The e Chapter 335
Summer’s POV
The cool night air was a welcome relief as I escaped the suffocating atmosphere of the Taylor mansion. I leaned against a stone pillar in the back garden and pulled out my phone, missing Brandon terribly despite Sean’s presence at the party.
Brandon picked up on the second ring.
“Hey!” His deep voice sent warmth through me.
“Brandon, are you home yet I asked, keeping my voice down.
“Mmm.”
“Did you just get home?”
“Yeah.”
“Brandon, I’m seriously regretting not bringing you today. Ugh!”
I frowned at his unusual shortness. “You’re not even going to ask me what happened today?”
“Mmm.”
Something was definitely off.
“Brandon? What’s wrong? Are you upset about something?”
When he didn’t immediately respond, my stomach tightened.
“Did something happen at the Stark house? Is it… about us? About our marriage?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” he finally said, his voice flat. “What happened at the Taylor house today? Did someone give you trouble? Didn’t Sean protect you?”
Relief washed over me. “Oh no, nothing like that! Actually, Dr. Sean made a complete fool of himself today. He showed up pretending to be Michael Turner, but then guess what? The real Michael also showed up!”
I giggled softly. “I’m hiding in the back garden right now. You should have seen my mother’s face—she was absolutely livid, but she couldn’t make a scene. I was wondering why she was being so nice to me today! Turns out she had planned to use my dad’s birthday party to get closer to Mrs. Sullivan and Jesse Turner. She definitely had some scheme cooking, but then Dr. Sean crashed the party and ruined everything.”
I lowered my voice. “It’s such a shame you couldn’t come. You would have driven them absolutely crazy! My mother’s grand plans would have completely fallen apart.
“Sounds like you’re pretty disappointed,” Brandon remarked, his voice warming slightly.
“Of course I am!” I Jaimed. “Ever since I found out I’m not their biological daughter, everything’s different. I’m so tired of being their little chess piece. First Charles Windsor, then Jesse Turner, now Dr. Sean–she’s been trying to marry me off to whoever benefits them most.”
God, it’s so boring here, but I can’t just leave right away,” I complained.
Chapter 335
“Where are Sean and Jesse now? Brandon asked.
‘Oh, they’re being fawned over by everyone. You should see it–everyone’s practically climbing over each other to talk to them.” I smiled. “Brandon, I miss you so much.”
“I miss you too,” he replied, his voice finally softening.
Through the phone, I heard rustling fabric–like he was putting on a jacket.
“Brandon? Are you going somewhere?”
Before he could answer, I caught sight of movement. “Someone’s coming. I’ve gotta go!”
“Someone’s
I quickly ended the call and pretended to admire a nearby rose bush. The clicking of heels against the stone path announced Elizabeth’s approach,
“There you are, you little brat! Hiding out here all this time?”
Elizabeth stood before me, her perfectly made–up face twisted with anger beneath her polished socialite mask.
“Tell me the truth,” she hissed. “Did you know all along that Sean Sullivan wasn’t Michael Sullivan?”
I met her gaze evenly. “I don’t understand what you’re talking about Mother. They’re both Sullivan men–even you got them confused. How would I know the difference?”
“Don’t play dumb with me.”
“Isn’t Daisy supposed to be your dear friend?” I continued. “How awkward that you couldn’t even recognize your good friend’s son!
That must have been so embarrassing for you.”
“You ungrateful little-” She raised her hand as if to slap me, but stopped herself. “You worthless girl!”
“Worthless girl?” I echoed, my voice surprisingly steady. “Is that what I am to you, Mother?”
“I-” Elizabeth faltered.
“Well, now I know,” I continued coolly. “Actually, whether it’s Dr. Sean or Michael, you should be thrilled either way. The Taylors connecting with the Sullivans or Turners would be quite the social coup, wouldn’t it?”
“You… you insolent little brat! Don’t talk about things you don’t understand,” she sputtered. “The Taylor family has its own standing
in New York!”
“Really? Then why are you so desperate to marry me off to a Sullivan or a Turner?” I countered.
Elizabeth stared at me like she’d never seen me before. This wasn’t the meek, accommodating Summer she was used to pushing
around.
“You need to cut ties with that Dr. Sean immediately,” she ordered. Jesse Turner is the one I’ve chosen for you. As you know, his mother Daisy and I are dear friends!”
Right, how could I forget? You’re such close friends,” I replied with mock seriousness. “Why don’t you go speak to Mrs. Sullivan about it yourself?*
“You- Her face flushed with rage. “Don’t test me, young lady. I’m telling you, the only reason you even know people like the Sullivans and Turners is because of me. I made those connections possible! You ungrateful, disrespectful child–I am your mother!”
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Chapter 335
“Enough!” I snapped, my patience shattering. “Let’s get something sight. I met Dr. Sean and Jesse Turner through my own connections. I don’t need you orchestrating my life anymore. I’m done being your pawn in whatever social climbing game you’re playing!”
I took a deep breath. “I’ve learned something important lately. Sometimes the best thing you can do is let go of what was never really yours to begin with.”
Elizabeth stared at me, speechless. I brushed past her, heading for a quieter part of the garden.
“Miss Summer!”
I nearly jumped at the voice behind me. Jesse Turner stood there, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit.
“Mr. Turner! I’m so sorry!” I gasped, mortified.
“I got a free show,” he said with a slight smile. “No need for you to apologize.”
I cringed inwardly. “That was my mistake.”
“I had no idea Sean was coming today,” he added.
“.
“And I had no idea you’d be here either.” I shook my head. “Actually, I should apologize properly. It’s been nearly six months, and Sean is still using your name. It’s caused you trouble, and I’m truly sorry about that.”
“It’s fine,” he replied with unexpected ease.
“And about what my mother just said–please don’t take any of it to heart.”
Jesse studied me for a moment. “You know, Summer, you’re not at all what I expected.”
“What do you mean?”
“Sean talks about you a lot–his ‘little sister.‘ He makes you sound so fragile.” A hint of a smile played at his lips. “But you’re actually quite formidable, aren’t you?”
I felt my cheeks warm. “I don’t know about that. I’m just tired of being everyone’s chess piece.”
“I understand completely.” His gaze shifted toward the house. “Family expectations can be… suffocating.”
As we stood there in the quiet garden, I had the strangest feeling that Jesse Turner might be one of the few people who actually did understand.
“We should probably head back before they send out a search party, suggested.
Jesse nodded, extending his arm. “Shall we?”
