Outside Tristan's office,
The atmosphere was tense as Max broached the topic once more, his expression earnest as he sought answers from his friends.
"Guys, I can't shake the feeling that something's not right," Max began, his voice tinged with concern. "We used to be so close as kids, so why do we treat Summer like our enemy now?"
Charles scoffed at Max's question, his frustration evident in his tone. "Because she's Tristan's enemy, Max. And we're loyal to him, unlike you, who seems to be playing both sides," he retorted sharply.
Stephen, ever the peacemaker, intervened, his voice calm yet firm. "Now, now, let's not jump to conclusions. Max has every right to befriend whoever he chooses. If Summer is good to him, then what harm is there in maintaining a friendship?"
Max nodded in agreement, his expression resolute. "Exactly. Summer has been my rock solid support when none of you guys were around. She's indeed my best friend, just like you three. I won't choose between you, and I won't ask you to choose either."
His words hung in the air, a reminder of the bonds that had once united them as friends. Stephen nodded in understanding, his expression thoughtful. "I see your point, Max. We may not agree on everything, but our friendship runs deep. Let's not let our differences tear us apart."
Charles, though still skeptical, softened slightly at Stephen's words. "Fine, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. But if she crosses Tristan again, all bets are off."
With that, the three men exchanged a nod of understanding before parting ways, each lost in their own thoughts about the complexities of loyalty, friendship, and the ties that bound them together.
Later that evening,
Back in his penthouse, Tristan examines an old photo. He smirks, a mix of nostalgia and challenge lighting up his blue eyes. "It's a new game now, Summer. Sure, you've pulled a good move but let's see who comes out on top."
A Few Hours Ago...
In Summer's Apartment…
Summer sat at her desk, her laptop glowing in the dimly lit room as she delved into her work. Just as she was deeply engrossed in her task, her phone rang, breaking the silence of the room. With a swift motion, she answered the call, her voice crisp and businesslike.
"Sammy, what's the update?" Summer asked, her tone focused and determined as she switched her attention to the call.
"Ms. Carter, Tristan Stark has acquired all the necessary land for the project," Sammy replied, her urgency palpable even over the phone. "He's moving fast, and if we don't act quickly, we'll lose our chance to secure the contract."
Summer's mind kicked into high gear as she processed the information. "Alright, here's what we're going to do," she said, her voice steady with determination. "Get in touch with all the heavy machinery suppliers and make them an offer they can't refuse. We want them to make the Carter group their exclusive client for this project. "
Sammy nodded, already jotting down notes as she listened to Summer's instructions. "Understood, Ms. Carter. I'll get on it right away," she affirmed.
But Summer wasn't finished yet. "And make sure to collaborate with all the machinery suppliers overseas as well," she added, her mind already racing ahead to the potential benefits of monopolizing the hardware industry. "We want the Carter group to be the sole provider for White's corp project, and we'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. "Now, listen carefully. I need you to draft a contract for the hardware suppliers."
"Okay, what should it include?" Sammy asked, ready to take notes.
"I want the suppliers to make the Carter group their exclusive client for all the hardware products required for the White's Corp project, if they dare to sell to anyone else, we'll take swift legal action against them." Summer replied firmly. "But they're allowed to continue selling other hardware products to anyone they want, as long as it doesn't interfere with our collaboration with White's Corp."
"Got it," Sammy affirmed, understanding the intricacies of the directive. "Anything else?"
"Yes, one more thing," Summer added thoughtfully. "Include a clause that ensures our partnership with the suppliers is mutually beneficial. We want to maintain positive relationships with them for future collaborations."
"Consider it done," Sammy replied, already beginning to draft the contract.
"Excellent. Keep me updated on your progress, Sammy. We need to move quickly on this," Summer concluded, her mind already shifting to the next steps in her strategic plan.
As the call ended, Summer returned her focus to her laptop, her determination unwavering. She knew that in the game of business, timing was everything, and she was determined to emerge victorious.
In the present time at evening...
Summer sat in the study in her apartment, a rare moment of contemplation crossing her features. She dug into her desk drawer and took out an old photograph, similar to Tristan's on her desk, one that shows a group of children some sprouting in adolescence, during happier times donning innocent and playful smiles. Her intense gaze lingered on a younger version of herself and Tristan, their expressions filled with promise, potential and evident happiness.
"Those days are long gone," she whispers to herself, determination hardening her resolve. "I won't let you ruin anything I possess ever again. This is just the beginning of your dereliction."
After gazing at the photo for a long time, Summer put it back into the desk drawer and locked it. She seemed lost but her eyes shone with indifference and coldness. Then she went straight to bed after taking a shower having lost the mood to even think of dinner.