Chapter 22: Eavesdropping
Summer’s POV
James cleared his throat, his eyes darling g to Brandon for a fraction of a second. Miss Taylor, you may y not be aware, but Mr. Stark is a valued client of Christie’s. The store places great importance on their relationship with Stark Group. He hesitated, then added quickly. “The pen isn’t one of their more significant pieces. In fact, le manager wanted to offer it as a complimentary-
“James.” Brandon’s voice cut through the explanation like a steel blade, James fell silent immediately, and I couldn’t blame him. Even that single word carried enough authority to make my skin prickle.
1 bit my lip, mentally calculating my savings. Even at this suspiciously low price, it would still make a significant dent. “The account details…
“That can wait.” Brandon’s tone brooked no argument. “Let me drive you home.”
Something flickered across James’s face–relief, maybe? “Sir, I just remembered there’s an urgent matter at the office that requires
attention”
I watched James make his suspiciously hasty retreat, leaving me along with Brandon. Again. How does this keep happening?
“Mr. Stark, you really don’t have to
Get in. He was already moving toward the car, his long
ng stride purposeful and elegant.
On the day of Grandpa’s birthday, I found myself driving toward the Taylor mansion, my stomach doing nervous flips despite my best efforts to stay calm. I’d deliberately left early, hoping to avoid the usual family dramatics, but apparently everyone else had the same idea.
Bentleys, Rolls–Royces, and enough Mercedes to fill a The long driveway leading to the mansion was already lined with luxury cars dealership. Looks like the whole of Manhattan’s elite decided to show up. I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony as I pulled over to the side of the road, realizing there was no way I’d find parking closer to the house,
Great. Now I get to walk in these heels. At least I’d had the foresight to bring a pair of flats in my bag. The Taylor mansion’s imposing facade loomed ahead, a stark reminder of everything I’d left behind. White roses adorned every visible surface, and an army of staff bustled about, making last–minute preparations.
I’d barely made it halfway up the winding path when voices caught my attention hushed but intense, coming from behind one of the massive topiaries. Mother’s distinctive tone made me freeze in my tracks.
“That ungrateful girl better not cause any trouble tomorrow.” Her voice dripped with familiar venom. “After everything we’ve done
for her…”
“Elizabeth” Father’s tone carried a warning. “Not here. The guests might hear.”
“I don’t care! Do you know how many times Victoria has tried to reach out? Always coming back in tears. And Summer just…” Mother’s voice cracked with what might have been genuine emotion I didn’t know better. “We raised her, gave her everything, and this is how she repays usi
I quickly stepped behind a nearby hedge, heart hammering. Through the perfectly manicured branches, I could see Mother’s agitated pacing and Father’s stiff posture. They’re so caught up in their plotting they haven’t even noticed me.
r feels about Summer. If she makes a scene
“Lower your voice. Father’s words came out clipped and tense. You know how Father f
Inmorrow…
1/3
Chapter 22: Eavesdropping
“That’s exactly my point? Mother’s whisper had taken on a frantic edge. “Your father needs to accept Victoria and Alexander’s marriage. But every time someone mentions it, he gets that look like he’s about to cut off their inheritance right there!”
“What do you expect?” Father’s voice had dropped even lower. After shat Alexander did…….”
“Oh, please.” Mother’s scoff was painfully familiar, Summer should be grateful anyone wanted to marry her at all. Victoria is doing her a favor, taking that burden off our hands. But no, she has to play the victim, crying to your father about betrayal…”
1 felt the blood drain from my face, my fingers digging into the rough stone of the wall. So that’s what they really think of me,
She’s always been like this.” Mother’s voice had taken on that particular tone she reserved for discussing my failures. “Remember when she insisted on getting a job instead of just marrying well like Victoria? So stubborn, so… common. Nothing like her sister.”
Elizabeth.” Father sounded tired. “Not now, We need to focus on getting Father’s approval for the marriage. Once that’s done…”
“Right, right.” Mother’s voice shifted to something more calculating. Did you call Summer? Make sure she’s coming?”
ILL
I do it now.
As if on cue, my phone started vibrating in my bag. 1 fumbled to silence it before the sound could give away my position, but Father’s name was already lit up on the screen. Perfect timing as always, Dad. After a moment’s hesitation, I answered – not answering would only make them more suspicious.
“Hoffo?” I kept my voice carefully neutral, moving further away from their hiding spot.
“Summer,
where are you? Father’s fake warmth was almost painful to hear now. “Your grandfather keeps asking about you. We’re all family here – whatever misunderstandings there are, we can work them out face to face. If you have any grievances, you can tell your grandfather, right? Don’t make him sad on his birthday…”
g twist in my chest. All those years of thinking I just wasn’t good enough, that The casual manipulation in his tone made something needed to try harder to earn their love… God, I was so blind
“I know.” My voice came out steadier than I felt. “Of course I’ll be at Grandpa’s birthday party. As for my grievances, Dad, do you really not know what they are?”
ething more authoritative. “What are you talking about? You’re my daughter – Richard Taylor’s A pause, then his tone shifted to something daughter. If anyone’s wronged you, I will make it right. Stop being difficult and come home!
“Home? The word tasted bitter on my tongue. I’ll be there. For Grandpa.”
I ended the call before he could respond, my hands shaking slightly as I gripped my phone. Their voices had shifted to discussing
same calculating precision in their tone as when they’d been dissecting my failures. seating arrangements and guest lists, the sa
marriage. The Straightening my dress, I took a deep breath and started walking toward the mansion’s main entrance. My mind was spinning with everything I’d just heard. They’re really using Grandpa’s birthday to force his approval of Victoria and Alexander’s i realization made me feel sick. Even this even Grandpa’s happiness
s just another thing for them to manipulate.
As I approached the grand doors, already propped open to welcome the steady stream of guests, one thought kept echoing in my mind: This party is going to be interesting.
