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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 16: Ms. Taylor, You’d Like My Help Choosing A Gift?
Summer’s POV
Two days before Grandfather’s birthday party, my quiet morning at Fortune Corp was interrupted by a familiar ringtone.
Grandpa George’s valce on the phone carried that familiar warmth that absays made my heart ache a little. “Come home, dear. Whatever’s tribling you, I will stand by your side.”
I gripped my phone tight. I know adding things won’t solve anything No matter what happens, Fm at a member of the Taylor family “Of course I come, Grandpa. You’ve always been my strongest support. And how could I miss your birthday? I wasn’t here last year
I have to make it up to you properly this time.
“Just having you home is enough. His tone held a hint of worry that made me feel guilty. “Don’t worry about the formalities.”
“No way!” I tried to inject some cheerfulness into iny voice. “I’m definitely getting you a present that will make you
There was a pause, and I could almost see him shaking his head with that fond exasperation he reserved just for me. “You stubborn child.”
The smile his words brought to my face faded as soon as I ended the call. Home. The word felt different now, heavy with complications I’d never noticed before. Last time I’d been at the Taylor mansion… No. Don’t think about that now.
Summer.
Speaking of complications. Despite my best efforts to avoid Alexander over the past few days, he still managed to find me. I’d carefully timed my movements around the office, taking different routes and skipping the usual lunch spots, but here he was anyway. And I didn’t need to turn around to recognize his voice. “I’m working. I kept my eyes fixed on my computer screen, though the quarterly reports had blurred into meaningless patterns.
“We need to talk.” His tone carried that particular note of patronizing concern that made my skin crawl. “You can’t keep avoiding
this conversation forever.”
“Actually, I can.” I started gathering my things, determined to maintain my composure. “And I will”
“Can’t we at least be friends?” The way he said it like he was being so reasonable, so mature about everything – made something twist painfully in my chest.
“Friends? Seriously? He’s definitely kidding me.
His expression shifted to something almost guilty. “Summer, the day after tomorrow is your grandfather’s birthday, Victoria and I really want you to come home.”
“I will be there.” The words came out sharp. “But not for you. Not for her.”
Christie’s elegant interior felt like stepping into another world. The soft lighting caught on glass display cases, making the antiques within gleam with quiet dignity. I wandered between the exhibits, trying to focus on finding the perfect gift for Grandpa rather than the hollow ache in my chest.
“Can I help you find something specific, miss?” A sales specialist materialized at my elbow, her smile professional and practiced.
“I’d like to look around myself first, thank you.” I tried to project confidence I didn’t feel. Better not let them realize I have no idea what I’m doing. Last thing I need is to buy something that makes me look like an amateur in front of Grandpa. Everything looked
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Chapter 16: Ms. Taylor, You’d Like My Help Choosing A Gift?
valuable, but I couldn’t tell what would truly catch firandpa’s eye. He had such specific taste in art and antiques – the kind that came from decades of passionate collecting. Maybe I should have pad more attention during all those times he tried to track me about
thew…
The quiet murmur of conversation died suddenly, like someone had pressed a mute button on the room, I turned, already knowing what I’d find. Who else could command that kind of attention just by walking into a room?
Brandon Stark’s tall figure cut an imposing silhouette against the evening light streaming through Christie’s windows. His dark tuit probably cost so much money, but it was the quiet authority in his bating that drew every eye in the room. James and another man I didn’t recognize flanked him like well–trained shindows,
Those dark eyes found mine immediately, and that familiar hall–smile played at the corners of his mouth. My pulse jumped traitorously. Get it together, Summer. He’s just another Wall Street the who happens to keep showing up everywhere.
“Mr. Stark!” The sales
s specialist who’d approached me earlier practically materialized at Brandon’s side. “We’ve received an exceptional collection of antiques. As per your last request, we’ve seaside several pieces for your consideration.”
Brandon’s gaze
e never left my face as he addressed her. “Thank you, James will review them shortly. With a subtle gesture, he dismissed his entourage to the waiting area,
My fingers twisted nervously in the strap of my bag as he approached. The evening light caught the sharp angles of his face, somehow making him look even more dangerous than usual. Why does he have to look like that? It’s honestly unfair. Well… I had to admit that he’s a bit……. stunning.
Miss Taylor. His deep voice carried just a hint of amusement. “What a pleasant surprise.”
I straightened my spine, determined to maintain my composure. “Mr. Stark. I didn’t know you were interested in antiques.”
“I know a little.” The way he said it suggested he was being modest those dark eyes studied my face with unsettling intensity. “You seem… lost.”
Was that obvious? “No, I mean…” The words stuck in my throat. Ce on, Sumner. Swallow your pride. This is for Grandpa. “Actually, Mr. Stark, you are right.”
One perfect eyebrow arched slightly, “Oh?”
“It’s my grandfather’s birthday in two days. The words came out in a rush. He’s a serious collector, and I want to find something special, but I’m a bit…” I gestured helplessly at the displays around us. I can’t believe I’m actually asking for his help!
“Ms. Taylor, you’d like my help choosing a gift? That infuriating hall smile was back, making my stomach do odd flips.
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