Chapter 72

**Summer's POV**

Brandon's phone answered on the first ring, but instead of his usual crisp greeting. I heard muffled sounds in the background that made my skín prickle. *What's that noise? A man's scream?* The ominous echoes reminded me that despite his gentle treatment of me, Brandon Stark was still one of the most feared men on Wall Street.

"June?" His deep voice was gentle. "Give me a moment."

I heard him moving, his footsteps echoing against what sounded like concrete. Through the phone, I heard a unfamiliar voice: "Mr. Stark."

"Results?" Brandon's voice remained perfectly controlled despite the ominous atmosphere I could sense even through the connection.

"He just wouldn't tell us more." James hesitated slightly. "But Dr. Sullivan's methods are proving effective."

"Hand him over to Sean then." The casual way Brandon discussed what was clearly an interrogation should have frightened me. Instead,I found myself grateful he'd answered despite clearly being in the middle of something important.

"About meeting my friends," I rushed to get the words out. "Would today work?"

Ruby's voice suddenly carried through the phone as she leaned close: "Mr.Stark! When are you treating us to dinner?"

I could hear the smile in Brandon's voice at the formal address. "Now works. Where would you like to go?"

"Well, we just finished shopping." I gestured frantically at Ruby to be quiet. "No rush," Ruby waved dismissively. "Let's shop a bit more. Unless..." Her eyes narrowed playfully, "Wait, he can't cook, can he? Summer, be careful "Ruby and Scarlett said they'd like to properly meet you. Since it's the weekend..."

"Perfect." His immediate response caught me off guard. "Any preferences for the restaurant?"

"You decide! It's not even dinner time yet, you don't have to rush-"

"Do your friends have anydietary restrictions?" The gentle concern in his tone made something warm unfurl in my chest.

"They're pretty easy-going,like me."

"So, Miss Scott," Brandon's voice carried clear amusement, "restaurant preference or...?"

Ruby snatched my phone before I could stop her. "Can we come to your place? We don't really care about the food - we just want to see where Summer lives now!"

"Of course." Brandon's agreement was immediate. "Have June bring you over."

After I hung up, Ruby turned to Scarlett wvith a triumphant grin. "Brandon's so agreeable! Who would've thought?"

"First impressions matter," Scarlett pointed out reasonably. "Of course he wants to make a good one."

"Plus we get to see their home!" Ruby bounced excitedly. "See how Brandon treats our Summer."or you'll end up being the housewife!"

"That makes no sense!" I couldn't help laughing.

Scarlett nodded thoughtfully. "Ruby has a point though. Let's browse a bit longer."

The drive to the Hamptons estate gave us plenty of time to talk. Ruby couldn't contain her amazement as we drove through the exclusive neighborhood.

"Oh my god, your husband has amazing taste! I heard Hamptons property prices are insane now - it's not even about affordability anymore, it's about availability!"

"Well, he is Brandon Stark," Scarlett mused. "Summer, how did you two meet anyway?"

I hesitated,carefully choosing my words. How could I explain the complex web of circumstances that had brought Brandon and me together? The memory of our first real meeting still made my heart skip - his quiet strength when I'd needed it most, the way he'd protected me without making me feel weak. "It's quite a coincidence actually." I smiled softly,lost in the memory. "He helped me when I was in trouble. Later I found out he was my grandfather's favorite student - remember that genius from Columbia I mentioned before?" *The same genius who now looks at me like I'm the most precious thing in his world,* I added silently. "Brandon Stark?" Ruby's eyes went wide. "No way! So you married him because he was your grandfather's student?" I explained the situation with the Taylor family, watching Ruby's expression darken with each detail.with indignation. "God, this is like a movie plot! But the Taylors are horrible - you're part of the family too!"

"Summer," Scarlett's gentle voice carried clear concern, "is this really what you want? I know the Taylors forced your hand, but your feelings for Brandon..."

I took a deepbreath, meeting her worried gaze in the rearview mirror. My fingers tightened on the steering wheel as I searched for the right words to explain how Brandon had become such an essential part of my life."Scarlett, I understand your concern." The warmth that filled my chest whenever I thought of him made my voice soften. "Love grows gradually-he treats me so well, and with someone as exceptional as Brandon,falling for him feels natural." *More natural than breathing sometimes,* I added silently, remembering how safe I felt in hisarms,how his mere presence could make the world feel right again.

"As long as you know what you're doing." Scarlett's expression softened."Don't handle everything alone - we're here for you."

"Absolutely!" Ruby declared. "Call us anytime. Though Summer,it's actually interesting."

"What do you mean?"

Ruby's grin turned wicked. "Didn't you say Alexander is just a distant relative of Brandon's? By family hierarchy, he'd have to call you 'Aunt'!Can you imagine Alexander and Victoria's faces when they find out you married Brandon? Once they're married, the whole family will have to bow to you and Brandon. God, that's satisfying just to think about!" "Maybe," I murmured, though the thought did bring a slight smile to my face. "Victoria especially will be furious.Right.Scarlett?"

is pretty ironic. Alexander and Victoria Scarlett couldn't help laughing.′′It deserve some comeuppance after how they treated you. Let Brandon put them in their place!"