Chapter 39

“Huh? Why won’t this door open?” “Summer, Mr. Barron—Mom and Dad sent me to find you. Is everything alright in there?” Footsteps drew nearer, followed by the jiggling of the doorknob and Isabella’s deceptively sweet voice. That’s when it hit Summer: Isabella was right outside. If Isabella saw her and Alexander emerging together from a locked bathroom… the scandal wouldn’t just hurt her—it would tarnish Alexander’s reputation, too. He had just taken over the Barron Empire. Now was the worst possible time for rumors. “Hey… my sister’s outside. Could you let me go, please?” Summer’s body went rigid. She gave Alexander a light push, but it was useless. She bit her lip, wrapped her soft arms tighter around his waist, and looked up at him with tear-filled, pleading eyes. He remained utterly calm, almost amused. His voice was a low, steady murmur, like steam in a quiet room. “Why so nervous? We’re engaged.” Outside, Isabella kept calling. Summer grew more anxious by the second. She could easi