Chapter 59

Henry furrowed his brow, staring at Summer for a moment before asking, "What did you just say?"

Summer looked him in the eye and repeated firmly, "I said I like him. Did you hear me clearly this time?"

Henry's frown deepened. "You like him? What do you like about him?"

Summer replied, "I like that he's good-looking, tall, and incredibly capable. He's skilled in everything, and whether it's at school or the residence, he fits in perfectly."

Henry's eyes darkened as he stared at her. "You're only looking at the surface. Have you considered his personality and character? You say you like him, but does he like you? Someone as self-centered, arrogant, and dismissive as him—do you think he'd like you? Do you know how many prettier girls have shown interest in him? Has he ever treated any of them kindly?"

"I don't care," Summer said, her voice steady and strong. The darkness made it hard to see his face, which emboldened her.

Henry was fuming, his anger barely contained. He clenched his fists and took a step back, only to return and speak through gritted teeth. "Remember what you said here today. When you get hurt because of him, don't say I didn't warn you. And when that happens, don't come crying to me!"

With that, he turned and walked away, not looking back.

Summer stood there, watching him disappear into the night. Once his figure and the sound of his footsteps faded away, she let out a deep breath, releasing the tension in her body. Speaking such blatant lies and putting on an act was still challenging for her.

After calming her breathing and heartbeat, Summer decided not to linger. The dark, silent night was unsettling. She quickly headed back to the residence.

With the confrontation over, both she and Henry left. Logan, having overheard everything while sitting by the river, remained in place. Once Summer's footsteps faded, he resumed idly playing with his harmonica before bringing it to his lips to play a tune.

The river's gentle flow seemed to sing along:

By the little river and fields,

Red berries bloom,

There's a youth I truly love,

But I can't confess my feelings,

I can't speak my heart!

***

Henry never lacked company, especially when he was upset. After his confrontation with Summer, it wasn't long before Sophia joined him.

Already in a foul mood from Logan and Summer, Henry's spirits were at an all-time low. Walking shoulder to shoulder with Sophia in the dim light, he vented his frustration. "Out of all the guys at the residence, she had to fall for Logan. She knows how much I despise him. Is she doing this just to spite me?"

Sophia was silent for a moment before suggesting, "I've always thought... maybe Summer doesn't see you as a brother. Maybe she actually likes you and is acting out because you never responded to her feelings."

Henry paused, then quickly dismissed the idea. "No way."

Sophia persisted, "Why not? It doesn't make sense for her to suddenly like Logan. Before this, all she ever did was think about you. She treated you so well, and you're saying that was just a sisterly affection? If that's all it was, why would she suddenly act so extreme?"

Henry didn't want to delve into the idea. "We've known each other since we were kids, since we were in diapers. She can't have feelings for me beyond that. Stop overthinking it."

Sophia pressed on, "Are you sure you don't have any feelings for her beyond brotherly affection?"

Henry stopped walking and took Sophia's hand, his gaze and tone firm. "None. Not even a little. If I did, do you think I would have waited this long?"

Sophia relaxed, seeing the sincerity in his eyes under the moonlight. She had always felt secure, thinking Summer was too naive to pose any real threat. But lately, Summer had shown she wasn't as simple as she appeared.

If Summer was pretending to like Logan just to get Henry's attention and make him realize her worth, it was working. Henry's agitation was proof of that.

Sophia realized that if Summer's goal was to play hard to get and make Henry fall for her, then she had to be on guard. She had lost everything else and only had Henry left. If Summer managed to use her cunning to take Henry away, her life would be plunged into darkness.

She used to support Henry and Summer reconciling, believing it would benefit her. But now, with Summer becoming more of a threat, Sophia felt the need to protect her own position more than ever.