The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 77
Summer’s POV
*ts everything okay? Brandon’s expression tiftened instantly as he formed to me, though I could still sence the lethal infant simmering beneath the surface.
Nothing to worry about.”
“Let them feed the sharks if they want,” Brandon’s casual comment gel what we need.”
James made my spoon clatter against the bowl. As long as we
James’s professional mask cracked slightly as he fought back a smile. Sir, we haven’t even started yet. We’re just… preparing to
move.
Brandon’s perfect brow furrowed slightly. “Have them wait. I’ll handle it myself before passing things to Sean.”
I watched James’s slight flinch with fascination. Whatever storm was brewing in the financial world, it was clear Brandon’s methods were particularly feared.
“Understood.” James’s efficiency never wavered. “I’ll have Landon continue investigating that offshore account. About last night’s drug analysis from the hotel room – it wasn’t standard fare. Based on our investigation, Victoria wouldn’t have access to something like this.
–
“Keep digging. Brandon’s command carried absolute authority.
I focused on pouring his coffee, trying to distract myself from the dark undercurrents of their conversation. A sudden sting made me pause as the cup’s edge brushed against my finger.
“What’s wrong?” Brandon’s voice carried immediate concern.
“It ́s nothing,” I examined the small cut with a frown. “Must have happened last night somehow.”
“Does it still hurt?” The dangerous edge in his tone made me look up
“I’m not that delicate,” I managed a smile despite how my skin prickled under his intense scrutiny.
“Brandon.” I gathered my courage, meeting those dark eyes directly.
“Hmm?”
“Thank you for last night.” The words came out softer than intended. “And… I’d like you to meet my friends properly sometime.”
“I don’t have many friends – just Ruby and Scarlett. Ruby’s the war correspondent, and Scarlett owns that coffee shop next to the St. Regis.”
–
“I remember.” His voice carried a hint of amusement. “Arrange whatever time works for you. I’m free whenever I just don’t want you feeling uncomfortable.”
My eyes lit up at his considerate response. “Great! I’ll meet with Ruby and Scarlett today then,” I said eagerly. “It’s been so long since we’ve all gotten together.”
“Good.” Brandon nodded, his thoughts clearly turning to last night’s events. “Take one of the cars.”
I’d arranged to meet Ruby and Scarlett for a long–overdue catch–up. Given how rarely we all managed to get together these days, we
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Chapter 77
were determined to make the most of it.
Scarlett had always been the quietet one of our group it’s why we partnered to open the tea shop together. When she wasn’t managing the shop, she could usually be found curled up with a book, Ruby, on the other hand, was our bundle of energy. Her vibrant personality made her perfect for her job as a reporter, constantly traveling across the country for stories.
Now that we were finally all together, we were determined to enjoy ourselves properly. As we bounced from store to store, the shopping bags multiplied though most of them, I noticed with amusement, were things Ruby insisted on buying for me rather than herself.
+
You’re married now,” Ruby declared, holding up another designer dress against me. “You need to dress the part!” I couldn’t help rolling my eyes, though privately I didn’t think there was anything wrong with my usual style.
“Summer, you’re married?” Scarlett’s soft voice held genuine shock as we browsed through the designer boutique. I could see the concern in her eyes after all, she knew about what had happened with Alexander..
“It was pretty recent,” I managed an awkward laugh, fidgeting with dress sleeve. “Just a registration, no ceremony. I wasn’t planning to tell anyone yet, but after everything that happened, Ruby found out first.”
Catching Scarlett’s worried expression, I gently tugged at her sleeve. I know it seems sudden, but our relationship is… complicated. I’ve been trying to figure out the right time to introduce him to you both.”
“Is he good to you?” Scarlett asked softly, her usual calm demeanor giving way to protective concern.
Oh my god, he’s amazing!” Ruby bounced over, practically vibrating with excitement as she grabbed Scarlett’s arm. “He’s absolutely gorgeous, and you wouldn’t believe how he treats Summer!”
Scarlett rolled her eyes at Ruby before turning back to me. “Summer, I just want to make sure you’re not rushing into this.”
“I understand your concern,” I said softly. “But trust me, this isn’t some impulsive decision. You’ll understand when you meet him.”
Something in Ruby’s expression made me pause. “Wait – when exactly did you meet him? I don’t remember introducing you.”
Ruby’s grin turned mischievous. “Remember last night when I couldn’t find you? Brandon told me to head home, said he’d find you himself. God, you should have seen how worried he was about you! And all those rumors about Brandon Stark being cold and untouchable clearly they’ve never seen him around you!”
–
“Brandon Stark?” Scarlett’s eyes went wide. “You married Brandon Stark?”
“Shh!” I quickly glanced around, relieved to see no one had heard. “What happened to my calm, collected friend? You’re as bad as Ruby today!”
Scarlett shot me an exasperated look. “Even I have my limits! This is Brandon Stark we’re talking about – of course I’m going to be shocked!”
“She’s right,” Ruby nodded sagely. “I had the exact same reaction when I found out.” She suddenly threw an arm around my shoulders. “Hey, since we’re talking about introductions, why not today? It’s the weekend, and who knows when your busy CEO husband will have free time again!”
“Now?” I hesitated, then pulled out my phone. “Well, let me at least call and check if he’s free.”
Ruby took the opportunity to snatch my phone, scrolling through my contacts. “Hold up – you saved him as… That’s adorable!”
“Let me guess,” Scarlett’s eyes danced with amusement, her shock giving way to teasing. “Is it ‘Honey‘? Or maybe ‘Darling‘?”
I shot Ruby a helpless look and took back my phone to call Brandon.
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Chapter 77
two men in impeccable suits seemed to appear wherever we went, always maintaining a It was only then that I noticed them careful distance. At first I thought I was being paranold, but they moved with too much purpose, their attention ton focused despite their attempts at casualness.
Brandon. The realization hit me with surprising warmth rather than annoyance. Of course he’d arranged security after last night. The men were clearly professionals, hanging back far enough to give us privacy while keeping watch. I caught one of them speaking quietly into an earpiece, no doubt reporting to James.
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