The Billionaire's Sudden Bride novel Chapter 296

Chapter 296

Summer’s POV

I nodded, noticing the strange flicker in his eyes. “Yes,”

My grandpa’s face tightened momentarily before smoothing back to s usual composed expression. “Then why would your mother get it wrong? She told me you were bringing Michael Sullivan.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s the funny part, Grandpa. Mem was the one who introduced me to ‘Michael Sullivan in the first place. But the thing is, she’s never actually met him herself. It was af arranged through connections.” I gestured toward Sean. “Dr. Sean here has been kindly playing along.”

The blood drained from Grandpa’s face. “So you’re telling me that from the beginning, your mother had no idea who Michael Sullivan was? She’s never even met him?”

“Exactly,” I confirmed.

Sean cleared his throat. “If I may explain, Mr. Taylor. My aunt Daisy apparently owed Mrs. Taylor a favor from their younger days. Now that my aunt is part of the Sullivan family, Mrs. Taylor thought she’d call in that favor by setting up her daughter with my cousin. But my cousin had zero interest in blind dates, and knowing Summer was already married to Brandon, we came up with this little… substitution plan.”

Lsmiled, linking my arm through Grandpa’s. “We call it ‘Operation Switcheroo.‘ And don’t worry, Brandon knows all about it.”

Relief flooded Grandpa’s face. “That’s good to hear. I was worried Brandon might misunderstand, and it would affect your marriage.”

“Brandon trusts me,” I assured him. “We’re solid.”

Grandpa patted my hand affectionately. “I’m an old man now, and my only wish is for you and Brandon to be happy together.” His eyes grew sad. “If only your parents weren’t so… difficult. You and Brandon might not still be hiding your relationship.”

He turned to Sean with an apologetic expression. “I’m sorry for the trouble, Dr. Sullivan. Getting caught up in our family drama can’t be pleasant.”

I laughed, squeezing Grandpa’s hand. “Don’t worry about Sean, Grandpa. He’s got nothing better to do anyway.”

Sean raised an eyebrow. “Taylor family drama is actually quite entertaining compared to hospital rounds,” he joked, then grew more serious. “Mr. Taylor, Brandon and Summer are both my friends. Besides, this whole charade partially involves my brother, so I’m happy to help. But truthfully, this isn’t a sustainable solution.”

“I agree,” Grandpa nodded, his brow furrowing with concern. “I worry about Summer getting hurt in all this.”

Sean’s

eyes

narrowed thoughtfully. “I wouldn’t worry too much. Summer’s smarter than people give her credit for.”

I could practically hear what Sean was thinking: if I wasn’t exceptional, Brandon “high standards” Stark wouldn’t have chosen me. The real issue was that I cared too much about my family, which made me vulnerable to their manipulation.

“Grandpa,” I asked, changing the subject, “why did you ask about the Turner family? Do you know them?”

Grandpa’s face stiffened again, but he quickly composed himself. “No particular reason. Just curious.”

I didn’t believe him for a second, but Grandpa had that stubborn set to his jaw that meant further questioning would be pointless. Sean caught my eye, and I could tell he’d noticed Grandpa’s reaction too. Something was definitely off, but neither of us could figure out what.

1/3

Chapter 296

Downstairs was an entirely different scene. As Sean and I lingered in the stairwell, we overheard Victoria’s voice drifting up from the living room.

“Mom, where is everyone? Where’s Dad? And Grandpa?”

A

pause. “What about Summer?”

I couldn’t make out Elizabeth’s response, but Victoria’s voice carried clearly,

“What? Summer brought her boyfriend home? Michael Sullivan from the Sullivan family?”

Sean nudged me, a mischievous glint in his eye. I pressed a finger to my lips, signaling him to stay quiet as we continued to eavesdrop.

Elizabeth’s voice became audible now: “That inconsiderate girl! I introduced them, but to bring him to a family gathering without making things official! It’s completely inappropriate. She’s been spoiled rotten, doing whatever she pleases.”

Victoria’s syrupy response followed: “You’re right, Mom, Summer definitely crossed a line. But maybe… maybe things are serious between them? Maybe there’s good news? Summer wouldn’t bring him home for Christmas without a reason.”

Beside me, Sean was barely containing his laughter. He leaned close to whisper in my ear: “And the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress goes to…”

I suppressed a giggle. “Shh! They’ll hear us.”

Victoria continued her performance: “I mean, Summer’s usually pretty sensible. If she brought him home, it must be important. Don’t you think so, Alex?”

There was a moment of silence, then a flat, “Maybe.”

Sean’s eyebrows shot up at Alexander’s tone. He mouthed, “Your ex?

I nodded, rolling my eyes.

Victoria quickly filled the awkward silence: “What time will Dad be home?”

Elizabeth’s voice turned sickeningly sweet: “Victoria, have you lost weight? And your face–that horrible woman did such damage to you! As if she didn’t know how important a woman’s face is to her career! Does it still hurt?”

“No, it’s much better now,” Victoria replied. “The doctor gave me medication, but I have to watch my diet. Alex, don’t you think my face looks better?”

“Much better, came Alexander’s monotone response. “Keep following doctor’s orders.”

Victoria changed subjects abruptly: “So where’s Summer hiding? Alex hasn’t met her boyfriend yet!”

Sean turned to me with an amused expression. “Wow. Just… wow. And I thought I was shameless.”