Chapter 301

Summer's POV

For the past few days. Brandon had been picking me up and dropping me off at work, which had predictably set the Stark Group rumor mill on fire.Every morning when we pulled up in his Bentley,heads would turn.whispers would start. and by the time I reached my floor, it felt like the entire building had somehow witnessed our arrival.

I caught the tail end of a conversation as I passed the break room on my way to my office.

I rolled my eyes and kept walking. If they only knew I was already his wife, not just his "property." But honestly, I had bigger things to worry about than office gossip. The Manhattan west project was consuming most of my working hours, and rumors about William Stark visiting the company today weren't helping my concentration.

Leo and I had just returned from a meeting when Heather practically ambushed me at my desk, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Summer!" she hissed, grabbing my arm and pulling me aside."You have to tell me what's going on. Everyone's talking about you and Brandon! I thought you said you were married?" Her eyes darted to my wedding ring,her expression a mixture of confusion and burning curiosity.

I smiled and gently removed her hand from my arm. "What do you think is going on between me and Brandon?"

"Come on!" Heather whined. "We're supposed to be friends! Everyone's saying you're Brandon's new fling, but they don't know you're already married!" She glanced down at my ring and her eyes widened even further."Wait... that ring... don't tell me you're actualy married to our CEO?"

"Hmm," I hummed, enjoying her shock. "Took you long enough to figure

it out."

"What do you mean took me long enough'? You never told me!" Heather's voice rose to a near-squeak. "You're seriously married to Brandon Stark?You're not messing with me? But your ring is so... simple."

"Well, now you know." I said with finality. "And I really need to get back to work,okay?"

Heather opened her mouth to protest, but I was already turning back to my computer.

As much as I tried to focus on my work, William Stark's visit to the company lingered in the back of my mind. I wasn't naive-I knew exactly why he was here. Another attempt to push his Lyanna agenda,no doubt.

"Summer, come in here a minute!" Leo called from his office.

I grabbed my tablet and hurried over. "What's up?"

Leo handed me a thick folder. "Take these files to the twenty-seventh floor.Brandon requested them ASAP."

I stared at the folder, my stomach tightening slightly. "Can't you just send someone else? I'm in the middle of the Fortune proposal."

"He specifically asked for you," Leo replied with a knowing smirk.

I sighed and took the folder, "Fine,"

The elevator ride to the twenty-seventh floor felt shorter than usual. When the doors opened, I put on my professional face and headed toward Brandon's office.

James was just stepping out when I arrived. His eyes widened slightly when he saw me.

"Mrs. Stark!" he exclaimed, then immediately looked around to make sure no one had heard.

"You might want to stick with my name while we're at the office." I reminded him. "Is Brandon in?"

"Yes, but..." Jamnes hesitated, his usual composure slipping. "William is in there with him."

I raised an eyebrow. "I see. We11, I can just give you these files for Brandon and head back downstairs."

"Miss Summer!" James called as I turned to leave. "There's also... someone else inside."

"Lyanna?" I guessed, reading his uncomfortable expression.

James looked startled. "How did you know?"

"Your face gave it away," I said with a slight smile. "Are you surprised I'm not throwing a fit?"

"You're not... upset?" he asked carefully.

"Of course I'm upset," I admitted. "How could I not be when someone else is monopolizing my husband's time? But what am I supposed to do about it?"

James studied me for a moment.′′Bythe way, William's birthday is this weekend. The Stark family always makes a big production of it. He likes having everyone there."

"I bet he does," I muttered. "Nothing like a chaotic family gathering to stir up more drama."

I glanced at Brandon's closed office door, weighing my options. I could turn around and avoid William and Lyanna altogether,or I could walk in

there anid face them head-on.

Running away wasn't my style.

"Wish me luck," I said to James. then pushed the door open without knocking.

Brandon was at his desk, focused on his computer screen. William and Lyanna sat in the small seating area to the right, where Lyanna appeared to be preparing tea for the older man. All three looked up when I entered.

Brandon's expression softened almost imnperceptibly when he saw me-a change so subtle that only someone who knew him well would notice.

"Do you need something?" he asked, his voice professionally neutral.

"Leo asked me to bring you these files," I replied, walking over and placing the folder on his desk.

Brandon glanced at the documents. "Leo's getting more efficient. I just mentioned this two days ago and he's already delivered. How are the negotiations going?"

"We're almost there," I reported. "Once the first round of funding comes through, we can get started. Edward's not available, but Landon is helping out. He seems pretty capable."

"Good," Brandon nodded, pulling another file from his drawer and handing it to me. "Give this to Leo. Tell him to start as soon as possible-this project has been delayed long enough."

"If that's a11, I'll head back down, Mr. Stark," I said, turning to leave without acknowledging the other two people in the room.

"Wait!" William's sharp voice stopped me at the door.

I paused, my hand on the doorknob. "Were you speaking to me.Mr.Stark?

William's face tightened with irritation. "Who else would I be talking to, a ghost?"

"I wasn't sure," I replied with a polite smile. "What can I do for you?"

"You-" William started. but I cut him off.

"Aren't you familiar with Stark Group protocols?" I asked innocently. "Not just anyone is allowed on the twenty-seventh floor."

I glanced at Brandon, who had returned his attention to his work.deliberately ignoring the brewing confrontation.

"I'm well aware of company protocols," I continued. "I'm here because Brandon requested these files. If he wants me to leave, I'll go immediately."I turned to Lyanna. "But speaking of protocols, Ms. York, isn't it true that only Brandon's éxecutive assistant and his chief of staff are normally allowed in his office? With all these confidential documents around,security is important. Wouldn't you agree?"

Lyanna's composure slipped for a moment. "Yes, that's correct."

"See?" I said with a bright smile. "Ms. York knows the rules so well already, and she's only been here a few days! So, Ms. York, what's supposed to happen to people who know the rules butbreak them anyway?"

William's face flushed with anger. "How dare you!"

"I wouldn't dare,"I replied smoothly."It's still working hours, after all.Was there anything else you needed, Mr. Stark? If not, I should get back to work. Unlike some people, I actually have to earn my paycheck to support myself and my man. We can't all be so fortunate."

William looked like he might burst a blood vessel. Lyanna sat frozen,her hand still holding the teapot.

I could feel Brandon watching me now. and when I glanced at him.I caught the ghost of a smile tugginig at his lips.

"That will be all. Ms. Taylor," he said. dismissing me with a nod.

I walked out with my head held high.feeling William's glare burning into my back the entire way.