Chapter 99

**Summer's POV**

The private meeting room at Scarlett's coffee shop smelled like fresh espresso and cinnamon, a comforting contrast to the spreadsheets scattered across the table making my head pound. I rubbed my temples, staring at the revenue reports.

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

"Not hiding," I protested. gesturing at the paperwork. "Just doing my due diligence as a silent partner. Though honestly, can't we just skip to the part where you tell me how much my share of the profits is?"

Scarlett rolled her eyes. "How on earth did you survive in finance? This is a fraction of what you dealt with at Fortune Corp."

I reminded her. "And I'm not at Fortune Corp anymnore."

"Well,tough luck. It's our business, and you're looking at these reports whether you like it or not." She pushed the statements closer to me. "Even if you don't care about the money, I want another set of eyes on this."

"Fine. But just so you know, Brandon's financial team could review these in five minutes flat."

"Well," Scarlett leaned forward, "you'll never guess who I just saw in the main café." "Who?""Your mom and Victoria, with Alexander's mother!" She looked delighted to deliver this gossip bomb. I nearly choked on my coffee. "Here? At your shop? What were theydoing?"

"Planning a wedding." Scarlett announced triumphantly. "Victoria and Alexander's wedding, to be specific."

I set down my mug, genuinely surprised. "You're kidding."

Scarlett grinned. "I may have lingered near their table a bit longer than necessary. They were discussing venues, guest lists,the works."

"Wait," she said slowly, studying my expression. "You're not still hung up on Alexander, are you?"

"God, no!" I laughed. "Do I look like I'm pining over that spineless man?Trust me, I'm completely over him."

"Then why the face?"

"It's just... Brandon told me both families would be rushing to get Victoria and Alexander married."

Scarlett whistled. "Your husband has some serious foresight. How does he know these things?"

"He understands people's motivations," I explained. "Alexander needs the Taylor family connections, Victoria needs the Stark name, and both families are desperate to cement the alliance." "And you're sure you're okay with it? Victoria has always seen you as competition. This rushed wedding is probably her way of marking her territory." I gathered the documents. "Anyway, I've gone through everything and looks good. I need to get going.""Fine, keep your secrets," Scarlett relented. "Just promise we'll get together soon? With Ruby too?" I shrugged, genuinely unconcerned. "Let them do whatever they want. I'm done with all that drama." "Absolutely," I agreed. "And now that I'm married to Brandon, I'm really done with all the Taylor family drama." "Summer, you know Victoria won't be satisfied until she's rubbed your face in it."

orry about."

Scarlett changed topics. "Oh, speaking of things to worry about-did you hear about the Columbia reunion?"

"No? Is there one planned?"

"Kristin mentioned it at her wedding. She called me a few days ago.Apparently, when they heard you and Ruby were back in New York..."

I groaned,already sensing where this was heading. "When is it?"

"Beginning of next month."

I nodded noncommittally. "We'll see."

"Has Victoria been causing trouble recently? I've heard she's had quite the rollercoaster in entertainment. Though she seems to have landed on her feet-signed with Stark Entertainment, from what I hear."

I felt a smile tugging at my lips, unable to hide my amusement at this particular twist of fate.

"What's with that mysterious smile?" Scarlett demanded. "I'n about you!"

"It's nothing," I insisted. "Just... yeah, she got lucky, I guess. Let's di "That's what I like to hear," she said. "Stay away from that toxic mess."

"Yes, mom," I teased. "Though at least you're not as bad as Ruby with her endless chatter."

Scarlett laughed. "If Ruby heard you saying that behind her back, she'd make your life hell."

After wandering through Manhattan for a few hours, I returned to the Hamptons estate as the sun was setting. Finding Brandon's study empty,I settled into his leather chair and began browsinga manuscript he'd left on his desk.

My phone rang, displaying my grandfather's number. "Hey, Grandpa."

"So you still recognize your old grandfather, do you?" Jonathan Thompson's gruff voice came through, tinged with displeasure. "Seemns like you've forgotten to keep me informed about major life events, young lady."

I sat up straighter, confused. "Grandpa? What are you talking about?"

"Your mother visited today. Mentioned Victoria and Alexander's engagement,among other things."

My stomach dropped. "Did... did she say anything else?" "Like about George Taylor giving you his shares in Capital Corp?" The disapproval in his voice was evident. "What game is that old man playing?Why drag you into the Taylor family mess?""Grandpa, please don't be upset," I pleaded. "Grandpa George means well.He's always been good to me." "If he truly cared for you, he wouldn't hand you those shares now.Doesn't he realize they're like a ticking time bomb for you?"

I sighed. "I know you're worried. But I promise I'm handling this carefully.

0

"There's something else," Jonathan continued. "Are you getting married?"

I froze, completely caught off guard. *How on earth did he find out?*

"Summer?" His voice sharpened. "Are you still planning to keep secrets from your grandfather?"

"How did you find out?" I finally managed.

"I have a friend who works at the city hall." Jonathan's voice grew serious.

"Summer, did you really get married?"

I turned at the sound of footsteps, spotting Brandon leaning against the doorframe. He was still in his work clothes, his tie loosened and jacket draped over one arm.

"Yes, Grandpa," I admitted. "I did get married. And you actually know him."

"I know him?" Jonathan sounded genuinely startled.

"Yes, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It all happened rather quickly."

"This isn't some trivial decision, Summer. Marriage isn't something you rush into without consulting family!" I winced at his tone. Brandon crossed the room in a few strides,reaching for the phone. I surrendered it without protest."Professor Thompson," Brandon said, his voice warm with respect. "It's me,Brandon." There was a shocked silence on the other end. "Brandon? Brandon Stark?" "Yes,sir,it's me."

"*You're* the one who married my granddaughter?" Jonathan's voice rose with disbelief.

Brandon's lips quirked up. "I am indeed, Professor Thompson."

"You little-" Jonathan spluttered. "You marry my granddaughter without so much as a word to me? I thought your relationship was strained! How did this happen so suddenly?"

"Were you planning to keep this from me indefinitely?" Jonathan demanded. "And does George Taylor know about this?"

Brandon perched on the edge of the desk beside me,his free hand gently stroking my hair in a soothing gesture.

"We had intended to tell you once things settled down," Brandon explained smoothly. "June was quite adamant she wouldn't fall in love with me, and I thought it best to wait for the right moment to approach you formally."

I rolled my eyes at his selective memory, and he gave me a playful wink.

"As for George Taylor," Brandon continued, "we haven't visited him yet.June and I wanted to speak with you first. You are her grandfather and my respected mentor, after all. Your blessing means everything to us."