Chapter 316
Summer’s POV
Victoria’s smile flickered for a second before she recovered. “That’s right! And Brandon seemed to enjoy it too. Actually, speaking of Brandon…” She leaned in conspiratorially, her voice dropping to a stage whisper. “We all noticed how friendly you two were that night. Quite cozy, if I’m not mistaken.”
The atmosphere instantly chilled. Nancy’s head whipped toward Victoria so fast I thought she might give herself whiplash.
“Victoria! That’s enough!” Nancy snapped, her face flushing ted. She lugged at Victoria’s arm with unexpected force. ‘Let’s go shop elsewhere.”
I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. Interesting reaction from Nancy Apparently, some topics were still off–limits, even for her precious daughter–in–law.
“Mrs. Stark,” I said calmly, “I don’t think you’ve thought this through Victoria is Diana’s brand ambassador now. It’s a matter of professional reputation. If you storm out right now to shop at a competitor’s store…” I let my voice trail off meaningfully.
Nancy’s mouth opened and closed without sound.
I continued, pressing my advantage. “Plus, Diana is under the Stark Croup umbrella, just like Stark Entertainment where Victoria works. Actually, this entire mall is Stark Group property. So wherever you shop today, you’ll still be spending money at a Stark
business.”
Nancy looked like she’d swallowed something particularly sour. “You”
“Summer!” Victoria cut in, her voice rising with fake indignation. “How can you speak to Mom like that? She’s your elder!”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “She’s your mother–in–law, not mine. And honestly, I speak to my own mother this way too, so…”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed dangerously. She stepped closer, lowering her voice to ensure only our little group could hear.
“I know you’re still upset about Alexander and me,” she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. “But Alexander and I truly love each other. If you need to blame someone, blame me–not Mom. You shouldn’t involve her in your resentment.”
The sheer audacity of her statement left me momentarily speechless. Ruby and Scarlett exchanged glances before both of them burst into poorly concealed laughter.
Victoria’s head snapped toward them. “Summer, is this how your friends behave? Laughing at people for no reason?”
I gave her a wide–eyed innocent look. “What’s wrong with laughing? Would you prefer they cry instead?”
Ruby snorted again, which only made Victoria’s face darken further.
“Look,” I said, deciding to change tactics. “Victoria, why don’t you help your mother–in–law pick out some more clothes? Diana’s quality is exceptional–it would suit your style perfectly.” I gestured toward Nancy’s friends who were still hovering nearby. “Ladies, please pick whatever catches your eye. I’m in a generous mood today, Stark Group just gave me a nice holiday bonus, so I can handle it!
The transformation in the women’s attitudes was both immediate and hilarious.
“What a sweet girl!” one of them cooed, her earlier disdain magically vanished. “Victoria’s sister is just delightful, isn’t she? Well, if you insist, dear…”
1/3
Nancy, you should pick something too, I added with a bright smile It’s the holidays–let’s celebratel
Nancy looked thoroughly confused by this turn of events, her eyes darting between me and Victoria as if trying to decode what was happening.
Victoria wasn’t about to let me have the last word. “Summer, I already said I’d treat everyone today. You don’t need to spend your money, I know things must be tight on your Stark Group salary, even with a bonus. Your position there isn’t exactly executive level.
Ruby and Scarlett both shot me concerned looks.
“Summer, you don’t have to do this,” Scarlett whispered. “That’s way too much money!”
“It’s fine,” I whispered back. “Just enjoy the show.”
Victoria leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Summer, be honest with your big sister. Have you… you know… found yourself a rich boyfriend? Is that where all this money is coming from?”
The insinuation was crystal clear and exactly what I’d expected from her,
I smiled sweetly. “Victoria, have you forgotten? My current boyfriend is actually the one you and Mom set me up with.
Her brow furrowed in confusion, but before she could respond, I noticed movement by the store entrance. Everyone followed my gaze as I stared past Victoria’s shoulder.
A man was leaning against the glass door, arms crossed casually over his chest. His sharp features were partially shadowed in the backlighting, but the amused smirk on his face was unmistakable. His eyes were fixed directly on me, watching the scene unfold with obvious entertainment.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, genuinely surprised.
Dr. Sean pushed himself off the doorframe and strolled toward us, hands in his pockets, looking every bit the wealthy heir he was pretending to be.
“Just checking on you,” he replied casually. “Thought I’d see how your shopping trip was going.”
Ruby’s eyes widened as she looked between us. I gave her a tiny, almost imperceptible nod.
Sean approached our group and extended his hand to Nancy. “Hello, I’m Jesse Turner of the Philadelphia Turners. Summer’s boyfriend.”
Victoria’s jaw literally dropped. “Turner? As in the Turner family?”
Ruby recovered quickly, jumping into the charade. “Oh! You’re the guy Summer’s been telling me about!” She elbowed me playfully. “You didn’t mention he was so handsome!”
Sean turned to Victoria, his expression pleasantly neutral, though I could see the dangerous gleam in his eyes. “Victoria Taylor, right? We’ve met before, I believe. At the Stark Group gala?” His smile sharpened almost imperceptibly. “I hope you’re not suggesting anything inappropriate about my girlfriend and Brandon Stark. The Turners don’t take kindly to such… insinuations.”
Victoria paled visibly. “Mr. Turner! Of course not! I was just–I mean I would never imply-”
“Wonderful,” Sean cut her off smoothly. “I’d hate for there to be any misunderstandings.”
He leaned close to my ear, whispering so only I could hear. “Brandon’s nearby.”
My eyes widened. “Really?”
2/3
Chapter 316
He nodded slightly. Saw you were in trouble
Sean turned back to the group, his arm sliding comfortably around my waist. “Whatever my girlfriend wants, please add it to the bill. In fact, just box up everything she and her friends picked out.”
I gently removed his hand. “I’ve got this,” I said firmly, handing my card to the saleswoman again.
The woman took it with a reverent nod. “Right away, Mrs. She caught herself, eyes widening. “I mean, Miss Taylor.”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed at the slip.
I smiled at the saleswoman. “Please make sure these items are delivered to the ladies as well,” I said, gesturing toward Nancy and her friends. “Just check their sizes before packaging.”
“Of course, miss,” the saleswoman replied, practically bowing..
Sean offered his arm to me. “My car’s downstairs. Shall we grab dinner, ladies? My treat.”
“We’d love to!” Ruby replied, shooting Victoria a triumphant look.
As we headed toward the door, Sean paused to look back at Victoria. Victoria, always a pleasure. We should catch up properly sometime.*
The look of utter confusion on Victoria’s face as we walked out was worth every penny I’d just spent.
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