Chapter 131
Brandon’s POV
The moment June left the private dining room, George Taylor’s demeanor shifted. The warm, indulgent grandfather vanished, replaced by the shrewd businessman who’d built Taylor Enterprises from nothing.
“Mr. Stark, care to explain yourself?” His voice was level but carried mistakable weight.
I didn’t rush to answer. This wasn’t like dealing with Jonathan Thompson, who wore his displeasure openly. George Taylor was mote measured, more strategic.
I reached for the teapot, pouring a fro
cup. “Please, call me Branden.”
“Actually, I’ve known Summer for a long time,” I began, setting down the teapot. “You might not be aware, but her maternal grandfather, Jonathan Thompson, was my mentor at Columbia. I’ve met Summer before.”
George’s eyebrow arched. “So you’re saying your feelings for my granddaughter weren’t formed overnight?*
“You could say that,” I acknowledged. “Though Summer barely remembers meeting me back then.”
Something shifted in George’s expression.
“I won’t pretend I’ve been entirely forthright about this marriage,” I admitted. “But know this–I care deeply for June. I’ll protect her, always.” I paused. “Our marriage came about through… circumstances. But sometimes the best things happen unexpectedly.*
George’s face darkened at my subtle reference to what June had endured. “You know about the Taylor family situation.”
It wasn’t a question.
“I believe your decision to give Summer those Capital Corp shares was both protective and strategic,” I said, meeting his gaze directly. “You wanted to shield her while preserving the family’s foundation.”
George nodded slowly. “You have remarkable insight, Brandon. My granddaughter chose well.”
=
“But have you considered,” I ventured, “that some responsibilities aren’t suited for Summer to bear?”
George sighed heavily. “Of course I have. I never wanted to drag her into Taylor family politics.” He gripped his cane tighter. “But when I’m gone, what then? Who protects her? The shares give her leverage, a voice that can’t be silenced.”
“Some burdens aren’t appropriate for her,” I stated firmly. “Not now, mot ever.”
I leaned forward. “I’m making you a promise right now. What she shouldn’t handle, I will handle for her
George’s eyes widened slightly. “You’re quite confident, young man.”
“I have reason to be.”
He studied me for a long moment, then chuckled. “And here I was, worrying about Summer facing my son and Victoria. Perhaps my concerns were… unnecessary.”
“Our marriage had practical elements,” I acknowledged. “Not my preference, but reality nonetheless. As for the Stark family, June will meet them when she’s ready. Your other concerns…” I let my voice drop slightly. “Consider them handled.”
George’s smile broadened. “Excellent. Take care of my girl, Brandon.
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Chapter 131.
Then I opened the door and saw June was pacing outside, her forehead creased with worry. Parker watched her with barely concealed amusement.
She startled, then quickly composed herself, stepping toward me. She slipped her hand into mine.
“Are you two finished? What did Grandpa say? He didn’t give you a hard time, did he?” The questions tumbled out. ‘I’m sorry about earlier-
George rose from his chair, feigning indignation. “What exactly could I hold against Brandon? You make your grandfather sound like some unreasonable old tyrant!”
June’s blush deepened. “Grandpa, you’re teasing me!”
George laughed heartily. “Look at your husband–does he look like he’s been through an interrogation? My granddaughter gets married, and suddenly she’s taking her husband’s side over her dear old grandfather!”
June stomped her foot lightly, turning to me. “And you! What are you smiling about? This is all your fault!”
I couldn’t help but smile wider, gently patting her hand. “Hungry? Let’s eat.”
The meal progressed smoothly. June kept glancing between George and me with curiosity, clearly wondering what had transpired. Meanwhile, George and I discussed Wall Street trends–topics that quickly had June tuning out.
I noticed her plate emptying and automatically reached over to add more shrimp, knowing her preference. Without breaking my conversation with George, I peeled the shrimp for her, removing the tails. When she finished her water, I refilled her glass before she could reach for the pitcher.
These small gestures caught George’s attention more than our financial discussion. His eyes softened each time I anticipated June’s needs. This wasn’t just a grandfather concerned about a marriage–this was a man who recognized genuine care.
June, distracted by her curiosity, didn’t notice she was eating far more than usual. Each time I placed food on her plate, she absently consumed it, her mind elsewhere.
“Brandon, I can manage perfectly well on my own,” George insisted as James loaded several packages into the Taylor family car.
“I’m sure you can,” I agreed smoothly, “but it would be my pleasure.”
George finally relented, shaking his head. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.”
After watching the Taylor car disappear, June immediately turned to me, eyes bright.
“What did you say to Grandpa? He was practically glowing by the end of lunch!”
I tapped her nose playfully. “I told you I’d handle everything. You’re not very patient, are you?”
“That’s not an answer,” she protested, but there was no real heat in her words.
I took her hand. “How about a walk? The weather’s perfect.”
She frowned slightly, patting her stomach. “You kept putting food on my plate. I think I ate twice my normal amount! If I keep eating like this, I’m definitely going to gain weight.”
I appraised her slim figure, reaching up to squeeze her cheek gently. That’s not a bad thing. A little more curve would be nice. Makes you more comfortable to hold.”
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Chapter 131
Her cheeks flushed. “Be serious! I’m asking about my grandfather, and you’re changing the subject!”
I sighed, pulling her into my arms. My fingers threaded through her oft hair.
“I said I’d take care of everything, and I will,” I murmured against the top of her head. “What your grandfather and I discussed… that’s between us men. Some things you can leave to me, okay?”
I felt her relax against my chest, her arms tightening around my waist as she nodded. “Okay.”
She understood what I wasn’t saying–that when the time was right, would tell her. That’s who June was–sharp enough to read between the lines, trusting enough to know I wouldn’t withhold anything truly important.
As we walked, her hand safely tucked in mine, I thought about George Taylor’s words: “Take care of my girl. The simplicity of the request belied its weight–it wasn’t just about protecting June physically or financially. It was about giving her the love and stability she’d never fully had.
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