It was almost 7 p.m.

Summer Knight, now fully dressed, was being hurriedly pulled downstairs by Margaret Blake to attend her engagement party with Alexander Barron at the JL Hotel.

But halfway down, Summer suddenly dug in her heels and refused to budge. She pouted, pointed at Isabella Knight, and whined,"Sis, you can't dress prettier than me! What if Alexander sees you and changes his mind? I'm the one marrying into the Barrons! I'm the one who gets the good life!"

Isabella's smile stiffened. As ridiculous as Summer sounded, she had a point.

She, Isabella, was known as the top beauty in City Q. Whenever she showed up at an event, all eyes were on her.

If she showed up too glamorous at this party, the Barron patriarch might take one look at clueless Summer and decide she wasn't good enough. What if they tried to force her, the prettier and "better" daughter, to marry Alexander instead?

No way. She'd heard the rumors-violent, ruthless, and even.impotent. She wasn't about to throw her life away on a man like that.

Isabella paused, then quickly headed back upstairs. She wiped off her makeup and slipped into a plain, dull grey dress that looked more like a maid's uniform than evening wear.

One last glance in the mirror confirmed she looked utterly forgettable. Satisfied, she happily tugged Summer toward the car.

Maybe the idiot has some taste after all, she thought.Fine, I'll let her have her moment in the sun before her world falls apart.

Little did she know-she'd just walked right into the trap Summer had laid.

In her past life, it was at this very engagement party that Isabella had publicly humiliated her, posting edited clips online that destroyed Summer's already fragile reputation and even dragged her late mother's name through the mud.

This time, Summer was going to return every bit of that shame.

In the car, Margaret was still lecturing her. "Summer, remember to behave when you see Mr. Barron and Alexander. Don't act strange and scare people off!"

"Got it! Summer's smart-I know what to do!"

Summer nodded along, playing the fool.

But the truth was, no one wanted to be at that party more than she did.

She was going to stand beside Alexander Barron and face whatever came next-with him.

He might not love her yet. but as long as that girl named "Nina" hadn't appeared, she still had a chance.

-

Over at the JL Hotel, the atmosphere was already electric.

Even though Alexander had been living off-grid for years and wasn't exactly the Barron family's golden boy, the moment word got out that Old Mr. Barron himself would attend, every important name in City Q had shown up.

Not to offer congratulations-they were there for the drama.

"Hey, did you hear? This wedding was supposed to be for Isabella Knight-she's the one who refused!"

"No surprise there. A dumb girl for an ugly guy-sounds like a perfect match."

As the crowd buzzed with gossip, the main door slowly swung open.

Everyone turned-and the room fell silent.

You could've heard a pin drop. It was as if any sound might break the spell and scare away the vision that had just entered.

There stood Summer Knight, wearing a sleek silver gown that hugged her curves perfectly.

Her usually loose hair was styled in soft, effortless waves, highlighting her smooth shoulders, elegant neck, and those delicate, striking features.

Under the warm glow of the lights, she looked almost ethereal-like she'd stepped straight out of a dream.

Even with only light makeup, Summer's natural beauty was enough to make every other young woman in the room fade into the background.

Someone in the crowd muttered in disbelief, "Wait. is that really the 'crazy' Summer Knight from City Q?"

A collective gasp seemed to ripple through the hall.

Crazy Summer Knight!?

The most notorious girl in the city-the one who used to slather her face in ghost-white powder and dress like a circus clown, convinced she was a goddess?

But no one had ever mentioned that underneath all that, she could look like this.

"You call that pretty? Just wait till you see her little sister, Isabella-she'sthe real number-one beauty of City Q. Summer doesn't even come close."

Some weren't convinced and spoke up in defense of Isabella's reputation.

But then Isabella walked in-dressed like a maid in a drab, shapeless gray dress-and everyone who had praised her suddenly looked like they'd been slapped.

Especially those who had called her a "once-in-a-generation beauty." Yeah, their faces were burning.

Because let's be honest-that plain, frumpy look with zero makeup? That wasn't "top beauty" material.

"This is Isabella? City Q's crown jewel? More like the court jester."

"Compared to Summer? It's like night and day. Summer's a star shining bright-Isabella's just the mud on the ground."

The shift in the room was brutal. The mockery and criticism came without mercy.

But Summer didn't even flinch.

She was too busy scanning the crowd, looking for Alexander Barron.

She was scared. After what happened the night before, what if he didn't show?

What if, in this life, he had already decided she wasn't the one?

