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.

"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.