Chapter 120

Summer's POV

I woke with a groan, my body feeling the heavy remnants of the previous night’s intensity. Stretching lazily under the covers, I tried to shake off the exhaustion clinging to me.

"Awake?"

Brandon stood in the doorway, already dressed in one of his perfect suits. He looked far too put-together for someone who had gotten as little sleep as I had.

"Eight-thirty? Why didn't you wake me?" I bolted upright, my voice sharper than intended. "Don't you have work today?"

"No rush," he replied, crossing the room and smoothing my tangled hair. "Do you remember what we discussed last night?"

I frowned, trying to recall anything resembling a conversation through the haze of passion. "Last night? You completely distracted me! What did you actually tell me?"

The corner of his mouth twitched. "About going to the company today. For your interview."

"The interview?" I blinked as memories returned. "Are we really doing that today?"

"Yes," he said simply. "Unless you'd rather spend all your time at home."

I chewed my lip. After quitting Fortune Corp, I missed having a purpose. "Fine, I'll give it a try," I conceded. "But one thing—I’m doing this on my own merits. No special treatment, got it?"

Brandon’s smile widened. "Of course. My June is more than capable."

By nine-thirty, we were in Brandon's car heading toward Manhattan. I was nervous, but Brandon’s calm presence helped. He told me the interviewer was Leo Schmidt, the Projects Division Director—a professional man who valued talent over personality.

When we arrived at Stark Tower, we entered through his private garage. "Nobody comes here without permission," he assured me, taking my hand as we headed to the elevator.

On the executive floor, James was waiting. "James, please escort Summer to the Projects Department for her interview," Brandon commanded.

"Don't be nervous, June," Brandon whispered, squeezing my hand before releasing it. "I believe in you."

As James led me through the gleaming corridors, I could hear the hushed whispers of the employees. "Who is she?" "Another parachute executive?" I ignored them, keeping my eyes forward. James led me to a sleek glass-walled office at the end of the hallway and knocked.

"Director Schmidt, I've brought the interview candidate," James announced.

A tall, lean man with piercing blue eyes looked up. "Please come in," he said with a hint of an accent. I straightened my shoulders and stepped forward, determined to prove myself. Whatever happened in this room would be based on my skills, not my husband.