Chapter 114
Summer’s POV
His hands settled on my waist, warm and solid, pulling me closer until I was pressed against his chest. “June,” he said, his voice dropping to that soft, serious tone he rarely used outside our home. Just believe me. That’s all you need to do.
My heart skipped, cheeks warming under his gaze. The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard–this wasn’t business Brandon or ruthless CEO Brandon. This was just… my husband, asking for my trist.
“Okay,” I nodded, suddenly shy.
His answering smile was small but genuine as he brushed a strand of hair from my face. “Good. Now let’s get going. We have a busy day ahead.”
I glanced at the clock. “It’s already past eight! We still need to find a gift for my grandfather before we visit him tomorrow.”
“First things first,” Brandon said, reaching for his jacket. “Dinner. Then shopping.”
“But what about Grandpa Jonathan’s gift?” I fretted, following him toward the door. “The high–end stores in Manhattan will be closing soon after we finish dinner!”
Brandon turned, his expression softening into that rare, genuine smile that made my heart do silly things in my chest. “Food first. Shopping later.”
“But-
“Jonathan would scold me if he knew I let you shop on an empty stomach,” he said firmly, guiding me down the hallway with a hand at the small of my back. “If we don’t find anything tonight, we’ll look tomorrow. Come on.”
The casual mention of my grandfather, the way Brandon referred to him by his first name with such easy familiarity–it reminded me again how strange and tangled our connections were. My grandfather’s favorite student was now my husband. Life had gotten very weird, very fast.
Per Se stood like a jewel in the Time Warner Center, its understated entrance belying the three Michelin stars and reputation as one of New York’s most exclusive dining destinations. I’d walked past it dozens of times over the years but never dreamed of entering- the kind of place where if you had to ask about prices, you definitely couldn’t afford them.
Brandon’s hand rested possessively at the small of my back as we approached the host stand. The restaurant manager materialized instantly, his face lighting up with recognition.
“Mr. Stark!” he exclaimed, bowing slightly. “Welcome back!”
A
Brandon nodded in acknowledgment. “Is my usual private room ready?”
“Of course, sir. Your private dining room is always reserved for you. The manager’s gaze flickered to me momentarily, curiosity flashing in his eyes before his professional mask slipped back into place. “Mr. Lee and Dr. Sullivan are also dining with us tonight, in the adjacent private room.
I felt Brandon’s fingers tense slightly against my back.
“Would you like to greet them, sir? They’re just next door,” the manager added, already moving to lead us through the restaurant.
1/3
Chapter 114
My hand trembled slightly as I reached for Brandon’s arm, suddenly nervous at the prospect of meeting his friends. These were the infamous “Wall Street Four” I’d heard whispers about–Brandon’s inner circle. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself to be scrutinized and judged by the most powerful young men in New York’s financial world.
Brandon glanced down at me, his expression softening imperceptibly Not tonight, he told the manager. “Just take us to our toes
The manager nodded smoothly. “Right this way, sir, madam.”
The private dining room was exquisite–intimate lighting, panoramic views of Columbus Circle, and a table set with such pristics elegance it looked like a museum display. Brandon pulled out my chair, his movements effortlessly graceful as he helped me get settled.
“I thought you were going to introduce me to your friends! I blurted once the manager had left us alone.
Brandon raised an eyebrow. “Did you want to meet them?”
“Well… yes! I mean, they’re your closest friends, aren’t they?”
“We’ll skip it today,” Brandon decided, picking up the menu though I suspected he already knew exactly what he wanted. “There will be better opportunities for proper introductions. Besides, I haven’t formally met your grandfather or George Taylor yet.”
I blinked, surprised by his consideration. Most men would have prioritized their friends over their wife’s family. “You’re right. It’s not really the right time tonight anyway.”
Exactly,” Brandon replied, his dark eyes holding mine. “When I introduce you, I want it done properly.”
I was midway through the most incredible salmon I’d ever tasted when the restaurant manager reappeared at our door, hovering respectfully.
“Mr. Stark, Mr. Lee and Dr. Sullivan are preparing to leave. They’ve asked me to deliver this to your table.” He presented an exquisite bottle of champagne. “Dom Pérignon, with Mr. Lee’s compliments.”
Brandon nodded. “They’re leaving already?”
“Yes, sir. Mr. Lee mentioned they had other business to attend to.”
I glanced at the champagne, impressed by the gesture. “That’s very gracious of your friend.”
“Edward has his moments,” Brandon replied with that enigmatic half–smile.
“He seems like he has good manners,” I observed. “Sending a gift when he learned you were here, but not intruding on our dinner. That’s pretty considerate.”
“Considerate? Yes, I suppose Edward is known for his consideration, Brandon’s tone carried a hint of something I couldn’t quite place. at your dinner. I’ll introduce you properly another time.”
I took another bite, studying Brandon’s face. “I’ve been wondering… you seem to have a special status here. The manager, the private room that’s ‘always reserved‘…”
“You think I own this place?” Brandon looked amused. “I don’t.”
“Then who it is then?”
“I’ll introduce you one day.” Brandon said, his expression turning mysterious.
Before I could press further, the door opened again to reveal James, accompanied by a distinguished older gentleman.
2/3
Chapter 114
“Sir, I’ve brought Mr. Davis from Christie’s as requested,” James announced.
The Christie’s manager bowed slightly, carrying a leather case which he placed reverently on the table. “Mr. Stark. This is Newton’s Principia Mathematica–first edition. There’s some slight yellowing of the pages. I’d planned to have our conservation team restore it before delivery, but Mr. Wilson indicated you needed it immediately.
“This is fine. Thank you,” Brandon nodded, examining the book with practiced ease before closing the case.
I stared at the leather case in disbelief. “Is that… for my grandfather”
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
