Chapter 79

**Summer's POV**

Brandon's thumb traced a soothing pattern across my knuckles. "Trust me.Let's eat first- I have something to show you later."

The spread I'd prepared covered almost the entire dining table-roasted vegetables, pan-seared fish, pasta with homemade sauce, a fresh salad, and even a small dessert.

Brandon paused at the doorway, one eyebrow lifting. "I thought I said one or two dishes."

I bit my lip, suddenly uncertain. "Is it too much? I..."

"It looks incredible," he said,his voice softening. "Thank you."

As we settled at the table, I couldn't hold back anymore. "The Victoria scandal was your doing, wasn't it?"

Brandon's hand stilled momentarily as he reached for his water glass.Then his lips curved into that dangerous half-smile.

"I couldn't just stand by and do nothing," he admitted. "You're my wife.When someone hurts you, they deal with me. That's how it works."

Something warm unfurled in my chest at his straightforward declaration."But why help her now? And why would Alexander even come to you?From what I know about him, he's too proud. He never seemed to like you much, even though you're both Starks." "My wife is quite perceptive." Brandon nodded approvingly. "You're right about Alexander. We've never been close - different branches of the family,different circumstances growing up." His expression turned contemplative."But Victoria'sshares in Capital Corp are valuable enough for Alexander to

set aside his ego. And his father is particularly ambitious."

I nodded slowy, absorbing his explanation. "I understand. Do whatever you think is best. I trust your judgment."

Brandon shifted closer, taking my hand and placing it on his knee. His fingers gently tilted my face toward his, until we were barely inches apart.My heart hammered against my ribs as I instinctively tried to look away,but he held me steady.

"Trust me?" he asked, his voice dropping to that velvet-soft tone.

I nodded, unable to form words with him so close. "I do."

His smile widened slightly, genuine warmth replacing his usual reserve."

Good. Now let's eat before all your hard work gets cold."

Dinner passed pleasantly, with Brandon complimenting each dish in his understated way. When I stood to clear the plates, he caught my wrist.

"Ill handle this. Household duties should be shared between spouses, don't you think?"

I blinked in surprise, not expecting such domestic equality from someone like Brandon Stark. Warmth spread through me as I watched him efficiently stack the dishes and carry them to the kitchen.

My phone's sudden ring shattered the peaceful moment. Elizabeth's name flashed across the screen, making my stomach twist with instinctive dread.

"Summer, come to the hospital immediately!" Her sharp voice carried its usual note of displeasure. I gripped the phone tighter, instantly alert. "What's happened?" "You have the nerve to ask what happened?" Elizabeth's voice rose with accusation. "You don't even call when your sister's career is falling apart, My mind latched onto the important information, ignoring her barbs. "Wait, what did you say? Grandpa's sick? What happened to him?"

"It's all your fault!" Elizabeth's fury crackled through the connection."What did you say to him? How did you manipulate him to wrap him around your finger? You-"

"ENOUGH!" I rarely raised my voice, but fear for my grandfather overrode everything else. "Which hospital is he in? I'm coming right now!"

There was a startled silence before Elizabeth finally answered. "Manhattan General."

I ended the call, my hands already searching for my purse and car keys.Brandon emerged from the kitchen, immediately alert to my distress.

"What's happened?" His voice was calm but focused.

"My grandfather's in the hospital." My voice cracked slightly. "I have to go see him."

Without hesitation, Brandon reached for his jacket. "Give me a minute.I'll come with you."

"No." I shook my head firmly. "It's better if you don't. If the Taylor family sees you with me right now, it'll just complicate things. Apparently they've had a fight with Grandpa abou t the stock transfer. I need to handle this myself." Something flickered in Brandon's dark eyes. "Then I definitely should be there," "But-"1hesitated,suddenly imagining Brandon getting tangled in the

Taylor family web the way Charles Windsor had. The thought made me shudder.

"No more buts." His tone brooked no argument. "I'll drive you there and wait downstairs. I won't intrude, but I'll be nearby if you need me."

Before I could protest further, he had taken the keys from my hand and was guiding me toward the garage. The decisive way he bundled me into the passenger seat of his car should have felt controlling, but instead, it was oddly comforting. In crisis, Brandon acted quickly and decisively-a trait I was becoming increasingly grateful for.

The drive to Manhattan was mostly silent, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Had Grandpa George collapsed? Had his heart given out? The thought of losing one of the few people who had always loved me unconditionally made my throat tighten with panic.

When we pulled into the hospital parking lot, Brandon found a spot in a secluded corner, away from the main entrance.

"June." His voice pulled me from my spiraling thoughts as I reached for the door handle.

"What is it?" I couldn't keep the impatience from my voice, every second feeling crucial.

Brandon reached over, his hand covering mine with reassuring pressure."Be careful in there. If anything happens-anything at all-call me immediately. Remember, I've got your back. Always:" Unexpected warmth bloomed in my chest despite the circumstances."Thank you. Brandon, when Grandpa's better... I want you to meet him properly." A slight smile curved his lips as he brushed a strand of hair from my face."I thought you'd want me to meet your maternal grandfather first." I paused, confused by the comment. "Why?"

He shook his head. "Go. Your grandfather needs you."

"Okay." With a quick nod, I hurried toward the entrance, his promise of support giving me the courage to face whatever waited inside.

Outside the treatment area, I spotted the Taylor family clustered together-Richard pacing anxiously, Victoria sitting with perfect posture despite her worried expression, and Elizabeth gesticulating wildly as she spoke to a nurse.

The moment Elizabeth saw me, her face contorted with rage. Before I could ask about Grandpa's condition, she stormed over and slapped me hard across the face.

"You worthless girl! Look what you've done!" she screamed, her voice echoing through the waiting area. "You've given your grandfather a stroke with your selfishness!"

I stood frozen, my hand rising to my stinging cheek as I tried to process her words. "I don't understand. How is Grandpa? What happened to him?"

Elizabeth's face turned an alarming shade of red. "Don't pretend you don't know! How did you convince him to transfer all his Capital Corp stocks to you? You ungrateful little snake - what more do you want from this family?"

She raised her hand to strike me again, but this time I caught her wrist mid-air, something cold and hard settling in my chest. I pushed her hand away firmly. "Whether Grandpa gave me stocks ornot is between him and me. What right do you have to fight with him about it?Don't think I don't know what you've been doing to him all these years." I stepped forward, forcing Elizabeth to back up. "I don't have time for this right now. Get out of my way. I need to see my grandfather."