Chapter 4

I yanked the IV from my arm. Blood backflowed, staining half my hand red.

I took a cab through the pouring rain to Adrian's private villa.

Adrian was celebrating Ruby's birthday there tonight.

The forensic report was in the study.

I was soaked to the bone, looking like a beggar as I burst into the villa.

The main hall was ablaze with lights, music pounding loud enough to hurt.

A crowd of well-dressed men and women were partying.

At the center were Adrian and Ruby.

Ruby wore a pristine white evening gown, nestled in Adrian's arms.

It was the dress I'd worn at our wedding reception.

"Adrian and Ruby are such a perfect match!"

"That Summer Lincoln is nothing."

Adrian stroked Ruby's hair affectionately.

I stood in the doorway, rainwater dripping from my hair onto the carpet.

"Adrian. Give me the report."

My voice wasn't loud, but in the brief pause between songs, it rang clearly through the hall.

Everyone turned to look at me.

Their eyes glittered with anticipation, eager for the drama.

Adrian swirled his wine glass lazily, looking down at me.

"Summer, you're getting more and more out of line."

"This is Ruby's birthday party. Why are you dressed like you're attending a funeral?"

Ruby lifted her skirt and walked over, covering her mouth in mock surprise.

"Oh, don't be mad! I just thought this wedding dress was so beautiful—I wanted to try it on."

"Adrian said I look way better in it than you do. Why don't you just give it to me?"

I stared hard at Adrian.

"I just want the report. Keep the dress. Keep Adrian. I don't want any of it."

Adrian's expression darkened instantly.

He slammed his glass down on the table and pointed at the broken glass scattered on the floor.

Someone had knocked over a champagne tower earlier.

"You want the report? Fine."

"Crawl over here on your knees. Hold up Ruby's train so the dirty glass doesn't stain her wedding dress."

"If you make her happy, I'll give you the report."

The room fell silent.

Then erupted in even louder laughter.

"Crawl! For your brother, what's a little crawling?"

"Adrian really knows how to have fun!"

I looked at the sea of broken glass, the sharp edges glinting coldly.

Then I looked at Adrian's emotionless face.

For Cameron.

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and dropped to my knees.

The moment my knees touched the glass, searing pain shot through me.

Blood instantly stained the white carpet.

I bit down hard and crawled forward, one agonizing movement at a time.

Every inch I crawled left a trail of blood behind me.

The room filled with jeers and whistles.

I crawled to Ruby's feet and lifted her train with shaking hands.

Adrian watched the scene, a flicker of something complicated crossing his eyes—but it was quickly replaced by satisfaction.

He pulled an envelope from his jacket and tossed it in front of me.

"Take it. That's what you wanted."

I grabbed it like a lifeline, my hands trembling as I opened it.

But the moment I saw what was inside, my blood ran cold.

This wasn't the forensic report.

It was a confession letter!

Written in a forgery of Cameron's handwriting, admitting to all charges!

"Adrian..."

I looked up at him, rage blazing in my eyes.

Adrian smiled lightly.

"Cameron entered the same national competition that Ruby competed in. I think this confession suits him better."

"I'll help him get a reduced sentence. He'll only have to serve three to five years."

Ruby crouched in front of me innocently, her big eyes blinking.

"Sorry, sis. I made a bet with my friends that I'd win that competition. Your brother's just going to have to stay inside for a while."

Every shred of sanity I had left shattered in that moment.

I grabbed a steak knife from the table and lunged at Ruby.

Ruby stumbled backward in panic.

"Help! She's trying to kill me!"

She flailed wildly, knocking over a massive candelabra on the table.

The burning candles rolled off and ignited the flammable drapes.

Flames shot up, racing along the carpet.

"Fire! Run!"

The crowd screamed and scattered.

The fire spread with terrifying speed, thick smoke billowing everywhere.

Adrian's face changed. Without hesitation, he scooped Ruby into his arms.

"Ruby, don't be scared. I'll get you out!"

He charged toward the door.

On his way, he kicked over a storage shelf that was blocking the path.

The heavy wooden frame crashed down and pinned both my legs.

Crack. The sound of bones snapping.

I screamed. I was trapped.

Through the flames, I watched Adrian carry Ruby out the front door.

Smoke choked my lungs. My chest burned.

The temperature around me climbed higher. My skin began to blister.

I looked down at the fake confession in my hand, pulled out a lighter, and set it on fire.

The flames reflected in my tear-filled eyes.

If I'm going to die, I'll die completely.

A massive explosion shook the villa.

Everything went dark.