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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 118
Summer’s POV
I shrugged. “What difference does it make? Let her have her moment
“I can’t believe you,‘ Scarlett shook her head. “Victoria has been making your life hell for years, and now she’s using your husband’s reputation to bolster her own social standing, and you’re completely unbothered?”
“Trust me,” I said, “it’s really not worth getting upset about.”
“Fine,” Scarlett threw up her hands. “I guess I’m just not as evolved as you are. But I swear, if I have to listen to one more person talk about how they want to get Victoria to introduce them to Brandon Stark…”
I couldn’t help laughing at Scarlett’s indignation. Over the past few months with Brandon, I’d absorbed some of his unflappable calm. The old Summer would have been devastated by Victoria’s tactics, but now they just seemed… childish.
“Let’s talk about something else,” Ruby suggested, handing out fresh glasses of fruit wine. “Like this place! Manhattan Club is seriously exclusive. Kristina’s husband must have some serious pull to rent out an entire floor.”
Ruby bumped my shoulder playfully. “Does your husband know who owns this place?”
I shook my head. “I never asked. I doubt it’s his, though.” Surely Brandon would have mentioned that, right? The thought made me pause. Then again, discovering what Brandon actually owned was a constant surprise.
My head was starting to throb from the noise and the alcohol. I’d had more to drink than I’d realized, and the combination of Victoria’s antics and the champagne was making me feel slightly dizzy.
“I’m going to hit the restroom,” I announced, standing up. “Be right back.”
Ruby caught my hand, looking concerned. “You okay? You look a little flushed.”
“I’m fine,” I assured her, “just a bit lightheaded. Too much champagne on an empty stomach.”
“Want me to come with you?” Ruby offered.
“I’ll be fine,” I waved her off. “Keep Scarlett company. I’ll just be a minute.”
Ruby still looked worried. “Be careful, okay?”
“Yes, Mom,” I teased, making my way toward the exit,
I was nearly to the door when someone stepped into my path. I blinked, momentarily disoriented, before recognizing Chris Diaz. Seeing im immediately brought back memories I’d rather forget. Back in the college, he once confessed to me but I declined him. Unfortunately Anna had a crush on him so she had hated me ever since. Now those memories just made my headache worse.
“Excuse me,” I said, trying to step around him.
“Summer!” He shifted nervously, blocking my exit. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you all night.”
I suppressed a sigh. “Did you need something?”
Chris ran a hand through his hair, looking strangely flustered. “It’s… it’s been a long time. I just wanted to say hello. We were classmates, after. all.”
1/3
Chapter 118
“Hello, then,” I replied, offering a polite smile. “Nice seeing you.”
I tried to move past him again, but he didn’t budge. There was something in his eyes–an intensity that made me uncomfortable,
“Summer!” he called as I sidestepped him. “Could I get your contact information? For, you know, alumni networking. It would be good to stay in touch.”
My head was pounding now. “Maybe later? I really need to use the restroom.”
Without waiting for his response, I hurried away, feeling his gaze follow me down the corridor.
Finding the restroom required navigating a labyrinth of hallw myself in a stall, leaning against the door and taking deep breaths.
By the time I located it, my headache had intensified. I shut
A wave of nausea rolled through me. I barely made it to my knees in front of the toilet before everything came up. My body heaved violently as I emptied the contents of my stomach–all that expensive champagne and barely touched hors d’oeuvres.
“Ugh,” I groaned, wiping my mouth with toilet paper. I hadn’t thrown up from drinking since college. The bitter taste of bile lingered as I flushed, embarrassed even though no one else was in the bathroom.
After collecting myself, I stood at the sink, studying my flection. My cheeks were flushed, eyes slightly glassy–definite signs I’d had too much to drink. I splashed cold water on my face, careful not to ruin my makeup, then rinsed my mouth thoroughly, and immediately felt more clear–headed.
As I was touching up my lipstick, my phone rang. Seeing Brandon’s name on the screen made my heart do a little flip.
“Hey,” I answered, unable to keep the smile from my voice.
“It’s me,” Brandon’s smooth voice came through, instantly soothing my frayed nerves. “You still at the reunion?”
“Mmhmm,” I confirmed. “Are you still out, or did you head home already?”
“Still out,” he replied. “I can pick you up soon. Where are you?”
“At Manhattan Club,” I told him, then added quickly, “But don’t go out of your way. I can get myself home if it’s too far.”
“Have you been drinking?” Brandon asked, his tone gentle rather than accusatory.
“A bit,” I admitted.
“Then you shouldn’t drive,” he stated simply. “As it happens, I’m at Manhattan Club too. With Edward Lee and the others.”
I blinked in surprise. “You’re here? At the same place?”
“Mmm,” he confirmed. “When do you want to leave?”
The coincidence was startling, but also a relief. I definitely shouldn’t drive after all that champagne. “Whenever you’re done with your meeting. Just text me, I’m in no rush.”
“About half an hour,” Brandon replied. In the background, I could hear other voices.
“Is your wife waiting up?” someone teased.
Brandon’s voice carried a hint of amusement. “Some of us have spouses to go home to. You single guys wouldn’t understand.”
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Chapter 118
“What’s that supposed to mean?” someone protested.
Dr. Sean’s distinctive voice cut through: “Brandon, don’t act all superior just because you’re married. It’s really disgraceful.”
I couldn’t help laughing at their banter. On the other end, I could almost see Brandon’s smile.
Suddenly, the lights in the bathroom flickered. I glanced up at the ceiling, frowning.
“Something wrong?” Brandon asked, catching my hesitation.
‘No, it’s just-
The lights flickered again, then went out completely with a loud pop. Total darkness enveloped me, disorienting and absolute.
“Summer?” Brandon’s voice came through the phone, sharper now.
The sudden blackness and the startling noise sent a jolt of panic through me. Before I could stop myself, I let out a terrified scream.
“AHHH!”
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