Chapter 121
**Summer's POV**
"Schmidt Director, this is Miss Taylor, here for the interview!" James announced as he ushered me into Leo Schmidt's immaculate office.
I straightened my shoulders and stepped forward with a confident smile. "Hello, Director Schmidt. I'm Summer Taylor."
Leo Schmidt barely looked up from his computer, his piercing blue eyes giving me a quick once-over before shifting his attention to James.
"I'll leave you to it," James said smoothly. "I have matters to attend to upstairs."
As James slipped out, Leo gestured toward the chair across from his desk."Please, sit." Hs voice carried just a hint of an accent-European, maybe German.
I settled into the chair, smoothing my skirt as I watched him retrieve my resume from his drawer. His expression revealed nothing as he flipped through the pages. The silence stretched uncomfortably, but I refused to fidget or break it first. Playing the nervous candidate wouldn't do me any favors.
"Taylor..." he finally said, looking up at me. "Summer Taylor?"
"That's right," I confirmed with a nod.
Leo closed my resume with a deliberate movement. "Your work experience is... ordinary," he stated bluntly. "But I'm interested in the Johnston project you managed at Fortune Corp. Tell me about it in detail."
Over the next forty-five minutes, I walked him through my previous projects, highlighting my decision-making process and problem-solving approaches. Leo asked pointed questions, occasionally nodding when I provided answers that seemed to satisfy him.
"That will be all, Miss Taylor," Leo finally said, closing his notebook. "We'Il let you know our decision."
"Thank you for your time," I replied, rising from my chair. "I appreciate the opportunity."
He nodded, already turning his attention back to his computer.
I had barey stepped into the hallway when my phöne vibrated in my pocket. Brandon's name flashed on the screen. Glancing around to ensure no one was within earshot, I answered.
"Hello?"
"Interview finished?" His deep voice sent an involuntary shiver down my spine.
"Are you spying on me?" I whispered, ducking into an empty corridor.
A low chuckle came through the line. "Come upstairs."
"No way!" I protested. "I'm heading home."
"Be reasonable," he coaxed, his voice softening in that way that always made may resolve weaken. "What are you going to do at home? Come up.I have something good to show you."
I bit my lip, considering his offer, "Fine," I sighed. "But I can't just waltz into your office-people will talk."
"Go to the private elevator in the east wing," he instructed. "It leads to my personal underground garage. Take it up from there."
Fifteen minutes and several wrong turns later, I finally found the correct elevator. After an unnecessarily complicated route that involved doubling back three times, I reached the executive floor. James was waiting for me at the elevator doors, relief washing over his face when he spotted me.
"Mrs. Stark! I was beginning to worry."
"I got lost," I admitted, stepping out of the elevator. "This building is like a maze. And please, James, just call me Summer. We don't need people hearing 'Mrs. Stark' around the office."
"Of course," he agreed quickly, though I could tell the familiar address made him uncomfortable. "Right this way."
James led me to a set of imposing double doors at the end of the hallway.He knocked firmly, waiting for Brandon's muffled "Come in" before gesturing for me to enter.
"Mrs... Miss Taylor is here, sir," he announced formally.
I stepped into Brandon's office for the first time and immediately felt my jaw drop slightly. The space was massive-at least three times the size of the average executive office. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Manhattan, bathing the room in natural light. The decor was minimalist but undeniably luxurious-sleek furniture, original artwork,and a distinct absence of clutter.
Brandon looked up from his desk and beckoned me over with a slight wave.
"No, you keep working," I said, waving him off. "Ill just look around."
He raised an eyebrow but returned to the document in front of him as I wandered around the perimeter of his office.
When I'd finished my self-guided tour, I settled into one of the comfortable chairs in the sitting area. After a while, my attention drifted back to Brandon.
He was completely absorbed in his work, brow furrowed slightly in concentration. The afternoon sunlight cast a golden glow across his features, highlighting the sharp angle of his jawline and the intensity in his eyes. In the office, he was different-more focused, more commanding.The contrast between this public version of Brandon and the man who held me at night was fascinating.
I found myself staring, unable to look away, until a sharp knock at the door jolted me from my trance. Brandon glanced up, his eyes meeting mine.
"Get the door?" he suggested.
"Is that a good idea?" I hesitated, suddenly conscious of how it might look."What if it's someone from the office?"
Brandon dismissed my concern with a casual wave. "It's fine. Go ahead."
Reluctantly, I crossed the room and opened the door to find a petite woman with glasses and an immaculate blazer. She blinked at me in surprise before her professional mask slid back into place.
"I'm Monica, Mr. Stark's executive assistant," she said, her eyes darting past me to Brandon.
"Please, come in," I stepped aside, feeling awkward in my undefined role.
Monica strode past me with brisk efficiency. "Mr. Stark, Joe Watson has arrived for his appointment."
"Bring him in," Brandon replied without looking up from his papers.
After Monica left, I turned to Brandon with wide eyes. "Joe Watson? As in Anna Watson's brother? Should I...leave?"
"No need," Brandon replied, finally setting down his pen. He extended his hand toward me. "Come here."
I approached cautiously, only for him to capture my hand in his,guiding me to the seating area. I tried to pull away, but his grip was firm.
"What are you doing?" I whispered urgently. "What's going on with Joe Watson? And about the Anna situation-I've already forgiven her. You don't need to-"
Another knock at the door cut me off.
"Come in".
Joe Watson entered with measured confidence, though I noticed his posture was slightly too rigid to be natural. His eyes scanned the room,momentarily passing over us before snapping back in recognition when Brandon stood.
"Mr. Stark," he greeted,his voice carefully controlled.
Brandon nodded at Monica. "Two coffees and a lemon water, please."
As the door closed behind Monica, Brandon gestured toward the chair across from us. "Have a seat,Mr.Watson."
Joe settled into the chair, his expression betraying nothing though I sensed
the calculations happening behind his eyes. He kept glancing at me,clearly trying to place me within the power structure of the room.
"I'd like to introduce you," Brandon said, his voice giving nothing away,"to my wife, Summer Taylor."
The reaction was immediate-Joe's careful composure cracked with genuine surprise, his eyes widening as they darted between us. But his shock was nothing compared to my own. I jerked my head toward Brandon, shooting him a glare that could have melted steel. *Wife?* After all our careful secrecy, he was just announcing it to Joe Watson of all people?
Brandon remained perfectly calm,giving my hand a gentle squeeze as if to say, *Trust me. I know what I'm doing.*
Joe recovered admirably, straightening his tie as understanding visibly dawned on him. "It's a pleasure to meet you,Mrs.Stark."
"Likewise, Mr. Watson," I replied, somehow keeping my voice steady despite the chaos in my head.
What exactly was Brandon playing at?