The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 87
Summer’s POV
“Organic or non–organic?” I held up two perfectly identical bunches of spinach, watching Brandon’s expression for guidance. The high–end supermarket’s lighting made everything look unnaturally perfect, but I still couldn’t tell the difference between the thirty- dollar greens and their fifteen–dollar counterparts.
Brandon paused his methodical selection of tomatoes to glance over Whichever you prefer.”
“That’s not helpful,” I complained, dropping both bunches into our cart. You’re the food expert here. I’ve been eating takeout for the past three years.”
The corner of his mouth lifted in that dangerous half–smile that never failed to make my pulse skip. ‘Is that so? I thought Fortune Corp had a company cafeteria.”
“Yeah, with food that tastes like cardboard.” I wrinkled my nose, wandering over to examine a display of artisanal pastas.
His phone buzzed as we reached the wine section. That familiar crease appeared between his brows as he read the message.
“Problem?” I asked, already recognizing the look.
“Just something I need to handle.” He tucked the phone away, his expression smoothing over. “I can finish this later.”
I shook my head firmly. “No need. I’ll finish up here. You do what you need to do.”
Those dark eyes studied my face with that unsettling intensity. “You sure?”
“Positive.” I gave him a small push toward the exit. “Go handle your business empire. I’ll make dinner tonight.”
Brandon raised one perfect eyebrow. “You can cook?”
“Don’t look so surprised!” I crossed my arms defensively. “I’m not a complete disaster in the kitchen.”
–
His lips twitched with barely suppressed amusement. “I’ll look forward to it. But don’t overdo it – just one or two dishes is fine.”
“Are you worried I’ll burn down your fancy kitchen?” I challenged, fighting a smile.
Brandon leaned down, his breath warm against my ear. “No, I’m worried you’ll exhaust yourself trying to impress me.”
Heat flooded my cheeks as he straightened up. “Just go already! I’ll see you at home.”
Three hours later, I surveyed the kitchen with a mix of pride and exhaustion. Despite Brandon’s advice, I’d gotten carried away, preparing a spread that could easily feed six people instead of two. My grandmother’s recipes had come flooding back once I started cooking comfort foods that reminded me of happier times.
After setting the table, I headed upstairs to find Brandon. His study door stood ajar, but the room was empty. I frowned, checking the time. He’d mentioned having things to handle, but I’d expected him back by now.
My attention caught on a folder lying open on his desk – unusual for Brandon, who typically maintained meticulous order in his workspace. Without thinking, I picked it up, my eyes scanning the top page.
Stark Entertainment Group – Talent Contract – Victoria Taylor
Chapter 87
My brow furrowed as I flipped through the pages, each one defalling extensive terms for what appeared to be a significant role at Brandon’s entertainment company. A company 1 hadn’t even known owned.
“Find something interesting?”
I nearly jumped out of my skin, the folder dropping from my hands. Brandon stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable as he approached.
“Ask whatever you want to ask. His voice was surprisingly gentle as he retrieved the fallen documents.
I swallowed hard, organizing my thoughts. “You’re signing Victoria? mean, I didn’t even know you had an entertainment company.”
Brandon slipped the papers from my fingers, his thumb brushing against my wrist in a touch that seemed more deliberate than accidental. “Is that what you came up here for? To snoop through my business affairs?”
“No! I came to tell you dinner’s ready.” I felt heat creeping up my neck. “The documents were just… there.”
“I see.” His dark eyes held mine for a long moment. “Ready to head down?”
I nodded, then hesitated. “If you don’t want to tell me about it, that’s fine.”
Brandon’s unexpected laugh caught me off guard. His hand reached out, fingers ruffling my hair with casual intimacy.
“Hey!” I protested, trying to smooth the sudden disarray. “Don’t mess up my hair!”
His expression softened with something that looked suspiciously like affection. “You know, for someone who’s usually so even- tempered, you can be quite rebellious.”
“I’m not being rebellious,” I huffed, still attempting to fix my hair. “And that’s not even the right word. Do you even know how to use vocabulary properly?”
“Apparently not,” he conceded, though the amusement in his eyes belied any real contrition.
As we headed toward the stairs, Brandon’s hand found mine, our fingers intertwining with a naturalness that still surprised me.
“About that entertainment company,” he said casually. “It was an investment from a few years back. James and his team handle the day–to–day operations. I rarely get involved directly.”
I glanced up at him, curiosity piqued. “So why are you getting involved with Victoria?”
His grip tightened slightly. “Alexander came to see me. Victoria sent him to ask for my help.”
A strange conflict churned inside me – deep down, I trusted Brandon, believed in the connection we’d built these past weeks. The safety and care he’d shown me were real; that much I knew with certainty. But Victoria had been tormenting me for years, had nearly gotten me assaulted at Grandpa’s party, had stolen my fiancé and tried to drug me. Why would Brandon, who’d protected me from all that, suddenly extend a helping hand to the person who’d caused me so much pain? It didn’t make sense.
“And you said yes?” I couldn’t keep the disbelief from my voice. “You know what she did to me, yet you’re helping her?”
