Chapter 260
Summer’s POV
I gradually drifted back to consciousness, warm and comfortable in unfamiliar sheets. My hand was gripping something firmly- something warm and solid. As my eyes fluttered open, I realized with a jolt that I was clutching Brandon’s hand like it was a lifeline.
Brandon sat on the edge of the bed, immaculately dressed in a fresh suit, reading something on his tablet. He must have felt me stie because his eyes immediately shifted to mine.
“Hey,” he said, his voice soft.
“How are you feeling? Sleep well?‘ He reached over, gently tucking strand of hair behind my ear.
“Yeah, really well,” I replied, stifling a yawn.
My eyes drifted to the bedside clock and widened in shock. “Oh my God, is it that late already?”
I bolted upright, suddenly remembering where we were–not in our Hamptons estate, but in Ethan Kennedy’s Manhattan residence. The events of last night came flooding back–the car chase, the assassins, Ethan killing those men with such terrifying ease…
“Last night…” I began, my voice shaking slightly.
“Wash up and come downstairs. Breakfast is waiting.” Brandon interrupted, clearly trying to steer me away from those thoughts.
“Oh… okay,” I replied, letting him change the subject. For now.
In the bathroom, I stared at my reflection while brushing my teeth. My mind kept replaying the events of last night.
After splashing cold water on my face, I padded back toward the bedroom, stopping abruptly in the doorway. Brandon was in the middle of changing his shirt, his broad back and toned muscles on full display. Despite everything, I felt my cheeks flush hot.
He caught my reflection in the mirror and turned, a knowing smirk playing at his lips. “It’s nothing you haven’t seen before. Why so shy?”
“Shut up,” I muttered, trying and failing to sound annoyed.
I noticed clothes laid out on the bed–a simple but stylish blouse and jeans. The price tags were still attached.
“Did you go shopping for me this morning?” I asked incredulously.
Brandon shook his head. “Arya picked them up. Hurry and get dressed
They fit perfectly, which was both impressive and slightly unnerving
D
Brandon led me downstairs, his warm hand firmly entwined with mine. As we descended the grand staircase, I was shocked to see the living room filled with people–Ethan Kennedy, Arya, Edward Lee Dr. Sean, James Wilson, Landon, and Desmond. Every pair of eyes swiveled to us as we entered.
Dr. Sean was the first to break the slightly awkward silence, bounding forward with his usual cheery demeanor.
“Well, good morning, Mrs. Stark!” he exclaimed with a bright smile. How are you feeling? Last night was pretty late, and you were already asleep when we wanted to check on you, but Brandon wouldn’t let us disturb you.” He shot Brandon & playful glance. “You have no idea how worried we all were!”
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Chapter 260
Brandon’s icy glare could have frozen hell, and Sean immediately backpedaled.
“Anyway, the important thing is you’re okay,” he finished lamely
I couldn’t help but laugh at his rapid retreat. “I’m fine, Sean. Thanks for your concern.”
“Ignore him,” Brandon said dismissively, before addressing the room at large. “Why is everyone here?”
Edward leaned back in his chair, the picture of casual arrogance, “What, we can’t drop by to check on you? I own property in this neighborhood too, you know. Don’t forget, all these houses were my development projects.”
Brandon’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “How thoughtful of you all.”
He turned to me. “Are you hungry?”
Caught off guard by the sudden attention, I felt every eye in the room on me. I tugged gently at Brandon’s hand, uncomfortable with being the center of focus. “I’m fine!.”
Brandon accepted a cigarette from Ethan but just held it.
“So you’re planning to have them follow me around 24/7 now?” he asked, not bothering to hide his irritation.
Ethan tapped ash from his cigarette. “We don’t know who’s behind this yet. You’re not just thinking about yourself anymore, Brandon. You have Summer now.”
Brandon fell silent for a moment. “Having so many people following me around will draw attention. If the Stark family notices, my father will start asking questions.”
Edward spoke up. “And if no one’s watching your back, what happened yesterday could happen again at any moment. Maybe you could evade them, but what about Summer?”
Brandon’s jaw clenched, but he finally nodded. “Fine. Your people can follow me, but they need to stay hidden. I don’t need that many guards–assign more of them to Summer.”
He turned to Desmond. “Select six men to watch over my wife.”
“Yes, sir. And for you?” Desmond asked.
“Two will be sufficient,” Brandon said firmly.
Desmond’s face creased with concern. “That’s not enough, sir. Let me assign at least four to your detail.”
“Two, Brandon repeated, his tone brooking no argument.
Ethan nodded, stubbing out his cigarette. “We’ll do it Brandon’s way.” Then, with characteristic abruptness, he added, “Now that we’ve settled that, the rest of you can leave.”
3
Dr. Sean’s face fell comically. “Hey, come on, Ethan! That’s no way to treat friends.”
Edward was already standing. “It’s fine. I have matters to attend to at the office anyway.”
Dr. Sean lingered a moment longer before sighing dramatically. “Fine, fine, I know when I’m not wanted. Brandon, make sure you bring Summer by the hospital later.”
Brandon’s expression remained neutral, but I saw the subtle nod he gave Sean.
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Chapter 260
Several hours later, Brandon and I walked through the pristine corridors of Manhattan General Hospital. My nerves were still on edge, jumping at every loud noise or sudden movement.
Dr. Sean looked genuinely surprised when we entered his office, “Brandon? I didn’t actually expect you to show up. He looked us both over carefully. “Are you injured? Did something happen?”
Brandon shook his head, ‘Where’s that psychologist who works with you? The one you mentioned last month?”
I froze, my head snapping toward Brandon. A psychologist? Why do you need to see a psychologist?”
Dr. Sean seemed equally confused. “Yeah, what’s going on? You’re literally the last person I’d expect to have psychological issues. You’re alarmingly normal, honestly.”
His eyes narrowed as he studied Brandon more carefully. “Wait… dont tell me you were traumatized by what happened yesterday?
You?”
Brandon’s mouth tightened with annoyance as he glared at Sean.
That’s when it hit me. The reason we were here, why Brandon had agreed so readily to Sean’s suggestion to bring me to the hospital.
“Brandon,” I said slowly, my voice rising with indignation, “do you think I have mental problems?”
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