Chapter 24

“Just stay calm—I’ll be right there!” Charles Knight hung up in a rush. By now, he’d completely forgotten about questioning Summer’s finances. His only thought was to get home and contain the disaster. “Mr. Barron, my deepest apologies—a family emergency. I must take my leave immediately. Rain check?” With that, Charles turned and practically bolted out the door, all pretense of decorum forgotten. Margaret had just called, telling him reporters had surrounded their villa, chasing a tip about his tax evasion. Now, with every major outlet in City Q scrambling for a scoop, the Knight residence was under siege, journalists shouting questions nonstop. Charles’s heart hammered. This was supposed to be airtight—no one should have known. So who talked? Someone on the inside? Summer watched Charles’s hurried retreat, her gaze cold and sharp—icy enough to make anyone shiver. Because he’d always thought she was a fool, Charles had never bothered hiding anything from her. Now, reborn and clear-min