The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 117
Summer’s POV
I took the invitation with steady hands, my expression carefully neutral as I opened it. Inside was an exquisitely designed wedding invitation, announcing Victoria Taylor and Alexander Stark’s upcoming nuptials. I traced my finger over the embossed lettering. feeling Victoria’s eyes locked on my face, searching for any flicker of pain of jealousy.
“Next month, that’s really perfect timing,” I said smoothly, meeting Her gaze. “Of course I’ll be there. We’re sisters, after all.”
Something flashed in Victoria’s eyes–disappointment, maybe even confusion. She’d clearly expected me to flinch, to show some sign that I was devastated by her marrying my ex–fiancé. But honestly? That pain felt like it belonged to a different lifetime.
Ruby stood beside me, barely containing herself. I could feel her practically vibrating with indignation, eyes burning holes into Victoria as she opened her mouth to deliver what would undoubtedly be a scathing retort.
I shot her a subtle warning glance. Not worth it.
Victoria’s perfect smile faltered slightly as she studied my reaction. You can come?” she pressed, clearly thrown by my composure. “I mean, you’re not… busy?”
“Why would I be too busy for my only sister’s wedding?” I replied, tucking the invitation into my clutch. “Besides, Alexander and I were good friends before. I’m happy for you both.”
Victoria bit her lip, eyes widening in a practiced display of vulnerability. “Summer, are you still upset with me? About… you know.”
I almost laughed at how transparent she was being. This wasn’t about sisterly reconciliation–this was her latest performance, with
our classmates as the audience.
“Upset? Why would I be?” I tilted my head slightly. “My sister hasn’t done anything to hurt me. Actually, I should be congratulating/ you on your success–thriving career and marriage to a Stark. You’ve really hit the jackpot.”
Victoria’s gaze hardened for a split second before her mask snapped back into place. Before she could respond, Anna stepped forward, glass of champagne clutched in her hand.
“Speaking of career success,” Anna announced loudly, drawing the attention of nearby classmates, “Victoria just signed with Stark Entertainment! It’s official!”
A ripple of impressed murmurs spread through the group.
“Stark Entertainment?” someone gasped. “That’s major! Isn’t Mia Thomas their biggest star? She’s everywhere these days!”
“Didn’t they launch her career from nothing?” another classmate chimed in. “Victoria, that’s incredible.”
“Wait, isn’t your fiancé’s last name also Stark?” asked a guy whose name I couldn’t quite place. “Any relation?”
Victoria straightened, chin lifting with unmistakable pride. She shot me a triumphant glance before addressing the group.
“Actually, yes,” she purred. “his family is part of the Stark dynasty. You remember Brandon Stark, don’t you, Summer? The one who came to Grandpa’s birthday? He’s Alexander’s uncle!”
I felt my lips curve into an involuntary smile, “Is that right? So the CEO of Stark Group is your soon–to–be uncle–in–law?”
“That’s right!” Victoria beamed, clearly delighted that I’d acknowledged her connection to Brandon. “Family is everything, isn’t it?”
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Chapter 117
I couldn’t resist. Channeling Brandon’s signature raised eyebrow and intense gaze, I said, I actually thought your fiancé was the Stark Group CEO.”
Victoria’s smile froze. “No, of course not, she recovered quickly. “Brandon Stark is Alexander’s elder. He’s your elder too, Somme You shouldn’t speak so disrespectfully about him!”
“Funny,” I mused, “I’ve never heard Brandon Stark mention having any nephews.
Victoria’s eyes flashed dangerously before she forced a laugh. “Summer, you don’t even know Brandon Stark that well! How would you know anything about the Stark family connections? They’re incredibly complex.”
“Is that so?” I replied mildly, deciding not to push further. Victoria had no idea I was married to Brandon, and watching her dig herself deeper was becoming almost entertaining.
“I think I need another drink,” I said, extricating myself from the conversation.
“Holy shit,” Ruby whispered, pulling me aside once Victoria had moved on to dazzle another group of alumni. She has no clue, does she? About you and Brandon?”
I sipped my champagne, watching Victoria hold court across the room. “Nope. Not a single clue.”
“Can you imagine her face if she knew you’re actually Mrs. Stark?” Ruby snickered. “After all that bullshit about family connections?”
I gave her a sidelong glance. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“Hell yes, I am! But seriously, what’s the deal with Victoria signing with Stark Entertainment? Isn’t that your husband’s company? Why would Brandon sign the sister who tried to destroy you?”
I couldn’t explain the whole situation here, with potential eavesdroppers everywhere, but Ruby was sharp enough to read between the lines.
“Let’s just say Brandon has his reasons,” I replied carefully.
Ruby studied my face for a moment before her eyes widened in understanding. “Oh my God,” she whispered, “he’s setting her up, isn’t he? Wait–is that why all those horrible stories and photos about her suddenly disappeared? And now she’s got this squeaky- clean image and a fancy Stark Entertainment contract?”
I just smiled, neither confirming nor denying.
“Your husband is fucking brilliant,” Ruby declared. “Like, terrifyingly brilliant.
Scarlett rejoined us, sliding into the empty seat beside me with a sigh. “What did I miss?”
“Just discussing Victoria’s incredible new position at Stark Entertainment,” I said dryly.
Oh God, don’t get me started,” Scarlett rolled her eyes. “Do you have any idea what she’s been saying while you were over here? She’s basically convinced everyone that she has Brandon Stark’s personal backing. The whole department thinks she’s got an inside track to the most powerful man on Wall Street.”
Ruby snorted. “If only they knew.”
‘I mean, she’s not exactly lying,” I pointed out, taking another sip of my drink. “She is signed to Stark Entertainment, and Brandon is technically going to be her uncle–in–law once she marries Alexander.”
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Chapter 117
“Are you serious right now? Starlett looked at me incredulously. “She’s deliberately misleading everyone! She’s using your husband’s name and company to elevate herself, and you’re just… fine with it?
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