Summer’s POV
“You little bitch!” Elizabeth’s voice echoed in the private dining room at Le Bernardin, her hand raised midair.
The door suddenly swung open, and Dr. Sean stood in the doorway, eyebrows raised as he took in the scene–Elizabeth with her ‘hand still suspended in the air, me standing my ground with a cool expression.
“Whoa! What’s going on here?” Sean’s voice carried a mixture of surprise and amusement.
Elizabeth’s hand froze mid–air, her expression shifting so rapidly it was almost comical–anger to shock to embarrassment, finally settling on a forced smile. I felt my lips curve into a slight smirk. Caught in the act.
“Mr. Sullivan,” I turned toward him calmly. “You came back?”
Sean leaned against the doorframe, his eyes dancing with mischief. Yeah, suddenly remembered something I wanted to discuss with Miss Taylor. Seems like I came at just the right time, though–quite the show I walked in on!”
Elizabeth’s face went pale, her hand finally dropping to her side. “Mr. Sullivan, ha ha, what urgent business do you have with our Summer? I was just-*
“Mrs. Taylor, Sean cut her off, his voice suddenly cold, “I have eyes. I can see exactly what’s going on here.” His gaze swept between us. “I had no idea that Taylor family’s second daughter held such a… distinguished position at home.”
Elizabeth flinched visibly, her social mask slipping back into place. “Of course not! Summer and I were just-
“Mr. Sullivan,” I interrupted, gathering my purse. “We should go.”
Sean nodded, his eyes still fixed on Elizabeth. “Absolutely. I’ll drive Miss Taylor home.” He glanced at me. “Though I’m not sure if Miss Taylor is going to the Taylor family home or…”
“I have my own apartment,” I replied smoothly, relishing the flash of humiliation on Elizabeth’s face. “Thanks for the ride, Mr. Sullivan.
My response was a clear slap to Elizabeth’s face, exposing the lie shed told Sean earlier about how close we supposedly were. I walked past her without another glance and followed Sean out of the restaurant.
“I’ve gotta say, Summer, that mother of yours is something else!” Sean chuckled as we stepped outside Le Bernardin into the cool evening air.
“Mm,” I mumbled noncommittally, unable to join in his amusement. No matter how dysfunctional my relationship with Elizabeth was, she was still technically my mother. The situation wasn’t funny to me–just sadly familiar.
Sean’s smile faded as he caught my expression. “Sorry, Summer, I didn’t mean to-”
I know,” I said quietly. “It’s just… nobody gets to choose their parents or where they’re born. That’s just life.”
The city lights glimmered around us, casting shadows across the sidewalk. New York continued its relentless pace, unconcerned with my family drama,
Come on, let’s get you in the car, Sean said, his voice gentler now. Brandon just called. He specifically instructed me to make sure you get home safely.”
“That’s not necessary,” I replied. “I drove myself here.”
Chapter 169
“What’s the big deal?” Sean insisted. “Just leave your car at Le Bernardin for now. Brandon can send someone to pick it up later.”
I hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. Thank you.”
“Hey, don’t mention it.” Sean grinned, returning to his usual carefree demeanor. “We’re practically family now!”
I felt the tension melt from my shoulders the moment I stepped through the front door of Hamptons estate. Home.
Brandon appeared at the foot of the stairs almost instantly, having heard the car pull up. His eyes scanned me quickly, assessing.
“Brandon!” I called, rushing toward him.
“Mm,” he responded simply, his stoic expression belying the relief in his eyes.
Sean followed me in, closing the door behind him. “Mission accomplished, Brandon,” he announced cheerfully. “Though I gotta ask— how did you know someone was watching outside?”
I looked between them, confused. “What? Who was watching? What are you guys talking about?”
Brandon’s hand came to rest protectively at the small of my back. “Nothing to worry about. You must be tired. Why don’t you go upstairs and rest? Sean and I need to discuss something.”
I studied his face, knowing he was deliberately keeping something from me and he wouldn’t wanted me to know what that was. Decided to get a shower first, I said, “Okay.”
Brandon’s POV
I waited until June’s footsteps faded before turning to Sean, my expression hardening. “Was someone following her?”
Sean raised an eyebrow. “You mean you were just guessing? Damn, Brandon, your instincts are scary sometimes.”
“Was it Alexander?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“Yeah.” Sean nodded, dropping onto the couch without waiting for an invitation. “I spotted his car when I first arrived at the restaurant, and it was still there when we left. He wasn’t exactly being subtle about it.”
I poured myself a glass of scotch, offering one to Sean, who accepted it with a grateful nod.
“Brandon, that mother–in–law of yours is quite the character, Sean continued, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. Talk about a quick change artist. Before I showed up, she was tearing into Summer like you wouldn’t believe. The moment I walked in, she transformed–all smiles and enthusiasm, trying to push Summer at me. Kept insisting Summer was ‘absolutely smitten with my cousin Michael, claiming the girl couldn’t stop talking about him.”
My jaw tightened. “And?”
And when I went back- Sean’s voice lowered, –Summer must have talked back to her, because Elizabeth had her hand raised. She was about to hit her, Brandon, Right there in Le Bernardin.”
felt cold fury wash through me, my fingers tightening around the glass. I see.”
Sean studied me carefully. The whole situation is bizarre. Summer streated like an outsider in that family. But here’s what I don’t get–if that’s how they feel about her, why are George Taylor and Professor Thompson so protective of her? It doesn’t add up.”
The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 170