-

Meanwhile, standing in the center of that brewing storm, Isabella was seething. Her hands were clenched so tight her knuckles turned white, nails digging deep into her palms.

Damn it.

She'd been played-by Summer, of all people!

She was going to make her pay. Big time.

Then, a wicked idea flashed in Isabella's eyes. A smirk tugged at her lips.

Summer, you were made for disaster. And I've got just the thing for you.

She snatched a glass of brandy from a passing tray, her face dark with anger, and began striding toward Summer-who was glowing like a queen surrounded by admirers.

Isabella wasn't thinking straight anymore. She just wanted to ruin that flawless white gown-one splash, and the thin fabric would turn transparent, clinging to her like a second skin.

And once that happened? She'd snap a few pictures, leak them to the gossip sites, and watch Summer's brand-new image crash and burn.

The thought alone made her almost grin.

She moved closer, step by step.

Just a foot away now.

Isabella raised the glass.

But Summer had already caught the movement from the corner of her eye. Her gaze turned icy.

You dare come for me? You'll regret it.

Between her fingers, a cold glint of silver-a tiny needle, ready to fly.

Then, right at the most critical moment, a strong arm swept out of nowhere, pulling Summer firmly back by the waist.

The silver dress fluttered like a wave mid-air, the fabric swirling dazzlingly under the lights.

At that exact moment, the needle in Summer's hand shot forward.

Then-

A loud crash split the air.

The wine glass shattered on the floor-sharp and clear!

A woman's piercing shriek cut through the noise.

Summer whipped her head around.

And saw.

Alexander Barron?

The moment she saw him, Summer Knight felt a dizzying rush of surprise and joy.

She hadn't expected him to step in like that. And the fact that he'd shown up to their engagement party-did that mean he was willing to go through with it?

Under the soft glow of the crystal chandelier, Alexander's sharply defined features looked even more mesmerizing, adding a dangerous, mysterious edge to his already god-like looks. He resembled an untouchable sculpture from Greek myth.

Sharp, angled brows, deep-set eyes that held a hint of wickedness, lips so finely cut they looked carved-every part of his face was impossibly perfect.

The whole room had fallen into a stunned silence.

Truth was, no wealthy young master in City Q could hold a candle to him.

"Who is that?"

"Hey, little fool. Done staring?"

Summer's dazed expression drew a soft, low chuckle from Alexander.

He leaned in close, his voice a husky murmur that brushed against her ear like dark velvet.

Even when he wasn't smiling, he was breathtaking. But when he did? It was like watching glaciers melt.

His voice snapped her back to reality, but the blush spreading across her cheeks-and the tips of her ears-gave away just how flustered she was.

And when her eyes met his-dark, unfathomable, like a still, deep lake-her heart skipped. She nearly forgot to keep playing her role.

Still, Summer caught herself quickly. She kept gazing at him like an infatuated kitten and beamed sheepishly."Big brother, what did you eat to grow up so pretty? Tell Summer! I wanna be pretty like you, too!"

Alexander had never heard her compliment his looks before. Clearly, it pleased him-a subtle glint flickered in his eyes.

"But what's this thing you have that Summer doesn't? Hmph! Now Summer's jealous!"

And then-just like that-she reached out and lightly touched his Adam's apple.

Soft. Dangerous. Tempting.

Yeah, big mistake.

That one touch was like stepping on a tiger's tail. There was no walking away unscathed.

Alexander's breath hitched. His eyes darkened, simmering with intensity.

He was still silent when Summer pouted, her candy-glossy pink lips practically begging to be kissed.

Good thing he'd had his fill just the night before.

Still riding the wave of that memory, Alexander was about to spoil his little fool with something sweet-when an unwelcome voice cut in.

"Excuse me? You just ruined my dress!"

Isabella Knight had tried to humiliate Summer, only to have her plan backfire-leaving herself drenched in wine. To make it worse, the whole scene had been caught on camera.

Flushed with rage, she yanked a shawl from a nearby socialite to clumsily cover herself. Then, storming over, she zeroed in on Alexander, ready for a fight.

Since his back was to her, she couldn't see his face and had no idea who he was.

But in her book? Anyone who helped Summer was an enemy. And she was going to make him pay.

"Huh?"

Alexander was not pleased by the interruption. His face cooled, lips thinning, brows knitting with clear irritation.

Even that single glance over his shoulder sent a chill through the air.

His gaze was ice, his expression detached-but that one look had Isabella gas softly, her heart hammering, face heating in an instant.

