Chapter 221

**Brandon's POV**

"Mr. Stark," Victoria gushed, "thank you so much for this incredible opportunity. I promise I'Il cherish being Diana's spokesperson and make you proud."

I clasped her hand briefly, feeling the camera flashes capture the moment.Exactly as planned. I withdrew my hand almost immediately, discreetly wiping it against my pants when she wasn't looking.

"We'll see," I replied coolly. Her eyes registered the subtle dismissal, but her smile never faltered.

"Absolutely," she nodded, taking a step back. "I won't let you down."

I turned to Monica, who stood nearby awaiting instructions. "Let's keep the event moving. What's next?"

"Mr. Stark, now we have the prize drawing!" Monica announced with professional enthusiasm. "And we need you to select the winner!"

"What prize?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"This year's grand prize, sir." Monica's eyes sparkled with excitement.The crowd seemed to hold its collective breath.

I approached the stage once more, reaching into the box of blue tags Monica presented. I made a show of mixing them thoroughly before selecting one.

"And the winning number is..." I unfolded the tag, holding it up."Number 127,blue tag. Who has this number?"

From the Projects department table, Leo Schmidt rose to his feet,looking genuinely surprised. I suppressed a smile. Everything was falling into place.

"Congratulations to Director Schmidt from Projects," I announced. "Monica,what exactly has he won?"

"A car, Mr. Stark," Monica replied. "Director Schmidt, congratulations on your good fortune! Please see me after the event to claim your prize."

Leo nodded formally. "It's Mr. Stark's generosity. Thank you."

As I returned to my seat, I caught snippets of conversation from the Projects table.

"Leo, you hit the jackpot!" Heather was practically bouncing in her seat. "I heard it's a Range Rover-worth several hundred thousand at least!"

Leo's expression remained neutral. "Is that so?"

"Aren't you excited at all?" Heather pressed.

"I am," Leo replied flatly. "Can't you tell how thrilled I am?"

I suppressed a smirk. Leo's perpetual poker face was something I'd always appreciated about him.

The rest of the evening proceeded according to schedule. Bianca performed her dance number flawlessly, though the light had gone out of her eyes. The Diana spokesperson position had clearly been something she'd coveted. I made a mental note to have James arrange some form of compensation for her later.

By midnight, the event was winding down. Most guests had filtered out,

Tamily members. Robert, Gavin,and Meave lingered near the exit, waiting to bid me goodnight.

"Brandon," my father began as I approached,his voice heavy with concern "this situation with Elle will certainly reach your grandfather William's ears. And that young woman,Summer-"

"What about her?" I cut in. "Summer performed excellently tonight,and her work in Projects has been exceptional. Even Leo, who's notoriously critical, speaks highly of her abilities."

Robert's eyes narrowed. "You know perfectly well that's not what I'm referring to. Didn't you see your mother's reaction? Elle's? The girl bears a striking resemblance to Lyanna..."

"Father, you're overthinking this," I replied firmly. "She is Summer, and Lyanna is Lyanna. I can distinguish between them perfectly well. It's getting late-perhaps you should all head home."

Gavin stepped forward, placing a hand on Robert's shoulder. "He's right,Robert. Brandon is a grown man in his thirties, not a child. He's capable of making his own decisions in these matters."

Robert sighed heavily. "Fine, fine. I'll say no more. But remember,regardless of whatever is or isn't happening between you and this Summer girl, your mother and Elle now know of her existence. They won't let this go. I can't guarantee they won't target this innocent young woman."

"You seem unusually concerned, Father," I observed, my tone softening slightly. "Rest assured, I have everything under control."

"If you say so," Robert conceded. "Just remember,whatever your mother might do, she's still your mother."

"I'm aware," I replied coolly. "As long as they don't cross certain lines,I won't need to intervene."

After my family finally departed, I pulled out my phone and texted Summer.

*Where are you?*

Her reply came almost instantly: *Backstage with Leo and the others.Heather insisted on seeing Leo's new ear. Did your father and uncle leave?*

*Yes,* I replied simply, then decided to call her instead.

"I'm almost finished here," I said when she answered. "Let's head home together,alright?"

There was a brief pause on the other end. "I don't think that's a good idea.Your car is too recognizable, and I've already attracted enough attention tonight."

"So what do you propose?" I asked, allowing a hint of disappointment to creep into my voice. "You're not abandoning me, are you, Summer?"

"Don't use that pouty tone with me," she laughed. "I never said I was abandoning you. I just think we should leave separately. Besides, we both drove here. Just be good,okay?"

"Fine," I relented. "If you insist."

After ending the call, I turned to find James waiting nearby.

"Everything's nearly ready, sir," he reported. "Tomorrow, we should see some news about you and Victoria. Would you like to select which photo to use?"

He presented his tablet, displaying several options from tonight's event.I pointed to one showing Victoria and me shaking hands, her expression adoring while mine remained professionally neutral.

"This one," I decided, then indicated another image-a particularly unflattering shot of Elle's meltdown. "Include this one too."

James hesitated. "Sir, I'm not sure I understand. This approach puts your reputation at risk. Is it worth it?"

"It's the fastest solution," I explained. "I'm done waiting. Make sure these run tonight-I want to see them on the front page by morning.

Washington should receive them too."

"Yes, sir. I'll handle it immediately."

In the parking garage, I texted Summer again, suggesting we could at least drive home together in a convoy. She agreed.

I drove out first and called her on speakerphone, letting the conversation flow between our separate vehicles. Soft music played in the background-a haunting melody called "Liekkas."

"I didn't know you listened to this kind of music," Summer remarked, her voice warm through the speaker.

"Monica downloaded it," I replied. "I find it pleasant. Summer, do you realize what we're doing right now?"

"What do you mean?"

"This cloak-and-dagger routine. We're husband and wife, yet we're

sneaking around. When are you going to make me official?"

She laughed. "You make it sound like I'm the one holding back. If you want, we could announce it tomorrow. Then I can tell your parents that you're Summer Taylor's husband, and they should stop arranging blind dates or fiancées for you."

I couldn't help smiling at the possessive tone in her voice. "Mrs. Stark.could you possibly be jealous? Of Elle, perhaps?"

"Absolutely not!" she protested too quickly. "I just think that as your lawfully wedded wife, it's strange that your parents keep arranging matches for you. What does that make me?"

"So my wife is jealous after all," I said, feeling surprisingly pleased.

"You'reenjoying this way too much," she muttered.

I was about to respond when something in the rearview mirror caught my attention. A car had been following us for the past few miles, maintaining the exact same distance regardless of how I adjusted my speed.

I narrowed my eyes, scanning the road ahead while keeping the follower in my peripheral vision. June was still talking, completely unaware of the potential danger.

"June," I said, cutting her off mid-sentence, "don't follow me. Take the next turn onto River Road."

"What? Why? What's going on?"