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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 252
Summer’s POV
“Miss Taylor dances beautifully,” Brandon announced to the crowd, his voice projecting that perfect blend of appreciation and appropriate distance.
I dipped into a small curtsy. “Thank you for the honor, Mr. Stark,” I replied, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.
Brandon’s eyes lingered on me for just a second too long before he stepped back. I retreated toward my table, acutely aware of hundreds of eyes tracking my every move.
Heather practically pounced the moment I sat down.
“Oh my God, Summer!” she squealed, grabbing my arm. “I had no idea your luck was this good! So, spill–what was it like? How did it feel dancing with the CEO?”
“Just like any other dance,” I replied with a shrug. “Mr. Stark is a good dancer. That’s pretty much it.”
“That’s it?” Heather’s voice shot up several decibels, drawing curious glances. “Are you kidding me right now?”
I slapped my hand over her mouth. “Jesus, Heather, keep it down! Haven’t you noticed I’m basically public enemy number one right
now?
Her eyes widened above my fingers, and I slowly removed my hand.
“Sorry,” she whispered. “But seriously, your heart didn’t race even a little bit? We’re talking about Brandon freaking Stark here–the guy half the women in this room would kill to spend five minutes with. Are you seriously telling me you felt nothing?”
“Right now, the main thing I’m feeling is that if looks could kill, I’d be dead,” I muttered, painfully aware of the daggers being glared in my direction from women throughout the ballroom.
Heather followed my gaze, her eyes landing on Victoria.
“Wait a second,” she said, her forehead crinkling. “Taylor… Taylor… She glanced between Victoria and me. “That’s not exactly a common surname. Please don’t tell me you’re related to her?”
“You finally caught on, huh?” I replied dryly.
“Oh my God,” Heather gasped. “Victoria Taylor is like, a legit star now! I just googled her–she’s the Taylor family’s eldest daughter!
So that means you’re…”
“Yep,” I confirmed. “She’s my sister.”
“Holy shit!” Heather’s jaw practically hit the table. “Why didn’t you ever mention this?”
I shrugged uncomfortably. “It never really came up. Besides, we’re not exactly close.”
Thankfully, the lights dimmed before Heather could interrogate me further. Monica returned to the stage, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our first performer of the evening. From Stark Entertainment, Cleo!”
The crowd applauded as Cleo took the stage. Her dance performance was energetic and well–executed, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the audience. As she finished with a dramatic pose, I noticed Victoria waiting in the wings, clearly preparing for her turn.
Bianca was scheduled to perform second–to–last. Her classical music piece was supposedly the highlight of the entertainment
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Chapter 252
portion. Victoria, being newer to Stark Entertainment, had been slotted in the last part of the program.
When it was Victoria’s turn, slik floated onto the stage in her designer gown, flashing a dazzling smile.
First, I’d like to wish Stark Group continued success and prosperity she began smoothly. I only joined Stark Entertainment recently, and I’m incredibly grateful to Mr. Stark for this opportunity
Her eyes found Brandon in the crowd, her smile turning shy and coy fought the urge to roll my eyes.
‘I promise to work hard and become a source of pride for both Stark Entertainment and Stark Group,” she continued. “Tonight, I’ll be performing “There You’ll Be by Faith Hill. I hope this song reminds everyone that there are people who support us through all challenges.”
The music started, and Victoria began to sing. Her voice was… fine. Hot terrible, but definitely not spectacular either. It was clear singing wasn’t her strongest talent,
Just as Victoria was building up to the chorus, a commotion erupted bear the entrance. Elle Sinclair had returned, her face flushed with anger as she spotted Victoria singing to Brandon with batting eyelashes.
Without warning, Elle marched toward the stage, snatched the microphone from the MC’s hand, and interrupted Victoria mid–high-
note,
“Ms. Taylor’s singing is absolutely terrible,” Elle announced loudly, snatching the microphone. “Your voice is pure garbage. You should stick to acting because clearly, singing isn’t your thing.”
The music screeched to a halt. Victoria stood frozen, her expression cycling through shock, embarrassment, and finally settling on wounded dignity,
“I’m sorry, Miss Sinclair,” Victoria said, her voice trembling. “What exactly do you mean?”
Employees whispered among themselves.
“Who gave you the courage to stand up here?” Elle continued, oblivious to the whispering. “Don’t think being signed to Stark Entertainment makes you special. Who put you on this stage when you clearly lack talent?”
Victoria’s eyes welled up with perfectly timed tears. She turned toward Brandon, her expression heartbreakingly vulnerable.
“Mr. Stark,” she said, voice quavering. “You invited me here tonight was it just to humiliate me like this?”
Brandon’s jaw tightened as he rose from his seat. “James, please escort Elle out.”
“Brandon!” Elle shrieked, her composure shattering. “What are you saying? How could you treat me this way? Brandon, have you changed your heart? Is it because of this Victoria-*
“Mother Brandon cut her off coldly, turning to Jane Sinclair. “You brought her here. Handle this.
Jane quickly stepped forward, embarrassed.
D
Security moved in, escorting a still–shouting Elle toward the exit. Jane followed, her earlier confidence replaced by mortification.
The ballroom fell in uncomfortable silence. Brandon stood, straightening his tie as he approached the stage. The crowd collectively held its breath.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Brandon announced commandingly. “I’d like to make an announcement that was scheduled for later this evening, but perhaps now is the appropriate time.”
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09:31 Wed, May
Chapter 252
He paused, surveying the rooin with that authoritative gaze that always made my stomach flip.
“Regarding our Diana brand,” he continued, “we’ve been searching for a new spokesperson–considering celebrities both domestic and international.”
Victoria’s posture straightened, her earlier distress suddenly forgotten.
“After careful consideration,” Brandon said, “I’ve decided that Diana’s new spokesperson will be Miss Victoria Taylor.”
Victoria’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes widening in genuine shock. “Mr. Stark,” she gasped, “is this true? Am I really Diana’s nes spokesperson?”
“Of course,” Brandon replied smoothly. “I never go back on my word starting today, Miss Victoria Taylor is Diana’s North American representative..
From the corner of my eye, I caught Bianca’s reaction–her face drained of color, her hands gripping the edge of her chair so tightly her knuckles turned white.
“What?” she said, her voice breaking. “How could it be Victoria?”
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