Summer's face instantly flushed a deep red, the color spreading from her neck all the way to the tips of her ears.

That faint pink hue on her earlobes was particularly striking, subtly drawing his gaze.

"Summer, why are you blushing?"

Leaning in slowly, a teasing smile on his lips, Alexander murmured close to her ear. His voice was thick with amusement as he lightly brushed her lobe, clearly enjoying her reaction.

He hadn't found the silver needle she'd tried to hide, and his exploration had veered somewhere else entirely. Instead of stopping, Alexander let his well-defined fingers continue their slow journey across her skin.

Everywhere he touched felt like sparks, slowly igniting a fire that spread through her entire body.

No, this can't go on.She could already feel the same dangerous tension from last night building again-and she wasn't about to let that scene replay itself.

Unless.?

An idea flashed in Summer's mind. Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she looked up.

"Big brother, I don't have any treasure hidden. But guess what? I think I found yours."

Her eyes shone like still water, and she gave him an innocent little smile-as though she had no idea what she was doing.

Meanwhile, her soft hand had already slipped down to his belt.

"Big brother, what's this hard thing? Is it candy? Or gold?"

She blinked those wide, clueless eyes up at him, perfectly playing the innocent-like she genuinely didn't understand.

Alexander's mind short-circuited. Nothing tested his self-control more than this act of hers-the too-innocent-to-be-true routine. It was subtle, sly, and utterly lethal.

She kept fidgeting with his belt, her hands restless and curious-tempting, teasing, like forbidden fruit dangling right before him.

And from his angle, he had a perfect view of her neckline, the delicate curve reminding him vividly of last night-those moments that refused to leave his mind.

He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing, his eyes darkening.

He couldn't take it anymore. Leaning in again, his voice deeper and rougher, he asked,"Summer, are you trying to seduce me?"

"Huh? What does 'seduce' mean, big brother?"

Still playing the wide-eyed fool, Summer looked up at him, bright-eyed and confused, as though she truly didn't understand.

The way she gazed at him made him feel like he'd been zapped by a live wire. His logic? Pretty much gone up in smoke by now.

He was dangerously close to losing control.

"It's fine. We've got time,"he murmured, his lips brushing her ear."Didn't you hear what Grandpa said? Starting tonight, you're moving to the island with me. After that. I'll teach you everything."

He followed his words with a warm breath near her ear, then-clearly not satisfied-nipped her earlobe firmly this time, enough to make her flinch with a soft whimper.

She pouted, her lips pink and glistening, eyes filled with a wounded sweetness-a look that could wreck a man without even trying.

Unfortunately, despite her perfectly executed act, it didn't work this time.

Alexander actually. let her go.

Straightening his clothes, he turned his back to her, forcing his breathing back under control.

Today wasn't the day to uncover whether his little fool was pretending or not.

But that was okay. He had time. He could play the long game.

What he didn't see was-the moment he turned away-the starry brightness in Summer's eyes dimmed into something colder.

Now she was sure: Alexander Barron didn't love her. To him, she was just a plaything. Or worse, a stand-in for that girl he once called Nina.

Still, Summer Knight wasn't giving up. No-she was going to make that man's world revolve around her, and only her.

.

Back in the banquet hall, Isabella Knight stared in the direction Summer and Alexander had gone. Her eyes burned with fury, her usually fair and delicate face twisted almost beyond recognition.

She couldn't take it anymore. Storming out into the hallway, she began shrieking uncontrollably like a woman possessed.

In that filthy gray maid's dress, she looked nothing like the refined socialite she pretended to be-more like an unhinged servant having a breakdown.

"God! Which blind staff member just ran into me?!"

In her frantic state, Isabella bumped into the same socialite she'd earlier snatched a shawl from. The woman caught a whiff of her and recoiled in disgust, covering her nose.

"Ew, what is that smell?!"

When she recognized her, the girl and her friend burst into mocking laughter.

"I thought she was just some clueless servant. Turns out it's City Q's beloved belle, Isabella Knight!"

"Word is, the moment she found out the ex-fiancé she dumped for her idiot sister now runs the Barron Empire, she puked-and face-planted right into it!"

"There's footage everywhere online. Guys, go like and share-comedy gold!"

People all around pulled out their phones, watching the videos and howling with laughter.

Isabella quickly checked her phone-only to find the internet flooded with clips of her humiliation. She was so angry she looked like she'd been turned to stone.

