Chapter 322
Summer’s POV
I was rolling around on Brandon’s ridiculously expensive leather sofa completely losing it at the comedy I was streaming. Tears streamed down my face as I clutched a pillow to my chest, laughing so hard my stomach hurt.
“Oh my God,” I wheezed between giggles. “This is- I couldn’t even finish my sentence.
That prickling sensation of being watched made me turn. Brandon was leaning against the staircase railing, arms crossed, an amused smile playing on his lips.
“Brandon!” I yelped, immediately sitting up and trying to smooth down my messy bun. I probably looked like a disaster in my sweatpants and his oversized t–shirt.
“Your meeting’s over?” I asked, hastily wiping away tears of laughter I saw James leaving earlier.”
Brandon nodded and crossed the room, settling beside me and taking my hand in his.
“What are you watching?” he asked, thumb tracing circles on my skin
“Just a silly comedy,” I replied. “Want to watch with me?”
Continue where you left off,” he said, pressing a kiss to my forehead
I snuggled against him, restarting the show. After a few minutes, Brandon spoke up.
“Why don’t you call Meave and invite her over?”
I paused the show, looking up at him. “Meave? Just her alone?”
Brandon smiled slightly. “Yeah.”
“Does Ethan want to see her again?” I guessed.
“No,” Brandon replied. “Not Ethan this time.”
“Then who?”
“Edward Lee.”
I sat up straighter. “Because of Grace?”
Brandon nodded silently.
ward
“If Meave can really help bring Grace back, why didn’t Edward ask for her help before?” I frowned. “Why wait three years?”
“Time is the best healer,” Brandon explained. “Back then, Grace was determined to leave. Even Gavin and Meave probably couldn’t have stopped her.”
He pulled me closer. “Their misunderstanding was too deep. Forcing Grace to stay wouldn’t have fixed anything.”
“Besides,” he continued, “Gavin was prejudiced against Edward then, Even now, he’d oppose Edward meeting with Meave.”
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“So I need to invité Meave without Gavin finding out?” I swatted his arm. “You’re making me the bad guy! If Gavin finds out, I’m the one in trouble!”
Brandon caught my hand, eyesmused. “Gavin won’t blame you. Besides, you’re just the accomplice–I’m the mastermind.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fine! I’ll call her now!”
“Good,” Brandon nodded.
Meave picked up on the third ring, sounding surprised but pleased to hear from me. When I suggested getting out of the house, she practically lit up.
“That would be lovely,” she said warmly. “It’s been ages since I’ve had a proper girls‘ day out.”
“Will Gavin be okay with it?” I asked.
Meave sighed. “Being cooped up at home is driving me crazy. Besides Gavin’s been so busy lately, he barely has time for me.”
“How about today?” I suggested. “Brandon can drive us.”
“Perfect,” she agreed. “Give me an hour to get ready?”
After hanging up, I turned to Brandon. “She seemed really excited.”
Guilt immediately crept in. “But what if she gets mad when she sees Edward? I’m basically tricking her!”
Brandon shook his head. “Don’t worry. Meave rarely gets angry. And if she does, it’ll be directed at me, not you.”
He pulled me to my feet. “Now go change. We need to pick up Meave soon.”
In Brandon’s Bentley, I sat in the back with Meave, who looked elegant despite her frailty.
“It’s so good to see you,” I said, genuinely happy to spend time with her.
“You too, Summer,” Meave smiled, patting my hand. “How have things been with you and Brandon? I’ve heard all sorts of rumors.”
“We’re good,” I replied, catching Brandon’s eye in the mirror.
“That night was quite the drama,” she continued. “The whole Stark family was in an uproar.”
She shook her head. “I’m just glad Elle Sinclair is gone now. Things should be much calmer for you two.”
“You’re absolutely right,” Brandon agreed, his voice unusually warm.
I gazed out the window, suddenly realizing our direction. “Where are we going?”
“Summer’s coffee shop,” Brandon replied.
I turned to Meave, thinking fast. “Meave, my friend Scarlett has a private room there. Would you like to check it out?”
“That sounds wonderful!” she exclaimed. “I didn’t know you had an interest in coffee shops.”
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“It’s just a hobby, I explained Professor Thompson taught me tea peparation and coffee when I was younger, and Scarlett shares my love for them.”
Brandon caught my eye in the irror, approving my quick thinking.
At the coffee shop, Scarlett was arranging flowers when we arrived. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“Summer! I didn’t know you were coming today!” She glanced at Meave. “And who’s this?”
“This is Meave Stark, Brandon’s aunt,” I introduced.
“Mrs. Stark, welcome!” Scarlett smiled warmly. “Please, come in.”
“You must be the friend Summer mentioned,” Meave said.
“Yes, this is Scarlett Smith,” I eonfirmed as Brandon joined us.
“Are just you and Mrs. Stark visiting?” Scarlett asked.
“No, Brandon’s here too. He was just parking.”
Scarlett led us toward the back. “I’ve set up the VIP room for Summer. You know the way, right?”
“Absolutely,” I nodded, taking Meave’s arm as Scarlett went to prepare refreshments.
The private room was tastefully decorated with Eastern and Western elements. Meave admired the hand–painted screens and carefully arranged tea sets.
“Did you design all this?” she asked.
“I did,” I smiled. “I wanted to combine Eastern tranquility with Western comfort.”
Brandon sat quietly in the corner, occasionally checking his phone. At one point, he stepped away to make a call, speaking too softly
for me to hear.
As we settled with our tea, I heard footsteps approaching. A light knock sounded at the door.
Brandon rose to answer it.
Edward Lee stood in the doorway, impeccably dressed despite having clearly rushed over. His usually cold demeanor seemed softer
today.
Meave froze, her teacup halfway to her lips. Scarlett, returning with pastries, glanced between us all before catching my subtle hint.
I’ll bring more tea,” she said tactfully, backing away.
Meave set down her cup, eyes fixed on Edward. The tension was palpable–not hostile, but heavy with history.
“Edward,” she finally said, voice carefully neutral.
“Mrs. Stark,” he replied, remaining at the threshold.
Meave looked from Brandon to me, understanding dawning. “This is about Grace, isn’t it?”
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Neither Brandon nor Edward answered, but their silence was confirmation enough.
Meave’s expression tightened. I could almost see her thoughts–memories of her daughter, the pain of these years, Gavin’s disapproval.
Brandon looked at me expectantly. My turn.
“Meave,” I began gently, “Edward wanted to speak with you. But if you don’t want to see him, we can ask him to leave.”
Edward remained still, respecting whatever decision Meave would make.
When she didn’t respond, my anxiety spiked. “I’m so sorry. Maybe we didn’t think this through. If you really don’t want to see him, I’ll have Brandon take him away.”
Brandon shifted. “I’m sorry, Meave. Perhaps you’re not ready, Maybe another time-”
“No,” Meave interrupted, her voice quiet but firm. Her eyes held a mixture of resignation and resolve. “Let him come in.”
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