Chapter 1637

Summer’s sharp gaze bore into Jamie like daggers. Without warning, she reached out, intent on yanking the wedding dress right off Jamie.
But Jamie wasn’t someone to be pushed around. She grabbed Summer’s hand and gave a firm shove, sending Summer stumbling backward. Losing her balance, Summer almost hit the floor. “Jamie, how dare you lay a hand on me?” she snarled.
In Summer’s mind, Jamie had always been meek and submissive in front of Ben. Now, emboldened by his favor, she had the audacity to fight back. Not only had Jamie “stolen” Ben, but she had also won over his mother, who no longer favored Summer. The indignity of it all burned like acid in her veins. Consumed by rage, Summer lunged at Jamie again, but Jamie easily sidestepped her. This time, Summer went down hard, sprawled on the floor.
Summer, the pampered daughter of the Larson family, had never been humiliated like this. Her high status once earned her the admiration of Mrs. Lucas. But now, thanks to Jamie, her life was unraveling. And to top it off, Jamie and Ben had a son together, something she could never forgive.
Her fury boiled over. Scrambling to her feet, she screamed, “Jamie, I’ll kill you!”
Unfazed, Jamie stood her ground. Before the situation escalated further, Ben appeared, carrying a tray of bubble tea.
In two swift strides, Ben was between them. He caught Summer’s arm mid-swing, his grip ironclad. With a sharp flick of his wrist, he tossed her aside like a rag doll.
Turning immediately to Jamie, his expression softened into concern. “Are you okay? Did she hurt you?”
Jamie shook her head, still catching her breath.
Seeing Ben’s protective reaction, Summer’s heart shattered. “Ben, don’t you remember who I am? This isn’t fair!” she cried, her voice trembling with anguish.
Ben, however, looked at her with icy detachment. “I’ve made things clear to you before. If you chose not to listen, that’s on you.” His voice grew colder. “But laying a hand on Jamie, that’s where you crossed the line.”
His eyes darkened with barely contained fury. “You’ll regret this,” he said, pulling out his phone. Within seconds, he was on the line with his assistant. “Begin the acquisition of Larson Corporation. I don’t want a single loose end.” Summer froze, her face drained of color.
Ben had the power to back up his words. He may have left his career in law, but in the business world, his influence was formidable. If he said her family’s company would be acquired, it wasn’t an empty threat.
“You can’t do this to me!” Summer
screamed, her composure unraveling. Twas supposed to be your fiancée! Your family agreed our marriage! You’ve already betrayed me, and now you’re- punishing my family for your
vel
mistress? Ben, you’re heartless!”
Her tirade didn’t faze him. If anything, his disdain deepened. The old Ben, bound by his lawyerly decorum might have refrained. But the Ben of today felt no such
els
restraint. His body tensed as he stepped forward, fully prepared to put Summer in her place
Before he could act, Jamie gently touched his arm, her eyes pleading. “Ben, don’t,” she said softly, shaking her head.
Ben hesitated, his gaze locked on hers. He relented, stepping back.
Jamie took two steps forward, her
tone calm but firm. “Summer, I’ve never relied on anyone else to deal
because you’ve attackede nét
with you stand up for myself
give you some advice. Life is too short to revolve entirely around one man.”