Chapter 297
Summer’s POV
Victoria’s hand instinctively flew to her check, where patches of redness still lingered from her allergic reaction. Her smile froze as the meaning behind Sean’s comment registered. The color drained from her face so quickly I almost felt bad for her. Almost.
She opened her mouth, clearly wanting to snap back, but a quick glance around the room reminded her we had an audience. Instead, she fixed me with a venomous glare that could’ve wilted the Christmas tree in the corner.
I raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised by Sean’s directness. The man could be charming when he wanted to, but right now he’d opted for something else entirely. I couldn’t help the little thrill of satisfaction that ran through me. Brandon’s friends definitely had his back–and by extension, mine.
“My sister is a Hollywood actress,” I said casually, filling the awkward silence. “She tends to leave quite an impression on people.” I turned to Alexander with a small smirk. “That’s why my brother–in–law fell so hard for her, right Alex?”
Alexander didn’t even blink. He’d been staring at me since we walked in, his eyes tracking every movement as Sean and I stood arm- in–arm. The intensity of his gaze was uncomfortable, like he was trying to decode something written on my skin.
“Yes, of course!” he replied automatically, clearly not having registered a word I’d said.
Victoria’s lips thinned into a tight line. Her fingers curled into fists at her sides, knuckles whitening as she struggled between rage and the need to maintain appearances. After a beat, she managed a cold laugh.
“My husband has excellent taste,” she said, chin lifting. “He naturally only has eyes for someone like me.”
“You’re absolutely right,” I agreed pleasantly, offering no pushback whatsoever.
Victoria blinked, thrown off by my easy agreement. She’d clearly been bracing for a fight that wasn’t coming.
Watching her now, married to Alexander, I felt strangely detached. There had been a time when the sight of them together would have crushed me. I’d spent years nursing feelings for Alexander, believing he was everything I wanted. Now? It was like looking at
strangers.
The past few months had shown me exactly who Alexander really was–a man who’d choose status and connections over loyalty every time. A man who’d betrayed me without hesitation when something shinier came along. The truth was, I didn’t want him back. I didn’t want anything from him.
The sound of the front door opening interrupted my thoughts. Parker quickly appeared to take a cashmere coat from my father as he stamped the winter chill from his shoes in the entryway.
“Welcome home, Mr. Taylor,” Parker said, his voice carrying into the living room.
My father nodded curtly, exchanging a few quiet words with Parker before making his way to us. His eyes swept over Victoria and Alexander before landing on Sean and me with obvious confusion.
“Richard, you’re finally home!” my mother exclaimed, rising to greet him with practiced warmth. She gestured toward Sean. “This is Mr. Sullivan you remember, the one I mentioned? Summer’s boyfriend.”
My father’s brow furrowed. “Summer’s boyfriend? So, things are getting serious then?”
I fought the urge to roll my eyes.
I glanced at my mother, making sure she caught my emphasis. “Mother was quite insistent that I bring him along today. The Taylors
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are just exceptionally hospitable, I suppose?”
Sean smoothly disengaged from me and extended his hand to my father, Mr. Taylor, it’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Michael Sullivan, though my actual nam is Jesse Turner, The Sullivans are iny mother’s family–Turner is my true surname. He smiled disarmingly. As it happens, Mrs. Taylor and I have something of a connection!
The effect of his words was immediate and fascinating. Both my parents expressions flickered with something between shock and dismay. My mother looked like she’d been slapped, a bright flush spreading across her cheeks. My father recovered more quickly. though his voice was tight as he replied.
‘Mr. Turner,” he said, the correction deliberate, ‘Welcome to our home
“Where’s Father? my dad asked Parker, clearly eager to change the subject.
“I’m right here,” came Grandpa George’s voice from the stairwell.
We all turned to see him making his way down the steps, leaning heavily on his carved mahogany cane. Though his movements were slow, his eyes remained as sharp as ever, taking in the tableau before him. As his gaze landed on my father, I caught a flash of warning pass between them.
“Well, Grandpa said, his voice stronger than his frail appearance suggested, “now that everyone’s here, shall we eat?”
‘I’m absolutely starving,” my mother announced, clapping her hands together. “Parker, please tell the kitchen to hurry! Everyone, let’s move to the dining room, shall we?”
As we filed toward the formal dining room, Grandpa George beckoned to me. “Summer, give an old man your arm, would you?”
I immediately moved to his side, letting him lean on me as we walked. When we reached the dining table, he patted the chair next to his at the head of the table.
“Sit here, dear,” he instructed, then turned to Sean. “And Mr. Sullivan, as our guest of honor, please take the seat on my other side. A friend of Summer’s deserves the place of distinction, wouldn’t you agree?”
Sean inclined his head respectfully. “That’s very generous, Mr. Taylor
The significance of this seating arrangement wasn’t lost on anyone. The places next to the family patriarch were always reserved for the most important people at the table–a fact my mother knew all too well, judging by her sour expression.
Once we were all seated and the first course had been served, my mother promptly shattered our family’s long–standing rule about avoiding personal discussions at the dinner table.
“So, Summer,” she began, her voice dripping with false casualness, have you and Mr. Sullivan discussed your wedding plans yet?”
Grandpa George set down his fork with a pointed clink. “That’s enough, Elizabeth.”
My mother had the audacity to look wounded. “Father, I’m just concerned about Summer! Victoria is already married, and I worry about Summer living alone in the city. Wouldn’t it be better for her to settle down soon?”
She turned her attention to me, her eyes gleaming with calculation Summer, don’t you think your mother has a point?”
I lowered my gaze to my plate, taking a moment to compose myself. When I looked back up, I made sure to meet her eyes directly. “Marriage is important, and yes, traditionally parents should have input,” I said evenly. “But ultimately, each person need their own life partner. Mr. Sullivan and I barely know each other–we’re just friends. We both need to take relationships seriously.”
100se
My mother’s mouth tightened. “Summer, if you have no interest in Michael, why bring him home for Christmas? You’re giving us all
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the wrong impression!”
I tilted my head, the perfect picture of innocence. “But wasn’t it yo
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