Chapter 330
Summer’s POV
The Stark Group lobby buzzed with post–holiday energy as I struggled with a stack of financial reports that had been haunting me since before New Year’s. My brain felt foggy from the brutal transition back to work life, and these investment projections weren’t making it any easier.
I nearly collided with two men in identical black suits and sunglasses who stepped directly into my path.
“Ms. Taylor?” The taller one’s voice was deep and formal.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“Mr. Stark would like to see you. Please come with us.”
I blinked. “Mr. Stark? Who exactly-
“Our employer requests your presence immediately.”
A chill ran through me as I connected the dots. “William Stark, right
The subtle twitch at the corner of his mouth confirmed my guess.
“Could I drop these files off upstairs first? They’re important and-”
“It’s William Stark who wishes to see you,” he cut in firmly, “since you’re aware, then you understand the urgency. Whatever you’re doing must wait.”
His tone made me bristle. Brandon could be demanding, but at least he had some semblance of social grace.
“You need to let me call my boss,” I insisted. “I can’t just disappear with critical financial reports. People are waiting for these.”
The men exchanged annoyed glances just as Leo Schmidt walked through the revolving doors.
I jumped at the opportunity. “Leo! Thank God you’re here. I have those analysis reports you needed.”
Leo looked confused. “The analysis? I thought you weren’t finishing those until this afternoon?”
I shot him a meaningful look while handing over the papers. “Brandon wanted these right away, but I need to step out. Could you make sure he gets them when they’re ready?”
As I passed him the files, I gave his hand a firm squeeze. “Make sure Brandon knows about this.”
Leo’s eyes flickered to the men in suits, understanding dawning. Of course. I’ll personally see that Bra whatever you need to–we’ll touch base by phone.”
gets them. Go handle
“Thank you, I said, then turned to the men. “Alright, where exactly
William Stark waiting?”
They didn’t answer just gestured toward a sleek black car at the curb
The silence in the car was deafening as we drove away from the city reached for my phone in my purse.
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“I wouldn’t do that,” the man the passenger seat warned.
I raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? I can’t even check my phone? William Stark invited me for a conversation, not a kidnapping.”
“We were instructed-”
“Relax,” I cut him off. “I’m just texting
a
friend, not Brandon. It’s not like we’re doing anything illegal here.”
“I suggest you cooperate, Ms. Taylor.”
I pretended to comply, dropping my phone back into my purse while discretely pressing Brandon’s number. To mask any sounds, 1 launched into cheerful chatter.
“So how long have you guys worked for William Stark? Must be interesting, right? The Stark family has such a fascinating history on
Wall Street..”
I kept talking, ignoring their stony silence. For once, my nervous rambling was useful.
We arrived at an elegant beachfront property. The house was smaller than Brandon’s estate but exuded old money from every carefully maintained inch.
“Mr. Stark is upstairs,” one of the men informed me. “Wait here.”
“Should I go up?” I asked.
“You’ll wait here,” he replied firmly.
My throat felt parched after all my nervous chattering. “Could I at least get some water? I didn’t have a chance to drink anything at the office, and I’m seriously thirsty.”
One man went for water while the other headed upstairs. When he returned, he handed me the glass with a warning. “Don’t try anything.”
“What exactly could I try? I’m just sitting here waiting for an elderly gentleman.”
Half an hour later, William Stark finally descended the stairs, clutching an ornate cane. Despite his age, there was no mistaking the commanding presence that had ruled Wall Street for decades.
I rose, offering a respectful smile. “Mr. Stark!”
William settled into a chair opposite me, studying me with piercing eyes reminiscent of Brandon’s. “Who else is in your family, Ms. Taylor?”
I recognized the question for what it was–confirmation of information he’d already gathered. “My parents are still alive, as are both my grandfathers. I also have an older sister, Victoria.”
“Is that so? I’ve heard your relationship with your family is rather… strained.”
That’s what you’ve heard,” I replied evenly. “But rumors can be misleading. For instance, I recently heard that the Stark family is divided about Brandon’s position as heir.”
His eyebrows shot up at my boldness. After a moment, he pushed himself to his feet.
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“Summer, let’s not waste time, I don’t care if you’ve married Brandon or not. I will never accept you into the Stark family. You will never be acknowledged as a Stark.”
I straightened my shoulders, meting his gaze directly. ‘Brandon and married half a year ago. He proposed to me, not the othe way around. We entered this marriage for the long haul, and I have no intention of leaving Brandon. I won’t divorce him unfess he stops loving me and ends things himself. Nothing you or anyone else does will separate us/
William’s knuckles whitened around his cane. “Such audacity! You married Brandon for the Stark family name, obrionly. Everyone in New York wants to be connected to the Starks. As long as I refuse to acknowledge you, you’ll never be a true Stark–and Brandon will never inherit the family business!”
birthrigh
“Is that a threat?” I asked quietly. “You’d deny Brandon his birthright because of me?‘
He leaned forward. “What’s the matter? Disappointed that your meal ticket might lose his fortune?”
To his visible surprise, I laughed–not politely, but genuinely. “Mr. Stark, you actually think I’m with Brandon for the Stark family
name?”
“Aren’t you?”
I shook my head, still smiling. “I don’t need to explain my feelings to you. I’m laughing because you clearly don’t know your grandson at all. You think Brandon would be nothing without the Stark family? Yes, Stark Group is a Wall Street powerhouse, impressive to outsiders. But without Brandon, the Stark Group would be just another financial institution.”
William’s face flushed with anger. “What did you just say? Say that again!”
“Mr. Stark, I don’t think you know why you brought me here. If you want me to leave Brandon, it’s simple: have Brandon come tell me himself. If he wants to end things and has a reasonable explanation, I’ll walk away. But you clearly don’t understand your grandson’s character if you thought summoning me behind his back would-
We were interrupted by the unmistakable sound of a car engine shutting off outside.
I couldn’t help the small, triumphant smile that crept across my face. “Sounds like you missed your window of opportunity to intimidate me, Mr. Stark.”
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