Chapter 317
Summer’s POV
The moment we stepped outside Diana, Ruby burst into laughter, nearly doubling over.
“Oh my God! Did you see Victoria’s face?” she wheezed between giggles. “I thought she was going to pass out when you mentioned the Turner family!”
Scarlett joined in. The way those women did a complete one eighty the second they thought you had money… priceless!”
I smiled at their reactions, though my mind was racing with what Sean had whispered. Brandon was nearby? My heart did a little flip at the thought.”
Ruby composed herself and fixed me with a suspicious look. “Okay, seriously, what’s going on here? You two- she gestured between Sean and me, “-are clearly putting on some kind of show.”
“It’s just acting,” I shrugged, then turned to Sean. “Where’s Brandon now? You said he was nearby.”
Sean clutched his chest in mock offense. “Wow, I swoop in to save the day, and all you can think about is where your husband is? That’s cold, Summer.” He shook his head dramatically. “Brandon’s the same way. Uses me when it’s convenient, then boom–nowhere to be found when I need backup.“.
Ruby snorted. “So you’re the stand–in boyfriend, huh? The placeholder?”
“I prefer ‘strategic relationship consultant,” Sean replied with a grin. “You were pretty badass in there, by the way. The way you played along without missing a beat? Impressive.
Ruby beamed but still looked confused. “I feel like I’m missing something. What was that whole ‘Jesse Turner thing about? And why did Victoria look like she’d seen a ghost?”
Sean checked his watch. “We should continue this somewhere more private. Brandon and the others are waiting at Manhattan Club.”
In Sean’s Mercedes, I sat in front while Ruby and Scarlett settled in back.
“So Brandon’s at Manhattan Club?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
Sean nodded. “With Edward, Ethan, and little firecracker Arya.” He glanced at me. “He’s going to kill me for not calling him when Victoria started giving you trouble.”
“How did you even know I was having issues? Were you following me
Sean laughed. “Give me some credit, Summer. I have better things to do than stalk you around department stores.” He tapped his phone. “Brandon has security detail on you. One of them spotted the confrontation and texted me since I was closest.”
“Brandon has people watching me?” I wasn’t sure whether to be annoyed or touched.
“For protection, not urveillance,” Sean clarified. “After everything that’s happened with the Sinclairs and Taylors? Of course does.”
“Wait, did you call Arya a ‘little firecracker‘? She always seems so quiet whenever I’ve seen her.”
Sean snorted. “Quiet? That girl? Maybe she’s on her best behavior around you. Trust me, get a few drinks in her, and she’ll verbally
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eviscerate anyone who crosses her.”
“Your sister’s something else, Sean remarked, shaking his head. “The sheer audacity of that woman. Shameless, but entertaining.”
Ruby and Scarlett erupted in laughter again.
“How many people actually know about you and Brandon? Ruby asked.
“Quite a few now, I admitted. “We never planned to keep it a total secret.”
“And now I’m stuck in the middle, constantly being subjected to their disgusting lovey–dovey behavior, Sean complained.
“Who exactly is Jesse Turner?” Ruby pressed. And why did Victoria look like she was about to have a stroke when you mentioned his
name?”
“The Turners are serious players in Philadelphia high society,” Scarlett explained. “Old money. Like, revolutionary war old.”
“Jesse is Sean’s cousin,” I added.” “Using his name was actually his idea. Helps keep things under the radar.”
When we pulled up to Manhattan Club, a valet rushed forward.
Dr. Sullivan! Welcome back, sir,” he greeted with obvious respect.
“Thanks, Tommy,” Sean replied, handing over his keys.
As we entered the building, Ruby whispered, “Is he actually a doctor? Or is that part of the act too?”
“He’s a real surgeon,” I confirmed.
Inside the elevator, Sean pressed the button for the eleventh floor. This isn’t the same place you came with Brandon before. This is my section of the club. Every member has their own area designed to their preferences.”
“What’s Ethan’s like?” I asked curiously.
Sean rolled his eyes. “Boring. All clean lines and minimalism. Zero personality, just like him.”
The elevator opened onto a plush corridor lined with discreet doors. Several well–dressed security men were stationed along the hallway, nodding respectfully as we passed.
Sean led us to the end of the hallway, pausing before an ornate door with a subtle ‘S‘ engraved on a brass plate. “Welcome to my humble abode, he announced, pushing the door open.
The conversation inside immediately halted as four pairs of eyes turned to us. My gaze instantly locked with Brandon’s across the
room.
Brandon raised his hand, beckoning me oyer without a word. The gesture was so casually possessive that I felt my cheeks warm. Without thinking, I abandoned my friends at the door and crossed the room directly to my husband.
Brandon immediately pulled me into his lap, his strong arms encircling my waist. “Your hands are freezing,” he murmured, t my fingers between his warm palms.
I suddenly became very aware that we weren’t alone. Edward Lee was watching us with amusement, while Ethan Kennedy maintained his usual stoic expression. Arya Carter sat beside Ethan, her eyes darting between Brandon and me with undisguised
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Chapter 317
curiosity..
“Brandon,” I whispered, trying to extract myself from his embrace. Everyone’s watching.”
His grip only tightened. “So? I’m holding my wife. Does anyone have a problem with that?” He directed this challenge to the room at
large.
“The boss and his lady are clearly very much in love,” Edward remarked with
“Obviously, Brandon replied arrogantly.
a smirk. “It’s heartwarming, truly.”
‘Jesus fucking Christ,” Sean groaned from the doorway. “You see what I have to deal with? They’re insufferable. He turned to Ruby and Scarlett. “Come on in, ladies. Don’t mind the shameless PDA happening over there.”
Ruby looked starstruck. “The Wall Street Four,” she whispered. “I can’t believe I’m actually seeing them in person.”
I felt my face heat up even more. “Brandon, please,” I mumbled, trying again to stand up. “Let me at least say hello properly.”
Brandon reluctantly loosened his hold, though he kept one hand firmly at the small of my back as I smiled awkwardly at the others.
“Hi, Ethan. Edward. Arya. It’s nice to see you all again,” I managed, painfully aware of how casual Brandon was being about our relationship.
Ethan, ever the most composed of the group, cleared his throat softly. His gaze flicked from me to Brandon. “Brandon,” he said mildly, “you’re overdoing it a bit, don’t you think?”
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