Summer’s POV
“What are you all doing here?”
The words left my mouth before I fully processed the scene before me–Victoria, Alexander, and a crowd of party guests all huddled outside a hotel room door, looking like kids caught with their hands in the cookie jar. The hallway fell silent instantly, every head whipping in my direction.
Victoria’s face drained of color, her perfectly made–up features contorting in shock. “Summer?” she choked out, her voice unnaturally high. “You… you’re here? How are you here?‘
“Where else would I be? Didn’t Anna just bring me here to rest?‘ I turned toward Anna, whose eyes were wide with barely concealed relief.
“Yes,” Anna quickly confirmed, nodding vigorously. “I definitely brought Summer here to rest earlier.”
Victoria shook her head frantically, her diamond earrings catching the light as they swung. “This isn’t possible, she insisted, her voice climbing higher. “Summer, you were just… I mean, we heard… She gestured helplessly at the door.
“Heard what?” I asked innocently, glancing between the door and the increasingly uncomfortable crowd. “I was feeling a bit woozy from the champagne, so I went to freshen up in the bathroom. What’s going on? Why is everyone standing out here?”
The assembled guests exchanged awkward glances. Some were already backing away, sensing that whatever drama was unfolding wasn’t going according to plan.
Victoria’s fingers twisted nervously in her designer dress. “Summer, it’s my birthday, remember?
We’re about to cut the cake, so Alexander and I came to get you. Since you’re already here, let’s head back to the ballroom!”
Her smile was so brittle it looked like it might shatter her face.
“All these people came to fetch me for cake?” I asked, making a show of glancing around at the crowd. “Wow, I’m flattered! I didn’t realize my presence was so crucial to your birthday celebration, sis.”
Victoria’s smile froze. “No, that’s not-
“What were you all doing before I showed up?” I pressed, watching Victoria squirm. “You all seem pretty interested in that room.”
“Nothing!” Victoria practically shouted. “It’s nothing at all!”
Just then, a ‘particularly loud moan filtered through the door, followed by rhythmic thumping. Several guests tittered nervously while others looked away in embarrassment.
One of the bolder guests–a middle–aged man who’d clearly had too much champagne–stepped forward. “Oh, for God’s sake! If no one else will do it- He lurched toward the door and gave it a solid kick before anyone could stop him.
The flimsy hotel lock gave way instantly, the door swinging open to reveal a scene that made several guests gasp audibly.
Inside the dimly lit room, Sophie lay sprawled across the bed, her dress hiked up and hair wildly disheveled. Beside her was Chris Diaz → our former classmate–and another man I didn’t recognize. Sophie’s makeup was smeared down her face, her eyes unfocused. The entire tableau was sordid and disturbing.
“Oh my God!” someone exclaimed. “Isn’t that—”
1/2
Chapter 179
Victoria lunged forward, her Tace contorted in panic. “Everyone, get back! Move away!”
Alexander grabbed Victoria’s arm, yanking her backward. “Stay here, he ordered sharply before turning to the group of men behind him. “Get them out of here. Now!”
In the chaos, security guards herded the shocked guests away from the doorway. I remained frozen in place, my jaw clenched as 1. watched the chaos unfold. Although I’d suspected Victoria was planning something ugly, I hadn’t expected this. The sight of Sophie -clearly drugged and disoriented–made bile rise in my throat.
As the hallway cleared, I caught a glimpse of Victoria’s face. She wasn’t just surprised or embarrassed–she was devastated. Whatever she’d planned, this wasn’t it.
After the guests were escorted away, Victoria approached Sophie cautiously, reaching out a trembling hand.
“Sophie?” she said softly. “Sophie, it’s me, Victoria. I’m here to help you.”
Sophie’s head snapped up, her eyes focusing for a brief, terrible moment of clarity. “GET OUT! she screamed, lashing out with surprising force, pushing Victoria away. “GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!”
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