The Billionaire's Sudden Bride novel Chapter 200

The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride

Chapter 200

Elle’s POV

The coffee shop in the Stark Tower lobby was my temporary refuge after Brandon’s brutal dismissal upstairs. I needed to rebuild my confidence. The baristas scurried around as I specified exactly how I wanted my latte.

“More foam, please. And make sure it’s not too hot this time,” I instructed, drumming my nails against the counter. ‘Oh, and I’ll need some of those pastries with raspberry filling. Mr. Stark hasn’t had breakfast yet.”

This was how things should be–people responding without question Working at Stark Group was my chance to prove to Brandon we belonged together. Aunt Jane promised this would work.

I was reviewing the pastry selection when Monica–Brandon’s stuck–p secretary–appeared with her irritatingly perfect posture.

“Miss Sinclair,” she said crisply, “your position has been arranged. Mr Stark personally oversaw the assignment.”

My spirits instantly lifted. Brandon hadn’t kicked me out! I knew he must care deep down.

“I know,” I replied dismissively, masking my relief.

Monica’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Miss Sinclair, it’s currently work hours.”

1 waved her off. “What’s the rush? Can’t you see I’m waiting for pastries? Brandon probably hasn’t eaten breakfast yet.”

“Miss Sinclair!” Monica’s expression couldn’t hide her disdain. “It is work hours, and you haven’t even started your position. Furthermore, you’re a Stark Group employee now–you don’t have authority to direct cafeteria staff.”

Heat rose to my cheeks as I straightened in my chair.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” I snapped. “How dare you speak to me that way?”

“However, as of today, you are my subordinate. Are you sure you want to speak to me like that?”

“You… you…” I sputtered, gripping my coffee cup tightly. “You’re nothing! I came to Stark Group for Brandon, and nobody except Brandon gets to tell me what to do. You’re just a secretary!”

Monica gestured to her ID badge. “Miss Sinclair, you clearly doesn’t understand your position. Now that ve joined Stark/Group, you’re nothing but an employee. As a secretary assigned to the 14th floor, you report to me, the Executive Secretary.” She tapped her title. “Feel free to test me, and we’ll see whether Mr. Stark chooses to fire me or you.”

With that, Monica turned and walked toward the elevators. Fury built inside me, but a small voice reminded me that Monica had legitimate daily access to Brandon.

Swallowing my pride, I hurried after her. “Don’t think I’m scared of you,” I called. “Everything I’m doing is for Brandon. You wouldn’t

understand.”

Monica merely gave a derisive snort.

Monica led me to a small desk tucked in a corner of the 14th floor–practically a closet compared to what I’d expected.

“Miss Sinclair, this will be your workspace, she announced. “These materials are files left by the previous secretary. Mr. Stark felt that since you have no relevant experience, you might struggle with confidential documents. For the next month, you’ll be familiarizing yourself with these basic materials.”

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Chapter 200

She flipped open the top folder from a stack of paperwork. “I understand you graduated from Georgetown? That’s a fine institution. This should be child’s play for someone with your education. I have actual work to do.”

“Monica,” I said through gritted teeth, “I’m not doing this.”

“These are Mr. Stark’s direct orders,” she replied coolly. “At Stark Group, Mr. Stark’s word is final. If you don’t like it, you’re welcome to leave–Stark Group never lacks for talented applicants.”

I could feel my face turning purple with rage as Monica walked away

By noon, I couldn’t take it anymore. I called Aunt Jane, desperate for her intervention.

“Elle, darling,” Aunt Jane’s voice was firm. “I’ve created the opportunity. The rest is up to you. If you want to build a relationship with Brandon, you need to work properly. As for this Monica personer position indicates Brandon values her. Rather than antagonizing her, try to win her over. Do you understand?“.

“I get it, Aunt Jane,” I replied, biting my lip to hold back tears. “I’ll try to get along, but Brandon doesn’t even want to see me.”

“Then find a way to see him anyway,” she said impatiently. “You’re not a child anymore. I can’t do everything for you.”

Summer’s POV

The cafeteria at Stark Group buzzed with conversation as I sat with my lunch. Leo Schmidt took the seat across from me. Since joining Stark Group, I’d learned so much–not just about work, but about how much I didn’t know before.

Even Heather, who’d initially seemed determined to make my life difficult, had warmed considerably. The three of us had just returned from a site inspection, catching the tail end of lunch. All around, people discussed something that had happened on the

14th floor.

I focused on my food, not interested in office gossip, when Heather suddenly jumped up and scurried to a nearby table. Leo watched her go, then turned to me.

“Aren’t you curious?” he asked. “I thought you had connections upstairs.”

I had a mouthful of salad, so I chewed before answering. “What kind of response does Director Schmidt want from me?”

Leo recognized my deflection and laughed. “I guess I’m being nosy.”

“You are,” I agreed with a smile. “Seems unlike a department head to be interested in gossip.”

Heather rushed back, practically vibrating with excitement. “You guys won’t believe what I just heard!

I played along. “What did you hear?”

“That new hire on the 14th floor? Apparently, she’s some distant relative of Mr. Stark’s mother–no blood relation though. And get this–she didn’t come here to work. She came to chase a man!”

I paused mid–bite. “Chase a man?”