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?"

As the voice faded, Old Mr. Barron stepped into full view, his commanding presence instantly dominating the room.

A single cold glance from him was enough to freeze Margaret Blake and Isabella Knight in place-they didn't dare take another step.

Seeing him up close, Summer Knight's eyes trembled slightly.

In her past life, aside from Alexander, Old Mr. Barron had been the kindest to her.

He hadn't liked her at first-who would, given she had the mind of a six-year-old?-but after she married into the family, he treated her like his own granddaughter.

Yet she'd been completely blind back then. She actually helped Isabella and James Carter steal critical documents from Alexander. causing the Barron Empire to collapse overnight and nearly sending Alexander to prison.

And after all that, she ran off with James, leaving Old Mr. Barron so enraged he collapsed on the spot, was hospitalized, and soon passed away.

Remembering it now-the guilt was almost unbearable.

This time, she swore she would not repeat those mistakes.

Everything at tonight's banquet was part of her plan.

She was using Isabella to earn Old Mr. Barron's favor. From now on, she would honor and protect him.

"Summer is my granddaughter-in-law. I won't allow anyone to treat her this way. Apologize. On your knees. Now."

Old Mr. Barron's cane struck the floor sharply, his voice cold and clear, like a mountain spring cutting through silence.

Originally, he'd thought Isabella-beautiful and a medical prodigy-would be the perfect wife to support Alexander when he took over the Barron Empire.

But that morning, Alexander had come to him and explained that under the influence of some drug, he'd accidentally been with Summer.

And since the Barrons always took responsibility, Old Mr. Barron personally approved the marriage switch with the Knight family.

So what if Summer wasn't all there? She was still a Barron daughter-in-law. Not some punching bag for others to abuse.

Tonight, he wasn't just protecting Summer-he was making a statement. Alexander was not to be challenged.

The Knight family? They were the perfect example.

Summer could tell Old Mr. Barron was defending her. Her eyes glistened briefly with emotion, but she quickly blinked it away.

This kindness-she would remember it.

But Isabella couldn't hold her tongue. Without thinking, she snapped,"I won't apologize! Why should I kneel to an idiot?!"

"Out of line!"

Old Mr. Barron struck his cane again, his expression colder than ice. The air itself seemed to freeze.

"Charles Knight, is this how your family raises its children?"

He narrowed his eyes at Charles. Though his tone was calm, the pressure behind it made Charles sway on his feet, nearly buckling.

"M-Mr. Barron. I'm sorry! It's my fault-I failed to teach her properly. I'll make sure she apologizes!"

He was terrified the Barron family could ruin them overnight. In City Q, if Old Mr. Barron decided to destroy you, he only needed to lift a finger-the whole city would tremble.

Without hesitation, Charles turned and slapped his daughter hard across the face.

When power was on the line, even his own child came second.

"Dad!"

Isabella clutched her cheek in disbelief, pain and shock written all over her face as she stared at Charles.

Her father, who had never so much as raised his voice at her, had just hit her?

"Isabella, kneel and apologize to Summer. Now!"Charles shouted sharply.

With all of City Q's elite watching-including Old Mr. Barron and Alexander-the weight of the moment crushed her. There was no way out.

Eyes brimming with unshed tears, Isabella slowly walked over to Summer-the so-called idiot sister she'd always bullied-and dropped to her knees, humiliation burning through her.

"I'm sorry, sis. Please forgive me."The words were forced through gritted teeth.

"Too quiet,"Alexander remarked casually, his voice chilling the air.

He had already ordered Ethan Hart to wait outside. Once security removed Isabella, she was as good as gone-and no one would ask what happened next.

But since his grandfather had stepped in, he'd let it go. For now.

When Alexander spoke, Isabella flinched. She glared at him, furious, but the moment their eyes met-the icy sharpness in his gaze made her soul shudder. She looked away instantly, fear swallowing her defiance.

She clenched her fists and raised her voice:"I'm sorry, sister! Please forgive me!"

Summer laughed coldly inside, then bounced toward Isabella like an excited child.

Everyone braced-expecting her to lash out-but instead, she sniffled. and burst into tears.

"Waaah. I don't blame my sister! I love her so much! Even though she made me serve her coffee every day and clean the toilets at home. I never held it against her!"

Her dramatic sobbing and pitiful tone instantly shifted the mood. The crowd began murmuring. The way they looked at Isabella and her family changed completely.

"They've been fooling everyone all this time."

"And this poor girl still forgives them?"

It all made sense now-the Knight family had put on a great show of caring for Summer, but behind closed doors, they'd been abusing her. And this "fool" still chose to be kind.

"When did I ever-mmph!"

Isabella shot up, ready to scream that she never made Summer clean anything, but Margaret quickly slapped a hand over her mouth to stop her from digging a deeper hole.

Old Mr. Barron thought of what his steward had reported earlier-realizing this was far from the first time. He slammed his cane onto the marble again, the sound sharp and final.

"Get out! Charles Knight, take your wife and second daughter and leave. Now."

He meant it.

"Get lost already! You make me sick!"someone from the crowd yelled.

Insults flew one after another. All Charles could do was keep his head down and drag a furious Isabella and a panicked Margaret away, tails between their legs.

Summer watched them go, utterly satisfied.

What a performance.

Then-suddenly-she felt someone take her hand. Her eyes widened as she looked down.

It was Alexander.

Before she could react, he pulled her onto the stage, right in front of everyone.

"Summer Knight is my fiancée,"he announced clearly,"and the future lady of the Barron Empire."

"Everything the Barron Empire has-will be shared with her."

Boom.

His words landed like thunder.

The crowd erupted.

Alexander Barron just said he'd share everything. with her?

With that "crazy" girl?