Chapter 249

**Elle's POV**

For the past two weeks. I'd had people watching Summer's apartment like hawks. Every day, it was the same infuriating report-that arrogant doctor kept showing up at her place. Fancy clothes, flashy car, staying until ungodly hours. I didn't need a detective to tell me what was happening there.

The photos my investigator had sent me burned in my handbag as I waited in my suite at The Bellevue Grand Hotel. Daddy was finally in town, and I was going to mnake sure he understood the situation.

When the door opêned, I jumped up, my heart doing that little skip it always did when I saw him. Jeffrey Sinclair entered the room looking every bit the Washington power player-impeccably tailored black suit,silver-streaked hair perfectly styled, his posture commanding respect without a word.

"Daddy!" I rushed over to hug him, inhaling the familiar scent of his expensive cologne.

"Elle," he returned my embrace briefly before settling into the armchair by the window. "You look well. Now, tell me what was so urgent it couldn't wait until I was properly settled?"

I wasted no time pulling out the folder from my handbag, spreading the surveillance photos across the coffee table.

"I've been having Summer Taylor followed," I explained, kneeling beside the table to arrange the pictures. "And look who keeps showing up at her apartment."

Daddy leaned forward, picking up one of the blurry photos. His expression remained neutral, but I could see the slight narrowing of his eyes-the tell-tale sign that something had caught his attenton.

"You're saying this man is from the Sullivan family?" he studied the photo of a man, holding it at different angles to get a better look. "What else have your people found out about him?"

"His name is Michael Sullivan," I explained eagerly, pleased to have captured my father's interest. "Elizabeth Taylor introduced him to Summer a few months ago. Apparently, Michael's mother and Elizabeth were college roommates or something equally boring."

I sat back on my heels, watching Daddy's face carefully as I continued.

"Elizabeth clearly favors Victoria over Summer-always has. But I think Elizabeth was actually trying to set up an alliance with the Sullivan family through Summer."

Daddy's eyes never left the photo as I detailed what I'd discovered.

"Michael Sullivan... you're certain this is him?" Daddy finally asked, his tone making me sit up straighter.

"Positive," I replied, pulling out another photo and handing it to him."Here's a photo fromn when Elizabeth first introduced them. They've been in contact ever since, though I don't think Elizabeth knows. Summer's playing it smart-using Michael to escape the Taylor family without giving them any advantage."

Daddy's expression suddenly shifted, and he placed the photos down carefully. "Pull your surveillance team off Summer immediately."

"What? Why?" I couldn't hide my surprise.

"Do you have any idea who Michael Sullivan really is?" He pressed his lips into a thin line. "We've stumbled onto something much bigger than we anticipated."

I scoffed. unable to help myself. "He's nowhere near as powerful as Brandon in New York! Don't tell me you're actually afraid of him?"

I sat beside Daddy on the arm of his chair, my frustration boiling over."Look, I know you're worried, but Summer is a real threat. She looks *exattly* like that horrible woman! I know they're not involved yet, but with her working at Stark Group and looking like that, it's only a matter of time before Brandon falls for her. Daddy, I need you to help me get her fired."

"Enough!" Daddy's sharp tone made me flinch. His eyes softened almost immediately as he saw my reaction. "You've always been too impulsive,Elle."

He sighed, his stern expression melting at my wounded look. "That's not what I meant, sweetheart. Listen to me-you cannot make a move against Summer right now. Your priority should be dealing with Victoria.Summer is off-limits for the time being."

"But why?" I protested. "She's nobody! The Taylors barely acknowledge her existence. So what if she's dating Michael Sullivan?"

"Michael Sullivan might not be a concern, but what about the Turner family?" Daddy shook his head. "Elle, I know your focus is entirely on Brandon, but you need to pay attention to the bigger picture. Do you know who Michael Sullivan really is?"

I stared blankly at him, confused. "Who? What does the Turner family have to do with Michael Sullivan?"

Daddy leaned forward, his voice dropping to just above a whisper. "Let me ask you again-do you know Michael Sullivan's real identity?"

"No.., who is he?"

"Jesse Turner. Michael Sullivan is actually Jesse Turner, heir to the Turner'family fortune in Philadelphia. People call him the Turner family's second son. His mother is Daisy Sullivan, the Sullivan family's eldest daughter.'Michael Sullivan' is just a name the Sullivan family gave him."

I felt the color drain from my face. I'd never met Jesse Turner, but his reputation in Philadelphia was legendary-ruthless, dangerous, someone even the old money families were careful around.

"So that's why..." I trailed off, my mind racing;to connect the dots.

"Exactly," Daddy nodded. "Until we understand why Jesse Turner is in New York, we can't risk moving against him directly."

I sank into the chair opposite him, processing this information."I understand. I'll leave Summer alone for now, but Daddy, Victoria is out of control! Brandon has given her so many opportunities-the Diana contract,that film role. He's flaunting their relationship without any concern for appearances. She's a married woman, for God's sake! He'd rather be with a married woman than marry me." My voice broke slightly. "I can't stand it."

Daddy's eyes softened. "And you shouldn't have to. I've seen Victoria's photos-she's not as beautiful as you, and her education doesn't come close to yours. Your job now is to win Brandon back!"

"I will," I promised, clenching my fists until my knuckles turned white,rage burning behind my eyes. "Daddy, you'll help me, won't you?"

"That's why I'm here," he assured me. "To assess the situation and have a

little chat with Brandon."

He beckoned me over with a gentle motion of his hand. "Come here."

I moved to his side, linking my arm through his affectionately. "Daddy,are you hungry? It's getting late-should we go down for dinner?"

"Yes. My sweet girl."

As he looked at my face, something changed in his expression. A softness entered his eyes that I rarely saw. He reached out, stroking my cheek with unexpected tenderness before pulling me into a tight embrace.

"Elle," he whispered, his voice suddenly thick with emotion.

I trembled slightly at the intensity of his embrace but returned it, patting his back reassuringy. "Daddy, what's wrong?"

He pulled back abruptly, something flickering in his eyes before he regainedhis composure. "Nothing, sweetheart. I was just thinking about how grown up you are now, about to be married... it's hard for a father to let go."

"There's nothing to let go of," I assured him,easily slipping into the sweet,daughterly tone that always worked with him. "I'll be marrying Brandon,and you're his mother's relative. You can visit us in New York anytime,or we'll come see you in Washington. Or when you retire, you could even move in with us! Elle will take care of Daddy forever."