Chapter 361
Summer’s POV
‘Apologize.” Sophie Said.
“You let ME apologize to HER?” Victoria’s voice went up another octave.
“Do you still want those shares or not?” Sophie snapped, grabbing Victoria’s arm. “Don’t forget she’s still your boss at Stark Entertainment. Brandon is your boss. Summer is too!”
I watched Victoria’s face confort as this reality sank in. The thought of acknowledging me as her superior clearly made her physically ill.
Sophie turned to me with a placating smile. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Stark Victoria didn’t mean to… she was just startled.”
“Victoria.” I raised an eyebrow. “Moving around so dramatically–aren’t you worried about throwing your back out?”
Victoria’s jaw tightened my sarcasm. Sophie nudged her hard.
“I’m sorry,” Victoria finally ground out, the words clearly causing her physical pain.
I tilted my head. “What was that? I couldn’t quite hear you.”
“I said I’m SORRY!” Victoria practically shouted.
I studied her. “So, Victoria, does this mean you still want those shares? The ones I told you I sold months ago?”
“Summer, don’t play games. Those shares belong to the Taylor family to me.”
“Funny,” I replied calmly, “I don’t remember them having your name on them. Grandpa George specifically gave them to me.”
“Summer,” Victoria’s voice dropped to a threatening whisper, “you’ve sold out our family. You gave away Taylor family assets to
outsiders.”
I shrugged. “I sold something that belonged to me. And by the way, Grandpa George knew about it. I asked for his permission before selling them.”
Victoria’s face went slack with shock. “That’s impossible. Grandfather would never agree to that.”
“Why would I lie? Call him and ask if you don’t believe me.”
“This can’t be. Who did you sell them to?”
I smiled slightly. “That’s none of your business. But I can tell you this–they’re in good hands.”
“What kind of twisted game are you playing? Those shares are our family’s legacy!”
‘I had every right to sell them,” I replied firmly. “And about that envelope you’re holding–what exactly do you think is in there tha could possibly threaten me now?
Victoria clutched the envelope tighter. “You might be married to Brandon Stark, but do you think he’ll stay with you when he sees what you really are? When he sees what happened that night by the river?”
1/3
Chapter 361.
Her words sent an involuntary chill down my spine, but I kept my expression neutral. “Go ahead, Victoria. Show everyone. I have nothing to hide.
“Mrs. Stark!” Desmond’s voice cet through our conversation.
I turned to see him approaching our table, his imposing figure drawing stares. Victoria and Sophie visibly paled.
“Mr. Stark asked me to accompany you,” Desmond said, standing beside me.
Sophie tugged at Victoria’s sleeve. “Let’s go, Victoria.”
“Wait, Miss Taylor,” I called as they turned to leave. Victoria froze, and Desmond immediately stepped between them and the exit.
“What do you want? Victoria stammered.
“Desmond, please make sure Miss Taylor returns what belongs to me
Victoria clutched her purse tighter. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“The envelope, Victoria. Give it to me now.”
“This is ridiculous!” Victoria tried to push past Desmond. “You can’t just-”
In one swift motion, Desmond took Victoria’s purse and emptied the contents onto a nearby table. Among the items was the sealed envelope.
“This, Mrs. Stark?” Desmond asked, holding it up..
“Yes, thank you,” I nodded.
Victoria lunged for it, but Desmond easily kept it out of her reach.
“This is theft!” Victoria hissed. “I’ll call the police!”
“Please do,” Desmond replied calmly. “I’m sure Mr. Stark’s lawyers would be interested in discussing why you were using it to threaten his wife.”
Victoria’s face drained of color as she stuffed her belongings back into her purse.
“This isn’t over, Summer,” she spat, but her voice lacked conviction.
“I believe it is,” I replied. “Goodbye, Victoria.”
Sophie practically dragged Victoria out, both stumbling in their haste to escape.
Outside, Brandon’s sleek black car waited at the curb. My heart skipped as I slid in beside him, clutching the envelope.
“Brandon!” I exclaimed, relief washing over me.
His expression was readable. “Didn’t I tell you to leave these matters to me?” He glanced at the envelope. “What’s that you’re holding?”
“I… I’ll show you, but please don’t get angry?”
Brandon opened the envelope to reveal several photographs–but not of me. They were modeling shots of Victoria.
2/3
Chapter 361
“You came here for these?” Brandon asked, brow furrowed.
‘I don’t understand,” I stammefed. “Victoria said she had photos of me from when I was fifteen, from when I was found by the East
River,”
Brandon’s expression darkened. “Summer, come here.” He pulled me loser. “What were you going to tell me just now?*
I took a deep breath. “When I was fifteen, I went missing for three days. When they found me, I was by the East River, barely conscious, with torn clothes. I don’t remember much–just fragments nightmares really.”
I paused. Grandpa and my maternal grandfather told me I’d been kidnapped. I always thought Victoria saved me that day. Victoria said she knew what happened and had photos from that day.”
play.“.
Brandon’s arms tightened around me. “And you were worried about how I would react? That I might think less of you?”
I nodded, unable to meet his eyes.
“Summer,” Brandon said softly, lifting my chin, “whatever happened to you—it doesn’t matter to me. Nothing would ever change how I feel about you. Nothing.”
His intensity startled me. “Brandon, I don’t understand why you’re so absolute about this.”
“Nothing and no one will ever be more important to me than you. Not even myself. Do you understand?”
Tears welled in my eyes at his conviction.
“Brandon,” I said hesitantly, “I have a favor to ask. Please don’t go after my family yet. Just Victoria.”
Brandon studied me. “You’re worried about George.”
I nodded. “Yes. He’s been good to me.”
“Alright,” Brandon agreed. “For now, I’ll only deal with Victoria.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, leaning against his shoulder.
By the time we reached The Hamptons, I was exhausted. Brandon carried me upstairs and gently laid me on our bed.
“Sleep,” he said softly, brushing hair from my face. “We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
As I drifted off, I felt Brandon’s hand in mine, a constant, reassuring presence. The last thing I saw before sleep claimed me was his face, watching over me with unwavering devotion.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
