Chapter 22 A Push Down the Stairs
The moment was so dazzling, it was no wonder people were gasping.
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Timothy was practically entranced. His eyes were glued to Summer like he couldn’t tear himself away.
And Summer? The corners of her peach blossom eyes lifted slightly as she basked in the admiration, her gaze sparkling with satisfaction.
She thrived on being the center of attention.
Claudia stood a few steps above, calmly taking it all in. She let out a cold laugh and was about to head inside–only for Timothy to block her path again.
“Can’t you see? It’s not just the Taurine family that doesn’t want you here–Alan doesn’t either. Get lost and stop polluting our sight..
Claudia rolled her eyes so hard they nearly got stuck.
She found it impressive that Timothy, even while practically drooling over Summer, still made time to pick a fight with her.
Did he think she wanted to come to this stupid banquet? If Trevor–the dangerous and unreadable big brother–hadn’t personally invited her, she wouldn’t have bothered.
She didn’t even argue. No use reasoning with a lunatic.
Pulling out her phone, Claudia quickly texted Trevor, giving him the gist of the situation and saying she might not be able to attend.
If your little brother wants to act up, she thought, don’t blame me for walking away. I didn’t want to be here anyway.
She was just about to leave when Summer noticed her.
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Summer’s eyes lit up as she lifted her skirt and hurried over on dainty steps.
“Claudia! You’re here too? If I’d known, I would’ve had Alan come pick you up.”
The nausea hit Claudia instantly. She cast a glance at Alan, who was frowning as he walked toward them, and then looked at Summer with a half–smile.
“Little sister, huh? Sure, I’m a bit younger than you–but if we were in ancient times,
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Chapter 22 A Push Down the Stairs
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someone like you would be calling me big sister and serving me tea on your knees. Not that I’d want a sister like you.” Her tone sharpened. “You’re a daughter of a wealthy family, Miss Summer. You might want to learn a little shame.”
The words landed like a slap across the face.
She wasn’t going to hold back anymore–not after yesterday, when she’d already torn down every last pretense with Alan.
Why should she stay silent while they flaunted their affair in public?
Her voice wasn’t loud, but it carried. The curious glances that had started to drift their way suddenly turned piercing and speculative.
Everyone here was someone important, someone sharp. It didn’t take much to figure out Claudia’s meaning.
Summer could feel the shift in the air. She stiffened, then quickly morphed her expression into one of hurt fragility.
“Claudia… we’ve known each other for years. I can’t believe you’d think that of me.”
Alan, just arriving beside her, saw Summer’s wounded look and immediately stepped in, one arm around her.
He turned and glared at Claudia, “We’ll settle this later.”
Claudia laughed in disbelief. She opened her mouth to throw it back in his face-
-and then, without warning, someone shoved her hard.
She lost her balance. Her arms flailed. From the corner of her eye, she caught Timothy’s smug expression as he pulled his hand back.
That maniac!
Claudia, dressed in a full–length gown, couldn’t stop herself. She was going to fall–hard. Down a full flight of steps.
If she didn’t end up seriously injured, it’d be a miracle.
Panicked, she instinctively reached for Alan–he was the closest one.
Alan saw her stumble. For a split second, there was panic in his eyes. His hand twitched upward to catch her.
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Chapter 22 A Push Down the Stairs
But then Summer gasped beside him, losing her balance on her heels.
Alan immediately dropped his hand and turned to steady her instead.
Claudia’s hand froze midair.
And she fell.
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The image of Alan clutching Summer, not even looking her way, burned into her memory like a brand.
She bit down hard, bracing herself for the pain that was about to come..
But before she hit the ground, a strong arm caught her waist and yanked her back.
“Careful,” a deep, velvety voice said near her ear.
Her back pressed against a solid chest that rose and fell with calm, even breaths.
No impact. No blood.
Claudia exhaled shakily, only then realizing her palms and back were soaked in cold sweat.
“Thank you…” she said, turning around.
And froze.
Trevor.
Dressed in a deep purple tux, he wore that same warm smile she remembered. After confirming she was steady, he gently let go and stepped back with quiet grace.
“Trevor?!” Timothy’s voice cracked in disbelief.
Trevor gave his brother a mild, dismissive look but didn’t reply. His gaze shifted to Alan instead.
“It’s been a while. How’s your mother doing?”
The Moore and Taurine families had been close for generations. Their mothers were longtime friends. It was only polite to ask.
“She’s doing fine,” Alan said curtly, his eyes fixed on Claudia.
She met his gaze head–on… then smiled.
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Chapter 22 A Push Down the Stairs
Cold. Detached. Unbothered.
And then she looked away like he wasn’t even worth her attention.
Trevor noticed the tension. His brows lifted slightly, but he said nothing.
After a few more polite words with Alan, he made to leave.
