The Billionaire's Sudden Bride novel Chapter 322

Chapter 322

Summer’s POV

I was rolling around on Brandon’s ridiculously expensive leather sofa completely losing it at the comedy I was streaming. Tears streamed down my face as I clutched a pillow to my chest, laughing so hard my stomach hurt.

“Oh my God,” I wheezed between giggles. “This is- I couldn’t even finish my sentence.

That prickling sensation of being watched made me turn. Brandon was leaning against the staircase railing, arms crossed, an amused smile playing on his lips.

“Brandon!” I yelped, immediately sitting up and trying to smooth down my messy bun. I probably looked like a disaster in my sweatpants and his oversized t–shirt.

“Your meeting’s over?” I asked, hastily wiping away tears of laughter I saw James leaving earlier.”

Brandon nodded and crossed the room, settling beside me and taking my hand in his.

“What are you watching?” he asked, thumb tracing circles on my skin

“Just a silly comedy,” I replied. “Want to watch with me?”

Continue where you left off,” he said, pressing a kiss to my forehead

I snuggled against him, restarting the show. After a few minutes, Brandon spoke up.

“Why don’t you call Meave and invite her over?”

I paused the show, looking up at him. “Meave? Just her alone?”

Brandon smiled slightly. “Yeah.”

“Does Ethan want to see her again?” I guessed.

“No,” Brandon replied. “Not Ethan this time.”

“Then who?”

“Edward Lee.”

I sat up straighter. “Because of Grace?”

Brandon nodded silently.

ward

“If Meave can really help bring Grace back, why didn’t Edward ask for her help before?” I frowned. “Why wait three years?”

“Time is the best healer,” Brandon explained. “Back then, Grace was determined to leave. Even Gavin and Meave probably couldn’t have stopped her.”

He pulled me closer. “Their misunderstanding was too deep. Forcing Grace to stay wouldn’t have fixed anything.”

“Besides,” he continued, “Gavin was prejudiced against Edward then, Even now, he’d oppose Edward meeting with Meave.”

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Chapter 322

“So I need to invité Meave without Gavin finding out?” I swatted his arm. “You’re making me the bad guy! If Gavin finds out, I’m the one in trouble!”

Brandon caught my hand, eyesmused. “Gavin won’t blame you. Besides, you’re just the accomplice–I’m the mastermind.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine! I’ll call her now!”

“Good,” Brandon nodded.

Meave picked up on the third ring, sounding surprised but pleased to hear from me. When I suggested getting out of the house, she practically lit up.

“That would be lovely,” she said warmly. “It’s been ages since I’ve had a proper girls‘ day out.”

“Will Gavin be okay with it?” I asked.

Meave sighed. “Being cooped up at home is driving me crazy. Besides Gavin’s been so busy lately, he barely has time for me.”

“How about today?” I suggested. “Brandon can drive us.”

“Perfect,” she agreed. “Give me an hour to get ready?”

After hanging up, I turned to Brandon. “She seemed really excited.”

Guilt immediately crept in. “But what if she gets mad when she sees Edward? I’m basically tricking her!”

Brandon shook his head. “Don’t worry. Meave rarely gets angry. And if she does, it’ll be directed at me, not you.”

He pulled me to my feet. “Now go change. We need to pick up Meave soon.”

In Brandon’s Bentley, I sat in the back with Meave, who looked elegant despite her frailty.

“It’s so good to see you,” I said, genuinely happy to spend time with her.

“You too, Summer,” Meave smiled, patting my hand. “How have things been with you and Brandon? I’ve heard all sorts of rumors.”

“We’re good,” I replied, catching Brandon’s eye in the mirror.

“That night was quite the drama,” she continued. “The whole Stark family was in an uproar.”

She shook her head. “I’m just glad Elle Sinclair is gone now. Things should be much calmer for you two.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Brandon agreed, his voice unusually warm.

I gazed out the window, suddenly realizing our direction. “Where are we going?”

“Summer’s coffee shop,” Brandon replied.

I turned to Meave, thinking fast. “Meave, my friend Scarlett has a private room there. Would you like to check it out?”

“That sounds wonderful!” she exclaimed. “I didn’t know you had an interest in coffee shops.”

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Chapter 322

“It’s just a hobby, I explained Professor Thompson taught me tea peparation and coffee when I was younger, and Scarlett shares my love for them.”

Brandon caught my eye in the irror, approving my quick thinking.

At the coffee shop, Scarlett was arranging flowers when we arrived. Her eyes widened in surprise.

“Summer! I didn’t know you were coming today!” She glanced at Meave. “And who’s this?”

“This is Meave Stark, Brandon’s aunt,” I introduced.

“Mrs. Stark, welcome!” Scarlett smiled warmly. “Please, come in.”

“You must be the friend Summer mentioned,” Meave said.

“Yes, this is Scarlett Smith,” I eonfirmed as Brandon joined us.

“Are just you and Mrs. Stark visiting?” Scarlett asked.

“No, Brandon’s here too. He was just parking.”

Scarlett led us toward the back. “I’ve set up the VIP room for Summer. You know the way, right?”

“Absolutely,” I nodded, taking Meave’s arm as Scarlett went to prepare refreshments.

The private room was tastefully decorated with Eastern and Western elements. Meave admired the hand–painted screens and carefully arranged tea sets.

“Did you design all this?” she asked.

“I did,” I smiled. “I wanted to combine Eastern tranquility with Western comfort.”