The Billionaire's Sudden Bride Chapter 307

Brandon's POV

The Thompson residence stood proud and elegant in the Upper East Side, its classic architecture a testament to old New York money and academic prestige. I arrived precisely at seven, James Wilson following a step behind me as we approached the entrance. Parker, the elderly butler who'd served the Thompson family for decades, opened the door before I could even ring the bell.

"Mr. Stark," Parker greeted with a formal bow. "Professor Thompson is expecting you."

I nodded curtly as James shifted the packages in his arms—a rare antique from Christie's and a bottle of 1982 Chateau Lafite. When Parker reached to take them, I raised my hand.

"He's my assistant, not a delivery boy," I said coolly. "He'll carry them himself."

Parker's expression remained professionally neutral. "Of course, sir. The Professor is in his study. I still have a special dish to prepare, so perhaps you'd like to join him while I finish in the kitchen?"

The house had always felt more like a library than a home—walls lined with books, the scent of aged paper permeating every room. Parker knocked gently on the study door before announcing me.

Jonathan Thompson sat in his leather armchair, staring pensively at a half-finished chess game.

"Brandon," he said, his eyes lighting up. His smile faltered slightly as he looked past me. "Summer didn't join you tonight?"

"She is at the Stark family residence. What we are about to talk about tonight isn't something I want Summer to know about yet," I replied, sitting in the chair opposite his.

Thompson's eyebrows rose slightly. "How is she? Her health, I mean."

"She's well," I replied, studying his face. "But I should be asking about you, Professor. You're looking tired."

He waved away my concern. "I'm an old academic, Brandon. As long as you're taking care of my precious granddaughter, you needn't worry about me."

"You're not just Summer's grandfather," I reminded him. "You were my most respected professor at Columbia. Your well-being matters to me."

Thompson's eyes softened. "Always the diplomat when you want to be. So unlike the ruthless CEO the financial world knows." He gestured toward the chess set. "What brings you here tonight?"

I leaned forward, my gaze direct. "Professor, I need to know if Summer has experienced some kind of trauma in her past. Or if she's forgotten something... significant."

The change in Thompson's expression was subtle but unmistakable—a flicker of alarm quickly masked. "How did you figure it out?" he asked quietly.

"That's not important," I replied. "What matters is understanding what happened to her."

Thompson sighed deeply. "I suppose now that she's carrying your child, you deserve to know." He paused, his eyes growing distant. "It happened when Summer was fifteen. You were studying abroad at the time."

"One day, Summer didn't come home from school," Thompson continued, his voice heavy. "The Taylor household was in chaos. We searched everywhere. The next morning, Manhattan General Hospital called. Summer had been found by the East River, half-submerged in water. The person who found her thought she was dead."

My hands tightened imperceptibly on the armrests.

"When we arrived at the hospital, she was unconscious. Bruised all over." Thompson's voice cracked. "No one knew what had happened. She was in a coma for three days."

"And when she woke up?" I prompted, keeping my voice even despite the rage building inside me.

"She had no memory of what happened," Thompson said. "The doctors said it was her mind's way of protecting itself. We told her she'd been very ill."

"So Summer doesn't know any of this?"

Thompson shook his head firmly. "No, George and I made it very clear to everyone that she was never to know."

"She experienced memory loss," I stated. "But not complete amnesia."

"No, not complete," Thompson confirmed. "Just that specific period of time."

"Professor," I said, a bitter smile touching my lips, "she forgot me too."

Thompson's eyes widened before understanding dawned. "Yes... after that, she never mentioned you again. And you went abroad, I thought your teenage relationship had come to an end..."

I felt a cold fury rising within me. Thompson must have sensed it because he suddenly stopped speaking, his eyes fixed on mine.

"Brandon," he said carefully, "you're not the same young man who sat in my classroom anymore, are you?"

I ignored his question. "After I left, what happened to Summer?"

"She met Alexander Stark at Columbia. They dated for years. Were engaged until..." he trailed off.

"Until he betrayed her with Victoria," I finished.

"Yes," Thompson sighed. "That was a terrible blow to her."

"So," I said, my voice dangerously soft, "if Alexander hadn't betrayed Summer, would you have let her marry him? If Summer had actually married someone else, what do you think I would have done, Professor?"

Thompson met my gaze steadily. "You wouldn't have done anything inappropriate. I know your character."

A smile spread across my face that made Thompson shift uncomfortably. "People change, Professor. Summer has always been mine. Always will be."

