray, casually picking up a new one. After noticing Noah's empty glass as well, she handed him the new drink she just took: "President Norris, here's a fresh one for you."
"Miss, I can get this gentleman a new drink, a gentleman would never take a drink from a lady's hand."
Noah chuckled: "See? If I took the drink from your hand, it would seem ungentlemanly to others."
Summer shrugged: "Alright, I was just trying to be attentive!"
"No need to be attentive, just focus on your work, that's what matters."
"Oh, capitalists always seizing every opportunity to squeeze their employees!"
Summer joked falsely and then turned around to find Tina Huxley approaching again.
"Director Lowell, it wasn't convenient on the terrace earlier, now that you're back, I'd like to toast to you." Tina stood before her with a cheerful smile, raising her glass.
With everyone watching, Summer couldn't and dared not reject, so she tilted her head back and drank her glass dry.
Seeing her drink so freely, Noah couldn't help but feel worried. After Tina toasted and left, he softly advised, "The banquet is almost over. If you're feeling tired, go wait in the guest room. I'll find you once it ends."
Already a bit tipsy, Summer was grateful for the suggestion. She massaged her slightly spinning head, "Alright, I'll wait for you in the guest room."
"Go on, go on."
From behind a distant railing, Maxim Sinclair watched Summer with deep eyes, seeing her dazed expression. A companion tugged at him: "Young Master Sinclair, I'm talking to you. Are you daydreaming?"
"Sorry, excuse me for a moment!" Maxim put his glass down on the table and got up to leave.
He hurried down the stairs, but Summer was nowhere to be found on the first floor. After a quick scan, he instinctively chose a corridor to follow.
Just around the corner, he saw Summer being held by a drunken man, her hands and feet too weak to push him away: "Who are you? Let go of me!"
Maxim's face was so dark it seemed to drip water. He swiftly stepped forward and kicked the man entangling Summer aside.
"Get lost!"
Regaining her freedom, Summer's legs buckled, and she fell towards the ground. Maxim quickly grabbed her shoulders and supported her by the waist to let her hold onto him: "Stand up straight, don't fall!"
Summer finally realized that there was something wrong with the drink. She bit her tongue hard, recovering her senses somewhat, and immediately pushed Maxim away, glaring at him: "Why is it you again?"
Maxim, angered to the point of laughter, took off his coat and threw it over her head: "Cover your face. The guests outside haven't left yet. Do you want them to see you in this state?"
"None of your business," Summer mumbled, "I don't need you pretending to be kind."