Chapter 99

Summer's POV

The private meeting room at Scarlett's coffee shop smelled of fresh espresso and cinnamon—a comforting sanctuary compared to the complex revenue spreadsheets scattered across the table. I rubbed my temples, focusing on the quarterly reports.

Scarlett pushed through the door, balancing two steaming mugs. "Found you hiding back here," she said, setting one in front of me with a supportive smile.

"Not hiding," I protested, gesturing at the paperwork. "Just fulfilling my duties as a partner. Although, I wouldn't mind skipping straight to the profit-sharing part."

Scarlett rolled her eyes playfully. "How did you survive the high-stakes world of finance? This is just a fraction of what you managed at Fortune Corp."

"That’s exactly why I enjoy this more," I reminded her. "It’s our business, Scarlett. It feels personal."

"Well, since it’s our business, I want your eyes on these expansion plans." She pushed the statements closer. "Even if you trust my judgment, a second perspective is vital."

"Fine. But keep in mind, Brandon’s financial team would probably have this audited in five minutes flat."

"Speaking of people who are busy," Scarlett leaned forward, her tone shifting. "You’ll never guess who I just saw in the main café."

"Who?"

"Your mother and Victoria, along with Alexander’s mother." She looked genuinely surprised by the coincidence. "They seemed to be in deep discussion."

I set down my mug, my mind racing. "Here? What were they planning?"

"A wedding," Scarlett noted. "It seems the arrangements for Victoria and Alexander are moving at an incredible pace. They were discussing venues and guest lists as if time were of the essence."

I leaned back, taking in the news. "I’m not entirely surprised. Brandon mentioned that both families would likely expedite the union to solidify their professional ties."

Scarlett whistled. "Your husband has remarkable foresight. He reads people like a balance sheet."

"He understands motivations," I explained. "Alexander needs the Taylor family connections, and Victoria needs the Stark association. It’s a strategic alliance for them. I’m just glad to be a spectator rather than a participant in that drama."

"I’m glad to hear it," Scarlett said, gathering the documents. "You deserve this peace. Just promise me we’ll get together with Ruby soon."

"Absolutely," I agreed. "And now that I've moved on with Brandon, I’m truly done with the old family cycles."

Scarlett changed topics. "Oh, speaking of the past—did you hear about the Columbia reunion? Kristin mentioned it recently."

I felt a small wave of nostalgia mixed with apprehension. "Is it scheduled for soon?"

"Next month. Everyone is curious about what you’ve been up to since you returned to New York."

I nodded noncommittally. "We’ll see how the schedule looks. With Victoria now working under the Stark Entertainment umbrella, things have become... interesting."

I felt a smile tugging at my lips, thinking of the "special" role Brandon had assigned her.

"What's with that mysterious smile?" Scarlett demanded. "You're clearly holding something back!"

"It's nothing," I insisted. "Just... a sense of poetic justice, I suppose. Anyway, I should head back to the estate."

I returned to the Hamptons estate just as the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of violet and gold. Finding Brandon’s study empty, I settled into his chair, enjoying the quiet authority of the room while browsing a manuscript he’d left on his desk.

My phone rang, and the caller ID made my heart skip: Grandpa Jonathan.

"Hey, Grandpa," I answered, trying to sound casual.

"So, you still remember your old grandfather?" Jonathan Thompson’s gruff voice came through, sounding uncharacteristically stern. "I feel as though I’m the last to know about the major developments in your life, Summer."

I sat up straighter. "Grandpa? What’s happened?"

"Your mother visited today. She was full of news regarding the Taylor family's new alliances," he said, his disapproval evident. "And then there’s the matter of George Taylor giving you his shares in Capital Corp. Why are you letting yourself be pulled back into that mess?"

"Grandpa, please understand," I pleaded. "Grandpa George means well. He wants to ensure the legacy stays in the right hands. I’m handling it carefully."

"There is something more significant," Jonathan continued, his tone turning serious. "Summer, tell me the truth. Have you married?"

I froze. The secret was out. "How... how did you find out?"

"I have colleagues who keep me informed of such significant changes," Jonathan replied. "Why would you keep this from me? Marriage is a sacred commitment, not a secret to be hidden."

I turned as the door opened. Brandon was leaning against the frame, having just returned from the city. He looked tired but instantly alert when he saw my expression.

"Yes, Grandpa," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly. "I am married. And... you know him quite well."

"I know him?" Jonathan sounded baffled.

"Yes. It happened quickly, but it was the right choice for me."

"Summer, this is highly irregular! To marry without a word to your family—"

Brandon crossed the room, sensing my distress. He gently took the phone from my hand.

"Professor Thompson," Brandon said, his voice calm, resonant, and deeply respectful. "It’s Brandon Stark."

There was a long, stunned silence on the other end of the line. "Brandon? You are the one who married my granddaughter?"

A small, genuine smile touched Brandon’s lips as he looked at me. "I am indeed, sir."

"You... you bold young man!" Jonathan spluttered, though the edge of anger was replaced by sheer shock. "I thought your interaction was purely professional. How did this come to pass?"

Brandon sat on the edge of the desk, his free hand reaching out to gently smooth my hair—a gesture of comfort and solidarity.

"We intended to approach you formally once we were settled," Brandon explained smoothly. "Summer was hesitant at first, and I wanted to ensure I had her full heart before seeking your blessing. You have always been a mentor to me, and your respect means a great deal."

I rolled my eyes playfully at his diplomatic version of the story, and he responded with a quick, affectionate wink.

"As for George Taylor," Brandon continued, "we haven't made a formal announcement there yet. We wanted to speak with you first. Your guidance and your blessing are the ones that truly matter to us, Professor."