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.

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.