The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 201
Summer’s POV
I caught Leo studying my reaction, his gaze sharp and assessing. I shot him a pleading look, and he immediately cleared his throat, rapping his knuckles sharply on the table.
“Ms. Bell,” he said sternly, “discussing the CEO’s personal matters during work hours is highly inappropriate. This kind of idle gossip has no place at Stark Group.”
Heather’s face immediately flushed. “I–I didn’t mean-”
“It’s nearly time to return to work,” Leo continued, checking his watch. “Let’s finish up here. The Manhattan West Side project won’t complete itself.”
As Heather gathered her things, thoroughly chastised, I mouthed a quick “thank you” to Leo. I couldn’t help wondering–who exactly was Elle Sinclair? And why would Brandon’s mother push this strange arrangement? The thought of some beautiful woman pursuing Brandon made my chest tighten uncomfortably.
Am I actually jealous? The realization hit me with surprising force. I’ve never been the jealous type before…
By late afternoon, my phone vibrated with a text from Brandon.
Dinner tonight at 8. I’ll drive. Meet me in the parking garage.
As I set my phone down, Heather approached my desk.
“Summer,” she began hesitantly, “do you have any plans tonight?”
“Hmm?” I looked up. “What’s up?”
“Nothing important,” she assured me. “It’s just, you’ve been at Stark Group for a while now, but we’ve never really hung out outside of work. I was wondering if you’d like to grab dinner together?”
“Tonight?” I asked, already calculating how to decline politely.
“Yeah,” she nodded eagerly. “Are you free?”
“I’m really sorry, but I can’t tonight,” I said, genuinely regretful. “I already have plans with family. Could we do it another time?”
Disappointment flashed across her face. “Oh… that’s okay.”
“Is everything alright?” I asked, noticing her crestfallen expression.
Heather sighed. “It’s just… you know I’m not getting any younger, right? My parents have been pushing me about marriage non- stop. My mom set me up on this blind date tonight, and I really didn’t want to go alone. It feels so awkward!”
“Oh, Heather,” I sympathized. “Parents always think they know best. But maybe give it a chance? If you don’t like him, you can always make an excuse and leave early.”
“I guess, she conceded glumly. “It’s just nerve–wracking going alone
“I’m really sorry I can’t join you,” I said. “If you’d asked earlier, I might have been able to rearrange things.”
“No, it’s fine, Heather straightened up. “You go ahead. I should start getting ready anyway.”
1/2
Chapter 201
“Good luck tonight, I called after her. “Let me know how it goes!”
At exactly 6:30, 1 headed for the parking garage. As I approached the executive section, I heard voices that made me freeze mid- step.
“Brandon, I didn’t drive here today. Could you give me a ride home?”
The voice was high–pitched and sweet–sickeningly so–with a deliberate breathy quality that immediately set my teeth on edge. 1 quickly ducked behind a concrete pillar, peering around to see a stunningly beautiful blonde woman standing beside Brandon’s car.
When Brandon didn’t immediately respond, she continued, “Brandon Why aren’t you saying anything? I came with Jane this morning, and now I don’t have a car. I’m not very familiar with New York yet. Please, just drive me home?”
“Call Jane yourself,” Brandon replied, his voice flat and cold. “Have her send a car for you.”
“Brandon!” Elle gasped, sounding shocked. “How can you be so cruel? I’m your sister! I’m a guest of the Stark family. Jane specifically asked you to take care of me. You can’t treat me like this
“Elle, Brandon’s voice carried a dangerous edge, “I’ll warn you one last time. I don’t care if you work at Stark Group, but if you’re expecting anything from me personally, you’ll be disappointed. Stay away from me, or you’ll find I can be much less accommodating
than I’ve been so far.”
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