She'd been circulating among City Q's elite for years and had never seen a man who carried himself like this.

He didn't need to say a word. Just standing there, he was the undeniable center of gravity-and for once, Isabella couldn't look away.

"What 'huh'? I'm talking to you! Do you even know who I am? I'm Isabella Knight, the second daughter of the Knight family! Apologize nicely, and maybe I'll let this slide."

Isabella had always carried herself like royalty, convinced everyone in City Q knew her as both a beauty and a medical prodigy. In her mind, even if this man was some scion of wealth, he ought to show her respect.

"You can't bully big brother, Isabella! I won't let you!"

The moment Isabella demanded that apology, Summer's temper flared. She remembered this from her past life. Her eyes darkened, and she rushed forward without hesitation to shield Alexander.

That beautiful, innocent face now held a fierce protectiveness that made Alexander unsure whether to laugh or sigh.

But he did catch the faint glint in her hand.

A silver needle, nearly invisible.

Summer still remembered-at this point in her past life, Alexander hadn't yet taken over the Barron empire. He was still an overlooked figure in the family. If he offended Isabella now, the rest of the Barrons wouldn't just ignore it-they'd mock him.

She refused to let her man be humiliated like that again.

Summer was ready to shut Isabella up-permanently.

But just as she moved, Alexander stepped smoothly in front of her.

"You want an apology from me? Are you sure you're worthy?"

His voice was calm, but the words cut like a blade.

Isabella stared, stunned, then snapped back, face twisted in anger and disbelief."And why wouldn't I be? What, are you the host tonight? You're claiming to be the CEO of Barron Enterprises now?"

".Yes."

His strikingly handsome face remained unreadable, but Alexander gave a slow, deliberate nod.

"You-you're actually saying you're the head of the Barron empire? Really?"Isabella laughed until tears gathered in her eyes."Did everyone hear that? This guy claims he's the CEO!"

She knew the Barron family better than anyone here.

If James Carter hadn't promised to help her swindle Summer's inheritance and hand it to her, the man she intended to marry was supposed to be the real CEO.

There were only three Barron sons. Alexander-the "ugly," ignored eldest. The third son was still studying abroad. Both had been ruled out as heirs long ago. That left only Daniel Barron from the second branch-the actual future head.

She'd met Daniel once. He looked nothing like the man in front of her.

And yet this random guy thought he could impersonate the CEO?

What a joke.

Isabella laughed loud and scornfully, and the guests around her joined in, scoffing at Alexander like he was delusional.

Summer, meanwhile, was seething.

Her silver needle shot out like lightning toward Isabella's throat. Almost no one noticed-except Alexander.

All Isabella felt was a faint prick on her neck, like a mosquito bite. She brushed it off.

Instead, she sneered and yelled,"Security! This man is impersonating the CEO of Barron Enterprises! Get him out of here!"

The guards, always eager to please the powerful, strutted over with fierce expressions-until they saw Alexander's face.

Then their legs gave way.

Thud.

The head guard dropped straight to his knees.

"M-Mr. Barron! Sir! F-forgive me! I didn't recognize you!"

Mr. Barron?

Alexander?

The CEO of Barron Enterprises?!

A collective gasp swept through the room at the security guard's words.

It was shocking enough to discover that Summer Knight, long ridiculed as the ugliest girl in City Q, was actually breathtakingly beautiful. But this?

The infamous Alexander Barron-the supposedly unwanted eldest son-was not only devastatingly handsome but had also taken control of the Barron Group?

Had everyone been living under a rock?

While the crowd was stunned, Summer, standing beside Alexander, felt more confused than anything.

In her previous life, Alexander didn't seize control of the Barron Group until six months later, after outmaneuvering Daniel Barron. Before that, everyone looked down on him.

Had her return-and her restored mind-somehow changed the timeline?

Her thoughts were cut off by a sharp, mocking voice.

"Hey, security, did you hit your head? The only 'Mr. Barron' is the old man himself. Why are you kneeling to Alexander?"

Though slowly accepting that the unbelievably handsome man really was Alexander, Isabella Knight still refused to believe he could possibly lead the Barron empire.

The man she'd rejected? No way he could outclass her now-right?

Even after her taunt, the security guard remained on his knees, clearly terrified.

"This guy's lost his mind,"Isabella sneered, her smile sharp enough to cut."Since when does anyone kneel to a Barron nobody even cares about?"

Summer's gaze turned icy. She focused on Isabella's neck, where the skin was already darkening-an allergic reaction about to explode.

