Chapter 6

Kristen was an award-winning actress before she married Luke. People had described her looks in this way—heart-stopping and breathtakingly beautiful.

Many lamented her decision to retire when she was at the peak of her career. She might be near her 50s, but she looked like she was in her late 20s.

"Mom, are you free today? I can't get in touch with Rose. Can you go with me to shop for a dress for my birthday party instead? I know you have great taste, and you'll definitely pick the best dress for me," Summer asked Kristen sweetly.

She did not want to miss out on the chance to repair her relationship with Kristen.

Kristen shot her a shocked expression. It had been a few years since Summer called her "Mom".

Henry and Luke appeared stunned as well. Their eyes darted between the mother and daughter.

Despite feeling awkward, Kristen agreed to the invitation with a grunt.

In the past, Summer would have flown into a rage at Kristen's nonchalant attitude. However, she was excited to get a yes from Kristen this time. "Awesome! I'll go change!"

With that, she skipped away.

"What's wrong with Summer? Is she sick or something?" Luke shot Kristen a puzzled look.

"How would I know?" Kristen remained flustered. After all, Summer had never really been close with her. Just now, she felt like she was in a dream when Summer called her "Mom".

"Summer has grown up and become sensible," Henry remarked with misty eyes. He looked melancholic and disappointed as he grappled with conflicting feelings.

On one hand, he wished that Summer could stay a child, so he could protect her. At the same time, he wanted her to grow up fast. The world would be her oyster.

…

Rose didn't show up until the afternoon at Summer's birthday party, which was held at the Hartfords' countryside manor.

Since it was Summer's 18th birthday, Henry turned it into a grand event by inviting many hot shots from within the country and abroad.

That was the reason Rose insisted on making the move against Summer on that day. She wanted to humiliate Summer in front of these famous personalities and witness Summer's tragic fall from grace.

Holding the dress she carefully picked out for Summer, she barged into Summer's room.

"Sorry, Summer! I had too much to drink and overslept at the hotel. Thank God I arrived before the party!" Rose apologized profusely when she stepped into the room. "I've picked out the dress for you. It's perfect for you. Hurry up and change into it. The party's about to start."

After speaking, she looked up at Summer and was immediately stunned.

Summer wore an evening gown adorned with countless tiny diamonds. Under the lights, the diamonds sparkled brilliantly, making her appear exceptionally dazzling.

She was no longer dressed in her usual style. Gone were the elaborate designs. Instead, she kept her makeup light and simple, and she let her naturally wavy, long hair fall loosely over her shoulders. Among the dark tresses was a diamond-studded headband that perfectly complemented her look.

Even Rose, who resented Summer with every fiber of her being, had to admit that Summer was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Why are you—" The corners of Rose's lips twitched in envy.

She had prepared a luxurious gown for herself to one-up Summer. Alas, the men who assaulted her last night left bruises on her skin. She had no choice but to opt for another dress that covered most of her skin.

"I asked Mom to pick a dress for me since I couldn't reach you all day." Summer smiled at Rose. "Mom said I looked great in this dress, and I loved it, too. There's no need to trouble you today."

Her gaze swept past the dress held by Rose. Without a doubt, Rose had selected an outdated and horrendous design for her.

As a Hartford, Summer had to attend many parties every year. She had a professional stylist to style her, but every time, Rose would eagerly volunteer to help out. Without fail, she would put Summer in the most outlandish outfits and styles.

Back then, Summer was too slow to figure out that Rose was messing with her. She even thought she was the problem for failing to shine in her outfits, and for the longest time, she felt bad about herself.

"But I think my dress suits you better!" Rose wasn't about to give up just yet.

"Is that so?" After some thinking, Summer took the dress from Rose and said, "I'll show it to Mom. You know she's a fashionista. Her opinion is always right!"

Hearing that, Rose hurriedly grabbed the dress from me. "It's okay. I don't think we should bother Aunt Kristen."

As much as Rose wanted Summer to attend the party in an ugly outfit, she did not want to attract Kristen's suspicion. After all, Kristen wasn't as dull as Summer.

Rose gritted her teeth.

Kristen was never fond of her dumb daughter. For years, Rose had worked hard to drive a wedge between the mother and daughter. The pair had not spoken to each other for a long time. So, why did Kristen agree to select a dress for Summer?

Casting aside her doubts, she calmed herself down. She didn't mind letting Summer enjoy the short-lived glamor because the deepfake photos were ready for release soon.

The more eye-catching Summer was, the more humiliated she would be when the deepfake nudes were displayed publicly!

Rose felt so much better at that thought.