Chapter 144
Summer’s POV
I met Elizabeth’s gaze evenly, trying to decipher what scheme was brewing behind those calculating eyes. With Victoria off somewhere with Alexander, and Elizabeth suddenly seeking me out, my internal alarm bells were ringing at full volume.
“Summer, darling, won’t you even speak with your mother?” Elizabet pressed, glancing nervously at Grandpa George and Professor Jonathan. “Have I become such a stranger that you won’t spare me a few minutes?”
I remained silent, my face carefully neutral. Nice performance, Mother Oscar–worthy, really.
“Summer,” she continued, laying it on thicker, “I have something to give you. Now that Victoria’s married, my biggest concern is you. I haven’t had a chance to talk with you properly in so long–you’re always busy, never at home!”
Grandpa Jonathan suddenly set down his teacup with enough force to make everyone flinch.
“Enough!” he snapped, glaring at Elizabeth. “You’ve been a poor excuse for a mother for years, and now you have the audacity to
blame Summer for not being around? If she can’t stand to be in that house, whose fault do you think that is?*
Elizabeth’s perfectly composed facade cracked. “Father! I-” She turned desperately. “George, you know how I’ve treated Summer. You’ve seen it with your own eyes. Tell them!”
Grandpa George’s weathered face hardened. “It’s your daughter’s wedding day. Why aren’t you busy attending to Victoria and the guests? Why are you so fixated on speaking with Summer right now?
Elizabeth’s phone suddenly rang. She glanced at it, and a flash of triumph crossed her face as she stepped aside and answered it.
I felt my phone vibrate in my clutch. Discreetly checking it, I saw a message from Brandon: “Go with her. I’ve got it handled. You’ll be
fine.”
I looked up, meeting Brandon’s gaze. Something in his eyes reassured me.
“Alright,” I said, rising from my seat. “I’ll come with you.”
“Grandpa George, Grandpa Jonathan,” I added, turning to them, “I’ll be right back. Mr. Stark, it was a pleasure.”
Brandon nodded, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Likewise, Miss Taylor.”
As Elizabeth took my arm, I caught the flash of cold fury in Brandon’s eyes when her fingers closed around my wrist
The moment we were in the hallway, away from prying eyes, Elizabeth dropped my arm like it was contamin and her saccharine
smile vanished.
“What was that little performance?” she demanded, her voice sharp. I ask you to come speak with me, and you sit there giving me the silent treatment? I’m your mother! Do you think I’d hurt my own daughter?”
“What did you want to discuss that was so urgent it couldn’t wait, Mother?”
Elizabeth’s nostrils flared. “That attitude! After everything I’ve done for you–”
“What exactly have you done for me?” I interrupted, my patience wearing thin.
She waved away my question. “Your sister and I have been so worried about you. Now that Victoria is married, my biggest concern is your future. It’s time we settled your marriage situation.”
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Chapter 144
There it is. I barely managed not to roll my eyes. Of course this was about marrying me off.
“I appreciate your concern,” I said coolly, “but I’m still young. My marriage is not something you need to worry about.”
Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “What exactly are you saying? After all the trouble I’ve gone through to arrange this? You know, the man I’m introducing you to is the son of my dear friend from years ago. He’s from the Sullivan family–they have serious standing on Wall Street-*
“Mother,” I cut in firmly, “I’m not interested in meeting anyone for marriage purposes right now.”
Her hand flew up so suddenly I barely had time to react, stepping backward to avoid the slap. “You ungrateful little brat! Are you trying to kill me with this behavior?”
“I don’t intend to upset you,” I said, standing my ground. “But I won’t be meeting this man with marriage in mind. That’s final.
Elizabeth’s, face contorted with rage. “You dare! Do you have any idea who the Sullivans are?”
“Then let those girls marry him,” I replied evenly. “Because I absolutely won’t. Not now, not ever.”
Just as Elizabeth looked ready to explode, a smooth male voice interrupted our standoff.
“Mrs. Taylor?”
Elizabeth’s anger vanished instantly, replaced by a practiced smile as she turned toward the voice. But not before hissing at me “Watch your mouth!”
“Are you Michael Sullivan, Daisy’s son?” she asked, her voice suddenly honey–sweet again.
I turned to see who had arrived, and nearly choked.
The man standing in the hallway was impeccably dressed in a designer suit. His dark hair was styled with just the right amount of carelessness, and his sharp features were arranged in a politely distant smile.
“Hello, I’m Michael Sullivan,” he said smoothly, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. “And you must be Elizabeth Taylor, the woman my mother speaks so highly of?”
Elizabeth practically preened. “Yes, yes, that’s me! It’s wonderful to finally meet you.”
I could see the calculations running behind her eyes–probably regretting offering him damaged goods like me instead of Victoria.
“This is my younger daughter, Summer, Elizabeth continued, nudging me forward. “Summer, this is Mr. Michael Sullivan, Daisy’s son I’ve mentioned before. Say hello to Mr. Sullivan!”
I extended my hand woodenly. “Hello, Mr. Sullivan.”
“Miss Taylor,” he replied, taking my hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
I could see the laughter dancing in his eyes, and it took everything I had not to break character.
Elizabeth ushered us into a nearby sitting room, making a show of hospitality.
I’ll leave you two to get acquainted,” she said, though her eyes delivered a clear warning to me: Behave yourself. She glanced back one more time before closing the door behind her.
The moment we were alone, I turned on the man.
Chapter 144
He was unmistakably Dr. Sean’Sullivan Brandon’s friend!
“Michael Sullivan?‘ I asked, rahing an eyebrow. “When exactly did you become Michael Sullivan?”
Sean’s polished facade instantly melted away as he flopped onto the bearest chair with a prin. ‘Oh man, Summer Can you imagina Brandon’s face if he knew your mother was trying to set you up with ine? He’d probably have an aneurys
“It’s not with you, I corrected, “it’s with Michael Sullivan. And for your information, Brandon krums exactly where I am
Sean laughed, shaking his head. “Your mom is something else, trying to arrange your marriage at your sister’s wedding. That’s ex- level crazy, even by Upper East Side standards,
“So,” I asked, “who the fuck is this Michael Sullivan?”
“My cousin,” Sean replied with a shrug.
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