Chapter 173
Summer’s POV
“You look like you’ve been working on the Manhattan subway construction, not at Stark Group,” Ruby had teased during our lunch yesterday. “What’s Leo doing, making you dig trenches?”
‘I’d glared at her, not appreciating the commentary. After days of following Leo Schmidt to project sites, I’d traded designer heels for
practical sneakers and dress for simple activewear. My skin had darkened from hours under the sun, and I’d definitely lost weight.
Now, stuck in Manhattan’s rush hour traffic on our way back from another site visit, I flipped through my notebook, reviewing observations. Leo drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, watching the congested road.
“I thought you’d be the type who expects everything handed to you, Leo suddenly remarked. “You know, a typical Manhattan princess.”
I looked up, surprised by his attempt at personal conversation.
“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow. “And what type of person does Director Schmidt think I am now?”
“When we’re off the clock, you can just call me Leo,” he replied, his expression relaxing slightly.
When the traffic finally started moving again, I decided to address the elephant in the room.
“Leo,” I began, “the reason you let me join this project… is it because of Brandon’s influence?”
Leo didn’t hesitate. “Yes. Mr. Stark did specifically instruct me to include you. Though I wasn’t thrilled about it initially.” He glanced at me. “But I figured if Mr. Stark saw potential in you, there must be something there.”
I felt my cheeks warm.
I was about to continue when my phone rang. Brandon’s name flashed on the screen. I hesitated before answering.
“Brandon!”
“You went out today?” His voice came through clearly.
“Yeah, I was out with Leo doing site inspections.” I checked my watch. “Are you off work? Are you actually leaving on time today?”
“Mmm,” he hummed. “Where are you now?”
“Why don’t you go home first? I need to stop by the office and then –”
“Mr. Stark?” Leo suddenly interjected. When I nodded, he continued, You’re meeting Mr. Stark? Tell him I can drop you off.”
“Won’t that be too much trouble?” I asked.
Leo shopk his head. “Not at all. Where are you two meeting?”
Brandon, who had clearly overheard, spoke up. “We’re out of fresh groceries. Have Leo drop you at Whole Foods Market. I’ll meet you
There.
‘Leo, would you mind taking me to Whole Foods?” I asked.
Chapter 173
“No problem,” he nodded, changing lanes.
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1 spotted Brandon immediately as we pulled up. He stood just outside the entrance, tall and commanding even in casual clothes. When he saw Leo’s car, his posture straightened slightly.
“Thanks for the ride, Leo,” I said, gathering my things.
“Goodbye, Miss Taylor,” he replied formally.
The moment my feet hit the pavement, I couldn’t help smiling. I practically jogged toward Brandon, who was waiting with that subtle half–smile that made my heart flutter. He extended his hand as I approached, and I slipped mine into his without hesitation.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Leo observing us from his car before finally driving away.
Brandon’s fingers tightened around mine as we entered the store, pulling me closer until my hand was tucked inside his coat pocket.
“What should we have for dinner tonight?” I asked, leaning against his arm.
Brandon looked down, studying my face. He gently brushed the tip of my nose. “What do you want to eat?” His gaze intensified. “You look like you’ve lost weight_recently.”
“Really?” I asked, surprised. “I actually feel like I’ve gained. I stepped on the scale the other day and was up a few pounds!”
Brandon pinched my cheek lightly. “No, you’ve definitely gotten thinner.”
I swatted his hand away. “I don’t believe you! I know I’ve gained weight. I see what you’re doing–trying to get me to eat more so you can complain about me being fat later!”
Brandon chuckled. “You silly girl. Come on, let’s get our groceries.”
As we stood in the checkout line, Brandon’s expression suddenly changed. A small smile curved his lips.
“What are you smiling about?” I asked.
“Alexander and Victoria are here,” he replied casually, nodding toward the next checkout lane.
I tensed immediately, moving to hide behind his frame. “Are you serious? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I clutched his arm. “They can’t see us together!”
Brandon’s smile vanished, his expression darkening. “Are you that afraid of them knowing about our relationship?”
“No!” I protested. “That’s not it at all, don’t misunderstand.”
“Really? Then why are you hiding behind me?”
I frowned. “Look, you’ve seen how my mother tried to marry me off to both Charles Windsor and Michael Sullivan. On one hand, she wants to help Victoria get rid of me. On the other, she wants to use the to benefit the Taylor family.”
I tightened my grip on his hand. “If they discover our relationship, they’ll start scheming against you next. Victoria’s already trying to exploit her connection to you through Alexander! Can you imagine what would happen if they found out we’re married?”
I stared up at him earnestly. “I don’t want our relationship contaminated by their manipulations. I want what we have to remain
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Chapter 173
pure from all that.”
I laced my fingers through his. You have to trust me. How could someone as amazing as you ever be something I’d hide? I’ve
already introduced you to the people who matter most to me.”
Brandon’s expression softened, his lips curving into a small smile.
“I can’t argue with that,” he conceded. “I apologize for jumping to conclusions.”
“That’s better,” I replied, feeling relieved.
“By the way,” I said, “Victoria’s movie has started filming, right?”
“I believe so. I don’t really oversee Stark Entertainment directly. If you want details, ask James. And keeping our relationship private for now is probably wise.”
I grinned mischievously. “Brandon, I’ve just realized how devious you can be.”
“Oh?” His eyebrow raised.
“When Victoria eventually discovers our relationship–after you’ve already wrecked whatever schemes she’s cooking up–she’s going to absolutely lose her mind.”
Brandon studied my expression before ruffling my hair. “You’re becoming quite the troublemaker. When did my sweet wife develop such a mischievous streak?”
I laughed, batting his hand away. “Oh, you just don’t know me well enough yet! You’ll discover I’m full of surprises.”
When we finally reached the checkout, Brandon nudged me forward. As the cashier began scanning our items, Brandon reached past me to grab something from a display rack–a box of condoms.
My eyes widened in horror. “Brandon!” I hissed, grabbing his wrist. What are you doing?”
I tried to take the box from him, but Brandon simply moved his hand, placing the item on the conveyor belt before I could stop him
The cashier paused briefly, her professionalism only momentarily betrayed by a raised eyebrow before scanning the item.
I felt my face burning, acutely aware of the cashier’s subtle glances. When I tried to shuffle away toward the exit, Brandon caught my arm.
“Honey,” he said, his voice carrying just enough authority to stop me in my tracks, “pay the bill.”
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