Chapter 132

Summer's POV

I watched as Sean pulled out his phone, his usual playful demeanor shifting to something more calculated. The mischievous glint in his eyes took on a sharp edge that made me instantly wary.

"So," Sean leaned toward Brandon with a grin that screamed trouble. "I happened to witness a rather... enlightening scene while I was escorting Summer earlier. It seems our friends aren't as composed as they’d like us to believe."

Sean swiped through his phone before holding it out to Brandon. "Caught a bit of a performance backstage. Take a look—it might serve as a decent leverage someday."

Brandon glanced at the screen, his expression remaining an unreadable mask. "Did she see this?" he asked, his voice dropping an octave.

I felt Brandon's eyes flick toward me for a fraction of a second.

"Are you kidding?" Sean replied, looking almost offended. "What kind of gentleman do you think I am? I made sure Summer was well out of the lounge before I even looked. I just thought you should be aware of the... lack of discretion on their part."

"Oh! Look who’s decided to rejoin the party," Sean suddenly announced, his tone entirely too gleeful as he nodded toward the entrance.

I turned to see Victoria and Alexander making their reappearance. Victoria had changed into a champagne-colored cocktail dress. Her hair, which had been perfectly styled earlier, looked slightly rushed despite her obvious attempts to fix it. Alexander looked... well, like a man who had just realized the weight of the spotlight.

"Alexander looks like he's barely keeping up with the expectations," Sean muttered under his breath. "I didn't think he had the patience for her drama."

I felt a wave of discomfort as the implication of their "disorganized" appearance sank in.

Brandon's knuckles rapped sharply against the table, a sound like a gavel. It silenced Sean immediately. The warning in that simple gesture was unmistakable—some things were not to be discussed in front of me.

Ruby leaned close to me, whispering, "What is Sean implying?"

"Trust me, you don't want the details," I whispered back. "And if you value your peace of mind, never ask Dr. Sullivan for a follow-up report."

Across the room, Victoria was practically clinging to Alexander's arm, her face flushed with a performance of triumph. Alexander’s eyes swept the room, eventually landing on our table. When he spotted me sitting between Brandon and Sean, his entire demeanor darkened. His jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed with a flicker of something that looked dangerously like regret mixed with jealousy. It wasn't the look of a man who had moved on.

As the reception wound down, guests began filtering out. I checked my watch, realizing the evening had finally reached its limit.

"We should probably head out too," I suggested to Ruby and Scarlett.

Before they could respond, Elizabeth materialized at our table, her smile brittle and forced. "Summer, darling," she said, pointedly ignoring my friends, "I’ve arranged for Michael to drive you home. It’s far too late for a young woman to be out alone."

I stared at her in disbelief. "That's not necessary, Mother. I have my own car."

"Nonsense! I insist. It would be rude to refuse his kindness." Her fingers brushed my arm with a firm, controlling pressure.

Sean, playing his role with unexpected grace, stood and offered a polite nod to Elizabeth. "Mrs. Taylor, it would be my pleasure to ensure Summer arrives safely. You have my word on her security."

I shot Brandon a glance. He nodded slightly—a silent signal that we’d follow our plan. I quickly texted him: "Please make sure Ruby and Scarlett get home safely."

"Fine," I conceded, rising to follow Sean.

Brandon remained seated, perfectly composed. To the room, he appeared indifferent, but I caught the slight tension in his jaw—he wasn't fond of the arrangement, but he trusted me to navigate the exit.

Outside, the night air was cool. Sean led me toward his car, but a voice cut through the quiet of the parking lot.

"Summer! Wait!"

I turned to see Chris Diaz jogging toward us, looking frantic. He had been watching me all evening, but I’d successfully avoided a direct encounter until now.

"Chris?" I asked, my impatience clear. "Is something wrong?"

Chris glanced at Sean, then back to me. "Can we talk? Privately? Just for a minute."

Sean made no move to leave, merely leaning against his car with a raised eyebrow. "Dr. Sullivan," Chris tried again, "would you mind giving us a moment? I can drive Summer home afterward."

Sean said nothing, simply crossing his arms with an amused, steady gaze. He wasn't moving unless I told him to.

I sighed. "Chris, whatever you have to say, you can say it here. I really need to get home."

Chris’s eyes flashed with frustration. "It’s important, Summer. Please."

"Fine," I relented, stepping a few paces away from the car. "What is it?"

Chris reached for my hand, but I immediately pulled away, maintaining a clear boundary. His face fell, rejection written in the lines of his forehead.

"Summer," he began, his voice slightly unsteady, "I... I’ve realized something. I’ve liked you for a long time—since college, actually. That night at the Manhattan Club, I didn't get a chance to tell you. I don't want to wait anymore. Would you consider giving us a chance? Be my girlfriend?"

The silence of the night felt heavy. Behind him, I could see Sean watching with keen interest, and I knew Brandon was likely not far behind. I looked at Chris, feeling nothing but a profound sense of closure for a past that no longer belonged to me.