Summer’s POV
I woke with a groan, my body aching in places I didn’t know could ache. Stretching lazily under the covers, I tried to shake off the exhaustion clinging to me like a second skin.
“Awake?”
Brandon’s voice from the doorway made me turn. He was already dressed in one of his perfect suits, looking far too put–together for someone who’d gotten as little sleep as I had.
I glanced at the clock and bolted upright. “Eight thirty? Why didn’t you wake me up?” My voice came out sharper than intended. “Don’t you have work today?”
“No rush,” he replied, crossing the room with casual grace. He perched on the edge of the bed, gently smoothing my tangled hair.
Brandon’s eyes held mine as he asked, “Do you remember what we discussed last night?”
I frowned, trying to recall anything resembling a conversation from yesterday evening. All I could remember was his mouth on me, my questions about Anna forgotten as he…
“Last night?” I gave him an accusatory look. “We were talking about Anna, and then you completely distracted me! What did you actually tell me?”
The corner of his mouth twitched. “About going to the company today. For your interview.”
“The interview?” I blinked, memories slowly returning. “Are we really doing that today?”
“Yes,” he said simply. “Unless you’d rather spend all your time at home?”
I chewed my lip thoughtfully. After quitting Fortune Corp, I’d been enjoying my freedom, but part of me missed having purpose.
“Fine, I’ll give it a try,” I conceded. “But let’s get one thing straight–I’m doing this interview on my own merits. No special treatment, no pulling strings. Got it?”
Brandon’s smile widened. “Of course. My June is more than capable. I know that.” He stood, heading for the door. “Get ready.
Breakfast, then we leave.”
“Wait!” I called after him. “I haven’t even prepared a resume!”
“James took care of it,” Brandon replied without turning around. “Just focus on being yourself.”
By nine thirty, we were in Brandon’s car, heading toward Manhattan. I’d barely had time to shower and grab breakfast before
Brandon was ushering me out the door.
“So,” I broke the silence, “which department did you submit my application to?”
“Projects,” Brandon replied, eyes on the road. “You worked in projects at Fortune Corp, right? Seemed like the best fit.”
“Yeah, before I went the Investments. I nodded, butterflies dancing in my stomach despite my attempts to stay calm.
Brandon glanced over. “Nervous?”
“A little,” I admitted.
1/3
Chapter 135
“Maybe I should pull some strings, make it easier?” There was mischief in his eyes. “I could just make a call…”
“Absolutely not!” I said firmly. I want to do this on my own.”
Brandon laughed softly. “I was teasing. Though I could offer some advice. Or information about the interviewer.”
My ears perked up. “Really?”
“But,” he drawled, “that would be bending the rules a bit. I might need some incentive. A little bribe, perhaps?”
I rolled my eyes. “And here I thought you were all about fairness. You’re just looking for an excuse to be spoiled.*
“Only by you,” he replied, tapping his cheek. “What do you say, June?
“You’re shameless,” I muttered, feeling my face heat up.
“There’s no shame between husband and wife, is there?”
With a theatrical sigh, I leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.
“Happy now?” I pulled back, flustered. “Focus on the road, would you?”
Looking satisfied, Brandon said, “The interviewer is Leo Schmidt, Projects Division Director. He recently returned from Europe and has been with Stark Group for about two years. He was in International before I moved him to Projects during a restructuring.”
“What’s he like?”
“Professional. Keeps a clear line between personal and business. Not particularly personable, but he values talent.” Brandon’s hands were relaxed on the steering wheel. “Just be yourself. Show him how you normally handle things. That’s all you need to do.”
“That’s it? Seems too easy.”
“What did you expect?” Brandon shot me an amused glance. “Stark Group values talent. It’s not as impossible as rumors suggest.”
When we arrived at Stark Tower, Brandon drove straight down into an underground parking garage, bypassing the usual entrance.
“Won’t people see us together?” I asked, suddenly concerned.
“Worried?”
“I told you I want to do this myself,” I insisted.
“Relax,” Brandon chuckled. “This is my private parking area. Nobody comes here without permission.” He took my hand as we walked toward the elevator. “You’ll come up with me, then James will take you to your interview.”
The elevator whisked us up to the executive floor. When the doors opened, James was waiting with a tablet. His eyes noticeably when he saw us, but he quickly composed himself.
“James,” Brandon said smoothly, “please escort Summer to the Projects Department for her interview.”
“Yes, Mr. Stark!” James turned to me with a slight bow. “Mrs. Stark, if you’ll follow me?”
I felt myself flush. “James, please just call me Summer at the office.”
ed
Brandon squeezed my hand before releasing it. “Don’t be nervous, June. It’s just a formality. I believe in you.” He turned to James.
2/3
Chapter 135
“No need to say anything more. If anyone asks, June is your distant relative.”
‘Til be fine, I assured Brandon. “Thanks for your help, James.
“Not at all, James responded, looking slightly flustered. “Well then, this way please.”
As James led me through the gleaming corridors of Stark Group, conversations hushed as we approached, then erupted into whispers once we passed.
“Who’s that with James?”
“New hire, maybe?”
“Has to be someone important if James is personally escorting her…
“Probably another parachute executive.”
I kept my eyes forward, pretending I couldn’t hear them. The corporate world was the same everywhere–new faces always triggered speculation.
James glanced at me apologetically. “Please don’t mind them.”
“It’s fine,” I replied evenly. “I’m used to office gossip.”
He nodded gratefully and led me to a sleek glass–walled office at the end of the hallway. After a quick knock, he opened the door.
“Director Schmidt, I’ve brought the interview candidate,” James announced.
A tall, lean man looked up from his computer. His piercing blue eyes assessed me briefly before he gestured toward the chair across from his desk.
“Please come in,” he said, his voice carrying just a hint of an accent.
I straightened my shoulders and stepped forward, determined to prove myself on my own merit. Whatever happened in this room would be based on my skills and experience, not my relationship with Brandon. I was going to make sure of that.
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