Summer’s POV
In the blink of an eye, I’d been working at Stark Group for almost two weeks now. During this time, I’d learned so much from Leo Schmidt. He was a man with remarkable ideas and insights. At first, found him difficult to deal with and thought he was extremely strict, but after spending time working together, I realized he was actually a decent person–at least he’d been good to me.
That afternoon, I had just wrapped up my work when I received a call from Elizabeth. This caught me by surprise. Since Victoria’s wedding, I hadn’t heard a peep from the Taylor household. I’d almost begun to think they’d forgotten about my existence entirely.
“Hello, I answered, stepping into the hallway for privacy.
“Summer,” Elizabeth’s voice cut through like a knife. “Meet me at Le Bernardin tonight at seven. Don’t be late.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling a headache forming. “Is there something specific-
“Just be there,” she interrupted. “You’ve been seeing that Sullivan boy for what, two weeks now? How are things progressing?”
I blinked, completely thrown. “What Sullivan boy? I haven’t seen anyone.”
“Don’t play dumb with me,” Elizabeth snapped. “Michael Sullivan! The one I introduced you to at Victoria’s wedding.”
“I haven’t seen him since then,” I replied, confused. “I’ve been busy.”
Her laugh was sharp, dismissive. “Busy with what exactly? Victoria tells me you’re not even at Fortune Corp anymore. What could possibly be keeping you so occupied when you don’t have a job?”
The casual cruelty in her voice was so familiar it almost didn’t sting anymore.
“Michael Sullivan is an exceptional catch,” she continued. “If Victoria weren’t already married, do you think I’d be offering someone like him to you?”
“Then maybe you should introduce him to Victoria instead,” I replied coolly.
“This arrangement with Michael Sullivan isn’t up for negotiation,” she hissed. “Be at Le Bernardin at seven, dressed appropriately for
once.”
After she hung up, I immediately called Brandon.
“Hey,” he answered, his voice instantly calming me. “What’s up?”
“I don’t think I can make dinner tonight,” I explained. “My mother’s demanding I meet her at Le Bernardin. She thinks I’ve been seeing ichael Sullivan these past two weeks and wants to check on our ‘progress.‘ I think she’s hoping to marry me off to the Sullivan family tree. Too bad she doesn’t realize it was Sean who showed up that day, not his cousin.”
I understand, Brandon replied after a moment. “Go ahead.”
“But I don’t even know Michael Sullivan,” I protested.
‘Don’t worry about it,” he assured me. “You’ll be fine.”
Le Bernardin’s elegant façade loomed before me at exactly 6:30 PM. my “drab‘ navy pantsuit. If Elizabeth wanted to parade me in front
come straight from work, deliberately not changing out of some society bachelor, she could take me as I was.
Chapter 167
The maître d‘ led me to a secluded table where my mother sat nursing a martini, her expression souring the moment she spotted
- me.
“What in God’s name are you wearing?” she demanded.
“Clothes,” I replied simply.
Elizabeth’s face contorted with disapproval. “I specifically told you to dress appropriately. Look at yourself–you look like some middle–aged accountant. No wonder Alexander left you for your sister.”
I felt a flash of anger. “Oh, is that why? I always thought it had more to do with you and Dad pushing them together behind my back.”
“Watch your mouth,” she warned. “I’m trying to help you here. You have no job, no prospects-”
“Who told you I don’t have a job?” I interrupted.
She waved her hand dismissively. “Victoria mentioned you’d left Fortune Corp. We both know you only got that position because of Alexander’s connections. Now that bridge is burned, what exactly are you doing with yourself? This is why finding a suitable husband is so important.”
“I wasn’t fired from Fortune Corp–I quit,” I clarified. “And I left because I found something better.”
“Better?” she scoffed. “What could possibly be better than the position Alexander arranged for you?”
“I work at Stark Group now,” I stated simply. “In the Projects Division.
Elizabeth froze mid–sip. “Stark Group? Brandon Stark’s company? Alexander’s uncle’s business?”
I frowned, confused. “I’ve been at Stark Group for weeks now, and I’ve never heard Brandon mention having a nephew. He has a little niece named Angela, but she’s just a kid.”
Elizabeth slammed her glass down. “Don’t be ridiculous. Alexander is Brandon’s nephew through the Stark family line. Why else would Victoria have gotten that contract with Stark Entertainment?”
“Maybe because she’s marketable?” I suggested, unable to keep the edge from my voice. “Brandon’s a businessman. He recognizes talent when he sees it.”
“So that’s what this dinner is really about?” she fumed. “You coming here to gloat about your fancy new job? After everything I’ve done for you–arranging this meeting with Michael Sullivan, trying to secure your future–this is how you repay me?”
“I didn’t ask you to arrange anything,” I pointed out. “And you’re certainly not doing it out of concern for my happiness.
“I am your mother,” she hissed, slapping her palm against the table. Everything I do is for your benefit. Michael Sullivan is from an excellent family with wealth and connections. You should be thanking me on your knees.”
I’m not interested in meeting Michael Sullivan,” I said, standing up. And since he doesn’t appear to be here yet, I think I’ll leave
now.”
Elizabeth’s hand shot out, gripping my wrist. “Sit. Down. When Michael gets here, you will be polite and grateful. If you can’t do that much, don’t bother calling yourself my daughter anymore.”
For years, that threat would have reduced me to immediate compliance. Tonight, it had lost its power. I had Brandon now. I had my grandfathers, Ruby and Scarlett, a career I was proud of.
“Mother,” I said softly, “I think we both know you stopped seeing me as your daughter a long time ago. Victoria’s always been your
The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 168