Thompson nodded slowly. "I understand that now. And I suspect your hand in what happened with Alexander and Victoria was far more significant than what I saw."

"You're very perceptive," I acknowledged.

"Let's play chess," he suggested instead.

As we reset the board, I said, "After this game, you'll need to answer one more question for me."

"What question?" Thompson asked.

"About Summer's parents."

The bishop slipped from Thompson's fingers, clattering onto the board. "What about them? She's Richard and Elizabeth Taylor's daughter, of course."

"Professor," I said quietly, "are you still going to hide the truth?"

Thompson sighed deeply. "You're right. Summer isn't Richard and Elizabeth's biological daughter. She's my youngest daughter's child."

"Your youngest daughter?" I repeated, genuinely surprised.

"Amanda has been gone for years," he said bitterly. "She had a terrible fight with me when she was twenty-two. She ran off with a married man. When she returned to New York, she was carrying Summer. Within weeks, she died from postpartum complications."

"Her final wish was for Summer to have a normal family. She made me promise never to tell Summer the truth." Thompson's eyes glistened. "I couldn't raise an infant alone, so I asked Elizabeth and Richard to take her. I promise them if they see Summer as their own daughter, I will give them all my assets after I die. By the time I regretted my decision and wanted to bring Summer back, it was already too late. She had grown so much and had developed her own understanding of family and kinship. I couldn't bring myself to tell her such a cruel truth. That's why George and I went out of our way to be good to Summer—we just hoped she wouldn't have to live a worse life."

Thompson suddenly gripped my arm, his fingers surprisingly strong. "Brandon, I need your word that you won't tell anyone about this. Especially not Summer." His eyes were intense with urgency. "And this isn't just my request—it was Amanda's dying wish. If Summer learns the truth now, she'll question everything about her life."

His voice broke slightly. "This isn't just about Summer's happiness anymore. It's about your child too. I know you love her. I know you won't let anyone hurt her—and this truth would hurt her more than anything."

Chapter 313 Chapter313

Summer's POV

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows of the Stark family residence as I sat cross-legged on the floor with Angela, colorful letter tiles scattered between us.

"Your turn," I said, watching her small face scrunch up in concentration.

"C-A-T," Angela announced proudly, placing each tile with deliberate care.

"Great job!" I clapped, genuinely impressed. "That's three points for you."

Angela beamed, her smile reminding me so much of Brandon. It was hard to believe I'd been living here for several months now. After everything that happened, the Stark family had been insistent that I needed proper rest and care during my pregnancy. Brandon was even more protective than usual, if that was possible.

I placed my tiles down. "R-A-I-N. That's four points for me."

Angela pouted playfully. "You're too good at this game, Aunt Summer!"

I laughed, about to respond when James appeared in the doorway, my phone in his hand.

"Mrs. Stark, your phone has been ringing repeatedly," he said, extending it toward me. "I thought it might be important."

I glanced at the screen and froze. Victoria. Why the hell would she be calling me?

"Thank you, James," I managed, taking the phone. "Angela, sweetie, can we finish our game in a little bit? I need to take this call."

Angela nodded and started organizing the tiles while I stepped into the hallway, staring at my phone like it might bite me. After a moment's hesitation, I answered.

"Hello?"

"Summer, come out and meet me!" Victoria's voice came through immediately, sharp and demanding.

I frowned. "Victoria, what do you want?"

"Just meet me. We need to talk."

"Victoria, what could we possibly have to talk about?" I kept my voice level, though my heart had already started racing.

"Summer, I want your Capital Corp shares," she stated bluntly.

I almost laughed. "And why would I give them to you?"

"What if I don't give them to you?" I challenged, keeping my voice low so Angela wouldn't hear.

There was a pause, and then Victoria's voice dropped to something almost sinister. "Summer, don't you want to know why you were abandoned by the riverside when you were fifteen?"

My hand froze on the phone. A chill ran down my spine as fragmented memories—flashes of cold water, darkness, and fear—surfaced in my mind. How did she know about that? Nobody ever talked about it. Even I only had vague, disconnected images that haunted my dreams sometimes.

"What did you say?" I whispered, my voice suddenly hoarse.

Victoria's laugh was cold. "You heard me. Don't you want to know why you were found by the East River, clothes torn, barely conscious? I have quite the story to tell."

My breathing became shallow. The walls of the hallway seemed to close in. "Is it... was it you? Did you do that?"

