Summer’s POV
The walls of my Fortune Corp office felt like they were closing in. After Elizabeth’s threat, I could barely breathe. The video from the birthday party hung over my head like a sword, ready to drop at ny moment. I needed help, and with Brandon unreachable.
Ruby answered on the first ring. “What’s up girl? Want to grab lunch
‘Sort of…” My voice cracked as I tried to explain the situation. The words tumbled out in a rush – Elizabeth’s call, the threats, the
video.
“What the hell?” Ruby’s voice rose sharply. “Elizabeth and that Windsor guy… What kind of sick game are they playing? Where’s your
husband? What does Brandon say?”
I caught my lower lip between my teeth. “He knows about the video situation and promised to handle it. But Elizabeth just contacted me today I don’t think he knows yet. I tried calling him, but he seems busy.” The admission felt like acid in my mouth. “What should I do about this?”
“Your mother is something else!” Ruby’s anger crackled through the phone. “Using that kind of video to threaten you? Shouldn’t she be protecting you and fighting against the Windsors?”
The silence stretched between us. My lack of response must have hit Ruby hard because her voice suddenly softened. “Oh god, I’m
sorry…”
“It’s fine, you’re right.” I swallowed hard. “I have to meet her today. Ruby, can you help me?”
“Of course!” The immediate response made something warm unfurl in my chest. “When and where tonight?”
“Seven o’clock, at The Plaza Hotel.” My fingers twisted nervously in my blouse. “Please, you have to come!”
“Got it.” Ruby’s voice carried absolute conviction. “And hey, try calling Brandon again. He needs to know about this.”
After hanging up, I stared at Brandon’s contact info again. One more try couldn’t hurt. This time, the call connected almost immediately.
“Yes?” His deep voice sent relief flooding through me.
For a moment, I couldn’t speak, my relief at hearing his voice colliding with the terror of Elizabeth’s threats in my throat. The comfort of his deep tone made me want to curl up somewhere safe and just listen to him breathe, but we didn’t have that luxury
right now.
June?” The slight concern in his tone made my heart skip.
น
“Yes, it’s me. Brandon.”
I could hear the smile in his voice. “I was in a board meeting,” his deep voice carried a hint of apology. “Had my phone on silent – there’s been quite a battle.” A pause, then: “What’s wrong?”
“My mother called today.” The words came out smaller than intended
His the sharpened instantly. “What did she say?”
About that video…” I twisted my fingers nervously. “Brandon, she wants to meet.”
1/3
The sound of his fingers drumming against his desk carried clearly rough the phone. You agreed?
“Yes,” I closed my eyes, hating how weak 1 sounded. “She threatened to release the videos if I didn’t show up. Brandon, should go?”
“Go.” His voice carried that gentle authority that never failed to make my pulse race, “Let’s see what she’s really after. I’ll come with
you.”
“No need.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them. “When couldn’t reach you earlier, I called Ruby. She’s a reporter and
agreed to come with me.”
Something dangerous flickered in his tone. “That works too. It’s probably better if I don’t show up right now. Not for my sake, but
for you…”
“You agreed we’d keep our marriage private for now.” I couldn’t quite keep
His soft sigh made my chest ache. “Right. So I’m supposed to stay hidden.”
the
tremor from my
voice,
“Don’t be like that.” A helpless laugh escaped me. “I’ll…I’ll introduce you to my friends next time, okay? Tonight I go with Ruby. She’s a reporter, she can help!”
“Fair enough. The amusement in his voice eased some of the tension in my shoulders. “Be careful. I’ll wait for you at home.”
“Okay
The Plaza Hotel loomed before us, its elegant facade a stark reminder of another party – Alexander and Victoria’s engagement celebration. The memory made my stomach turn.
“Here.” Ruby pulled something from her bag, pressing it into my hands. “Take these.”
I stared at the small devices in confusion. “What’s this?”
“Audio recorder and hidden camera.” She grinned, but her eyes were serious. “Hey, I’m a journalist these are essential tools, right?
“Why are you giving me these?”
Ruby’s expression hardened. “Your mother threatens you with a video and you’re asking why? After what happened at the party, we need insurance. Who knows what they might try?”
Her fingers moved quickly, showing me how to operate the equipment. “When you get in, find a chance to place the recorder under the table. Make sure it’s running – we need to record everything.”
The weight of the devices felt impossibly heavy in my hands. “Ruby..
“Better safe than sorry.” Her voice softened slightly. “They may be your parents, but after what happened last time…”
I managed a weak smile. “I get it.”
“The camera goes in your purse.” She helped me position it carefully. “Make sure it captures your parents and Charles Windsor. Got it?”
My heart clenched at the name. Charles Windsor. The man who’d drugged me at my grandfather’s party, who’d filmed me in that vulnerable state. And now my own mother was trying to force me to meet him again.
2/3
“Summer?” Ruby’s concerned Voler broke through my spiraling thoughts. You okay?”
I straightened my spine, forcing steel into my voice.
“I’m fine. I have to be.
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