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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 9: Don’t Wear Such Heavy Makeup Next Time
Summer’s POV
My hands trembled slightly against Brandon’s elsost as I tried to madtain some distance between us. Through the expensive fabric of his suit, I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, completely at odds with my own racing pulse
His dark eyes studied my face with an intensity that made my skin check. The contact sent an electric shock through my system, and I
- de. Then, without warning, his hand came up to touch my
“Don’t wear such heavy makeup next time,” he said, his deep voice carying an edge I couldn’t quite identify. “It doesn’t suit you.”
The words hit a nerve I didn’t even know was exposeil. After everything that had happened – the betrayal, the public humiliation, the gossip – how dare he comment on my appearance? “Are you crazy?” I snapped, anger giving me the strength to finally push away from him. “Since when do you get to dictate what makeup I wear? 11 wear it as beavy as I want!”
I stood up abruptly, nearly stumbling in my haste to put some distance between us, “I should check on Grandpa!”
His eyes followed my retreat, that infuriating half–smile playing at the corners of his mouth. God, I hate how he looks at me like that
like he knows something I don’t.
knocked on the door to Grandpa’s private study, trying to calm my racing heart. “Grandpa? Can I come in?”
“Come in, dear!” His warm voice helped steady my nerves.
The familiar scent of old books and leather enveloped me as I entered. Grandpa sat in his favorite armchair, surrounded by stacks of papers and leather–bound volumes, just seeing him there, exactly as he’d always been, made something in my chest ache.
“Come here, sweetheart.” He patted the space beside his chair, and I went willingly, grateful for any excuse to be away from Brandon’s unsettling presence,
“What are you reading?” 1 peered at the book in his hands, then reached over to close it. “I finally come to visit you, and not only do you invite a stranger, but you hide away in here?”
Grandpa tapped my forehead gently. “You silly girl!” He sighed, his expression growing more serious. “Do you know who Brandon really is?”
“Of course I know who he is, Grandpa.” I couldn’t keep the edge from my voice. “Everyone on Wall Street knows Brandon Stark. But why didn’t you ever mention he was your student?
“You were just a child then. Brandon was my most brilliant student after graduating Harvard, he went to London, so it’s natural you haven’t met him before.”
one of
Something in his tone made me wary. I knew that look in his eyes – it was the same one he got right before launching into one
his famous lectures.
He took my hand in his, his grip still strong despite his age. “Dear, what do you think about Brandon? I think he’s quite remarkable,
“Stop right there.” I pulled my hand away, “Grandpa, what do you think I am? Some clearance item to be sold off?”
“Oh? Using business terms now, are
aw, are we?” His
yes twinkled with amusement. “Even if you were a clearance item which you’re not- Brandon certainly isn’t. I’m thinking of your happiness! These past few years… you think I don’t know what happened just because
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Chapter 9: Don’t Wear Such Heavy Makeup Next Time
you didn’t tell me I warned hu about Alexander being unreliable, but you wouldn’t listen.”
“Grandpa!” I felt tears threatening to spill over, mining my carefully applied makeup. “Stop! I… I just trusted the wrong person. Now I see clearly, and I won’t make that mistake again.”
“Alright, alright, let’s not talk about that useless man anymore.” He queezed my hand. Tel’s talk about Brandon. Summer, darling. I’m old. You’re my only worry now. I don’t care if you become rich of powerful – I just want you to be happy. Brandon… I know him.
I trust him.”
“But I… The words stuck in my throat. How could I explain? That the mere thought of trusting someone again made me feel sick? That every time Brandon looked at me with those intense dark eyes, felt like I was standing on the edge of something dangerous?
How do I tell you, Grandpa, that your brilliant former student has already proposed to me? That he found me at my lowest point offered marriage like he was suggesting lunch?
I just watched Grandpa reorganize the papers on his desk – a nervous habit he’d had for as long as I could remember. The familiar gesture made my throat tight. Here was the man who’d supported me through everything, and now he was trying to play matchmaker with Brandon Stark of all people.
I mean, come on I just got my heart broken, I’m not that desperate. The thought came with a flash of indignation. If I wanted to date, Im sure there would be plenty of men interested in me. And seriously, just turned down Brandon’s proposal not long ago. What must be
set us up? God, this is mortifying think of me now, with my own grandfather trying
The leather armchair creaked as I shifted. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the study windows, catching the dust motes dancing in the air. Everything about this room was exactly as it had always been the wall of leather–bound books, the ancient desk Grandpa refused to replace, even the subtle scent of leather and old paper. It should have been comforting. Instead, it just reminded me how much everything else in my life had changed.
Through the study’s half–open door, I heard Parker’s efficient footsteps in the main hall. “Mr. Stark? Are you alone? Where are the Professor and Miss Summer?”
Brandon’s deep voice carried clearly to where I sal. “Pretty sure Miss Taylor can’t stand me right now.”
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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 10: Mr. Stark, Let G