Isabella had the nerve to mock Alexander?

She had no idea what was coming.

Suddenly-

A deep, authoritative voice carried across the hall:"I want to thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate the engagement of my grandson, Alexander, to Miss Summer Knight. But before we continue, I have an important announcement!"

Every head turned toward the stage.

There stood Old Mr. Barron, looking sharp and full of energy as he held the microphone, his voice ringing with gravity.

"My eldest grandson, Alexander Barron, is now the new head of the Barron Group!"

The moment he finished, a spotlight snapped onto Alexander offstage.

That light didn't just illuminate him-it crowned him.

In that moment, Alexander radiated power and elegance. Anyone with sense would feel the urge to kneel in his presence.

But in the entire room, only one person stood truly beside him-Summer, whose hand he held firmly, like claiming what had always been his.

Watching from the stage, Old Mr. Barron gave a slow, satisfied nod.

He remembered how, just yesterday, Alexander had come to him, confident and direct, demanding the CEO role. The timid boy from years ago was gone.

He'd always seen through Alexander's act-his quiet endurance, his calculated restraint. Those were the very traits that convinced him Alexander was light years ahead of Daniel.

Alexander carried himself like a born king. He was exactly what the company needed to soar.

Meanwhile, jaws across the room were on the floor.

Alexander-the same man they'd dismissed as a worthless heir-had not only transformed into a stunning figure but now led the Barron Group?

No one could process it.

Especially those who'd once gossiped about his past-they were now burning with regret.

No one more than Isabella.

If Alexander really was leading the Barron Group. that made him a billionaire-level catch.

And she-she had thrown him away.

She'd handed this incredible man over to Summer Knight, that brainless fool, practically gifting her the jackpot.

The thought made her shoot a vicious glare at Summer, like she wanted to tear her apart on the spot.

What Isabella didn't expect was that Summer was looking right back-grinning like an idiot. That silly smile sent a chill down her spine.

Before she could react, her throat suddenly felt strange, like something was rising fast.

Then-splurt!

She couldn't hold it back. Right in front of everyone, she vomited everything she'd eaten. Some even splattered on guests' shoes.

People shrieked, scrambling back, all staring at her like she was a rotting pile of garbage.

So this was City Q's so-called top beauty? What a joke.

"Eww, sis, you're gross! You stink!"

Summer popped out cheerfully, made a silly face, and clapped her hands, laughing like she'd just won a prize.

That one comment hit every nerve in Isabella's body.

Her image and reputation were everything. She'd spent a fortune keeping both flawless.

"You idiot, I'll kill you!"

She completely forgot her usual high-society act and lunged at Summer, nails aimed at that smug face.

Noticing guests pulling out phones to record, Summer smirked inwardly. With a flick of her wrist, a silver needle flew.

Isabella's legs gave out, and she fell face-first into her own vomit.

"!!!"

The crowd immediately covered their noses, disgust written all over their faces.

"Take her out. She's no longer welcome,"Alexander said calmly, barely glancing her way. He waved a hand, and his bodyguards moved in immediately.

Even they couldn't hide their revulsion, which only deepened Isabella's humiliation.

"Mr. Barron, please, have mercy!"

Margaret Blake rushed over in a panic, a dark-faced Charles Knight following behind.

Now that Alexander led the Barron Empire, Charles knew better than to challenge him.

He bowed slightly and said,"Mr. Barron, my daughter Isabella misspoke and offended you. She brought this on herself. I hope you can find it in yourself to overlook this."

"Yes, she crossed the line,"Alexander replied coldly, his tone final.

Isabella felt her blood pressure spike, nearly fainting from rage and shame.

Charles, however, acted like nothing had happened. He turned a warm smile to Summer."Summer, you're really moving up in the world-engaged to the heir of the Barron Empire! Just don't follow your sister's example and say the wrong thing to Mr. Barron."

To him, it didn't matter if Summer was a fool. Her fiancé's status meant he, as her father, could benefit. So now he played the doting dad.

But the sugary act made Summer want to vomit.

If she hadn't lived through her past life, she might have believed he cared.

But it was him-this very man-who'd sold her out to Isabella and James Carter, leaving her to die in agony on an operating table.

She would make him pay. 100%.

"Mr. Barron, I'm so sorry,"Margaret stammered, quickly dragging her disgraced daughter toward the exit.

Just then, a deep, commanding voice cut through the noise:

"You think you can bully my future granddaughter-in-law and just walk away?"