"Hmm, I wonder," Victoria taunted. "Actually, I still have the photos from that day. What do you think would happen if Brandon or the Starks saw them? Do you think your perfect little marriage would survive?"

"Photos?" I repeated, my voice rising sharply. I gripped the phone so tightly my knuckles turned white. "It was you! It was you who did that to me!"

Victoria ignored my accusation. "Bring the share transfer documents when you come. One hour."

The call ended abruptly. I stood there, trembling, my mind racing with fragments of memories I'd never been able to piece together.

I hurried upstairs to my room, my legs feeling like lead. I needed to get those photos. I needed to know what happened to me all those years ago. The truth I'd been denied.

As I grabbed my purse and car keys, Sarah appeared in the doorway.

"Summer? Are you alright? You look pale." Her concerned eyes scanned my face.

"I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile. "Just going to meet a friend."

Sarah frowned. "Should you be going out alone? Brandon asked us to—"

"It's someone Brandon knows," I cut in, desperate to leave. "Really, Sarah, I'll be careful. I know how to take care of myself."

She still looked uncertain, but nodded reluctantly. I hurried past her, my heart pounding.

Once in the car, my phone rang again. Victoria.

"I'm at a coffee shop near Central Park. One hour. If you don't show up, these photos will go public." Her voice was cold and calculating.

"Victoria, you dare..." My voice shook with rage. "I'm coming right now!"

I drove as fast as I safely could, my mind spinning with questions. What exactly happened that day? Why couldn't I remember?

The coffee shop was upscale and relatively quiet when I arrived forty minutes later. Victoria sauntered in with Sophie trailing behind her. The smug look on her face made my blood boil.

"Didn't expect these photos to be so important to you," Victoria said as she slid into the seat across from me. "If I'd known, I would have used them much sooner."

"Is it true?" I demanded, ignoring her taunt. "Was it you? Did you have something to do with what happened to me back then?"

Victoria's smile widened, her eyes glittering with malice. "What do you think?"

Fragments of memories flashed through my mind—being pushed, cold water, darkness, panic. I'd always had these flashes, but doctors said they might just be my mind creating false memories to fill the gap.

"It was you," I said, my voice hardening with certainty. "You did that to me."

Victoria merely smiled, neither confirming nor denying. "Where are the documents? The share transfer for Capital Corp that I asked you to bring."

"I didn't bring anything," I said flatly. "Go ahead and release whatever you have. I'm not afraid."

Victoria's smile faltered. "You're bluffing. The shares—where are they? Grandfather George gave them to you!"

I leaned forward, meeting her gaze steadily. "I sold them. Months ago. I told you all back then, but none of you believed me."

"You're lying!" Victoria hissed. "How could you sell them? You'd never give up something from Grandfather!"

"Well, I did," I replied calmly, though my heart was racing. "So go ahead, do your worst. Expose whatever you want."

Victoria's face contorted with rage. She reached into her purse and pulled out a sealed envelope. "If you don't give me those shares, I'll make sure Brandon and the entire Stark family see these. I'll make sure everyone knows exactly what kind of woman you really are!"

I studied her for a moment, a strange calm settling over me. "You're sure that's what you want to do?"

"Summer, if you don't give me those shares, I will destroy you," Victoria threatened, her voice rising. "I'll make sure you lose everything—your marriage, your place in the Stark family, everything!"

"Absolutely not," I said firmly.

Victoria's face flushed with anger. She grabbed her coffee cup, clearly intending to throw it at me, but Sophie quickly caught her arm.

"Careful!" Sophie warned, pulling Victoria back.

Hot coffee splashed onto the floor instead of me. Several patrons looked over, startled by the commotion.

"Sophie, what are you doing?" Victoria snapped, yanking her arm free. "You're helping that bitch?"

Sophie said urgently, "Have you lost your mind? Summer is pregnant! If that coffee had hit her—do you realize what you could have done?"

Victoria's eyes widened slightly.

"Remember why we came here," Sophie continued urgently. "You wanted the shares, right? But Summer is a Stark now. If you hurt her, you're not just dealing with her anymore—you're dealing with the entire Stark family. If anything happens to Summer or her baby, forget about the shares—Taylor family and Capital Corp would be finished!"

Victoria swallowed hard, the reality of what she'd almost done sinking in. "What do you suggestr we do then?" she asked Sophie.

Chapter 314 Chapter314

Summer's POV

"Apologize." Sophie Said.

