A lit lighter arced through the air.
Disappeared into the darkness.
The fire roared to life. Shrill meows became agonizing screams—
Then silence.
Something inside me *snapped.*
I scrambled off the floor, lunging at Summer with feral desperation. But before I could reach her, Paul's shoe connected with my ribs, sending me crashing back down.
"Restrain her," he ordered, voice flat.
More bodyguards swarmed in, pinning my limbs to the cold marble.
Emboldened by his support, Summer abandoned all pretense. She slapped me—backhand, forehand—her rings slicing into my cheekbone. Then she grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked my head back, forcing my eyes to the screen.
The charred remains of the room. Blackened walls. Ash drifting through the frame.
Duoduo was gone.
"Hmph." Summer crouched beside me. "You didn't really think you were still the precious eldest daughter of the Simmons family, did you?"
Her lips brushed my ear. A venomous whisper meant only for me.
"You have no idea, do you? Mom and Dad didn't abandon me. They *hid* me. To protect me. They spoiled me rotten while you slaved away building this company."
Her voice dripped with satisfaction.
"All that money you earned? Went straight into my pocket. And now, I'm going to marry into the richest family in this city." She pulled back, studying my face with cold delight. "You're just a worm compared to me."
Paul glanced at the DNA report in her hand. His suspicion crystallized into certainty. He looked at Summer with newfound sympathy—a diamond in the rough, tormented by a jealous imposter for years.
My cheek pressed against the icy tiles. Ears ringing.
"Summer..." I forced the words through my ruined throat. "You will pay for this."
I turned my gaze to Paul. "Assistant Walker! Did you ask her name?!"
Disgust twisted his features.
"Mr. Gilbert was clear. The Simmons family has only one eldest daughter. No one is allowed to challenge her position." He straightened his cuffs. "Continue this, and you'll meet the same end as that cat."
Summer opened her mouth to twist the knife further—
*Ding.*
The elevator doors slid open.
Logan, Katherine, and my brother Peter spilled into the lobby, faces flushed with excitement. The moment they spotted Paul, they practically sprinted over, fawning.
Logan introduced himself with an obsequious bow.
Paul nodded stiffly. "I've informed Mr. Gilbert of the hardships Miss Simmons has endured at home. If she is unattached... Mr. Gilbert would like the opportunity to court her."
Katherine clasped her hands together. "Oh, our Summer is *so* well-behaved and sensible! We would be honored."
Paul naturally attributed Summer's domineering behavior to years of trauma—of being oppressed by me. "I suggest you clear the irrelevant personnel from the premises."
Peter spotted me pinned to the ground and let out a barking laugh.
"See, Kate? You said this company would crumble without you. Looks like *you're* the only one crumbling today!" He jerked his chin toward the exit. "Get out."
Paul turned his attention back to Summer. "Mr. Gilbert also sends his apologies. The three-month delay was only because he wanted to clear his schedule... to spend more time with you." A practiced smile. "He says you are a rare talent."
Summer's smile faltered.
Three months?
She had only ever seen Mr. Gilbert in magazines.
But Logan and Katherine assumed their brilliant daughter had been secretly communicating with the CEO for weeks. They beamed with pride.
"Mr. Gilbert is on his way," Paul added. "He insisted on escorting you personally. Should be arriving any moment."
The blood drained from Summer's face.
