The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 177
Summer’s POV
I frowned slightly, glancing toward Victoria across the ballroom. “You and my sister seem well–acquainted.”
Charles raised an eyebrow. “No, to be precise, Miss Taylor, it’s you and I who are well–acquainted, wouldn’t you agree? His eyes roamed over me invasively, as though mentally undressing me right there in the middle of the ballroom.
“I wouldn’t call one unfortunate encounter being well–acquainted, replied coldly.
Charles chuckled, amused by my hostility. “Such unfriendliness, Miss Taylor! What have I done to deserve such contempt?”
“Because you’re an asshole,” I said bluntly. “What are you plotting today?”
Instead of being offended, Charles looked even more intrigued. “You know, it’s fascinating. We do seem to have a certain… connection, you and I. I won’t deny I have ulterior motives today, but don’t worry–you’re not my target.”
I shook my head in disgust and stood up.
As I walked away without a word, I could feel his eyes following me, burning into my back.
The ladies‘ room was a sanctuary of marble and soft lighting, mercifully empty when I entered. I leaned against the sink, trying to steady my breathing. The encounter with Charles had rattled me more than I cared to admit.
I was patting cold water on my wrists when I heard the door open behind me. My heart sank, expecting Victoria or one of her minions, but the reflection in the mirror revealed Anna Watson.
Anna’s scars had faded somewhat since I’d last seen her, though they were still visible beneath her expertly applied makeup. Her eyes met mine in the mirror, a strange determination in her gaze.
“Anna?” I asked warily, turning to face her directly.
Anna didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she walked past me, checking under each stall door to ensure we were alone. Satisfied, she pushed the main door closed, then turned the lock.
“It’s me,” she said unnecessarily, her voice hushed and urgent. “I don’t have much time, so I’ll make this quick. Victoria invited Charles here today, and I’m sure you’ve figured out why. She’s going to offer you a drink later–it’ll be drugged. She asked me to keep an eye on you. I’ll switch out your drink. Just pretend to be tipsy afterward and leave. I’m supposed to take you to a private room, but you need to find a way to slip away from me.”
I stared at her, processing this information. “Drugged? Seriously? She couldn’t think of any other way?”
Anna nodded grimly.
Anna’s lips tightened into a thin line. “Sophie is watching Charles–his drink will be drugged too. I’ve heard rumors about him….”
“Wait, Charles is getting drugged too? Does he know what Victoria is planning?” I asked.
Anna shook her head. “I’m not sure. I don’t know what his game is today, but don’t let down your guard. I gotta go now.”
I searched her face, trying to detect any sign of deception. “Thank you,” I said finally, the words feeling strange directed at someone who’d once helped try to kill me. “I appreciate the warning.”
Anna’s expression softened marginally. “Don’t thank me. I didn’t like you before, it’s true. But you never really did anything awful to
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me, and I’ve paid for my mistakes. She touched one of her scars unconsciously. I’m not doing this for you—I’m doing it for myself. Now I need to go before Victoria gets suspicious.”
With that cryptic statement, she unlocked the door and slipped out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Back in the ballroom, Victoria spotted me instantly, weaving through the crowd with predatory grace.
“Summer!” she called, her voice dripping with fake sisterly concern. ve been looking everywhere for you!
“Just needed a moment,” I replied, forcing a smile. “Great party, by the way. Where’s Alexander? Shouldn’t he be celebrating with you?”
Something flashed in Victoria’s eyes before quickly disappearing.
“Oh, he’s been absolutely swamped with work,” she said, waving dismissively. “Fortune Corp is in the middle of a major deal. You know how it is–or maybe you don’t, since you’re at Stark Group now
The dig was so typical Victoria that I almost laughed.
“Speaking of which,” she continued smoothly, “let’s have a drink! It’s my birthday, after all. We should celebrate… sisterhood.”
On cue, a waiter appeared with a tray of champagne flutes. Victoria took two, offering one to me with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. From across the room, I caught Anna’s subtle nod.
“To new beginnings,” Victoria said, raising her glass.
I mirrored her gesture. “To family,” I replied, taking a small sip.
Victoria’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “I’m so glad we could put aside our differences, Summer. It’s my birthday, and all those misunderstandings between us–they’re in the past now. Your big sister promises to take good care of you from now on.”
“Thanks, sis.” I replied with a saccharine smile, clinking my glass against hers.
I noticed Sophie approaching Charles with a drink. He accepted it gallantly, downing it in one smooth motion. Within minutes, he began showing signs of intoxication–his movements becoming looser, his laughter too loud.
Charles leaned toward Sophie, whispering to her ear.
Sophie blushed visibly, her confidence bolstered. “Mr. Windsor…”
Sophie swayed slightly, looking dizzy. Charles narrowed his eyes, then smoothly wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Strange,” he murmured. “I’ve barely had anything to drink, yet I feel… intoxicated
Sophie’s eyes brightened. “Mr. Windsor? perhaps I should help you find somewhere to rest?”
“Yes,” Charles agreed readily. “That would be most appreciated.”
I took the opportunity to really sell my act. “Whoaa,” I slurred slightly, stumbling as I set down my glass. “Thi‘ champagne is
strong…
Victoria’s eyes lit up with malicious delight. “Summer? Are you feeling alright?”
I blinked rapidly, as if trying to focus. “Just… a‘ li’l light–headed. Maybe I should… sit down somewhere?”
Victoria made a show of looking concerned. “This is so unlike you, Summer. Perhaps you should lie down for a bit?” She glanced
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around theatrically. “I could have Anna take you to one of the rest rpms?”
“That… would be nice, I mumbled, swaying on my feet,
Victoria beckoned to Anna. “Anna, would you mind taking my sister to the rest area? She’s not feeling well.”
“Of course,” Anna replied, coming to my side and slipping an arm around my waist. “Come on, let’s get you somewhere quiet.”
As Anna led me away, I caught Victoria’s triumphant smile, her eyes following us as we left the ballroom.
Once we were in the hallway, Anna kept up the charade until we were out of sight. Then she whispered urgently, “You should knock me out, then escape. Either go back to the ballroom or just leave entirely. Charles is a wild card–even with Sophie watching him, I don’t trust what might happen if he finds you.“.
“Hit you? No can do, Anna. There has to be another way,” I whispered back, uncomfortable with the suggestion.
“Then you go ahead and leave. I’ll just say I already took you to the room.”
“Okay, I agreed.
“Wait,” Anna tensed suddenly, pulling me closer to the wall. “Someone’s following us. Victoria must have sent one of her paparazzi friends–she’s planning to create a scandal around you tonight.”
I heard footsteps approaching from around the corner. “Let’s go to the bathroom,” I whispered, tugging Anna toward the nearest ladies‘ room.
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