The worst part? All of this was supposed to be her trap for Summer. It had backfired spectacularly.

Now everyone was staring, judging, whispering. Even the women who used to flatter her shamelessly weren't holding back their glee, looking at her like she was a pathetic joke.

She wanted to scream, to fight back-but she couldn't. Shoulders trembling, she curled into herself like a shamed creature desperate to crawl into a sewer.

"Mr. Barron says toss this disgusting woman out!"

Suddenly, Ethan Hart, Alexander's assistant, appeared. At his signal, two burly guards grabbed the mentally broken Isabella and unceremoniously dumped her outside the hotel.

By the time Margaret Blake found her daughter, she was slumped on the pavement, too weak to stand.

But the moment Isabella saw her, she lunged forward and clung to her mother's sleeve like a lifeline, crying helplessly.

"Sob. Mom, you have to help me! I changed my mind-I want to marry Alexander Barron. I want to be the lady of the Barron Empire!"

"That was always supposed to be my spot! I won't let Summer humiliate me like this!"

"If I marry Alexander, half the Barron fortune will be ours. I'll give you your share, okay? Please, Mom, I'm begging you!"

Seeing her daughter sobbing so pitifully, Margaret's heart softened. The more she thought about it, the more she couldn't stand the idea of Summer ending up with Alexander-as if that would mean Claire Ford was getting the last laugh from beyond the grave.

Gritting her teeth, Margaret made a silent vow: no matter what, Isabella would marry Alexander Barron. That way, they'd get their hands on half the Barron Empire and never have to worry about money-or that bastard Charles-again.

It took only a moment's thought before a cunning plan began brewing in Margaret's mind.

Summer Knight? She wouldn't even see it coming.

"Isabella, stop crying. Mom has it all figured out."

Margaret Blake gently helped Isabella Knight up from the ground and whispered the plan into her ear.

After hearing it, Isabella finally wiped her tears and smiled again.

The plan was vicious, but clever-so sharp that even someone like Isabella, who was no saint herself, had to admit her mother had a real talent for this.

Earlier, at the engagement party, Old Mr. Barron had officially announced that starting today, Summer Knight would move to Alexander Barron's private island to spend time with him and deepen their relationship.

So, before Alexander's car arrived to pick Summer up that night, they had to move fast-knock her out and have her smuggled away on one of those shady boats headed for the Luna Pavilion in the capital.

That place was a known hellhole, a den of traded favors and power plays. Any woman who ended up there was finished. Within two months, they'd be molded into seductresses-if they survived at all.

And Summer? With the mind of a six-year-old? She'd be crying for help with no one to hear, completely at the mercy of those twisted, powerful clients. Her fate would be either broken or dead.

Meanwhile, Isabella would dress up as Summer, take some strong sedatives, and take her place on the ride to the island.

Once she met Alexander, she'd find a way to drug him. As long as she could sleep with him and capture it on video, she could blackmail him into marriage. There would be no way he could deny it.

Margaret and Isabella went over the plan again, growing more confident by the minute, even laughing proudly at their own cunning.

In their minds, Isabella was just steps away from becoming Mrs. Barron. Once married, they'd seize control of the Barron empire and live however they pleased.

Isabella would make everyone who'd humiliated her pay-ten times over.

The more they fantasized, the more excited they became, practically floating on their own wicked glee.

But what these two didn't know was that walls have ears.

Just after they climbed into their car, a silver-gray sedan parked ahead slowly pulled away.

Behind the wheel sat a woman with a delicate but pale face.

She glanced at the voice recording on her phone, then at the silver needle that had fallen from Summer's dress at the party-now resting on her passenger seat.

She knew what she had to do.

She had to find Summer.

Tell her everything.

-

After the party, Alexander didn't take Summer back to pack himself-he sent his assistant, Ethan Hart, instead.

Ethan wasn't just anyone. He was one of the best, handpicked by Alexander from a private training fortress in Europe.

With Ethan guarding her, Alexander knew Summer was safe.

Still, Summer couldn't hide her disappointment. She'd kind of hoped Alexander would come himself.

Even so, she could tell right away-Ethan was solid. Loyal and capable. Far better than that traitor Daniel Barron had planted beside Alexander in her past life.

Alexander had trusted that man too much, and it cost him-over and over. It took him years and countless setbacks to finally take control of the Barron empire.

Summer's eyes sparkled with thought before she flashed Ethan an innocent smile. She tilted her head and asked sweetly,"Ethan, how long have you worked with Big Brother Alex? Do you know what his favorite food is?"

