Summer’s POV
“Me?” I couldn’t keep the disbelief from my voice.
His gaze traveled down my figure, his brow furrowing slightly. “You’ve lost weight. A lot of weight.”
I felt my expression harden instantly. “If that’s all you came to say, I need to get back to work. It’s business hours, in case you
haven’t noticed.”
Alexander’s face stiffened, clearly not used to this cold treatment from me. “Summer, do we really have to be like this? After everything we’ve been through
A bitter laugh escaped me. “And how exactly should we be? Did you expect us to be best buddies? If you don’t have anything important to say, I’m heading back upstairs.”
As I turned to leave, his hand shot out, not quite touching me but effectively stopping my retreat. “Summer, wait!”
He sighed, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. “Look, I know you’re still upset with us, and you have every right to be. But I heard from Elizabeth that she’s arranging a match for you. Some Sullivan guy? Are you… are you happy with him?”
I snorted, crossing my arms tightly across my chest. “Seriously? That’s why you’re here? Let me make one thing perfectly clear, Alexander. Just because you married my sister doesn’t give you any right to meddle in my personal life. Are we done here?”
His expression fell, and he rushed to explain. “I heard you’re working at Stark Group now, so I thought I’d check on you. I was worried after you left Fortune Corp that you might be struggling.”
The condescension in his tone made my blood boil. “Oh, I see. So what you’re really saying is that you didn’t think I was capable of surviving without Fortune Corp? That I couldn’t possibly find another job without your help? Wow. Anything else you’d like to insult me with today?”
Alexander seemed to realize his mistake, but instead of apologizing, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an elegantly embossed envelope.
“Actually, there is one more thing,” he said, holding it out to me. “Victoria’s birthday is coming up. Since it’s our first year of marriage, she wants to throw a big celebration, so…”
I took the envelope, my curiosity getting the better of me. Opening it, I nearly choked when I saw what was inside–a fancy invitation decorated with Victoria and Alexander’s wedding photos. Not birthday photos. Wedding photos.
“Well, isn’t this special,” I said, unable to keep the sarcasm from my voice. “I’ve heard of birthday parties before, but turning your birthday into a second wedding reception? That’s a first. What’s next? Are you two planning to get married again?”
Alexander’s face paled as he took the invitation from my hands, his eyes widening in shock as he finally noticed the wedding photos.
“This. I don’t understand,” he stammered, clearly caught off guard. This isn’t what I…”
“Don’t worry about it,” I said with a cold smile, snatching the invitation back. “She’s my only sister, after all. Of course I’ll be there to celebrate her birthday.” I tucked the invitation into my bag. “If that’s all, I really should get back to work.”
I walked away without a backward glance, feeling Alexander’s eyes bring into my back.
The second I stepped into the elevator, my phone rang. Brandon’s name flashed on the screen.
Chapter 175
“Come to my office,” he said the moment I answered, his voice tight with barely contained anger.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, surprised. “How did you know I’m back in the building? Did you see me outside?”
You think I wouldn’t notice Alexander Stark making a scene at my company’s front entrance?” he replied, the edge in his voice unmistakable. “What was that about?”
“Calm down,” I soothed, leaning against the elevator wall. “It’s nothing to worry about. He just came to deliver an invitation. That’s
all.
“An invitation?” Brandon’s tone turned suspicious. “For what? Are they celebrating something? Don’t tell me they’re getting married again.”
I couldn’t help laughing at his uncanny guess. “You got it in one! Alexander gave me an invitation with their wedding photos plastered all over it. You should have seen his face when he realized he looked like he’d seen a ghost.”
“So you’re planning to go?” Brandon asked after a moment.
“Of course I’m going,” I replied, determination creeping into my voice. “Victoria’s obviously planned something special for her⚫ birthday gift to herself–most likely finding some way to humiliate me in public. But this time, I’ve got a little surprise gift of my own prepared for her.”
Victoria’s birthday celebration was even more extravagant than I’d expected. The venue was dripping with opulence–crystal chandeliers, champagne fountains, and an army of waitstaff in crisp uniforms. Half of Manhattan’s trust fund babies seemed to be in attendance, no doubt drawn by Victoria’s new status as both a Stark Entertainment talent and Alexander Stark’s wife.
I spotted Sophie and Anna near the entrance, playing their roles as Victoria’s loyal handmaidens to perfection. Several of our old classmates were scattered throughout the crowd, including Chris Diaz, who kept stealing glances in my direction. Noticeably absent were Ruby and Scarlett–not that I’d expected Victoria to invite them
As I surveyed the room, my heart stuttered when I spotted a familiar face–Charles Windsor. The sight of him sent alarm bells ringing in my head. After what had happened the last time he’d been around me, his presence here could only mean trouble.
I watched as Victoria noticed Charles’s arrival, her face lighting up with calculated charm as she glided over to greet him. Our classmates seemed oblivious to his identity, but the way the other wealthy guests gave him a wide berth spoke volumes about his reputation.
“Victoria,” Charles purred, raising his champagne flute. “It’s been too long. Happy birthday to you!”
He took her hand and pressed his lips to it in a move that lingered just a beat too long to be proper. Leaning close to her ear, he murmured something that made her cheeks flush.
‘You look absolutely stunning tonight,” he said, loud enough for nearby guests to hear.
Victoria seemed momentarily flustered, almost entranced by his attention before catching herself. “Thank you for the unique birthday wishes, Charles.”
“For an exquisite woman like yourself, only unique will do,” he replied smoothly, his eyes trailing over her in a way that was borderline inappropriate for a married woman.
“Well, Victoria said, clearly uncomfortable but trying to maintain her composure, the celebration hasn’t officially started yet. If you’ll excuse me, I need to attend to my other guests.”
Charles watched her retreat, something calculating flashing in his eyes that made me shiver despite myself.
Chapter 175
It wasn’t long before Victoria spotted me. I saw the momentary flash of jealousy in her eyes as she took in my appearance, quickly masked by a fake smile as she approached.
Summer!” she exclaimed, grabbing my hands with theatrical enthusiasm. “You made it! I was beginning to think you wouldn’t
come.”
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