Summer set down her coffee, cruel delight dancing in her eyes. "Well, well. If it isn't the cuckoo who stole the nest."
She looked me up and down. "You pitiful little worm. Now that I'm back, you can join this group of cripples and get the hell out."
Gone was the fragile victim from the villa. This was pure, unadulterated entitlement.
I turned my head. Jonathan stood nearby, a bright red handprint searing his cheek.
I wrenched against the guards' grip. "Do you have *any* idea what you're doing? You're gutting this company!" I shouted. "Let me go and rehire these people immediately!"
Summer scoffed. "You? Command *me*?" She jerked her chin toward the stairs. "That old geezer—is he your lover?"
She made a gagging noise. "So *that's* why you refused the marriage alliance. You have a thing for geriatrics? God, Sister, your tastes are disgusting."
Before I could retort, the elevator doors pinged.
A group of men in sharp suits strode in.
"Which one of you is Ms. Simmons?" the lead man asked.
He surveyed the chaotic scene, his brow furrowing in distaste. "Mr. Gilbert stated he will only cooperate with Miss Simmons. Wherever Miss Simmons goes, this contract follows."
Summer didn't recognize the man, but she heard the magic word.
*Gilbert.*
The richest family in the capital. The marriage alliance her parents coveted. She had overheard her father on the phone yesterday—Mr. Gilbert had personally set up a meeting after hearing the Simmons name.
It had to be because of her.
He was interested.
Summer waved her hand frantically. "That's me! I'm Miss Simmons!"
Paul Walker, Mr. Gilbert's executive assistant, studied her. He hadn't expected the office to look like a war zone, but his orders were specific: deliver the offer to the woman running the show.
He walked over and handed the draft contract to Summer.
"Miss Simmons," Paul said, his tone professional. "If there is still room to salvage the situation, you are welcome at the Gilbert Group."
He adjusted his glasses. "The compensation will match or exceed your current package. If you are willing, you can start immediately as a Vice President. Mr. Gilbert believes that even if you parachute in, your capabilities will silence any doubters."
Summer clutched the document, her eyes widening in triumph.
She completely missed the fact that the offer was for a business executive.
Not a socialite bride.