The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 224
Summer’s POV
I extended my hand toward Ethan Kennedy, suddenly feeling nervous. The man before me was impossibly perfect–tall, elegant, with features so symmetrical they seemed unreal.
Ethan gave a slight nod, reaching out to shake my hand briefly.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” he said, his voice deep and melodic. “I’ve heard Brandon got married, but I’ve been too busy to return to New York until now. My apologies for the delay.
“Oh, no need to apologize!” I replied, trying to sound casual despite feeling like I was meeting royalty.
As I pulled my hand back, I noticed the spot where Brandon had pinched me earlier. Unable to resist, I reached over and gave him a quick pinch right back, then shot him a challenging look. That’ll teach you.
I caught both Ethan and Sean exchanging amused glances. Sean seemed used to our antics, but Ethan’s expression betrayed mild surprise at my boldness–and Brandon’s tolerance of it.
“Shall we go?” Ethan suggested.
Brandon nodded. “I had your villa prepared when I heard you were coming back. Though I’m not sure how comfortable it’ll be after being vacant for so long.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Ethan replied with a dismissive wave. “It’s just a temporary stop. I won’t be staying in New York long anyway.”
As we started walking through the terminal, Ethan and Brandon naturally fell into step together at the front, immediately launching into business talk. Their voices dropped to a murmur, leaving Sean and me trailing behind.
“So that’s the famous Ethan Kennedy,” I whispered to Sean. “He seems… intense. You guys all act like he’s some kind of god or something.”
Sean raised an eyebrow, his mouth quirking into an amused smile. “Let me put it this way–two Brandons combined couldn’t take Ethan in a fight. That’s how formidable he is.”
My eyes widened with genuine shock. “Are you serious?”
I remembered how easily Brandon had held me with one arm that night at the Manhattan Club when I was drugged. For Sean to claim that two Brandons wouldn’t be enough to handle Ethan seemed almost impossible to believe.
“Dead serious,” Sean confirmed. “Hell, Brandon and Edward Lee together wouldn’t stand a chance against him. If you want the full story on his background, ask your husband sometime.”
He glanced ahead before continuing, “Ethan actually saved my life once, years ago.”
Then Sean’s expression turned teasing. “But don’t tell me you’ve got the hots for him now, Mrs. Stark. I should warn you, Ethan’s standards are sky–high. In all the years I’ve known him, not a single woman has ever caught his interest.”
I rolled my eyes. “Are you serious right now? What the hell is wrong with your brain? I’m Brandon’s wife–why would I be interested In Ethan? I was just curious because he seems so… different.”
“Yeah, right,” Sean scoffed. “Your eyes practically popped out of your head when you first saw him. You didn’t see Brandon’s face— I’m pretty sure he wanted to murder Ethan on the spot.”
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Chapter 224
“That’s ridiculous!” I protested, feeling my cheeks heat up. “I was jus… appreciating aesthetics!”
Sean opened his mouth to respond, but I cut him off. “You know, I wonder what Brandon or Ethan would think if I told them what you’re implying right now…”
Sean’s hands shot up in immediate surrender. “Whoa, whoa! I was just joking around!”
Brandon glanced back over his shoulder. “What are you two whispering about back there?”
I quickened my pace to catch up, flashing a bright smile. “Nothing important! Sean was just saying how jealous he is of us.”
The corner of Brandon’s mouth twitched upward as he shot Sean a questioning look. “Is that so?”
Sean’s expression was a masterpiece of resignation. “Yealt, absolutely Every lonely single guy is jealous of you two lovebirds.”
When we reached the parking lot, we split into two cars. Ethan casually slid into Sean’s vehicle since his place was apparently near Sean’s, while Brandon and I headed to our own car.
Once we were alone, I couldn’t contain my curiosity any longer.
“So what’s the deal with Ethan?” I asked as Brandon pulled onto the highway. “Sean was being super weird about him, Said he’s practically superhuman or something.”
After my excited rambling, Brandon responded with a single question: “You seem very interested in Ethan.”
“What? No!” I shook my head vigorously. “It’s just that Sean said he’s so incredible that even you and Edward together couldn’t beat him in a fight. That’s… hard to believe.”
Brandon raised an eyebrow. “So you don’t think I’m being honest about my capabilities?”
“That’s not what I meant!” I backpedaled frantically. “Of course I trust you, Brandon!” My nervous laughter betrayed me as I mentally cursed myself.
Brandon watched my internal struggle before breaking into a genuine laugh, reaching over to ruffle my hair. “Relax. I’m just messing with you. Did I scare you?”
“No,” I lied, swatting his hand away.
His smile lingered. “Sean wasn’t exaggerating. Ethan is that good. Even Edward and I together would have trouble against him.” He said it matter–of–factly, without any hint of wounded pride.
I leaned over and squeezed his hand supportively. “Well, I still think you’re amazing. And I bet there are plenty of things you re better at than him. Like racing–I bet you’re a better driver, right?”
Brandon’s eyes softened as he glanced at me, reaching over to stroke my head gently. “You’re right. He’s not better than me at
everything.”
I beamed at him, my eyes crinkling with genuine happiness. I knew it! You’re still the best to me.”
We arrived at Ethan’s villa as dusk was settling. The property was stunning–apparently one of several houses in an exclusive development by Edward Lee. Brandon had mentioned that Edward owned four of the properties himself, with only three others in the entire community,
After helping Ethan bring his luggage inside and making sure everything was in order, Brandon checked his watch. “We should head
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Chapter 224
out,” he said. “Manhattan Club tonight?”
Ethan nodded. “I’ll go with Seat. We’ll see you there.”
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