Chapter 41

**Brandon's POV**

"Sir." James's measured tone drew my attention from the city vista."Fortune Corp's will have to postpone it's IPO plans..."

"The higher they climb, the harder they fall." I settled into my custom leather chair, enjoying the weight of the moment. "They lack the ability to survive on Wall Street. Always."

"I understand, sir." James's efficiency was one of his best qualities. "I'll continue monitoring the situation."

"And Summer?" The name left my lips before I could stop it.

Something flickered across James's face -too quick to read. "Mrs. Stark raised concerns about reduced investment projects during Fortune Corp's morning meeting.Lawrence attempted to...create difficulties."

My fingers stilled on the Mont Blanc pen I'd been toying with. "Lawrence?"*That parasite dares to challenge my wife?* "His courage is... noteworthy."

"Should I..." James began.

"No." The word came out sharper than intended. "Let her handle it." *She needs to learn to navigate these waters herself.* James cleared his throat softly. "About the Windsor situation - Charles has received a formal warning from the family. Regarding the proposed $200million investment in Capital Corp, George Windsor hasn't officially commented, but appears to be allowing the situation to develop." "George Windsor." I couldn't help the dark amusement that colored my tone."That old fox knows exactly what's happening. Always has.""Charles seems unlikely toaccept defeat quietly. Especially concerning the investment-"

"She needs this." I cut him off, my mind filled with images of Summer's vulnerable strength. "Some lessons must be learned through pain to truly sink in."

The intercom buzzed. "Mr. Stark? Tommy from Finance is here with the quarterly reports."

"Send him in." I turned back to James. "Keep monitoring the Windsor situation."

Tommy entered with that particular nervousness I'd come to expect from junior staff. Harvard Business School graduate, top of his class-and currently sweating through his Armani suit.

My phone buzzed just as Tommy was setting up his presentation. Summer's contact photo lit up the screen, making something warm unfurl in my chest despite the timing. I'd changed her contact information to "Wife" in her phone yesterday, and "Husband" in mine. *Let's see if she's noticed.*

"Hello?" Her voice carried that hint of uncertainty that never failed to stir something possessive in me.

"Still not used to my new contact name?" I kept my tone light, enjoying how I could practically hear her blush through the phone.

"I..." She faltered, exactly as expected. "Busy?""Just reviewing some reports." Her voice steadied slightly. "It's trading hours-is something wrong?" "One moment." I turned my attention to Tommy,who had gone pale as he reviewed his own numbers. "Explain these quarterly figures."

"I... I need to verify some data..." His voice cracked slightly.

"A Harvard graduate who can't understand basic financial statements?"The temperature in the room dropped several degrees. "These errors-you dared to bring them to me for signature?"

Tommy's facade cracked completely. "Mr. Stark, please let me explain..."

"Speak."

"It was... it was the CFO's suggestion." The words tumbled out in a rush."He said if it could just get past my review..."

*Interesting.* "James." I didn't need to raise my voice. "Have the CFO sent up. Immediately."

"Yes,sir."

Tommy practically fled the room, leaving his flawed reports scattered across my desk. A soft breath on the phone line reminded me Summer was still listening.

"Still there?" I gentled my tone automatically.

"Yes..." Her voice wavered slightly. "I heard..."

"Did I frighten you?" The thought bothered me more than it should have.

"No." Her voice came through clear and steady. I couldn't help but smile. "Good to hear that." "What did you actually call about?" The question carried a hint of curiosity. I paused, considering my words carefully. "Just wondering about dinner plans. Would you prefer to eat at home or go out?" "Let me get this straight," Summer's tone held equal parts amusement and

disbelief. "You called during trading hours just to discuss dinner plans?

Mr. Stark, may I remind you that you're at work?"

"Hmm." I could perfectly picture her expression. "I'm the boss."

"Well, I'm not!" The frustration in her voice was oddly endearing. "Some of us have actual work to do!"

"You're the boss's wife."

When silence felI on her end, I frowned slightly. "Nothing to say to that?"

"You've said it all, haven't you?" Summer's resignation carried a touch of humor. "Whatever works for dinner is fine. I'm not picky."

"That won't do." My frown deepened. "Your eating habits might be hard to change, but now that you're with me, they need to improve." A thought occurred to me. "I could pick you up after work?"

"No, no, absolutely not!" Her quick refusal was almost amusing. "Our offices are on opposite sides of Manhattan. It makes no sense."

"Oh?" I arched an eyebrow. "Am I that unpleasant to be seen with?"

"That's not it at all!" The panic in her voice made my lips twitch. "You know how far apart our offices are, and during rush hour... it would waste so much of your time!" She paused, then continued more thoughtfully,"How about we meet somewhere in the middle?" She hesitated before adding softly, "What would you like? I could cook for you?" Something warm unfurled in my-chest at her offer. I caught sight of James hovering in the doorway with Robert, the CFO, and held up a hand to signal them to wait. James, ever efficient, turned to Robert. "Mr. Stark requests a moment." "Of course, of course! No rush!" Robert's quick agreement barely registered.

"The General Manager needs me," Summer said to someone on her end."Brandon, I have to go -something's come up!"

"Fine. Let me know when you're done with work?"

"I will!" She hung up quickly.

I found myself staring at the phone screen. a smile lingering at the corners of my mouth. But as James led Robert into my office,all traces of warmth vanished from my expression.

"Mr. Stark," James announced, "the CFO is here."