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?

Even Summer Knight herself was stunned.

The words ringing in her ears seemed to overlap with the loving vows Alexander Barron had made to her in their past life. Back then, he'd showered her with everything he owned, treating her like precious treasure. For a moment, it almost made her believe nothing had changed-that the way he looked at her still held the same deep affection.

But now? When she glanced at him, grinning like a fool, he just kept turning his face away.

So it was true-this version of him didn't love her at all.

He was only marrying her because of that one accidental night.

-

Outside the engagement venue-

Margaret Blake was trying to pull a disheveled Isabella Knight into the car, but Isabella refused to move.

"Mom, why did you stop me? I was about to tell everyone we never made that idiot do any-"

Before she could finish, Charles Knight slapped her hard across the face.

"Watch your tongue! That 'idiot' is your sister!"

That was the second time Charles had hit her. Isabella completely lost it.

"She IS an idiot! Everyone in City Q knows it! Why does SHE get to become the future Mrs. Barron? That was supposed to be MY position!"

Right then, she looked completely unhinged, spewing venom like a madwoman. The perfect image she'd carefully built over years shattered in an instant.

Furious, Charles raised his hand to slap her again.

But Margaret stepped between them, clearly upset."Charles, she's just in shock. Don't be too hard on her-I'll talk to her."

"Talk? She's the one who handed her engagement to Alexander over to that fool Summer! Who else can she blame but herself?"

Charles was seething. He'd invested so much in raising his second daughter, only to find her nothing but a spoiled, reckless girl who couldn't keep her mouth shut-even managing to offend Old Mr. Barron! Their whole family had become a joke among City Q's elite. He'd had enough. Without another word, he left the mother and daughter behind and got into the car alone.

"Isabella, just let it go. That girl is Alexander's fiancée now. It's done,"Margaret pleaded.

"No! I won't accept this!"Isabella screamed, eyes bloodshot. She shoved her mother aside and stormed back toward the banquet hall.

All she could think about was taking back what was rightfully hers.

-

Inside the venue, Alexander ignored the buzzing crowd, his face unreadable, and calmly announced:"Summer and I will be married in exactly one month. We look forward to your presence."

Then he tightened his grip on Summer's hand and led her away.

He had plans for his girl before taking her back to the Knight residence.

Just as she reentered the hall, Isabella overheard the announcement-Summer was really going to become the future Mrs. Barron? For real?

That idiot was going to walk all over her?

Why?!

Isabella was practically green with envy.

Fine-if she couldn't have the title, she'd make sure no one else could keep it, either.

The hatred burning in Isabella's eyes didn't escape Summer, who had just stepped off the stage.

Still wearing her clueless grin, Summer hid every trace of cunning behind that foolish mask.

Alexander followed her gaze and noticed Isabella.

Immediately, he signaled his assistant, Ethan Hart, with a look.

Ethan understood and moved swiftly toward Isabella.

Alexander tugged lightly at Summer's hand, pulling her attention back as they began to leave.

"Wait! Miss Knight, did you drop this?"

A voice called out from behind them.

Summer narrowed her eyes slightly and turned-only to see a slender, familiar figure.

Her?

Her eyelashes fluttered almost imperceptibly.

So the timeline had shifted. She was meeting Grace Hill earlier than expected. Grace-the kind girl who'd helped her in her past life and paid for it with her life.

Summer bounded over, eyes wide and sparkling with feigned innocence.

"Pretty lady, are you a nurse? Are you gonna give me a shot? Can you be reaaally gentle? I'm super scared of needles!"

She pouted and clutched the hem of Grace's uniform like a lost child, her face a mask of exaggerated fear.

From where he stood, Alexander could see Grace looking visibly stunned.

His brows drew together. Without a word, he strode over and took Summer's hand.

"Let's go."

"Bye, pretty nurse! I'll come find you next time for my shot, okay?"

Even as he pulled her away, Summer turned back with a cheerful wave, her grin wide and bright.

She needed allies in this life-and Grace was a perfect start.

Long after Summer disappeared, Grace finally snapped out of it. Her pupils dilated, and her neatly shaped brows knitted tightly.

The girl everyone called the town fool had just leaned in and whispered:

"If you want to know what really happened at Isabella's birthday party last month, come to the Knight villa tonight. Alone."

No matter how many times Grace replayed it, there was nothing foolish about Summer's tone-it was calm, controlled, nothing like the six-year-old mind people described.

-

Walking with Summer toward the private lounge, Alexander could still faintly hear Old Mr. Barron addressing the guests behind them.

Once people began murmuring about Alexander's sudden exit, Old Mr. Barron had stepped up to speak.

"To allow Summer and Alexander to deepen their bond, she will be moving to his private island starting today. She will remain there for one month."

This one-month arrangement had been agreed upon by him and Alexander beforehand.

It was during this time Alexander planned to purge the family-to remove the growing threat from the second branch.

And in return?

All he wanted was Summer.

But Summer still couldn't figure it out-what had Alexander done to make Old Mr. Barron go from cold indifference to full support and protection?

Inside the lounge, Alexander led her in and shut the door firmly behind them.

Summer blinked up at him, taking in the dangerous glint in his fox-like eyes and the faint, teasing curl of his lips.

"What do you think I'm going to do to you now, little fool?"

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear, his voice a low, teasing murmur-like Death swinging his scythe.

And she was the soul caught in its arc.

"I dunno. What is big brother gonna do to Summer?"

She tilted her head, eyes wide and innocent like a clueless child.

Still pretending.

Still acting the fool.

But Alexander wasn't buying it. His little fool was far too sharp.

That silver needle in her palm, the whispered words to Grace-the clues were adding up.

His smirk widened, a faint amusement touching his lips that didn't reach his eyes.

"Well then, big brother wants to see Summer's little secret. Let's find where you're hiding it."

Before Summer could grasp his meaning, he moved quickly.

But the moment his fingers brushed against her, his expression shifted.

This doesn't feel. right.