Chapter 215

**Summer's POV**

Six o'clock found me hunched over blueprints in the nearly empty Projects department. Most of my colleagues had already rushed home to transform themselves for tonight's Stark Group annual party, but I remained absorbed in the Manhattan West Side environmental impact assessments.

"If we adjust these filtration systems here," I pointed out to Leo, who stood beside mne, "we can reduce the runoff by another fifteen percent without increasing costs."

Leo nodded thoughtfully. "Jean-Pierre's calculations check out. It's impressive work."

We continued until Leo suddenly glanced at his watch.

"Aren't you going to head out?" he asked, looking surprised. "Everyone else cleared out of here like the building was on fire."

I shrugged, gathering some papers. "Oh, it's fine. The party doesn't start until eight. Manhattan Club isn't far from here-we don't need to rush."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Most women I know would be halfway through their makeup routine by now. Don't you need time to get ready?"

I smiled, closing my laptop. "I've got a change of clothes in my car.Won't take long."

"That's refreshing," Leo remarked. "Are you heading straight to Manhattan Club?"

"Actually," Leo said, somewhat hesitantly, "my car's in the shop. I was

wondering if I could catch a ride with you?"

"Of course! Meet you downstairs in ten minutes?"

Ten minutes later, I stood by my car in the parking garage, already changed into my evening attire. I'd swapped my work blazer for a sleek black coat that hung to my knees, its minimal design highlighting my silhouette without being flashy.

Leo emerged from the elevator looking completely transformed. Gone was the stern director of Projects; in his place stood a sophisticated gentleman in a tailored charcoal suit.

"Wow," I said appreciatively. "You clean up nicely, Director Schmidt."

Leo's eyes widened slightly."I could say the same about you. Very elegant.

As we pulled onto the street, Leo pulled out his phone, his thumbs moving rapidly over the screen.

"Sorry," he said, not looking up. "Catching up with an old friend I haven't seen in ages."

We drove in comfortable silence before Leo spoke again.

"Everyone else seems on edge about tonight's party, but you seem completely unfazed. Why is that?"

I glanced at him briefly. "Should I be nervous?"

He studied me. "I've been meaning to ask you something. You and Brandon Stark... there's more to that relationship than most people know,isn't there?"

I tensed slightly but kept my expression neutral. Leo already knew more than most people, and Brandon seemed to trust him.

"There's not much to hide, I guess," I admitted. "Brandon and I haven't been married long, and we haven't told many people. And yes, he did pull some strings to get me into Stark Group."

Leo nodded thoughtfully. "That explains a lot. You know, when you first started. I wasn't particularly thrilled about having you thrust into my department."

"I noticed." I replied dryly. "Is this your way of getting back at me now?"

Leo laughed-a genuine, warm sound I rarely heard from him at work. "Not at all. You've earned your place in Projects, regardless of how you got in."

The main hall of Manhattan Club had been transformed into a glittering wonderland. Most of Stark Group's employees were already present,mingling with drinks in hand.

As Leo and I entered together, a ripple of whispers spread through the crowd.

"Look, isn't that Director Schmidt from Projects andI Summer?" a woman in accounting stage-whispered.

"Why are they arriving together?" came the reply.

"There must be something going on between them," another voice added."Both single, both good-looking... and now coming to the annual party together?"

I couldn't help noticing how these rumors spread like wildfire.

A choking sound drew my attention to the bar, where Heather was struggling not to spit out her drink. Her eyes were comically wide as she stared at us, clearly having overheard the gossip.

She practically dragged me to a quiet corner.

"What the heIl, Summer?" she hissed. "You show up at the last minute,looking like *that*, with Director Schmidt?" She gestured wildly at my attire.

"What's wrong with how I look?"

"That's exactly what I'm asking!" Heather exclaimed."Where's your dress?Everyone's dressed to the nines, and you look like you're heading to a funeral!"

"This is what I'm wearing," I replied firmly. "It's elegant, appropriate, and comfortable."

"The problem is you just walked in with Leo Schmidt, and now everyone thinks you two are a thing!"

I patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Heather, relax. Nothing is going on between us."

"It's not that dramatic," I interrupted. "Director Schmidt is an excellent leader, and any woman would be lucky to have him. But that woman isn't me."

As Heather continued fretting, I felt an uncomfortable sensation-like someone was watching me. I turned slowly, scanning the crowd until my eyes landed on Elle Sinclair.

She stood frozen near one of the pillars, staring at me with an expression of disbelief. Her gaze was intense enough to make my skin crawl, and I quickly looked away.

A hush fell over the crowd. All heads turned toward the grand staircase,where Brandon had just appeared.

He looked absolutely devastating in a perfectly tailored black suit. James Wilson and Desmond flanked him, both immaculately dressed but clearly there in a professional capacity.

The staff snapped to attention, a choreographed display of respect for the CEO.

Elle Sinclair immediately made a beeline for Brandon.

"Brandon, you're here!"

One of the security personnel smoothly intercepted her,blocking her path.

"Brandon, look at how they're treating me!" she complained loudly.

Brandon's gaze swept over her, cold and dismissive. The warning in his eyes was clear-*don't cause a scene*.

Jane Sinclair materialized beside her daughter, the picture of maternal concern.

"Brandon," she said, her voice just loud enough to carry, "Elle is your cousin.Surely at an event like this, you could show her a little respect?"

Brandon's expression didn't soften. "Respect is earned, not given," he replied evenly before turning away.

He moved through the crowd with practiced ease until he reached Robert,

Gavin,and Meave.

"Father, Uncle, Aunt Meave," he greeted them warmly. "Thank you for coming."

Robert nodded approvingly. "Everything looks excellent."

Brandon motioned to James, who immediately stepped forward to escort the Stark family elders to their reserved table.

I noticed how deliberately Brandon had excluded Jane from his greeting.and the way her eyes followed Gavin and Meave with barely concealed resentment.

James returned to Brandon's side, murmuring something in his ear.

Brandon immediately scanned the room, his gaze finally landing on me.Our eyes locked across the crowded space, and a small smile played at the

corners of his mouth.

I couldn't help returning the smile, giving him a tiny wave that only he would notice.

The moment was broken by a commotion at the entrance. Stark Entertainment's stars had arrived, and they were making sure everyone knew it.

Bianca led the procession, her status as the agency's top talent evident in her confident stride. She was followed by Cleo, then Quinn Hall, with Victoria bringing up the rear.

All four women were dressed like they'd stepped off a runway. Victoria's gown was particularly eye-catching-ân exclusive Allen creation that highlighted her perfect figure.

The crowd parted.employees craning their necks for a better look at the celebrities. This was a rare treat for most of Stark Group's workers.

Victoria's eyes scanned the room, immediately zeroing in on Brandon.Her face lit up. and she quickened her pace, leaving her entourage behind.

"Uncle Brandon!" she called out, somehow making his name sound both professional and intimate. "It's been agest