"You let ME apologize to HER?" Victoria's voice went up another octave.

"Do you still want those shares or not?" Sophie snapped, grabbing Victoria's arm. "Don't forget she's still your boss at Stark Entertainment. Brandon is your boss. Summer is too!"

I watched Victoria's face contort as this reality sank in. The thought of acknowledging me as her superior clearly made her physically ill.

Sophie turned to me with a placating smile. "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Stark. Victoria didn't mean to... she was just startled."

"Victoria." I raised an eyebrow. "Moving around so dramatically—aren't you worried about throwing your back out?"

Victoria's jaw tightened at my sarcasm. Sophie nudged her hard.

"I'm sorry," Victoria finally ground out, the words clearly causing her physical pain.

I tilted my head. "What was that? I couldn't quite hear you."

"I said I'm SORRY!" Victoria practically shouted.

I studied her. "So, Victoria, does this mean you still want those shares? The ones I told you I sold months ago?"

"Summer, don't play games. Those shares belong to the Taylor family—to me."

"Funny," I replied calmly, "I don't remember them having your name on them. Grandpa George specifically gave them to me."

"Summer," Victoria's voice dropped to a threatening whisper, "you've sold out our family. You gave away Taylor family assets to outsiders."

I shrugged. "I sold something that belonged to me. And by the way, Grandpa George knew about it. I asked for his permission before selling them."

Victoria's face went slack with shock. "That's impossible. Grandfather would never agree to that."

"Why would I lie? Call him and ask if you don't believe me."

"This can't be... Who did you sell them to?"

I smiled slightly. "That's none of your business. But I can tell you this—they're in good hands."

"What kind of twisted game are you playing? Those shares are our family's legacy!"

"I had every right to sell them," I replied firmly. "And about that envelope you're holding—what exactly do you think is in there that could possibly threaten me now?"

Victoria clutched the envelope tighter. "You might be married to Brandon Stark, but do you think he'll stay with you when he sees what you really are? When he sees what happened that night by the river?"

Her words sent an involuntary chill down my spine, but I kept my expression neutral. "Go ahead, Victoria. Show everyone. I have nothing to hide."

"Mrs. Stark!" Desmond's voice cut through our conversation.

I turned to see him approaching our table, his imposing figure drawing stares. Victoria and Sophie visibly paled.

"Mr. Stark asked me to accompany you," Desmond said, standing beside me.

Sophie tugged at Victoria's sleeve. "Let's go, Victoria."

"Wait, Miss Taylor," I called as they turned to leave. Victoria froze, and Desmond immediately stepped between them and the exit.

"What do you want?" Victoria stammered.

"Desmond, please make sure Miss Taylor returns what belongs to me."

Victoria clutched her purse tighter. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"The envelope, Victoria. Give it to me now."

"This is ridiculous!" Victoria tried to push past Desmond. "You can't just—"

In one swift motion, Desmond took Victoria's purse and emptied the contents onto a nearby table. Among the items was the sealed envelope.

"This, Mrs. Stark?" Desmond asked, holding it up.

"Yes, thank you," I nodded.

Victoria lunged for it, but Desmond easily kept it out of her reach.

"This is theft!" Victoria hissed. "I'll call the police!"

"Please do," Desmond replied calmly. "I'm sure Mr. Stark's lawyers would be interested in discussing why you were using it to threaten his wife."

Victoria's face drained of color as she stuffed her belongings back into her purse.

"This isn't over, Summer," she spat, but her voice lacked conviction.

"I believe it is," I replied. "Goodbye, Victoria."

Sophie practically dragged Victoria out, both stumbling in their haste to escape.

Outside, Brandon's sleek black car waited at the curb. My heart skipped as I slid in beside him, clutching the envelope.

"Brandon!" I exclaimed, relief washing over me.

His expression was unreadable. "Didn't I tell you to leave these matters to me?" He glanced at the envelope. "What's that you're holding?"

"I... I'll show you, but please don't get angry?"

Brandon opened the envelope to reveal several photographs—but not of me. They were modeling shots of Victoria.

"You came here for these?" Brandon asked, brow furrowed.

"I don't understand," I stammered. "Victoria said she had photos of me from when I was fifteen, from when I was found by the East River."

Brandon's expression darkened. "Summer, come here." He pulled me closer. "What were you going to tell me just now?"

