A stunned silence fell over the hall. For a moment, no one moved. They exchanged puzzled glances. Shock spread across every face.
Then whispers erupted like wildfire.
"What did she just say? That child isn't his?"
"How is that possible? Summer and Gideon loved each other."
"But love ends. Summer might have cheated on Gideon."
Georgea's expression darkened instantly. Her sharp gaze snapped toward Summer, cold, piercing, unforgiving.
"Is that true?" she demanded harshly. "Answer me, Summer. Is what Danica said true?"
Summer's world seemed to crumble beneath her feet. Her lips trembled. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"No…" She shook her head. "No… It's not true…"
Her voice broke. "I would never do that… I've never thought of cheating on Gideon. The only man I've ever loved is him. I've never been with anyone else."
Her hands trembled as she clasped Gideon's tightly.
"Hope is your daughter," she said with desperation. "She is yours. Do you believe me?"
Her eyes searched his.
