Chapter 107
Summer’s POV
Grandpa’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “This child! Those shares were given to you, so they’re yours to dispose of however you wish. I just want to make sure you thought this through. This Brandon Stark…”
“Grandpa, please don’t worry,” I squeezed his hand. “Brandon is nothing like Alexander. He’s good to me. And trust me, he doesn’t need Capital Corp shares.”
He nodded slowly. “Capital Corp is nothing compared to Stark Group, I’m old but I know that.” His voice softened. “I just want you to be happy, Summer.”
“I know what you mean,” I smiled. “Actually, Brandon made it clear that while the shares are in his name, they’re still mine. And honestly, I got the better deal. Not only did I exchange them for Stark Entertainment shares, but he also gave me some of his own. I’m actually the largest shareholder of Stark Entertainment now.”
Grandpa’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re the majority shareholder of Stark Entertainment?”
I nodded, unable to suppress a smile at his shocked expression.
“Well, that eases my mind,” he sighed. “Summer, when will you bring him to meet me properly? I need to size up this man who’s stolen my granddaughter’s heart.”
“Soon!” I promised, “As soon as you’re discharged.”
“Good, good!” Grandpa nodded, a genuine smile lighting his tired face.
The doctor arrived, insisting Grandpa needed rest. I kissed his forehead and promised to return tomorrow.
I stepped out of the hospital into the bright midday sun, too distracted to notice the clicking sounds from nearby bushes. I’d been followed since entering the hospital.
“Summer.”
I froze at Alexander’s voice. He stood directly in my path, immaculate in his designer suit. The shock made me stumble, and my thermos clattered to the pavement.
I quickly crouched to retrieve it before Alexander could help, stepping around him as I rose.
“Summer, what are you doing?” Alexander’s voice carried that familiar exasperation. “Do we really have to be like this?”
“Like what?” replied coldly. “Mr. Stark, would you please move aside?
“I heard what happened. Why didn’t you come to me?”
“What are you talking about? Come to you for what?”
“You know exactly what I mean. The company situation.” His voice lowered. “The leaked files. Was it really you who-
“Does it matter?” I cut him off. “Why would you care what happens to me? Does it actually matter if I leaked those files or not?”
Alexander’s brow furrowed. “Of course it matters. You’re-*
“Enough, Alexander. I don’t have the energy for this conversation.”
1/3
Chapter 107
“Summer!” He grabbed my arm. Can’t we just talk? Why are you always so hostile? Have you forgotten what we used to have?”
“What we used to have?” I laughed humorlessly, pulling free. “I’ve forgotten all about it.”
I stepped back, voice icy, “Mr. Stark, remember your current position. We’re nothing more than in–laws now. I’ll handle my Fortune Corp issues myself.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. “Summer, I’ve told you about Victoria and me. I don’t love her, I-
“Whether you love her is none of my business,” I cut him off. “You chose her, so be good to her. Stop saying these things to me.”
The memory of his words at the Plaza Hotel engagement flickered through my mind–his declaration that he’d always loved
Victoria.
“You think you’re blameless?” Alexander’s voice hardened. “You never had your parents‘ affection or family shares. You have no standing in your own family. You never fought for anything.”
He stepped closer. “If you’d had Victoria’s position in the family, if you’d had shares in Capital Corp, it would be us getting engaged. I wouldn’t have needed to marry Victoria. We were good together.”
I stared at him, genuinely stunned. “So this is all my fault? That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Anger bubbled up inside me. “You’re a grown man with Fortune Corp behind you. Yet here you are with the most pathetic mindset. Do you need a woman’s shares to validate yourself? I didn’t have shares, Victoria did, so you chose her? Fine. But blaming me? Only men without real ability need to climb on a woman’s back. I thought you were different, but clearly…”
I shook my head. “With the same last name, Mr. Brandon Stark is leagues ahead of you.”
Alexander’s face turned red. “What? You’re comparing me to Brandon Stark? What does he have? Just family backing and Stark Group. Without those, he’d be just like me.”
“No,” I said coldly. “You’re nothing alike, and you’re not worthy of comparison. Brandon has so much more than just his family name and company.”
“You seem to know him well. What’s your relationship with him?”
“Nothing special. I just think you’re absolutely pathetic.”
I glanced over his shoulder. “For someone of your stature, causing a scene outside a hospital isn’t smart. You may not be famous, but your fiancée certainly is.”
Alexander followed my gaze to where a camera flash had gone off. His face paled.
Taking advantage of his distraction, I slipped into my car and sped away, leaving him choking on exhaust fumes as he ran after the photographer.
Safely away, I pulled over and called Brandon. He picked up immediately, his voice unusually gentle. “Hello?”
In the background, I heard muffled meeting sounds.
“Hi,” I replied, hesitating. “I visited Grandpa today. I ran into two people.”
“People who upset you?” Brandon asked, his tone shifting slightly.
Yeah. My mom and Alexander, as expected.” I admitted, tension releasing at the sound of his voice.
2/3
Chapter 107
“What did they do? The dangerous edge in his words was unmistakable.
“It’s not a big deal. But when I was leaving, someone was following me and took photos. I’ve been thinking about who might have it out for me, and besides Victoria and her crew, I can’t think of anyone. Could it be her?”
There was a brief commotion on Brandon’s end, then his voice came through more clearly. “It’s okay. I’ll handle this. They won’t dare do anything to you.”
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