If it weren't common knowledge that Summer had the mind of a child, someone as cautious as Ethan might have thought she was digging for intel.

His reply was cool and clipped:"Only two days."

After a pause, he added,"Before that, there was another assistant around Mr. Barron... but I heard he dealt with him quietly."

Even knowing Summer probably wouldn't grasp the meaning, he still couldn't bring himself to lie.

But that one sentence sent a shock through Summer's heart.

She had originally planned to deal with that traitor herself once she reached the island. Who would've thought Alexander had already cleaned house two days ago, realizing the assistant was Daniel Barron's spy.

Things were really starting to diverge from her previous life. Who knew what other surprises lay ahead?

Before long, the car pulled up at the Knight family estate.

Ethan turned to her, ever respectful."Miss, shall I help you pack?"

"Hehe, no need! Summer can do it! Just give me an hour-I'll have everything ready!"

Grinning proudly, Summer bounded toward the house, all sunshine and innocence.

She had a secret meeting with Grace to attend-obviously, she couldn't let Ethan catch wind of that. Not that she was worried; she was pretty sure Grace wouldn't let her down.

Sure enough, just as Summer stepped into the brightly lit mansion, a car parked quietly down the street.

Grace kept her eyes on the house but didn't glance toward the main gate. Instead, she clenched the silver needle in her fist and scaled the wall from the back.

She needed answers about what Summer had said. She had to know the truth.

Of course, Ethan spotted her the moment she moved.

He sent a message to Alexander, who replied with just seven words:

"Let my little fool have her fun."

-

Inside the Knight estate.

Margaret was locked in her room, whispering over the phone to a human trafficker. Meanwhile, Isabella had gone out, supposedly for something mundane-in truth, she was buying sedatives.

And Charles? The man was practically glowing. With Summer about to marry into the Barron family as its future lady, his own status was set to skyrocket.

So when she walked back in, he greeted her like she was made of gold.

He fussed over her endlessly, even sent a couple of maids to help her pack.

But Summer, wearing her signature dopey smile, waved them off."Daddy, Summer wants to pack by herself! That way, big brother will think I'm really good at this and like me even more!"

"Haha, of course, sweetheart. You're always right,"Charles chuckled, straining to sound sincere."Daddy's so proud to have such a clever girl."

It was the first time he'd ever praised her. but the fake sweetness in his voice almost made her gag.

The man had a real talent for being disgusting.

Summer gave him a clueless grin before hopping upstairs like an overexcited bunny. As soon as she turned the corner, her smile vanished. A cold glint flashed in her eyes.

She slipped into her room and began packing, but her full attention was on the silence around her.

Then-the faintest rustle by the window.

Summer's ears perked up. Right on time.

A slim figure slipped inside through the open window.

Grace.

"Miss Summer, what do you need me to do?"

Grace was sharp enough to guess that if Summer was arranging a secret meeting like this-being fully honest about who she was-there had to be a request behind it.

And only after it was done. would she get what she wanted.

Summer didn't waste words. Stepping close, she leaned in and whispered directly into Grace's ear.

As soon as she finished, Grace's delicate brows furrowed, and her face tightened.

Grace sat in silence for a moment, collecting herself, before she finally spoke.

"I'll help you. But first, there's something you need to hear."

She took out her phone and played a recording-the voices of Isabella and Margaret plotting filled the room.

Summer listened, a cold smirk tugging at her lips, her eyes sharp with disdain.

Those fools never learn.

"Guess I owe you one,"Summer said, her tone almost playful.

"Then pay me back now, Miss Knight. This silver needle-it's yours, isn't it?"

Grace held out the needle.

Summer took it without hesitation. It gleamed coldly between her fingers-sharp, precise, dangerous.

"My mother left it to me,"she said honestly.

Grace knew medicine well enough to recognize that Summer's skills weren't amateur-clearly inherited from Claire Ford, once known as City Q's top healer.

"You know why I brought it up?"Grace reached into her sleeve and pulled out an identical silver needle."Look. My master told me if I ever found one like this, I had to tell him immediately."

Summer's brows lifted slightly.

The same needle? That meant her mother must have known Grace's master.

"He's a famous healer in City A. People call him Mr. Jenkins,"Grace explained, then added,"That's all I can say. Now-it's your turn to keep your word."

Summer nodded."About that incident. try looking into the woman your husband can't forget. You might find something."

