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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 211
Brandon’s POV
‘I’m done dealing with you!” Summer’s cheeks flushed crimson as she quickened her pace, deliberately walking ahead to avoid me.
I smirked, lengthening my stride to catch up with her. “Alright, alright. Finding Mr. Dubois is more important right now.”
Summer shot me a sidelong glance but kept walking. At the terminal, I spotted Jean–Pierre near baggage claim, gesticulating wildly at his overwhelmed assistant.
“Jean–Pierre!” I called, extending my hand. “Remember me?”
Recognition dawned on his face. “Brandon? Oh, they said someone would come to meet me. It’s you?”
“My wife!” I replied in flawless French, gesturing to Summer. Jean–Pierre’s eyes brightened immediately.
“Brandon, your wife is beautiful,” he remarked in French.
Summer stepped forward. “Hello, Mr. Dubois. I’m Summer.”
Jean–Pierre explained in stilted English that a bag containing crucial architectural designs had been misplaced.
Summer touched my arm. “I’ll go check on the luggage. Why don’t you take Mr. Dubois somewhere to wait? Maybe the coffee shop
across the way?”
I handed her phone back. “We’ll be at the Starbucks across the terminal. Call me when you find it.”
The Starbucks was predictably crowded, but we secured a corner table. Jean–Pierre wasn’t alone–besides his assistant, a young woman accompanied them.
“Brandon, let me introduce Danielle, my student and the designer for this project,” Jean–Pierre explained
“Hello,” I said with a polite nod, noticing immediately how her gaze lingered on me. I narrowed my eyes slightly, maintaining a cordial smile while ensuring my body language communicated clear boundaries.
“Mr. Stark, Danielle breathed, her French accent pronounced. “I’ve heard so much about you from Jean–Pierre. It’s an honor to
finally meet you.”
I acknowledged her greeting before turning my attention back to Jean–Pierre, while feeling Danielle’s eyes fixed on pie.
My phone buzzed. “Summer,” I answered.
“I found the luggage! Just waiting for them to bring it up,” she reported. “How are things on your end? It’s getting late–should we take them to the hotel first, or go straight to dinner?”
“We’ll decide when you get back,” I replied. “Monica has already arranged their hotel.”
I turned to Jean–Pierre. “Good news. My wife has located your luggage. She’ll be joining us shortly.”
“Your wife,” Jean–Pierre repeated, shaking his head. “Brandon, when did you get married? There wasn’t a whisper of it anywhere!”
*Recently,” I said simply.
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“She must be special,” Jean–Pierre probed, his eyes twinkling. “I’ve never seen you like this before.”
“Yes, she’s exactly who I’ve been looking for,” I admitted. “She’s exceptional. Meeting her was the luckiest thing that’s ever happened
to me.”
Jean–Pierre laughed. “Brandon Stark, falling in love! I never thought I’d see the day.”
Summer approached, pulling a small leather suitcase. Jean–Pierre jumped up. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Stark!” he exclaimed. “This is my treasure.”
Summer smiled. “Did Monica send the hotel information?”
I nodded, already standing. “She did. Let’s get going.”
After settling Jean–Pierre and his team at their hotel, we headed to dinner at Per Se. The restaurant manager greeted us with excessive enthusiasm, practically bowing as he escorted us to the private dining room.
“Mr. Stark, we’re honored by your visit,” he gushed. “May I ask who your distinguished guests are? The chef would love to prepare something special-
“That won’t be necessary,” I cut him off firmly.
From the corner of my eye, I caught Summer rolling her eyes at my curtness. She stepped forward, her smile softening the
interaction.
“Please ensure all ingredients are the freshest available today, especially the foie gras and seafood,” she instructed warmly. “We’d also appreciate appropriate privacy during our meal. Thank you.”
After the manager left, Summer leaned close. “You don’t have to be so serious all the time,” she whispered.
“Whatever you say, Mrs. Stark,” I replied, my voice softening.
Throughout dinner, I noticed Danielle continuing to cast glances my way, but I kept my attention firm business at hand.
Jean–Pierre and the
“We’ve arranged a driver for you,” Summer informed Jean–Pierre as we finished. “He’ll be available tomorrow if you’d like to explore Manhattan before our formal meeting.”
Jean–Pierre beamed. “How considerate! Your wife thinks of everything, Brandon.”
“Yes, my wife is remarkable,” I agreed without hesitation.
By the time we reached the Hamptons estate, it was late. Summer kicked off her shoes and headed straight for the bedroom, clearly
exhausted.
“Go ahead and rest,” I told her. “I have some work to finish.
T–retreated to my study to review the Manhattan West Side survey data. I lost track of time until I heard a soft knock.
Summer pushed open the door, carrying a steaming cup of tea. “You’re still working?”
I stretched, feeling the tightness in my shoulders. Just reviewing the West Side data.”
Summer picked up one of the sheets covered in my calculations, her eyebrows rising in surprise. “Brandon, you could literally replace Leo and teach me.”
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I sipped the tea. “Is this new? it’s good.”
“My grandfather got it from one of his friends, she explained, still studying my notes.
“So who am I replacing?” I asked, amused by her comment.
“Leo. Summer pointed to a section I’d circled. “I mean I learned a lot from him, so… But seriously, Brandon, how come I never thought of your method? How are you good at everything?”
I smiled. “I was your grandfather’s student in college, you know. You’d be surprised what he taught.”
“That’s exactly why I find it strange,” Summer countered. Oh, by the way, I heard from Leo that he was also my grandfather’s student. So were you and Leo old acquaintances?”
“Not really,” I reflected. “Leo and I are about the same age, but I started college when I was twelve or thirteen. He probably wasn’t that early.”
Summer dramatically smacked her forehead, laughing. “Leo would probably cough up blood hearing you say that! He’s already considered brilliant, but you’re just…”
“I’m just what?” I raised an eyebrow, curious.
Summer grinned sheepishly. “You’re on another level entirely. You’re almost insane.”
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