I took a deep breath. "When I was fifteen, I went missing for three days. When they found me, I was by the East River, barely conscious, with torn clothes. I don't remember much—just fragments, nightmares really."

I paused. "Grandpa and my maternal grandfather told me I'd been kidnapped. I always thought Victoria saved me that day. Victoria said she knew what happened and had photos from that day."

Brandon's arms tightened around me. "And you were worried about how I would react? That I might think less of you?"

I nodded, unable to meet his eyes.

"Summer," Brandon said softly, lifting my chin, "whatever happened to you—it doesn't matter to me. Nothing would ever change how I feel about you. Nothing."

His intensity startled me. "Brandon, I don't understand why you're so absolute about this."

"Nothing and no one will ever be more important to me than you. Not even myself. Do you understand?"

Tears welled in my eyes at his conviction.

"Brandon," I said hesitantly, "I have a favor to ask. Please don't go after my family yet. Just Victoria."

Brandon studied me. "You're worried about George."

I nodded. "Yes. He's been good to me."

"Alright," Brandon agreed. "For now, I'll only deal with Victoria."

"Thank you," I whispered, leaning against his shoulder.

By the time we reached The Hamptons, I was exhausted. Brandon carried me upstairs and gently laid me on our bed.

"Sleep," he said softly, brushing hair from my face. "We'll talk more tomorrow."

As I drifted off, I felt Brandon's hand in mine, a constant, reassuring presence. The last thing I saw before sleep claimed me was his face, watching over me with unwavering devotion.

Chapter 315 Chapter315

Summer's POV

I was jolted awake by Brandon's voice, his face hovering above mine in the dim light of our bedroom. The serious expression he wore immediately set off alarm bells in my head.

"Summer, wake up," he said, his voice unnaturally tense. "Parker just called. Your grandfather collapsed and is unconscious. They've rushed him to Manhattan General for emergency treatment."

My mind snapped from groggy to fully alert in an instant. "What? Grandpa George?" I sat up so quickly I nearly knocked heads with Brandon. "How? Why? What happened to him?"

"I don't know all the details yet," Brandon replied, already moving to grab clothes for both of us. "But we need to go now."

"Oh my god," I mumbled, my hands shaking as I pulled on the clothes Brandon handed me. "He was fine yesterday when I spoke to him. How could this happen?"

Brandon's strong hands steadied mine. "He's going to be okay, Summer. I promise. The best doctors will take care of him."

---

The hospital corridor was blindingly bright after our midnight drive. As soon as we stepped off the elevator, I spotted Jenkins pacing near the emergency operating room doors. His normally composed face was drawn with worry.

"Jenkins!" I rushed toward him. "How is he? What happened?"

The elderly man turned to me, relief washing over his features. "Mrs. Stark, Mr. Stark, thank goodness you're here. The doctors are with him now, but they haven't told us anything yet."

"What happened?" I pressed, my voice cracking. "Was he having chest pains? Did he fall?"

Jenkins's gaze drifted over my shoulder, and I followed it to see Victoria sitting on a bench against the wall. She looked completely shell-shocked, her usually perfect makeup smudged, her eyes vacant.

"Miss Victoria went to see Mr. Taylor this evening," Jenkins said carefully. "I heard raised voices from his study. When I went to check, I found Mr. Taylor collapsed on the floor and Miss Victoria standing there, frozen."

I stared at Victoria, a horrible suspicion forming in my mind. "Victoria was arguing with Grandpa? About what?"

Before Jenkins could answer, my mother's shrill voice cut through the corridor. "This is completely normal for a man his age! People collapse all the time!"

Elizabeth stalked toward us, her heels clicking aggressively against the tile floor. "Summer, I should have known you'd rush over here to play the devoted granddaughter."

"Mother, not now," I said firmly, turning back to Parker.

"This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't been filling his head with lies!" Elizabeth continued, her voice rising. "Always manipulating him against us!"

I whirled around. "The last time Grandpa had a stroke wasn't random either, was it? You people just won't leave him alone!"

Elizabeth's face contorted with rage. "How dare you! What exactly are you implying?"

"I'm not implying anything," I shot back. "I'm asking directly—what did you do to Grandpa? What did Victoria do?"

"Summer!" My father's stern voice interrupted as he approached from the elevator. "That's enough. Show some respect to your mother."

I could feel Brandon standing silently beside me, his eyes scanning the Taylor family with calculating precision. His gaze lingered on Victoria, who still hadn't moved or spoken.

