Chapter 111
Summer’s POV
The private meeting room at Scarlett’s coffee shop smelled like fresh espresso and cinnamon, a comforting contrast to the spreadsheets scattered across the table making my head pound. I rubbed my temples, staring at the revenue reports.
Scarlett pushed through the door, balancing two steaming mugs. “Found you hiding back here,” she said, setting one in front of me.
“Not hiding,” I protested, gesturing at the paperwork. “Just doing my lue diligence as a silent partner. Though honestly, can’t we just skip to the part where you tell me how much my share of the profits is?”
Scarlett rolled her eyes. “How on earth did you survive in finance? This is a fraction of what you dealt with at Fortune Corp.”
I reminded her. “And I’m not at Fortune Corp anymore.”
“Well, tough luck. It’s our business, and you’re looking at these reports whether you like it or not.” She pushed the statements closer to me. “Even if you don’t care about the money, I want another set of eyes on this.”
“Fine. But just so you know, Brandon’s financial team could review these in five minutes flat.”
“Well,” Scarlett leaned forward, “you’ll never guess who I just saw in the main café.”
“Who?”
“Your mom and Victoria, with Alexander’s mother!” She looked delighted to deliver this gossip bomb.
I nearly choked on my coffee. “Here? At your shop? What were they doing?”
“Planning a wedding,” Scarlett announced triumphantly. “Victoria and Alexander’s wedding, to be specific.”
I set down my mug, genuinely surprised. “You’re kidding.”
Scarlett grinned. “I may have lingered near their table a bit longer than necessary. They were discussing venues, guest lists, the
works.”
“Wait,” she said slowly, studying my expression. “You’re not still hung up on Alexander, are you?”
“God, no!” I laughed. “Do I look like I’m pining over that spineless man? Trust me, I’m completely over him.”
“Then why the face?”
“It’s just… Brandon told me both families would be rushing to get Victoria and Alexander married.”
Scarlett whistled. “Your husband has some serious foresight. How does he know these things?”
“He understands people’s motivations,” I explained. “Alexander needs the Taylor family connections, Victoria needs the Stark name, and both families are desperate to cement the alliance.”
And you’re sure you’re okay with it? Victoria has always seen you as competition. This rushed wedding is probably her way of marking her territory.”
I shrugged, genuinely unconcerned. “Let them do whatever they want, I’m done with all that drama.”
1/2
Chapter 111
“Summer, you know Victoria won’t be satisfied until she’s rubbed your face in it.”
“Then that’s her problem,” I replied firmly, “I’ve got better things to worry about.”
Scarlett changed topics. “Oh, speaking of things to worry about–did you hear about the Columbia reunion?”
“No? Is there one planned?”
“Kristin mentioned it at her wedding. She called me a few days ago. Apparently, when they heard you and Ruby were back in New York…”
I groaned, already sensing where this was heading. “When is it?”
“Beginning of next month.”
I nodded noncommittally. “We’ll see.”
“Has Victoria been causing trouble recently? I’ve heard she’s had quite the rollercoaster in entertainment. Though she seems to have landed on her feet–signed with Stark Entertainment, from what I hear.”
I felt a smile tugging at my lips, unable to hide my amusement at this particular twist of fate.
“What’s with that mysterious smile?” Scarlett demanded. “I’m worried about you!”
“It’s nothing,” I insisted. “Just… yeah, she got lucky, I guess. Let’s drop it.”
I gathered the documents. “Anyway, I’ve gone through everything and it looks good. I need to get going.”
“Fine, keep your secrets,” Searlett relented. “Just promise we’ll get together soon? With Ruby too?”
“Absolutely,” I agreed. “And now that I’m married to Brandon, I’m really done with all the Taylor family drama.”
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