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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 21: When I Was in College, You Were Just a Little Girl
Summer’s Pov
I didn’t say that? My free felt like it was on fire
He leaned back, clearly enjoying
i stirred my tea with probably more force than necessar
refusing
meet his amused gasa. 16. Bark in haciming quita
x
“I’m simply seeking clarity on Miss Taylor pinion His voice care a warmth I wasn’t used to hearing Homesty is a virtue, after
carrier
The familiar buzz of campus life wrapped around us like a warm blaket students hurried portable. I couldn’t help stealing glances at Brandon between bites of my tands He carried himant with that natural elegance that probably came from a lifeta et private schools and privilege.
I bet the last time he ate anything this cheap was… well, was he ever a formal student? The image of a teenage Brandon in this same restaurant almost made me laugh. Though Ammwing him, he probably had his men private chef even hack then
“What?“His dark eyes caught mine, making my pulse skip. Great, he caught me staring–
“Nothing!” I said quickly too quickly. My cheeks felt warm as I scrambled for an n explanation. “It’s just… I mean, this isn’t The kind of place someone like you usually… I trailed off, not sure how to finish that thought without sounding ridiculous. Sompune like you – why did phrase it like that? As if Brandon Stark needs reminding that he’s different from normal people.
The corner of his mouth lifted in that dangerous half–smile. “Someone like
Heat crept up my neck. “You know what I mean. Wall Street titans don’t usually grab cheese steaks at student hangosts.”
“And yet.” his voice carried just a hint of amusement, “here I am.”
I glanced at my watch, anxiety suddenly spiking as I imagined the upcoming rush of students. The last thing Brandon Starit needs to be surrounded by starstruck college kids with smartphones. His presence already drew enough attention – Id noticed at least three girls at nearby tables sneaking photos. “It’s getting late – the students will be out of class soon! We should probably… God, I cound like I’m trying to get rid of him. Am I trying to get rid of him?
The familiar chime of a phone cut through my rambling. Saved by the bell – Miterally, Brandon pulled out his phone with that effortless grace that seemed to accompany his every movement.
“Sir.” James’s efficient voice carried dearly across the table, “Miss Taylor
has been prepared.”
you headed after this, Miss Taylor?”
“We’re at Columbia,” Brandon’s response was brief, his eyes finding mine. “Where are
“Home,” I fiddled with my napkin, avoiding his intense gaze. “You don’t need to trouble yourself, Mr. Stark. James can just deliver it
later.”
“That won’t be necessary.” The finality in his tone brooked no argument.
When he stood to pay, I scrambled to my feet. “Mr. Stark, I agreed to treat you! supposed to be my thank you
Those dark eyes studied me with an intensity at made i
I know it’s not a fancy restaurant, but this meal was
my skin prickle. “Letting a lady pay? That’s not how I do things.
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Chapter 21: When I Was in College, You Were Just a Little Girl
“But-“My protest died as he furved past me with that predatory grade, heading for the counter with the kind of confidenc probably got him everything he wanted in life.
He does this every time, I thought, watching him handle the payment with efficient authority. Somehow manage to get his way without making it feel like a power play..
The setting sum painted golden streaks across the campus grounds as we stepped outside. Brandon paused, his dark eyes taking in the familiar architecture. “Would you like to walk for a bit? I wonder how the campus looks like none”
I hesitated, surprised by the suggestion. But something in his expresion a rare softness that seemed at odds with his usual intensity–made me nod. “Sure.”
My heels clicked against the familiar pathways as we walked, each step bringing back memories of rushed morning classes and late night study sessions. The evening air carried the scent of autumn, crisp and full of possibility.
“Mr. Stark,” I ventured, curiosity finally overcoming caution, you don’t seem that much older than me, but I know pretty much all of Grandpa’s students. How come I’ve never seen you before? Which yer were you?”
He paused for a moment, something unreadable flickering across his face. “When I was in college, you were probably still a littl
girl.
“That’s impossible!” I couldn’t help laughing. “I’m 25, and you can’t be that much older than me!
The way he looked at me then–like he was enjoying some private joke – made my pulse skip. “You can ask Professor Thompson you don’t believe me. I only spent two years here. Entered at 15, which would have made you… what, seven or eight?”
The words hit me like a physical shock. “How is that possible? You must have been some kind of genius!”
Something shifted in his expression at the word ‘genius – a darkness passing behind those eyes like a storm cloud across the sun.
“Conius?”
The weight he gave that single word made me pause. There’s a story there, I realized. Something about that word means more to him than he s letting on.
A memory suddenly surfaced – fragments of conversations I’d overheard as a child, trailing after Grandpa through the halls of Columbia. His colleagues talking about some prodigy, lamenting how he could have been the university’s brightest star if he hadn’t left for London, I remembered how Grandpa’s expression would turn wistful whenever the subject came up, how he’d spoken of lost potential and missed opportunities. Was that… Brandon? All this time those stories were about him?
His phone buzzed again, breaking the moment. “James is waiting in the parking lot.”
We made our way toward the parking lot, our footsteps falling into an easy rhythm. The campus had grown quieter now, most students already headed home or to the library. I snuck a glance at Brandon’s profile, noting how different he looked here- tess like the intimidating CEO of Stark Group and more like someone who might have once walked these same paths as a student, albeit an extraordinarily young one.
James stood by a sleek black car, his professional mask firmly in place. “Miss Taylor, your gift.”
“Thank you?” 1 accepted the elegantly wrapped package, then remembered the whole point of this excursion. “How much do I owe
you?”
The moment I saw the number on the bill James handed me, my head nearly stopped. This can’t be right. How is it
from Christie’s should cost way more than this. Even with my limited knowledge of luxury goods, I knew something was off. The price was barely a fifth of what I’d expected – still expensive, but nowhere near what a Christie’s piece should cost.
“This… there must be some mistake?” I looked between James and Brandon, trying to read their expressions.
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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride sudden
