Chapter 8
The next day, while I was at the hospital with Lucas for his rehabilitation, I ran into Xavier again.
And, of course, his so–called childhood sweetheart, Wendy.
She looked much thinner than before. The two of them stood outside a hospital room, arguing loudly enough to draw a crowd.
I had no interest in getting involved.
I turned to leave with Lucas, but Wendy spotted me.
Her eyes burned with fury as she stormed toward me, her hand raised, ready to slap me across the face.
But before she could land the hit, I kicked her hard in the stomach.
She fell to the ground with a gasp, completely stunned.
She hadn’t expected me to fight back.
Pointing at me, she shrieked, “Summer Carter, you bitch!
“How dare you lay a hand on me! Do you have a death wish?”
I didn’t hold back this time.
Setting Lucas down, I swung hard, slapping Wendy across the face–just like she had done to me so many times before.
Standing over her, I smirked.
“And what are you going to do about it? Call the cops?”
Even though the gap between our families had once been massive, I had been keeping a close eye on the Xanders‘ situation.
Their company had already suffered major investment failures. They were drowning in debt. Bankruptcy was inevitable.
“You-” Wendy pointed at me, her hand trembling, but no words came out.
Before she could say anything else, Xavier slowly wheeled himself toward us.
His face was pale, his eyes filled with exhaustion.
His voice was flat, devoid of emotion.
“Enough, Wendy. I know the truth now.
“You staged your own kidnapping just to force me into hurting Lucas.
“It’s over. We have nothing to do with each other anymore. And as for your family–don’t expect me to help.”
1/3
Chapter 8
“Xavier Smith!” Wendy screamed his name, her voice trembling with disbelief.
She pointed at me, eyes wide with desperation.
“You’re really throwing me away for her?
“Have you forgotten who grew up with you? Who made promises with you?”
“I know,” Xavier said flatly. “But that’s all in the past.”
His voice carried no warmth, no hesitation.
He didn’t even glance at the tears welling in Wendy’s eyes.
Instead, he turned toward Lucas, his voice suddenly gentle.
“Lucas, I’m your dad.
