Elle’s POV
I paced the backstage lounge at Manhattan Club like a caged animal, my sequined pink gown catching the light with each fationes step. The two bodyguards Brandon had sent stood by the door like statues, watching my every mone
“How the hell did this happen? I muttered, tugging at my pearl necklace. It was supposed to be met
Jane sat on the edge of a velvet settee, her manicured nails tapping hythmically against her clutch. She hadn’t said much since Brandon humiliated us in front of the entire company.
“Elle, sit down,” she finally said, her voice tight. ‘Stop pacing. You’re making me dizzy.”
I ignored her, continuing to circle the room. The image of Summer dancing with Brandon kept flashing through my mind, making me physically ill.
“Aunt Jane,” I whispered, my voice trembling, “what are we going to do? She… do you think Brandon did that on purpose? How could he not know that Summer looks exactly like Lyanna? And he’s been calling her to his office repeatedly. His office.
Jane’s head snapped up, her eyes widening. “What did you say? Brandon already knew about this Summer? And he knew she looks
like Lyanna?”
What else could it be?” I demanded, my fingers twisting together in my lap. “I’ve been wondering why he keeps calling her to his office. And even though I hadn’t seen her before, something about her silhouette felt so familiar. Now I know why–she’s a carbon copy of Lyanna! Do you think Brandon might be…
“Impossible,” Jane cut in firmly. “Even if she looks like Lyanna, they’re not the same person. And don’t forget how Lyanna left Brandon, how she left New York. What does Brandon hate most in this world? It’s the reason he still hasn’t forgiven me after all these years. He has no feelings left for Lyanna, and he certainly couldn’t have feelings for this Summer.”
“But Jane,” I said, my voice rising with panic, “I hate her. I really, really hate her. Just thinking about her walking around with Lyanna’s face makes me feel sick. Jane, you have to get rid of her.”
Jane’s eyes hardened. “I’ll figure something out. One way or another, this woman must go!”
My gaze drifted to the bodyguards still watching us. Their presence suddenly felt suffocating-
“You two, come here,” I called out, adopting my most authoritative tone. “Brandon only told you to protect me, not to stare at me all night like I’m some kind of prisoner.”
The taller guard–Desmond–didn’t move. “Miss Sinclair, Mr. Wilson’s instructions were very clear. We are to stay with you and Mrs. Sinclair at all times. Please don’t make our job more difficult.”
Jane turned to the bodyguards, her voice dropping to that silky, dangerous tone. “Gentlemen, I am Brandon’s mother. You do know who I am, don’t you? Then you should also know that crossing me would be… unwise for your careers.”
“Mrs. Sinclair, with all due respect, Desmond replied calmly, “we’re simply following orders. Mr. Stark pays our salary, and we only
answer to him.
Jane’s eyes narrowed dangerously before her lips curved into a cold smile. “Very well. I won’t make things difficult for you. But I would like some tea.
Desmond nodded, clearly relieved. ‘I’ll have someone bring it right away.”
1/2
Chapter 250
“Wait, I called after him. ‘I need to see someone. Brandon’s secretary. Monica. Bring her here. And the person who prepared the drawing box for tonight–bring them too!”
Minutes later, Monica appeared in the doorway, followed by a nervous–looking staff member.
“Miss Sinclair,‘ she said politely, “you asked to see me?‘
Rage exploded inside me. Without thinking, I crossed the room and slapped her hard across the face.
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