Chapter 6
Every face turned toward Summer.
Before she could speak, someone snatched her handbag from behind. One of Vivian's friends pulled a diamond bracelet from it.
“Here it is! In her bag!”
The room erupted. Someone threw red wine over Summer.
“Ugly, broke, and vicious—and a thief too. That's disgusting.”
“I heard she's sleeping with some rich old man…”
Summer shook with anger. Everywhere she looked, someone had already decided she was guilty.
Vivian wore an injured expression, but couldn't quite hide her triumph.
Adrian frowned at her, his expression unreadable.
His grandfather slammed his glass down so hard it broke.
“She's your assistant, Adrian. You put an end to this.”
Summer took out her phone. Her fingers trembled as she dialed 911.
Adrian caught her wrist with such force that she lost her grip. The phone hit the floor before the call connected.
His expression was grim.
“My apologies, everyone. This reflects poorly on my management. I've allowed someone malicious and unprofessional onto my staff. A formal warning detailing Ms. Bennett's actions tonight will be circulated within Cole Group.”
He gave Summer a warning look.
“And the cost of that bracelet is coming out of your pay.”
Something in her finally snapped.
“Why? I didn't steal it! I didn't switch the gift either! Adrian—”
“Summer Bennett!” His voice cut across hers. “You don't get a say in this.”
She stared at him.
Vivian interjected angrily. “Why aren't you firing her? After everything she's done?”
“She's worked for me for five years. Her ability is beyond question. I'm willing to give her another chance.” There was anger in his voice now as he looked at Vivian. “This is over.”
Something in his stare made Vivian swallow her next objection.
He pulled Summer out of the ballroom.
Once they were out of sight, she wrenched her arm free. She was furious, but her face was strangely composed. Only her trembling voice gave her away.
“What gives you the right to declare me guilty? You know I didn't steal that bracelet.”
“And the gift?” he cut in. “Are the needle marks on Vivian's hands fake? She's terrified of pain. Do you really think she'd hurt herself just to frame you? You tried to set her up. There are consequences. This is your punishment.”
Summer's anger abruptly quieted.
She looked at the man in front of her and felt utterly drained.
She thought she had stopped caring. Yet she could barely breathe. Her chest ached with a dull, numb despair.
He was still speaking, cold and angry.
“I warned you, Summer. You need to remember your place—”
“I understand, Mr. Cole.”
Her voice was flat. She turned and walked away without waiting for him.
His anger faltered. Watching her leave, he frowned.
Why was she so calm?
Before he could think it through, Vivian came out of the ballroom.
“Adrian? What are you looking at?”
He turned back and went inside with her.
Summer returned to her apartment, pulled the covers over her head, and slept.
That night, Cole Group posted an internal notice accusing her of switching the gift and stealing the bracelet. The employees discussed it avidly.
Only three workdays remained before her resignation took effect. Summer requested leave for the rest of them.
On Monday morning, she returned to collect her belongings.
Adrian approached her desk and set down a stack of papers.
Summer looked at them. They were the love letters Vivian had scattered at the party.
