Chapter 6

Alexander Barron? The moment she saw him, Summer Knight felt a dizzying rush of surprise and joy. She hadn’t expected him to step in like that. And the fact that he’d shown up to their engagement party—did that mean he was willing to go through with it? Under the soft glow of the crystal chandelier, Alexander’s sharply defined features looked even more mesmerizing, adding a dangerous, mysterious edge to his already god-like looks. He resembled an untouchable sculpture from Greek myth. Sharp, angled brows, deep-set eyes that held a hint of wickedness, lips so finely cut they looked carved—every part of his face was impossibly perfect. The whole room had fallen into a stunned silence. Truth was, no wealthy young master in City Q could hold a candle to him. “Who is that?” “Hey, little fool. Done staring?” Summer’s dazed expression drew a soft, low chuckle from Alexander. He leaned in close, his voice a husky murmur that brushed against her ear like dark velvet. Even when he wasn’t smiling, he was breathtaking. But when he did? It was like watching glaciers melt. His voice snapped her back to reality, but the blush spreading across her cheeks—and the tips of her ears—gave away just how flustered she was. And when her eyes met his—dark, unfathomable, like a still, deep lake—her heart skipped. She nearly forgot to keep playing her role. Still, Summer caught herself quickly. She kept gazing at him like an infatuated kitten and beamed sheepishly.“Big brother, what did you eat to grow up so pretty? Tell Summer! I wanna be pretty like you, too!” Alexander had never heard her compliment his looks before. Clearly, it pleased him—a subtle glint flickered in his eyes. “But what’s this thing you have that Summer doesn’t? Hmph! Now Summer’s jealous!” And then—just like that—she reached out and lightly touched his Adam’s apple. Soft. Dangerous. Tempting. Yeah, big mistake. That one touch was like stepping on a tiger’s tail. There was no walking away unscathed. Alexander’s breath hitched. His eyes darkened, simmering with intensity. He was still silent when Summer pouted, her candy-glossy pink lips practically begging to be kissed. Good thing he’d had his fill just the night before. Still riding the wave of that memory, Alexander was about to spoil his little fool with something sweet—when an unwelcome voice cut in. “Excuse me? You just ruined my dress!” Isabella Knight had tried to humiliate Summer, only to have her plan backfire—leaving herself drenched in wine. To make it worse, the whole scene had been caught on camera. Flushed with rage, she yanked a shawl from a nearby socialite to clumsily cover herself. Then, storming over, she zeroed in on Alexander, ready for a fight. Since his back was to her, she couldn’t see his face and had no idea who he was. But in her book? Anyone who helped Summer was an enemy. And she was going to make him pay. “Huh?” Alexander was not pleased by the interruption. His face cooled, lips thinning, brows knitting with clear irritation. Even that single glance over his shoulder sent a chill through the air. His gaze was ice, his expression detached—but that one look had Isabella gas softly, her heart hammering, face heating in an instant. She’d been circulating among City Q’s elite for years and had never seen a man who carried himself like this. He didn’t need to say a word. Just standing there, he was the undeniable center of gravity—and for once, Isabella couldn’t look away. “What ‘huh’? I’m talking to you! Do you even know who I am? I’m Isabella Knight, the second daughter of the Knight family! Apologize nicely, and maybe I’ll let this slide.” Isabella had always carried herself like royalty, convinced everyone in City Q knew her as both a beauty and a medical prodigy. In her mind, even if this man was some scion of wealth, he ought to show her respect. “You can’t bully big brother, Isabella! I won’t let you!” The moment Isabella demanded that apology, Summer’s temper flared. She remembered this from her past life. Her eyes darkened, and she rushed forward without hesitation to shield Alexander. That beautiful, innocent face now held a fierce protectiveness that made Alexander unsure whether to laugh or sigh. But he did catch the faint glint in her hand. A silver needle, nearly invisible. Summer still remembered—at this point in her past life, Alexander hadn’t yet taken over the Barron empire. He was still an overlooked figure in the family. If he offended Isabella now, the rest of the Barrons wouldn’t just ignore it—they’d mock him. She refused to let her man be humiliated like that again. Summer was ready to shut Isabella up—permanently. But just as she moved, Alexander stepped smoothly in front of her. “You want an apology from me? Are you sure you’re worthy?” His voice was calm, but the words cut like a blade. Isabella stared, stunned, then snapped back, face twisted in anger and disbelief.“And why wouldn’t I be? What, are you the host tonight? You’re claiming to be the CEO of Barron Enterprises now?” “…Yes.” His strikingly handsome face remained unreadable, but Alexander gave a slow, deliberate nod. “You—you’re actually saying you’re the head of the Barron empire? Really?”Isabella laughed until tears gathered in her eyes.“Did everyone hear that? This guy claims he’s the CEO!” She knew the Barron family better than anyone here. If James Carter hadn’t promised to help her swindle Summer’s inheritance and hand it to her, the man she intended to marry was supposed to be the real CEO. There were only three Barron sons. Alexander—the “ugly,” ignored eldest. The third son was still studying abroad. Both had been ruled out as heirs long ago. That left only Daniel Barron from the second branch—the actual future head. She’d met Daniel once. He looked nothing like the man in front of her. And yet this random guy thought he could impersonate the CEO? What a joke. Isabella laughed loud and scornfully, and the guests around her joined in, scoffing at Alexander like he was delusional. Summer, meanwhile, was seething. Her silver needle shot out like lightning toward Isabella’s throat. Almost no one noticed—except Alexander. All Isabella felt was a faint prick on her neck, like a mosquito bite. She brushed it off. Instead, she sneered and yelled,“Security! This man is impersonating the CEO of Barron Enterprises! Get him out of here!” The guards, always eager to please the powerful, strutted over with fierce expressions—until they saw Alexander’s face. Then their legs gave way. Thud. The head guard dropped straight to his knees. “M-Mr. Barron! Sir! F-forgive me! I didn’t recognize you!” Mr. Barron? Alexander? The CEO of Barron Enterprises?!