Chapter 226
Summer’s POV
Manhattan Club was always buzzing with energy, but tonight the plate was practically electric. The normally exclusive venue seemed even more packed than usual, with security guards scrutinizing every face at the entrance with extra care.
“What’s with all the extra security?” I asked Brandon as we made our way through the lobby. I smoothed down the midnight blue dress I’d chosen for the occasion, suddenly feeling self–conscious. “Are they expecting trouble?”
“No,” Brandon replied, his hand resting protectively at the small of my back. “It’s because Ethan’s here. He rarely makes appearances
in New York, so everyone wants to see him.”
We were running late–what should have been a quick drive to Manhattan Club had turned into a nightmare when we hit unexpected construction on the bridge. Brandon had remained eerity calm through the whole ordeal, but I could tell he was annoyed by the slight tightening around his eyes.
“Are you sure it’s okay that I’m coming?” I asked for what must have been the tenth time. “These are your closest friends. I don’t
want to intrude on your reunion.”
Brandon gave me that look–the one that managed to be both exasperated and indulgent at the same time. “You’re my wife,” he said simply, as if that explained everything.
And I guess for him, it did.
As we entered the private room, I was immediately struck by the luxury–crystal chandeliers, plush leather seating, and waitstaff who seemed to materialize and vanish like ghosts, The conversation in the room dropped instantly when we walked in, all eyes turning toward us.
“Well, well, well!” Sean’s voice cut through the silence. “Look who finally decided to grace us with their presence! Ethan’s back in town for the first time in forever, and Brandon, you have the nerve to be late?”
He bounded over, two drinks in hand. “I think this calls for a penalty Both Brandon and the lovely Mrs. Stark need to drink up!”
The room went pin–drop silent. I felt the weight of every gaze shift to me as Sean’s words registered. Mrs. Stark. Not Summer. Not Miss Taylor. Mrs. Stark.
I froze, feeling like a deer caught in headlights. Brandon had mentioned introducing me to his friends, but I’d stupidly assumed they didn’t know we were married yet. Clearly, I was wrong.
I forced an awkward smile, accepting the drinks from Sean and handing one to Brandon. My hand was shaking slightly, but I tried to keep my voice steady.
“Sorry we’re late,” I said, addressing the room. “Traffic was a nightmare. Brandon and I will drink to make up for it!”
I glanced at Brandon, who gave a subtle nod of approval. Taking a deep breath, I downed my drink in one go.
“Come on,” Sean protested. “One drink isn’t nearly enough for being this late! Right, guys?”
A tall, elegant man I didn’t recognize stepped forward. “Absolutely! Brandon, when exactly did you get married? How is it none of us knew about this? And who is your lovely wife?”
Brandon placed a steadying hand on my waist, but I knew I needed to handle this myself. I straightened my shoulders, summoning my confidence.
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Chapter 226
“Hi, I’m Summer Taylor,‘ I said with what I hoped was a winning smile. “Bran’s wife.”
94%
Brandon’s lips curved into a slight smile as he drank his penalty shot “We’ll take three drinks as punishment,” he announced. “But I’ll take Summer’s other two. She doesn’t handle alcohol well.”
My heart skipped a beat at his protective gesture. In one simple statement, he’d established both my place in his life and a clear boundary for everyone else. The message was unmistakable: Summer is mine, and I take care of what’s mine.
A sharp–eyed man who’d been observing our interaction from the side of the room suddenly spoke up. “Since tonight is Ethan’s homecoming, don’t you think stealing the spotlight is a bit inappropriate, Brandon? Wouldn’t you agree, Mrs. Stark?”
I recognized my cue. This was clearly some kind of power play, and while I didn’t fully understand the dynamics at work, I knew I needed to back Brandon up.
“You’re absolutely right,” I replied smoothly. “We can skip the drinks. Brandon and I will host next time to make it up to everyone.”
I patted Brandon’s shoulder and took the empty glass from his hand. Let’s sit down, shall we?”
“Fine by me,” Brandon agreed, leading me toward a plush leather couch.
Someone in the crowd let out a low whistle. “Brandon’s whipped! Never thought I’d see the day!”
A beautiful woman with striking features laughed. “What did you expect? The rest of you are all single. It’s pathetic, really. Brandon’s just showing you what you’re missing, right Brandon?”
Brandon’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Amelia’s right. You’ll all get used to it eventually.”
As we settled into our seats, Brandon immediately reached for the fruit platter, selecting some fresh pieces. “Here, eat something to line your stomach,” he said, placing some on a small plate for me.
I couldn’t help but smile, tugging gently at his sleeve. “Tone it down a bit,” I whispered. “Everyone’s watching.”
Inwardly, I was touched by his behavior. It wasn’t lost on me what Brandon was doing–clearly establishing my position as his wife in front of his closest friends and associates. This wasn’t just about introducing me; it was about making sure everyone understood my importance to him. It was his way of protecting me, of ensuring would have his social backing if I ever needed it.
I noticed a group of men gathering around Ethan, deep in conversation. Brandon was one of the few who’d stayed behind with me instead of joining them.
“You should go talk to them,” I urged. “Don’t stay here babysitting me.”
Brandon frowned slightly. “You’ll be bored alone.”
“I won’t be,” I assured him, nodding toward the beautiful woman whod spoken up earlier. “That woman over there–Amelia, right? She sees interesting. Who is she?”
“Amelia Lee,” Brandon explained, spearing a piece of apple and handing it to me. “Edward’s sister. The man next to her is Saul Pena,
her fiancé.”
I nodded, taking the fruit. “Oh, so she’s Edward’s sister! That makes sense–they do look alike.”
I could see Brandon watching my reaction as I processed this information. “Amelia’s different from most of the women in this social circle, he added. “You’d probably like her. She’s genuine.”
Great! Then go join your friends,” I encouraged him. “Ethan came all this way to see you guys. I’ll introduce myself to Amelia.”
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Chapter 226
Brandon squeezed my hand gently. “If you get bored, just text me. We can leave anytime.”
I nodded firmly. “I will. Now go Everyone’s watching us, and you’re being embarrassingly clingy.”
The truth was, Brandon was being unusually affectionate tonight–far more than I’d ever seen him in public. It was sweet but also slightly mortifying to be the center of so much attention.
As Brandon finally walked away, I breathed in relief and reached for piece of honeydew melon. I was contemplating how to approach Amelia when she appeared in front of me, holding two glasses of what looked like wine.
She extended one toward me with a confident smile. My mouth was still, full of melon, and I stared at her in surprise, caught off guard by her directness.
Amelia raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. “It’s just fruit wine,” she assured me. “Barely any alcohol. You’re safe.
I swallowed quickly and accepted the glass with a grateful smile. “Hi there.”
