Chapter 84

Summer's POV

The antiseptic smell of Manhattan General hit me the moment I stepped off the elevator. I clutched my bag tighter, bracing myself for the inevitable confrontation with my family.

Elizabeth’s voice reached me before I even saw her, echoing sharply down the hall.

"This is unacceptable! You cannot keep a family from seeing their own father!" She was gesturing emphatically at a nurse who looked entirely exhausted by the display. "Do you have any idea of the legal implications here?"

Richard sat nearby, scrolling through his phone with a tight-lipped expression of indifference. Victoria was huddled in a corner chair, obscured by massive sunglasses and a silk scarf, looking more worried about being recognized by the press than about Grandpa’s health.

"Mom, please, you’re making a scene," Victoria hissed.

"I’m trying to get us inside, Victoria! What else am I supposed to do when they’re blocking the door?"

I took a deep breath and stepped forward. Elizabeth spotted me instantly, her eyes narrowing as she shifted her focus.

"What are you doing here?" She marched toward me, her voice dropping to a low, accusatory hiss. "Haven't you caused enough stress for this family?"

I sidestepped her with quiet composure. "I'm here to see my grandfather, Elizabeth. And I suggest you lower your voice in a cardiac ward."

My calm seemed to catch her off guard. For a moment, she stared at me, her expression flickering with something that looked almost like recognition—or perhaps fear. "Those eyes..." she whispered, stepping back. "You look just like her when she was pushed too far."

I didn't wait for her to regain her footing. A nurse approached me with a look of immense relief.

"Are you Summer Taylor?" she asked.

"Yes, I am."

"Thank goodness. Mr. Taylor has been asking for you specifically since he regained consciousness. Please, follow me."

I followed her into the private wing, feeling Elizabeth’s gaze burning into my back like a brand.

Grandpa looked smaller against the stark white sheets, but his eyes lit up with a familiar spark when he saw me.

"Summer!" He struggled to sit up, but I was at his side in a second.

"Grandpa, stay still," I whispered, my eyes stinging with tears. "I’m so sorry I wasn't here the moment it happened."

He squeezed my hand with surprising strength. "Don't be silly, kiddo. You're here now, and that’s what matters."

"How are you feeling? Truly?"

"Better," he assured me, though the monitors hummed a steady, sobering rhythm beside us. He glanced toward the door. "They're all out there, aren't they? Making a fuss about the inheritance?"

I nodded slowly. "They’re concerned about the shares, Grandpa. Mom mentioned the confrontation."

Grandpa sighed, his expression weary. "It was going to come to a head sooner or later. I gave you those shares in Capital Corp because I know your heart, Summer. You understand that a legacy isn't just about the money—it’s about the people and the integrity behind the name."

My pulse quickened. Guilt gnawed at me, and I knew I couldn't keep the truth from him any longer.

"Grandpa... I need to tell you something. Please, just listen before you react."

"Go ahead. I've survived a heart scare; I can handle a bit of news."

I took a steadying breath. "I transferred the Capital Corp shares."

The room went silent for a heartbeat. "You did what?" He looked more curious than angry. "That’s not like you, Summer. You’ve always been protective of the family assets."

"I got married, Grandpa."

"Married?" His eyebrows shot up. "When? And to whom? I hope this isn't some impulsive reaction to Alexander..."

"No, it’s nothing like that," I said, a genuine smile breaking through my nerves. "It’s someone you’ve actually met. Someone who respects you—and someone who has protected me when no one else would."

Grandpa studied my face, his sharp eyes softening. "You look... different. More settled. Happier."

"It's Brandon Stark."

"Brandon Stark?" Recognition dawned on him. "The young man with the chess set? The one who spent an hour discussing grandmaster strategies with an old man?"

I nodded, feeling my face warm. "That’s him."

"I remember him well," Grandpa mused. "Sharp as a razor and twice as dangerous in a negotiation. So... he wasn't at my party just for the networking. He was there for you."

"He was. And regarding the shares—I didn't just give them away. Brandon insisted on a formal exchange. I now hold a significant stake in Stark Entertainment Group. It was a strategic move to protect both of us."

Grandpa was silent for a long moment, then he let out a soft, dry chuckle. "Well, well. My Summer has certainly found her match. Brandon Stark..." He shook his head in disbelief. "I couldn't have picked a more formidable protector for you myself."

"So you're not upset about the shares leaving the Taylor name?"

"Upset? Summer, I gave them to you to secure your future. If joining forces with the Starks secures that future, then I’ve done my job." He leaned in closer. "He treats you well, doesn't he?"

"Better than I ever thought possible," I admitted softly.

Grandpa nodded, satisfied. "Good. That’s all a grandfather ever wants to hear." He suddenly looked energized. "Now, when do I get to see this husband of yours in a formal capacity? I have a few more chess moves to discuss with him."

"As soon as the doctors clear you," I promised.

"What about your parents? Do they know?"

I shook my head. "No. And I’d like to keep it that way for now. I don't want them using our marriage as a stepping stone."

"Smart girl," Grandpa agreed. "Keep your peace as long as you can. You don't need their drama."

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I smiled when I saw the caller ID. "Excuse me, Grandpa. It's him."

Grandpa waved me off with a grin. "Go ahead, take it."

"Hey, Brandon," I answered, stepping toward the window.

"Say that again." Brandon’s deep, resonant voice sent a pleasant shiver down my spine.

"Say what?" I asked, momentarily confused.

"My name," he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone. "You called me 'Bran' yesterday. I found I quite liked the sound of it."

"Stop it," I whispered, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks as I glanced back at Grandpa. "I'm in the hospital. He’s awake and doing much better."

"That’s good news, Summer. Truly." His voice softened, losing its sharp edge. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm okay now that I've talked to him. And Brandon... I told him. About us."

I looked back at Grandpa, who was watching me with a knowing, grandfatherly smirk. "He wants to meet you properly once he’s discharged."

"I’ll be ready," Brandon replied. "And Summer? I’ll be there to pick you up in an hour. Don't let them get to you."

"I won't," I promised, feeling an incredible weight lift off my shoulders. For the first time, I wasn't just surviving my family; I was building one of my own.