The Billionaire's Sudden Bride novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Bribery

Summer’s POV

“Summer,” his

Europe?”

s voice carried that practiced warmth I’d oner found spaternal. “It’s been over a year. How are you finding things after

I kept my expression professionally neutral, channeling every lesson

learned in Columbia’s negotiation classes. Deep breaths

Channel your inner for queen. “Everything’s fine, Mr. Stark. The European division’s performance speaks for itself.

His eyes narrowed slightly at my formal tone. A year ago, I would have called him ‘Uncle Alex the way he’d insisted when

Alexander first introduced us. God, I was so naive back then

“Yes, the numbers are… impressive.” He shuffled some papers on his desk, though I knew it was just for show. Old Mr. Stark never needed to check numbers he remembered everything. It was one of the first things Alexander had warned me about. Another red flag I chose to ignore. “But that’s not why I called you here.”

“Oh?” I kept my voice light, professional, even as my stomach twisted with dread. “Is there an issue with the quarterly reports?

He sighed, setting aside the pretense of paperwork. “Summer, we need to discuss

S YOU

and Alexander.”

Mr. Stark.” I cut him off before he could continue, my voice sharp enough to make him blink. The mere mention of Alexanders name sent a wave of nausea through me. “This is a work environment And I have nothing to discuss regarding Alexander.” Norking except how he and my sister stabbed me in the back, but somehow I doubt that’s what you want to hear

“Don’t

position.”

difficult. His tone hardened slightly. “You know Victoria and Alexander’s engagement has put us all

in an awkward

Awkward position? I had to bite back a bitter laugh. Is that what we’re calling it when your son betrays his fiancée with her own sister? When my entire We gets torn apart and rewritten without my consent?

The p

only awkward position,” I said carefully, gripping the arms of my chair to keep my hands from shaking, “is you trying to discuss personal matters during office hours.”

His expression darkened. “Have you even been back to the Taylor house since returning? Your family is worried.”

I had to hold back a bitter laugh. Now I understood his game. Victoria had always been the golden child after all, Father had given her a 15% stake in the company as her coming–of–age present. And me? I couldn’t even get a decent position in the company, let alone any shares. The unfairness of it all burned in my chest like acid.

Talk about double standards. When I graduated, Mother had insisted I find my own job, claiming it would build character and teach me independence. Everything I owned paled in comparison to Victoria’s possessions. Sometimes I couldn’t help but wonder if I was even truly a Taylor at all. Maybe I was switched at birth. That would explain so much.

kept my face straight. Sorry, Grandpa “My grandfather specifically asked me not to return yet.” The lie slipped out smoothly, but I George, but i need this excuse. My heart twisted a little at using my grandfather’s name this way, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

“George said tha17” Something calculated flickered in his eyes. “His birthday celebration is coming up soon. Next week, surely you’ll

attend?

1 frowned, my

y stomach tightening. If there was anyone in the Taylor family I truly cared about, it was my paternal Grandpa George. Old Mr. Stark’s sudden interest in my family reconciliation had nothing to do with concern for me he just wanted me to sweet–talk my grandfather into accepting Alexander and Victoria’s marriage. Nice try, but I’m not your puppet anymore.

“Of course I’ll attend my grandfather’s birthday. I kept my voice steady, professional, even as anger burned through my veins. “Was

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Chapter 15: Bribery.