"I've called Dr. Sullivan," Brandon said suddenly, his voice cutting through the tension. "He'll be bringing specialists to look after your grandfather."

Jenkins visibly relaxed. "Thank you, Mr. Stark. That's very thoughtful."

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed at Brandon. "We don't need your charity. The hospital doctors are perfectly capable—"

"This isn't up for discussion," Brandon interrupted coldly.

Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Dr. Sean strode out with two other doctors. He nodded briefly to us before heading straight for the operating room.

"Brandon," Dr. Sean called over his shoulder. "A word, please?"

Brandon squeezed my hand reassuringly before following Sean down the corridor.

Left alone with my family, I turned my attention back to the operating room doors. The thought of losing my grandfather was unbearable. He was the only one who had ever truly loved me unconditionally.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice Elizabeth approaching until she was right in front of me.

"Summer, you disaster-bringing bitch!" she hissed, her face contorted with rage.

The shock of the blow left me momentarily stunned. My cheek burned, and I tasted blood where my teeth had cut into my inner lip.

"Every time something bad happens to this family, you're involved!" Elizabeth continued. "You need to return those Taylor shares to the family immediately," she demanded.

I turned my gaze to Victoria. "Speaking of shares, Victoria came to see me today, demanding I return my shares. Then she stormed off in a rage. And now, mysteriously, my grandfather is in critical condition after an argument with her."

Victoria suddenly jerked to attention. "Summer, you evil bitch!" she shrieked. "You did this on purpose! You sent me to confront Grandfather knowing it would upset him! You made me argue with him! You made me make him angry! What kind of sick game are you playing?"

The corridor fell silent as Victoria's outburst echoed off the walls.

"You went to see Grandpa?" I stepped closer to her. "You argued with him? About the shares?"

Victoria's eyes widened as she realized what she'd admitted. "No, I—I didn't mean—"

"Jenkins was there," I pressed. "He heard you arguing with Grandpa before he collapsed."

"It wasn't like that!" Victoria tried to backpedal.

Elizabeth, seeing her daughter cornered, rushed toward me again. "Summer, you manipulative little—"

A pained scream cut through the air as Elizabeth suddenly crumpled to the floor, clutching her stomach. I had backed up instinctively, but before Elizabeth could reach me, Brandon had appeared out of nowhere, positioning himself between us and pulling me protectively against his chest.

"Find another death wish," Brandon said, his voice deadly quiet as he stared down at Elizabeth writhing on the floor. His gaze shifted to Victoria and Richard, who stood frozen in shock. "Very impressive. I can't even bear to touch my wife too roughly, yet you think you have the right to strike her?"

Richard knelt beside Elizabeth, who was moaning dramatically. Victoria stood paralyzed, unable to move toward her mother or away from Brandon's intimidating presence.

Brandon's arm tightened around my waist. "I warned you before," he said, his voice so cold it sent shivers down my spine. "Anyone who touches her deals with me."

Chapter 316 Chapter316

Summer's POV

I stood frozen in Brandon's protective embrace.

Richard helped Elizabeth to her feet, his face pale with fear. He glanced nervously between his wife and Brandon.

"That um... Stark, I mean, Brandon..." Richard stammered, clearly trying to defuse the situation.

Brandon's icy gaze swept over to Richard, silencing him instantly. I felt Brandon's arm tighten around my waist, his body radiating controlled fury.

The elevator doors opened, and Sean strolled out, taking in the scene with raised eyebrows.

"Well, well," Sean said, his casual tone contrasting sharply with the tension. "I step away for five minutes and all hell breaks loose." He walked toward us, hands in his pockets, looking completely unfazed. "This is quite the family reunion, isn't it? You've barely been gone, brother, and your wife's already being bullied!"

Elizabeth cowered behind Richard as Sean approached, his smile not reaching his eyes.

"It was an accident," Elizabeth whispered, her voice trembling. "I didn't mean to—"

Victoria stepped forward, her face pale. "You don't understand. Summer is trying to—"

"I understand perfectly," Sean interrupted. "I understand that you two put a frail elderly man in my operating room because you were harassing him about money. And now you're attacking his granddaughter in a hospital corridor."

Elizabeth crawled toward Richard, seeking protection. "Richard, Richard, tell him I didn't mean it!" she pleaded.

"Summer," Richard said tentatively. "Please, can we all just calm down and focus on your grandfather's condition?"

