Chapter 301
Brandon’s POV
Without another word, I turned and strode toward the exit. Behind me, I heard Elle struggling to her feet.
“Brandon, wait!” she called out, her voice still rough from my grip.
I didn’t bother turning around. The sound of Jane’s sharp command carried through the hall.
‘Elle! Stay where you are!”
I continued walking, but could hear their heated exchange.
“Auntie,” Elle’s voice broke with desperation, “what Brandon said… its not true, is it? He’s lying, right? He’s just trying to hurt me…”
Jane’s voice was strained, clearly struggling to maintain her composure after being so publicly humiliated by her own nephew. I allowed myself a cold smile as I reached the grand foyer.
“Brandon.” My father’s authoritative voice rang out.
I paused, not turning around.
“Don’t,” Sarah’s voice cut in. “Father, please.”
–“Sarah, Brandon is-”
“Brandon isn’t a child anymore,” Sarah insisted. “Everything he does has a reason behind it.”
My father sighed heavily. “Fine, then.”
I pushed through the heavy oak doors, the winter air hitting my face like a slap. My car was already waiting at the bottom of the steps. James Wilson appeared at my side, breathing hard from rushing after me.
“Sir, what’s happened? Is everything alright?”
“Don’t follow me,” I ordered, pulling open the car door. “Stay here and watch the house. I want to see who still dares associate with the Sinclairs after tonight.”
James’s expression registered surprise, but he nodded immediately. “Of course, Mr. Stark.”
I paused, one foot in the car. “If necessary, increase the pressure. Make sure everyone understands the consequences.”
A thin smile spread across James’s face. “Understood, Mr. Stark.”
As I slid behind the wheel, I caught sight of Elle bursting through the mansion doors, frantically scanning the driveway. The engine roared to life, and I pulled away without a backward glance.
I accelerated down the long driveway, leaving the mansion and its drama behind. As soon as I hit the main road, I pressed the gas pedal to the floor and pulled out my phone, dialing Sean.
“Where are you now?” I demanded the moment he answered.
“We’re on our way,” Sean replied, his voice tense even through the speakerphone. ‘Heading to Summer’s apartment-
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Chapter 301
“No! Summer’s voice cut in, sunding raw and desperate. “Not the apartment. I want to go to the Hamptons estate. Sean, take me to the Hamptons!”
I could hear Sean’s hesitation. Well, that’s… the Hamptons is…”
“Sean,” I cut in sharply. “Take her to the Hamptons estate. Now.”
“Right, on it.”
“Put Summer on the phone,” I ordered.
There was a rustling sound as the phone changed hands.
“Summer,” I said, softening my voice. “Let Sean take you home. I’m on my way. I’ll be there soon.”
“Okay,” she replied, her voice small but determined. “I’ll wait for you. Brandon, I’ll always wait for you.”
She hung up, and I pressed harder on the accelerator, pushing well beyond the speed limit. The roads were nearly empty on Christmas Eve, allowing me to make the journey in record time.
By the time I arrived at the Hamptons estate, Sean’s car was already parked out front. I barely took the time to shut off the engine before striding through the front door.
“Where’s Summer?” I demanded.
Sean was pacing in the foyer, looking relieved to see me. He jerked his thumb toward the staircase. “Upstairs. And honestly, I have -no idea what happened tonight. She’s been acting strange since we left the Taylor mansion. Something’s very wrong.
“Thank you for calling me,” I said, moving toward the stairs. “You can go now.”
Sean hesitated. “Actually, I noticed something on my way in. There are people watching the estate. Someone’s got eyes on you- surveillance outside the gates.”
I paused, hand on the banister. “Then stay here tonight. There are guest rooms on the first and second floors. Take your pick.
I took the stairs two at a time, my heart pounding against my ribs. A the master bedroom, I pushed the door open without knocking.
Summer was sitting on the floor, knees pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped tightly around them. She looked up when I entered, her eyes red–rimmed and filled with a desperation that made my chest ache.
I crossed the room in three strides and lifted her into my arms. “Brandon!” she gasped, relief flooding her voice as she clutched at my shirt. “Brandon, you’re here!”
“I’m here,” I confirmed, carrying her to the bed and setting her down gently. I pulled the comforter over her, frowning when I felt how cold her feet were. Why are you barefoot on the floor? It’s the middle of winter.”
Summer’s lips trembled, her expression so wounded that I immediately regretted my harsh tone.
“I’m not angry,” I said more softly, sitting beside her. “I was just worked.”
“Brandon,” she whispered, her fingers digging into my arm. “Don’t leave me. Please, don’t leave me.”
I pulled her against my chest, one hand cradling the back of her head. “I won’t. I will never leave you.”
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09:59 Sat, May 10 O
Chapter 301
She clung to me like a drowning person, her body trembling with emotion. I held her silently, offering the comfort of my presence as minutes stretched into a half hour. Her grip never loosened.
“Summer,” I finally said, “I’m no going anywhere. You can let go.”
“No,” she refused, burying her face deeper against my shoulder.
“I’m not trying to leave,” I explained patiently. “I just want to lie next to you, that’s all.”
She hesitated, then slowly released her grip and shifted to the side, pulling back a corner of the comforter. “Lie here,” she commanded softly.
I complied, settling beside her on the bed. Immediately, she grabbed my hand and wrapped her other arm around my waist, burrowing into the shelter of my body.
“I’m here,” I murmured, stroking her hair. “I’m right here. You’re safe
Gradually, her breathing evened out, but her eyes remained open, watching me with an intensity that suggested she was afraid I might disappear if she blinked.
“Are you going to tell me what happened today?” I asked finally.
Summer’s gaze dropped, focusing on my collar instead of my face.
“Summer,” I said firmly, tilting her chin up. “I’m your husband, remember?”
-She bit her lip, her expression painfully vulnerable. “Brandon, what if…” she paused, voice barely above a whisper. “What if I’m not really a Taylor? If I don’t even know who I am… would you still want me? Or would you reject me because my identity is…
unknown?”
I went still, processing the implications of her question. Her anxiety grew in the silence, prompting her to backpedal.
“I’m just saying hypothetically,” she hurried to explain. “Brandon, I-
“Summer,” I cut her off, my voice low and deliberate. “You are you. Whether you’re a Taylor or not doesn’t change who you are. Do you understand?”
Her eyes searched mine, seeking reassurance. “Really?”
“You are my wife,” I said firmly. “Brandon Stark’s wife. That’s all that matters.”
