Chapter 23: Family Reunion
Summer’s POV
“Miss Summer!”
Jenkins’s familiar voice made me turn. The old butler’s face lit up with genuine warmth as he hurried toward me, his usual formal demeanor softening. You shouldn’t be standing out here in this weather. Come inside quickly!”
“Jenkins.” Just seeing his kind face made my eyes sting. He’d been mare of a parent to me than Elizabeth or Richard ever were. “How’s Grandpa?”
“Mr. Taylor has been asking
ng about you all day.” He took my bag with practiced efficiency, leading me toward the garden path. “He’ll be overjoyed to see you.”
I followed Jenkins through the back gardens, grateful for his thoughtfulness in choosing this route. The smell of late roses mixed with the earthy scent of autumn, bringing back memories of childhood afternoons spent hiding among these same hedges with my books. Defore Victoria fearned to use my secrets against me. Before Alexander…
“Has he been taking his medicine?” I asked quickly, pushing away the unwanted thoughts.
“Religiously.” Jenkins’s voice carried a hint of amusement. Though he complains about it every morning. Some things nègr change
We passed the conservatory where Mother used to host her tea parties, showing off Victoria’s latest achievements while pointedly ignoring my existence. Through the glass, I could see staff members arranging elaborate flower displays. White roses. Victoria’s
Jvorite. Of course.
“The preparations seem… extensive.‘ I kept my voice carefully neutra
Jenkins expression remained professional, but something flickered in his eyes. “Indeed. Mrs. Taylor has invited quite a few guests from Wall Street. Something about expanding the family’s investment portfoliu.”
Using Gonular i hurthalay ta cú
My heart warmed at that Iven
very Elizabeth. The battemen must have shown on my face because Jenkins quickly
ne to bring you to him at toon as I see you.”
the second floor, I
for me, creating a safe spacu away from the circus downstairs. voces drifting up from the main ha Mather’s practiced laugh,
Victoria s melodic tones, the general burr of Manhattan’s elite doing what they did best: networking and judging.
Jenkin stopped outside the heavy oak door of Grandpas study, giving me an encouraging smile.
Summer? Grandpa Ge
George svoje carried throu
till strong despite
“Is that you?”
Taking a deep breath, I knocked softly. “Yes, Grandpa. It’s
Come in.
The study looked exactly as I remembered – walls lined with books and art, the massive desk dominating one end, comfortable leather chairs arranged near the fireplace. The only difference was the new painting propped against one wall, its protective wrapping only partially removed
Grandpa stood fro
from his desk chair, his face lighting up with genuine joy. Finally! I was beginning to think you’d changed your
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Chapter 23: Family Reunion
And miss your birthday?ssed the room quickly, letting him pull me into a tight bug. He smelled the same as always – a mix of old book and that indefinable scent that just meant home. “Never,”
“Let nie look at you.” He held me at arms length, his keen eyes taking In every detail. “You’ve lost weight. Are they working you too hard of Fortune Corp
I thought of what my parents had just sald in the garden, feeling doen. For a moment I forgot to respond.
Grandpa’s grip on my shoulders tightened slightly. “You don’t have to go down there if you don’t want to. We can have our own celebration up here.”
Π
“This is your birthday party, Grandpa.” I forced a smile, though my hart was racing at the thought of facing them all. “I won’t let them drive me away.”
His expression softened with understanding and something that might have been pride. “My brave girl.” He gestured to one of the leather chairs. “Sit with me for a moment. Tell me what’s really going on in that brilliant mind of yours.”
1 sank into the familiar comfort of the chair, watching as he settled into his usual spot by the fireplace. For a moment, it felt like nothing had changed – like I was still that little girl coming to him with scraped knees and hurt feelings, knowing he’d make everything better.
“Summer.” His voice grew serious. “If you still have feelings for Alexander-*
“No” The word came out sharper than I intended. Taking a breath, I modulated my tone. “No, Grandpa. That’s not… A man who could betray me like that isn’t worth a second thought.”
“Good.” He nodded approvingly. “You deserve so much better than a man who can’t recognize your worth.”
Before I could respond, Jenkins knocked softly. “Sir? Mr. Richard Taylor asks that you and Miss Summer join the party. The guests
are asking for you.”
Grandpa’s expression darkened slightly. “Tell my son
“It’s okay.” I stood, smoothing my dress. “We should go down. This is your party, after all.”
The halls of the Taylor mansion seemed longer than I remembered as we made our way downstairs, the sound of the party growing louder with each step. Grandpa’s hand found mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. At least I’m not facing this alone.
The ballroom was a sea of designer suits and evening gowns, the air thick with expensive perfume and carefully crafted laughter. As we entered, I felt rather than saw the ripple of attention the subtle shift in conversations, the quick glances, the barely concealed
whispers.
“There you are!” Richard’s voice carried across the room, forcefully cheerful. “We were starting to worry.”
I felt Grandpa’s hand tighten on mine as my father approached, Victoria and Alexander trailing in his wake like perfectly trained show dogs. The sight of them together still had the power to make my chest ache, but the pain was different now more like the phantom sting of an old wound than the raw agony it had once been.
–
“Summer.” Alexander’s voice carried that particular note of condescension that I’d somehow never noticed before. “You look… well.”
Victoria’s smile was picture–perfect as she clung to his arm. “We’ve missed you, sister dear. Haven’t we, darling?”
The endearment hit like a slap. I watched them standing there, so pleased with themselves, so certain of their victory. They really think they can just rewrite history, don’t they? Make me the villain in their Mttle love story.
“Have you?” My voice came out cool and steady, surprising even myself. “How thoughtful of you both to care so much about my
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Chapter 23: Family Reunion
wellbeing. Though I can’t help but wonder when exnetly did this cheer develop? Before or after you decided to announce your engagement while I was overseas?”
Victoria’s perfect smile faltered for just a moment. “Summer, darling you’re not still bitter about that, are you? We only want what’s
best for everyone.”
“What’s hest?” I couldn’t help the bitter laugh that escaped. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”
“That’s enough.” Richard’s voice cracked like a whip. “This is your grandfather’s birthday celebration. I believe you have brought enough shame on this family. Save your dramatics for another time.
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