With that, Grace left-so quietly no one even noticed she'd been there.

In her past life, Summer hadn't known Grace well, but she knew enough. Grace's husband, William Frost, was one of City Q's elite and a close friend of Alexander Barron.

Just last month, at Isabella's birthday party, Grace had been drugged and ended up in bed with William. The scandal forced them to marry. But William's heart belonged to someone else, and he resented Grace for it.

Only Summer knew the truth-the one who spiked the drink wasn't Grace. It was Isabella, working behind the scenes.

In a way, that made Grace and Summer allies against a common enemy.

Not long after, Summer finished packing. Truth was, she didn't have much-just a few sets of clothes. That was all she owned after years under the Knights' roof.

She didn't go downstairs. Instead, she sat calmly in her room, waiting for Isabella to show up.

Soon enough, a knock came.

Isabella stepped inside holding a steaming bowl of soup, a sickly sweet smile plastered on her face.

"Hey, sis! I made you some chicken soup. It's cold out-warm yourself up before you go."

Summer didn't even blink.Isabella-Miss I-Don't-Do-Chores-cooking for her?Hilarious. That soup was definitely spiked.

"Wow! Summer loves chicken soup! It makes her pretty so big brother will like her more! Thanks, sis!"Summer giggled.

She was practically vibrating with exaggerated excitement, flapping her hands like some over-the-top cartoon character-ridiculous, really.

Isabella smirked inwardly.What an idiot. Let her enjoy it while she can. Soon, she'll regret ever being born.

Summer took the bowl, slipping a silver needle into the soup while Isabella wasn't looking. The moment the needle touched the liquid, the color began to fade-definitely drugged.

Without missing a beat, Summer pulled the needle back and started gulping the soup like it was the best thing she'd ever tasted.

That finally made Isabella crack a smug smile. She began counting silently. The moment Summer passed out, she'd drag her to the back gate. Margaret had already arranged for someone to take her straight to that hellhole pleasure house in the capital.

But twenty seconds passed, and Summer was still perfectly fine.

Just as Isabella began to wonder if she'd been sold fake drugs, Summer suddenly spat out the soup with a dramatic grimace.

"Eww! Sis, this tastes gross. I'm done,"she whined, scrunching up her face.

"You moron! Are you messing with me?"Isabella snapped, storming over in a rage. She raised her hand, ready to slap Summer across the face.

But before the hit could land, Summer caught her wrist in a vice-like grip.

"Yeah. I am messing with you,"Summer said, her voice icy and sharp as glass. Her stare was even colder.

Isabella's face froze, panic flashing in her eyes. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. That mocking calm. that wasn't the Summer she knew.

Before Isabella could react, a sharp pain exploded at the back of her head-and everything went black.

Once Summer was sure Isabella was completely unconscious, she nudged her limp body with her foot.Yep. Out cold.

She found a large sack, stuffed Isabella inside, and slipped toward the back gate without alerting a single servant.

Meanwhile, Margaret was pacing nervously near the rear entrance, wound tight with anxiety.

"Mrs. Blake, the boat leaves in thirty minutes,"the trafficker reminded her, impatience clear in his voice."If we don't move now, we're done."

"I know, I know! I'll go hurry them,"Margaret muttered, turning to head upstairs and check on the delay.

Suddenly-

A heavy thud sounded nearby.

Margaret nearly jumped out of her skin, convinced they'd been caught. But when she looked, she saw a sack lying a few meters away, a human shape faintly visible inside.

She grinned in relief and hurried over.Had to be Summer.

She assumed Isabella must've had a reason for stuffing her in a sack, but whatever-the job was done.

What Margaret didn't see was the slim figure standing silently around the corner, watching everything with cold, gleaming eyes. Summer observed, a smirk of cold mockery on her lips.

Earlier, she'd used the needle to knock Isabella out-but not deeply. She wanted her to wake up. She wanted her to see with her own eyes that it was her own mother handing her over to traffickers, sending her straight to hell.

Isabella wanted her tortured to death?

Let's see who ends up begging in the end.

Later, Summer planned to have Grace leak photos of her and Alexander looking intimate on the island-just to stir the pot even more.

By then, Isabella would already be missing. It wouldn't be long before Margaret realized the girl she'd just handed over. was her own daughter.

That kind of pain would shatter her.

After this?

Next targets: Charles Knight and James Carter.

She would make every single person who'd hurt her in her past life pay-without exception.