CHAPTER FIVE

Chapter 5 – The Return

Summer's POV

The drive was unusually quiet.

Outside the tinted windows, New York pulsed with life. Cars crawled through the morning traffic while towering buildings reflected the golden rays of the rising sun. Everything looked familiar, yet distant—as though I were watching someone else's life instead of my own.

Beside me, Harden sat with effortless confidence, scrolling through financial reports on his tablet. His expression never changed. Calm. Focused. Untouchable.

I wished I could borrow even a fraction of that composure.

My fingers remained locked together in my lap.

Five years.

Five years since I had stepped into Hart Global.

Five years since I had walked away believing I would never return.

"You've been quiet," Harden said without lifting his eyes from the screen.

"I'm just thinking."

"You've been thinking since we left the mansion."

I forced a small smile.

"I'm fine."

He finally looked at me.

"You've said that three times already."

Before I could answer, my phone vibrated.

Unknown Number.

A strange feeling settled in my stomach.

I opened the message.

If you still care about Hart Global, come now. Today's board meeting will erase your name forever. Come alone.

My breathing stopped.

My grip tightened around the phone.

Hart Global...

Someone wanted me there.

Someone who knew the truth.

"Summer."

Harden's voice pulled me back.

"What happened?"

I swallowed.

"I need to go somewhere."

His brows drew together.

"The Blackwood board meeting begins in less than thirty minutes."

"I know."

"Is this urgent?"

I looked back at the message.

"It can't wait."

For several seconds, he simply watched me.

His sharp blue eyes searched my face as if trying to solve a puzzle.

Finally, he sighed.

"Driver."

The car slowed before stopping by the roadside.

"I won't force you to explain," Harden said quietly. "But whatever this is... don't face it alone."

I hesitated.

"I'll tell you everything."

"When you're ready," he replied.

I nodded gratefully before stepping out of the car.

As the Blackwood vehicle disappeared into traffic, guilt settled heavily inside my chest.

I had promised honesty.

Yet I was still hiding the biggest part of my life.

---

Harden watched through the rear window until Summer disappeared into the crowd.

Something wasn't right.

She had looked frightened.

Not scared for herself.

Scared of what she might discover.

He tapped the screen of his phone.

"Buckley."

"Yes, sir."

"Find out where Mrs. Blackwood went."

"Should I bring her back?"

"No."

His voice remained calm.

"Protect her without letting her notice."

"Understood."

Harden ended the call.

For the first time in years...

He couldn't concentrate.

---

Hart Global stood exactly as I remembered.

The silver logo.

The glass entrance.

The fountain my father insisted should welcome every visitor.

It hadn't changed.

Only the people inside had.

I stepped through the revolving doors.

Cold air greeted me.

So did unfamiliar faces.

The receptionist barely spared me a glance.

"Good morning."

She continued typing.

"I'd like to meet today's acting CEO."

"Appointment?"

"No."

"I'm sorry, then you'll have to leave."

"I own shares in this company."

She laughed softly.