2/2
The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 254
“If you say so,” Robert conceded “Just remember, whatever your mother might do, she’s still your mother.”
“I’m aware,” I replied coolly. “As long as they don’t cross certain lines I won’t need to intervene.*
After my family finally departed, I pulled out my phone and texted summer.
Where are you?
Her reply came almost instantly: Backstage with Leo and the others. Heather insisted on seeing Led’s new car. Did your father and uncle
leave?
Yes, I replied simply, then decided to call her instead.
“I’m almost finished here,” I said when she answered. “Let’s head home together, alright?”
There was a brief pause on the other end. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Your car is too recognizable, and I’ve already attracted enough attention tonight.”
“So what do you propose?” I asked, allowing a hint of disappointment to creep into my voice. “You’re not abandoning me, are you, Summer?”
“Don’t use that pouty tone with me,” she laughed. “I never said I was abandoning you. I just think we should leave separately. Besides, we both drove here. Just be good, okay?”
“Fine,” I relented. “If you insist.”
After ending the call, I turned to find James waiting nearby.
“Everything’s nearly ready, sir,” he reported. “Tomorrow, we should see some news about you and Victoria. Would you like to select which photo to use?”
He presented his tablet, displaying several options from tonight’s event. I pointed to one showing Victoria and me shaking hands, her expression adoring while mine remained professionally neutral.
“This one,” I decided, then indicated another image–a particularly unflattering shot of Elle’s meltdown. “Include this one too.”
James hesitated. “Sir, I’m not sure I understand. This approach puts your reputation at risk. Is it worth it?”
“It’s the fastest solution,” I explained. “I’m done waiting. Make sure these run tonight–I want to see them on the front page by morning. Washington should receive them too.”
“Yes, si I’ll handle it immediately.”
In the parking garage, I texted Summer again, suggesting we could at least drive home together in a convoy. She agreed.
I drove out first and lled her on speakerphone, letting the conversation flow between our separate vehicles. Soft music played in the background–a kaunting melody called “Liekkas.”
‘I didn’t know you listened to this kind of music,” Summer remarked her voice warm through the speaker,
“Monica downloaded it,” I replied. “I find it pleasant. Summer, do you realize what we’re doing right now?”
1/2
Chapter 254
“What do you mean?”
“This cloak–and–dagger routine. We’re husband and wife, yet we’re speaking around, When are you going to make me official?”
She laughed. “You make sound like I’m the one holding back. If you want, we could announce it tomorrow. Then I can tell your parents that you’re Summer Taylor’s husband, and they should stop arranging blind dates or fiancées for you.”
I couldn’t help smiling at the possessive tone in her voice. “Mrs. Stark, could you possibly be jealous? Of Elle, perhaps?”
“Absolutely not!” she protested too quickly. “I just think that as your awfully wedded wife, it’s strange that your parents keep arranging matches for you. What does that make me?”
“So my wife is jealous after all,” I said, feeling surprisingly pleased.
“You’re enjoying this way too much,” she muttered.
I was about to respond when something in the rearview mirror caught my attention. A car had been following us for the past few miles, maintaining the exact same distance regardless of how I adjusted my speed.
I narrowed my eyes, scanning the road ahead while keeping the follower in my peripheral vision. June was still talking, completely unaware of the potential danger.
“June,” I said, cutting her off mid–sentence, “don’t follow me. Take the next turn onto River Road.”
“What? Why? What’s going on?”
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
