Summer stood gloating, a smug smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she looked at Celia—as if saying, You're finished now.
But Celia stood tall in her long gown, her eyes bright and serene. She looked right at Summer and returned her smile."No, cousin... you're the one who's finished."
Before Justin could even show the phone, Nathaniel Fu spoke up, his voice calm but commanding."I don't want to see these people again. Throw them out."
Throw them out?
Summer's mind reeled.What? Why?
They had just exposed Celia for checking into a hotel room with some "bald old man"—shouldn't Celia be the one thrown out?
This wasn't how things were supposed to go.
Summer looked again at Celia, who wore a look of innocence, as if to say, Why does no one believe the truth?
"Mr. Fu, you can't throw me out," Summer blurted. "I'm the face of Fu Jewelry. I'm supposed to model the collection tonight!"
Nathaniel stood at the top of the steps, his expression unreadable as he looked down at her."Oh, thank you for reminding me. As of now, you're no longer the spokesperson."
What?
She felt like the floor had dropped beneath her.Her position—gone?
"No, Mr. Fu, please, I—"Before she could finish, two security guards in black appeared, covered her mouth, and dragged her out.
They didn't bother being gentle.
Outside, Summer was thrown to the ground with a thud. Her black slit dress spilled open, exposing too much. The spring air was nothing compared to the chill in her veins.
A few men nearby whistled, and one even raised his phone to take a picture."Hey, check her out."
Don't look!You're not worthy—I belong to Nathaniel Fu!
"Ahhh!" Summer screamed, scrambling to cover herself.
Madame Su, Justin, and Liana were also escorted out. Liana rushed to help her daughter up from the ground.
Summer's eyes filled with tears. Tonight had become the most humiliating night of her life.
"Summer, what on earth happened back there?" Madame Su's sharp voice sliced through the air.
"Grandma..." Summer choked, limping toward her. "I don't know why—it just—"
Smack.
A crisp slap landed on her face. Her cheek stung, her head spun from the force.
Justin and Liana gasped."Mother!"
Madame Su stared coldly at her granddaughter."I thought you were the most promising one in the Su family. I invested everything in you—and this is how you repay me? Absolutely disgraceful."
Without another word, Madame Su turned and walked away.
Summer stood frozen, her cheek burning red, tears running freely now. Her fists clenched at her sides as rage twisted her insides.Celia… this isn't over. I swear it's not over between us!
After the dance ended, Celia slipped away from the ballroom and headed for the restroom.
She splashed cold water on her face, trying to calm her racing heart. Her earlobe still tingled—had he really kissed her just now?
No, that couldn't be right.
It must have been a coincidence... just a brush while he was talking.
Why would he kiss me? I'm just Celia.He likes Sylvia.
That had to be it.
She turned off the faucet, preparing to head home, when she heard a familiar "ding." Sylvia's phone vibrated in her bag.
A message from Nathaniel Fu had arrived.
His words were simple but enough to make her heart pound:Come and stay with me tonight.
Celia froze.
So he wanted someone tonight—again—and she had to be the stand-in.
Seriously?
She clenched her fists. Her first instinct was to refuse. But then another message arrived:
If you're not coming tonight, you can stop being Mrs. Fu.
Celia: "..."
What could she even say?
She took a deep breath, calmed her expression, then typed with a sweet and obedient tone:"Hubby, why are you being so mean to me? I'm coming right now~"