Chapter 61 A Battle of Scars
“Summer, we need to talk.”
Summer looked at Peyton. Her long hair was flowing behind her, and she walked up to Summer.
Summer hadn’t intended to pay her any attention, but the kidnapping incident was still unresolved. If Margaret wasn’t behind it, then there was a high chance that Peyton had something to do with it.
Summer needed answers. Who was the one who had set her up?
“Alright.” Summer followed Peyton back to her hospital room.
It was the exclusive VIP suite on the top floor. Rather than calling it a hospital room, the more precise description of it was a five–star hotel suite. Luxurious, spotless, and spacious. It cost about a hundred thousand dollars to spend a night here.
From what Summer knew, Payton had been living here for over a year. Money was never a problem for her.
After all, the Smith family was a prestigious family in Havenbrook, having built their fortune through branding and later expanding into the luxury retail industry. Unlike the Stewart family, which owned a comprehensive chain of shopping malls.
But despite being born into such wealth, Peyton was anything but fortunate. She was the illegitimate daughter of Bryson Smith, born by one of his mistresses–Maisie. Even worse was that Maisie was a lowly KTV hostess, a woman whose past was riddled with men whose names she probably could not even
remember.
Years ago, when Maisie brought baby Peyton to confront Bryson, demanding recognition, it was nothing short of a farce. A forced DNA test had proven that Peyton was indeed his daughter. But even so, the Smith family would never accept Maisie. Especially not when Bryson already had a legal wife.
For over twenty years, Peyton had been utterly despised by the Smith family. Bryson’s wife, in particular, had never stopped trying to suppress her. So, there was no doubt Trevor was the one paying for Peyton’s luxurious hospital stay. It means, even when Trevor was with Summer, he had provided Peyton with the best medical team unconditionally.
Summer cast a casual glance around the room. She had no intention of reminiscing with Peyton. Without any pretense, she got straight to the point. “Were the kidnappers that day sent by you?”
Peyton poured herself a cup of hot water; the corner of her lips curved into a smirk, tinged with malicious glee. With a probing tone, she asked, “So… did they rape you? Are you… tainted now, Summer?”
The other day at the wedding, Peyton had clearly heard the desperate phone call for help from Summer, loud and clear. Her instincts told her that the kidnapping was real. After all, Summer had always been the one on the losing side throughout all the years their paths had crossed.
Deep down, Summer was just as proud. Otherwise, how could Peyton have so effortlessly gotten Trevor away from her every single time?
On the day of the wedding, Peyton had played the game to perfection. Retreating just to advance, saying exactly what she knew would shake Trevor.
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Chapter 61 A Battle of Scars
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heart at all. So what if you were his girlfriend? It was nothing more than a meaningless title. If I were you, I’d cut my losses and leave while I still had a shred of dignity. There’s no point making a fool of yourself any longer.”
If it had been just a while ago, Summer might have wavered at these words.
But now, there was no love left in her for Trevor.
And as for Peyton’s attempts to provoke her, they were nothing but laughable.
How had she ever let this woman’s petty words cut so deep, keeping her awake night after night?
Summer’s expression remained cold: “I have no interest in wasting words with you. Just tell me–was it you?”
Peyton let out a derisive snort. “If anyone in this world wants you gone, it’s me. But do you really think I’d be stupid enough to stir up trouble on my own wedding day? Give you the perfect excuse to drag Trevor away? But judging by how disturbed you are, I bet the kidnappers actually got to you, didn’t they?”
The very thought of Summer being raped seemed to ignite something in Peyton. Her expression lit up with twisted delight.
“Summer, you’re completely ruined now. No one will ever want you again. Tell me, how did it feel? How did it feel to be raped by a bunch of filthy criminals? Oh, I feel just so sorry for you.”
Summer stared at Peyton, watching her burst into maniacal laughter, studying every flicker of expression on her face.
That day had been Peyton’s long–awaited wedding. If she had truly wanted to destroy Summer, she could have chosen any day but that day.
Besides, Peyton had always loved playing the helpless victim in front of others.
But with Summer, there was no pretense. Peyton’s hatred burned openly, and her hostility was razor–sharp. If she wanted to destroy Summer, she would not resort to deception. Instead, she would do it outright with blade in hand.
Peyton had no reason to lie.
Summer’s gaze dropped to the cup of steaming water in Peyton’s grasp. She instinctively took two steps back. Her hand was already injured. If that scalding water landed on her, she might as well be done for.
with
Then, she smiled. “Peyton, don’t celebrate too soon. You love Trevor so much, yet he never broke up me for you. That only proves that, in his heart, you’re just as insignificant.”
The words struck Peyton like a blade to the heart.
Yes, no matter how well Trevor had treated her over the years, he had never been willing to give her a title and acknowledge her.
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