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The Billionaire's Sudden Bride novel Chapter 317

Chapter 317

Summer’s POV

The moment we stepped outside Diana, Ruby burst into laughter, nearly doubling over.

Oh my God! Did you see Victoria’s face?she wheezed between giggles. I thought she was going to pass out when you mentioned the Turner family!

Scarlett joined in. The way those women did a complete one eighty the second they thought you had moneypriceless!

I smiled at their reactions, though my mind was racing with what Sean had whispered. Brandon was nearby? My heart did a little flip at the thought.

Ruby composed herself and fixed me with a suspicious look. Okay, seriously, what’s going on here? You two- she gestured between Sean and me, -are clearly putting on some kind of show.

It’s just acting,I shrugged, then turned to Sean. Where’s Brandon now? You said he was nearby.

Sean clutched his chest in mock offense. Wow, I swoop in to save the day, and all you can think about is where your husband is? That’s cold, Summer.He shook his head dramatically. Brandon’s the same way. Uses me when it’s convenient, then boomnowhere to be found when I need backup..

Ruby snorted. So you’re the standin boyfriend, huh? The placeholder?

I prefer strategic relationship consultant,Sean replied with a grin. You were pretty badass in there, by the way. The way you played along without missing a beat? Impressive.

Ruby beamed but still looked confused. I feel like I’m missing something. What was that whole Jesse Turner thing about? And why did Victoria look like she’d seen a ghost?

Sean checked his watch. We should continue this somewhere more private. Brandon and the others are waiting at Manhattan Club.

In Sean’s Mercedes, I sat in front while Ruby and Scarlett settled in back.

So Brandon’s at Manhattan Club?I asked, trying to sound casual.

Sean nodded. With Edward, Ethan, and little firecracker Arya.He glanced at me. He’s going to kill me for not calling him when Victoria started giving you trouble.

How did you even know I was having issues? Were you following me

Sean laughed. Give me some credit, Summer. I have better things to do than stalk you around department stores.He tapped his phone. Brandon has security detail on you. One of them spotted the confrontation and texted me since I was closest.

Brandon has people watching me?I wasn’t sure whether to be annoyed or touched.

For protection, not urveillance,Sean clarified. After everything that’s happened with the Sinclairs and Taylors? Of course does.

Wait, did you call Arya a little firecracker? She always seems so quiet whenever I’ve seen her.

Sean snorted. Quiet? That girl? Maybe she’s on her best behavior around you. Trust me, get a few drinks in her, and she’ll verbally

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eviscerate anyone who crosses her.

Your sister’s something else, Sean remarked, shaking his head. The sheer audacity of that woman. Shameless, but entertaining.

Ruby and Scarlett erupted in laughter again.

How many people actually know about you and Brandon? Ruby asked.

Quite a few now, I admitted. We never planned to keep it a total secret.

And now I’m stuck in the middle, constantly being subjected to their disgusting loveydovey behavior, Sean complained.

Who exactly is Jesse Turner?Ruby pressed. And why did Victoria look like she was about to have a stroke when you mentioned his

name?

The Turners are serious players in Philadelphia high society,Scarlett explained. Old money. Like, revolutionary war old.

Jesse is Sean’s cousin,I added.Using his name was actually his idea. Helps keep things under the radar.

When we pulled up to Manhattan Club, a valet rushed forward.

Dr. Sullivan! Welcome back, sir,he greeted with obvious respect.

Thanks, Tommy,Sean replied, handing over his keys.

As we entered the building, Ruby whispered, Is he actually a doctor? Or is that part of the act too?

He’s a real surgeon,I confirmed.

Inside the elevator, Sean pressed the button for the eleventh floor. This isn’t the same place you came with Brandon before. This is my section of the club. Every member has their own area designed to their preferences.

What’s Ethan’s like?I asked curiously.

Sean rolled his eyes. Boring. All clean lines and minimalism. Zero personality, just like him.

The elevator opened onto a plush corridor lined with discreet doors. Several welldressed security men were stationed along the hallway, nodding respectfully as we passed.

Sean led us to the end of the hallway, pausing before an ornate door with a subtle Sengraved on a brass plate. Welcome to my humble abode, he announced, pushing the door open.

The conversation inside immediately halted as four pairs of eyes turned to us. My gaze instantly locked with Brandon’s across the

room.

Brandon raised his hand, beckoning me oyer without a word. The gesture was so casually possessive that I felt my cheeks warm. Without thinking, I abandoned my friends at the door and crossed the room directly to my husband.

Brandon immediately pulled me into his lap, his strong arms encircling my waist. Your hands are freezing,he murmured, t my fingers between his warm palms.

I suddenly became very aware that we weren’t alone. Edward Lee was watching us with amusement, while Ethan Kennedy maintained his usual stoic expression. Arya Carter sat beside Ethan, her eyes darting between Brandon and me with undisguised

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