I stepped away from Brandon, my voice steady despite my racing heart. "They may have put my grandfather in that operating room, but I won't let them get away with it." I turned to Jenkins, who had been watching silently from the side. "You were there. What exactly happened before my grandfather collapsed?"

"Miss Victoria was indeed visiting Mr. Taylor this evening," Jenkins confirmed, his voice calm but firm. "There was a heated discussion about the company shares. I heard Miss Victoria demanding that Mr. Taylor convince Summer to return her shares to the family."

Elizabeth's face drained of color. "You're lying! Parker, you've always favored Summer!"

Just then, the operating room doors swung open. A doctor in surgical scrubs approached Sean, his expression grave.

"Dr. Sullivan," the surgeon said quietly.

"How is Mr. Taylor?" Sean asked, his playful demeanor completely gone.

The surgeon shook his head. "Mr. Taylor suffered a massive myocardial infarction. We did everything we could, but he didn't make it. I'm sorry, he's gone."

The world seemed to stop spinning. I felt my knees buckle, and Brandon's strong arms caught me before I hit the floor.

"What did he say?" I whispered, staring at Sean. "Sean, what did he mean?"

Sean's face softened with genuine sympathy. "Summer..."

"No," I gasped, clutching Brandon's arm. "That can't be right. Brandon, what did Sean say? Brandon, Grandpa is still being treated, right? He's going to be okay, isn't he?"

Brandon's arms tightened around me, his voice gentle but firm. "Summer, you need to calm down and listen to me."

"No, no, no," I shook my head frantically. "This isn't happening. Grandpa can't be gone. He was fine yesterday! We talked on the phone, he was laughing, he was..."

"Summer," Brandon said, turning me to face him. "Summer, your grandfather has passed away. You have to face this reality, okay?"

I stared into Brandon's eyes, searching for any sign that this was all some horrible mistake. But his expression was solemn, his eyes filled with concern and sadness.

"But why, Brandon?" My voice cracked as tears began streaming down my face. "Why did he suddenly die? Why, why?"

Brandon pulled me against his chest as I broke down completely. Through my tears, I heard Elizabeth's wailing and Victoria's sobs, but they sounded distant, as if coming from another world.

---

Brandon led me to my grandfather's hospital room, where they had moved his body. I stood in the doorway, my eyes fixed on the still form on the bed. He looked peaceful, as if he were merely sleeping, but the absence of the steady rise and fall of his chest told the devastating truth.

I approached slowly, my vision blurred with tears. The doctors were completing final procedures, checking machines and filling out forms.

The door burst open behind me, and Elizabeth stormed in, her face tear-streaked but her eyes burning with rage. Richard followed close behind.

"You!" Elizabeth screamed, lunging toward me. "You cursed child! How dare you show your face here after what you've done!"

Brandon stepped between us, grabbing Elizabeth's wrist as she raised her hand.

"Mrs. Taylor," Brandon's voice was low and dangerous. "I've shown restraint out of respect for your father, but this does not mean I will continue to tolerate your behavior."

Elizabeth yanked her hand free. "Brandon Stark, who do you think you are? This is a family matter!" She turned to me, her voice rising to a shriek. "Summer, you've brought nothing but bad luck to this family since the day you were born!"

"I just wanted to see Grandpa one last time," I whispered, my voice breaking.

"I know what you're really after!" Elizabeth sneered. "You and your husband are just waiting to get your hands on the Taylor fortune, aren't you?" She turned to the medical staff. "We're taking my father's body now. Get the paperwork ready."

Richard signed the necessary forms while Elizabeth glared at me. I stood rooted to the spot, watching as they prepared to take my grandfather away.

"Can I just... can I have one more minute with him?" I pleaded.

"No!" Elizabeth snapped. "You've done enough damage. Get out!"

I stood in the doorway, watching helplessly as they wheeled my grandfather's body out of the room.

As they disappeared down the corridor, the full weight of my loss crashed down on me. My grandfather—my protector, my champion, the only person who had ever truly loved me unconditionally—was gone forever.

I collapsed against the wall, sobs wracking my body. Brandon stood beside me, his presence solid and comforting, but even he couldn't fill the gaping hole that had just opened in my heart.

"He's gone, Brandon," I cried. "Grandpa's gone. What am I going to do without him?"

Brandon wrapped his arms around me, holding me close as I sobbed uncontrollably. I cried until my throat was raw and my eyes burned. And finally, exhausted beyond measure, I cried myself to sleep in Brandon's arms.