ummer’s POV
I rubbed my aching neck as I made my way downstairs. I’d been holed up in Brandon’s study for over an hour, poring over Manhattan West Side project documents until the numbers started swimming before my eyes.
Something smells amazing, I called out, following the mouthwatering aroma to the kitchen.
Brandon appeared in the doorway, dish towel slung over his shoulder He gestured toward the dining room. “Perfect timing. Wash your hands and come eat.
I headed to the sink, stealing glances at the table. “Holy shit, Brandon! Did you invite the entire Stark Group executive board over?” The table was loaded with at least six different dishes–far too much food for just us two.
Brandon gave me a critical once–over. “You’ve lost too much weight. And you’ve been working too hard lately.”
“Well, that’s not exactly my fault,” I shot back, grabbing a piece of broccoli. “The Manhattan West Side project is keeping me crazy busy. Leo says it’ll probably be like this for the next few months.” I flashed him a teasing smile. “So, dear, I guess all the household chores are falling on your shoulders from now on.”
Brandon reached out, his palm cool against my forehead as he brushed back my hair. He took my hand, leading me into the kitchen. “By the way, I need to use the study later. Are you done in there?”
“Yeah, I’m good for now.” I hesitated. “What are you working on these days? You’ve seemed… preoccupied.”
“Just some routine matters. Nothing you’d find interesting.” His dark eyes studied me. “Why? Want to trade jobs?”
“No way!” I laughed, pulling out my chair.
As I settled in, I watched Brandon serve the food with practiced efficiency.
“If things get too overwhelming, Brandon offered, placing a heaping portion on my plate, “I can have Leo adjust your workload.”
“That won’t be necessary,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “I know you’re worried about me, but I want to handle this on my own. I need to prove myself.”
After dinner, Brandon retreated to the study while I lounged on our bed, scrolling through messages from Ruby and Scarlett in our group chat.
Scarlett: Victoria came to my coffee shop today. With her old squad.
Me: Seriously? What were they doing there?
Scarlett: Planning some birthday bash. Is Victoria’s birthday tomorrow
I paused before typing:
Me: Yeah, it is.
Scarlett: They were going on about inviting old classmates and making at this huge thing. Now that she’s filming that movie and married to Alexander, she’s really letting it go to her head.
Me: Sounds like Victoria.
Chapter 174
I couldn’t help but smile wryly. Victoria had always been this way–self–important and desperate for attention. Now that she had both Alexander and her Stark Entertainment contract, she probably felt untouchable. And I knew exactly why she’d want to make her birthday a big deal–another opportunity to parade her ‘perfect life” in front of everyone, especially me.
What’s so amusing?”
I nearly jumped out of my skin. Brandon was sitting at the foot of the bed, watching me with that intense gaze of his. I hadn’t even heard him come in.
“Jesus, Brandon! Wear a bell or something, I gasped, clutching my phone to my chest. “Are you done working already?”
I scrambled across the bed to his side. “Want me to run you a bath?
Brandon caught my hand, his eyes darkening. “No need.”
Before I could react, he had me pinned beneath him, his weight pressing me into the mattress.
“Brandon,” I whispered, suddenly very aware of his proximity.
He lowered his head, his voice dropping to that silky, dangerous tone that always made my stomach flip. “June.”
I swallowed hard, my hands pushing feebly against his chest. “Not tonight, okay? I’m tired.”
His eyes grew even darker, and he caught my lower lip between his teeth. “Which one would you like to try tonight? Orange or strawberry?”
My face erupted in flames as I realized what he was suggesting. I gripped his shirt, my voice shaking slightly. “Can we please not do this tonight?”
His answering smile told me everything I needed to know about how the rest of our evening would unfold.
The next morning, I groaned as I tried to sit up, my lower back protesting every movement. Brandon, looking far too rested and satisfied for my liking, pulled me back against his chest, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of my eye.
“Good morning,” he murmured.
I shot him an accusatory glare. “That’s it–you’re sleeping in the guest room tonight.”
Brandon’s eyebrow arched, his lips curving into a smug smile. “Not a chance.”
“Oh my god,” I groaned, reaching up to pinch his cheek. “How are you this shameless?”
He caught my hand, enfolding it in his larger one, his thumb tracing circles on my palm.
“Stop that,‘ I muttered, trying to sound stern. “We’re going to be late for work.”
Miss Taylor?
Leo’s voice snapped me back to reality. We were at the potential development site when my phone had rung. Victoria’s name on the screen had immediately soured my mood.
She’d called to “personally invite me to her upcoming birthday celebration framing it as though she were doing me a favor, when we both knew it was just another opportunity for her to showcase her triumph.
Chapter 174
“Summer?” Leo called again, studying me with that analytical gaze of his. “Everything okay?”
I tucked my phone back into my bag and flipped open my notebook. I’m fine.”
Leo didn’t look convinced. “Your focus seems off. Personal issue?”
3/8%
I shook my head. “Nothing major.” I redirected, “So, you were saying about the psych hospital? Upper management wants it demolished?
Leo nodded. “That’s what Mr. Stark indicated. But before demolition can even be considered, we need to address where the patients would go.
“But isn’t that outside our scope?” I asked, frowning.
Leo’s lips quirked into a half–smile. “That’s where you’re mistaken. Mr. Stark’s directive is for Stark Group to handle the entire situation.”
I blinked in surprise. “Really? Why?”
Leo gave me a curious look. “Mr. Stark hasn’t discussed this with you? Given your… connection.”
I tensed slightly. “No. Our work doesn’t overlap that way. At the company, I’m just your subordinate–no special treatment.”
Leo fell silent, studying me with renewed interest before checking his watch. “It’s getting late. We should head back.”
The sun was setting as Leo pulled into the Stark Group parking garage.
I spotted a familiar figure by the entrance of the Stark Tower–Alexander, looking anxiously toward the garage.
When he saw us, his face lit up with recognition, and he started walking in our direction.
“You know him?” Leo asked, following my gaze.
I nodded. “Yeah.”
“Then I’ll leave you to it. See you tomorrow.” Leo gave me a curt nod before heading toward the elevators.
Alexander approached, his shoes clicking against the concrete. His hair was perfectly styled, his suit immaculate. But his eyes held that same desperate look they’d had at Victoria’s wedding.
“Are you here to see Mr. Stark?” I asked coolly.
Alexander shook his head, “No. I came to see you, Summer.
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