Chapter 23
Word of the whole fiasco traveled fast, and it didn’t take long for Sam to hear about it. He could barely wait before dialing Summer’s number, eager to spill the news.
On the other side of the world, in a sunny estate somewhere in North Carolina, Summer was tending her rose garden. The morning sun sparkled through the mist from her hose, casting little rainbows across the petals and making everything feel brighter. Just as she was about to move on to the next patch, her phone started ringing from the patio table.
She handed the hose to a housekeeper, took a towel from another, and dried her hands before picking up the phone.
The second she answered, Sam came through, buzzing with excitement.
“Summer! You won’t believe what happened!”
She sank into a rocking chair nearby, a small smile playing at her lips.
“What now, Sam?”
It had been a year since she moved to the States with her parents for treatment. Those days back home? She’d rather forget. The pain wasn’t worth reliving. But gossip about Alan and Lena? That was always a welcome distraction–one of the few things that made her laugh during her recovery.
She took a sip of her iced coffee and listened as Sam launched into the story, full of drama as always.
“So get this–Alan was completely against sleeping with Lena, but his mom went ahead and drugged him. Now Lena’s pregnant, and his mom’s shielding her like she’s some kind of treasure. Alan can’t even get near her. He just sits around the mansion, getting wasted all day.”
Sam paused for effect.
Summer frowned, a flash
Of
only
Sam must have picked up on it,
“Don’t worry, I handled it. Sent
her face.
e quick
tried to lighten the mood.
in to sneak a beating onto him. He’s so swollen now, he can barely talk.”
Summer burst out laughing, the tension fading from her shoulders.
3 5 5 3 5 8 5
Just then, a housekeeper came over and spoke softly, “Miss, it’s time for your facial.”
Sam must have overheard, because he wrapped up the call.
“Go on, enjoy your pampering. I’ll let you go.“”
Summer hung up, and let herself be led to her in–home spa. She changed into a soft robe and lay down, closing her eyes as a staff member gently cleansed her face, applied creams, and massaged her skin. Another housekeeper stood nearby, quietly reading out her schedule for next week.
Ever since her brother went back home to take over the Jefferson family business, Summer had been in charge of their operations in America. To help her meet new
contacts, her parents were throwing a big charity auction for her next weekend–inviting all sorts of big names. She knew she had to be ready.
After her facial, the housekeeper led her to her walk–in closet, where five designer
planned every detail–her gown, her hair, her jewelry, her makeup.
Soon enough, the night of the auction arrived.
were already waiting. They took her measurements, discussed dress designs, and
Technically, it was an auction, but really it was the social event of the season. The ballroom was buzzing–lights dazzling, laughter everywhere, the rich scent of wine in the air as glasses clinked and servers weaved quietly through the crowd, making sure everyone had a great time.
With, gentle music playing in the background, Summer walked in wearing a striking red dress, a ruby necklace shining at her collarbone. She raised her glass in greeting, nodding to guests across the room before turning to chat with someone new.
As the lights slowly dimmed, staff guided everyone to their seats. The whole room turned their eyes to the stage, anticipation building as the first auction items were unveiled.
Chapter 24
Chapter 24
The first auction item was unveiled in a flourish, and the moment the velvet was pulled back, the entire room fell into a hush of awe.
Everyone knew the Jefferson family’s reputation. Generations of jewelers, their vaults overflowing with treasures most people could only dream of–each piece rarer and more valuable than the last. Even the most ordinary item from their hands was enough to set off a frenzy.%
Tonight’s opener? A stunning emerald jewelry set, glinting under the lights./
Starting bid: thirty million dollars. Minimum raise: five million each time.}
As the auctioneer brought down the gavel, paddles shot up everywhere, the room buzzing with energy. The auction moved fast, and soon it was time for the grand finale.
The auctioneer nodded at her. Summer stood, smoothing her gown, and walked gracefully to the stage. She took the microphone, her voice steady, her eyes bright.?
“This last piece is special to me,” she began. “It was the very first design I ever created when I started working with jewelry. I poured my heart into it, and tonight, whatever it sells for will go to a foundation I’m establishing–to help others chase their own design dreams.”
She pulled off the red velvet cover. The lights hit a sapphire ring, and the room seemed to hold its breath.
Summer handed the mic back and slipped quietly to her seat as the final bidding began.
The numbers climbed, higher and higher, quickly surpassing the ring’s actual value–yet still, hands kept going up.”
“One hundred million!”
“One hundred and twenty million rites
She glanced around, following the
soon spotted a familiar face in the crowd–Liam Turner, the younger Turner heir. He was the doctor who’d treated her
after her accident, the one who’d been by her side through everything–and the one who’d been quietly, persistently, trying to win her heart.”
Summer was just about to stop
“Congratulations to Mr. Turner!”
down./
bidding when the auctioneer’s gavel carnEPT
Applause filled the room as Liam accepted the ring box, flashing her a small, knowing smile.
Later, under the soft glow of the entryway lights, Summer stood at the front doors, sending off the last guests, her smile warm but a little tired. When the final car pulled away and the night was quiet again, she finally let out a deep breath and turned to find Liam waiting.
“Mr. Turner-” she started.
He cut her off gently. “Call me Liam.”
ring than it’s worth. If you want, I can-”
or
rif
it’s something you love, it’s worth it to me. Always.”
a breath, deciding it was better to be honest.
She ignored him, keeping her tone formal. “Mr. Turner, you paid far more for “Summer…” His eyes softened, a hint of hurt there. “I don’t care about the price. If
She met his gaze, trying to understand why someone like him cared so much. She
“Mr. Turner, you know about my marriage. It was a disaster. I don’t want to start over. He looked at her, unwavering. “I understand. But I can wait. However long it takes- Summer gave a bitter little smile. “Even waiting won’t change anything. My last relationship lasted twelve marriage. We still ended in heartbreak.”
“Don’t wait for me, Liam. There’s no future here.”
, maybe not ever.”
-a year, two, teri,y–I’ll wait for you.”
sas childhood sweethearts, then five years of
She turned to go, but he caught her hand, holding her back. When she looked over her shoulder, his eyes held nothing but sincerity.”
“I don’t know what your ex did, Summer. But I do know myself–I can promise you, I’ll never betray you.”
She almost laughed. In fact, she did–soft, bitter laughter, until tears pricked her eyes. Finally, she pulled her hand
away.
“That’s what he promised, too. And look how that turned out.”
She didn’t look back as she walked away, and this time, Liam let her go.
He stayed there, alone in the night, long after she’d disappeared.
Back in her room, Summer started packing. She was heading to Africa soon, to visit a mining site for research. Just to be safe, she packed two phones.“>
Her old phone was dead, so she plugged it in. Almost immediately, it started to ring. When she saw the caller ID, her face darkened.
She sighed and answered. “Hello?”
On the other end, something crashed, followed by a rush of frantic breathing. She was about to hang up when, finally, a shaky, uncertain voice came through. “Summer?”
Chapter 25
