Chapter 52: Inheritance–1
Summer’s POV
I was gathering my things to leave Fortune Corp. My phone’s sudden buzz made me jump – Grandpa George’s familiar contact photo lighting up the screen.
“Grandpa?”
“Summer, dear.” His warms voice carried that particular mix of authority and affection I’d grown up with. “Are you done with work?
I glanced at the clock, biting my lower lip. “Almost, Is everything
“Can’t an old man want to see his granddaughter?” The gentle teasing in his tone made something in my chest ache. “I was thinking… I know the mansion isn’t convenient right now, with your hatents… He trailed off with a soft sigh that spoke volumes. “Perhaps we could meet somewhere else?“.
“Of course!” The words tumbled out before I could stop them. The St. Regis? Their tea room is nice and private.”
“Perfect” His voice brightened slightly. “I have Jenkins make the arrangements,”
After hanging up, I found myself staring
ng at Brandon’s contact photo, Should I call Mim? The thought made my flip, but I pressed the call button anyway.
stomach do a little
“It’s me!”
“Hmm?” His deep voice carried a hint of surprise. “Everything alright?”
“Yeah, I just….” I twisted my fingers in my blouse hem. “I might be home late tonight. Grandpa wants to see me. It seems important.“;
There was a moment of silence, then: “Alright. Anoth
pause. “Be careful. Call if you need anything.”
My friend Scarlett, who owned this place, greeted me at the St. Regis entrance. “Your grandfather’s already waiting,” she said softly, gesturing toward the private rooms. “He arrived early.”
The tea room’s elegant atmosphere wrapped around me like a familia blanket as I followed the attendant. Grandpa George sat in his usual commanding pose, though something about the set of his shoulders seemed different tonight. Jenkins stood at attention- nearby, his professional mask firmly in place.
“Summith” Grandpa’s face lit up as he waved me over. “Come here, der.”
“Grandpa!” I couldn’t help smiling as I settled into the chair across from him. “You got here early?”
He busied himself pouring tea with the same precise movements I remembered from childhood afternoons. “Work keeping you busy?”
“Not too bad.” I accepted the cup gratefully, inhaling the familiar Ear Crey aroma. “What’s on your mind, Grandpa? You seem…
He set down his cup with deliberate care, “Jenkins.”
Jenkins moved forward smoothly, producing a leather document folder that made my stomach twist with sudden anxiety. The weight
1/2
Chapter 52: Inheritance–1
of it felt impossibly heavy as Faccepted it with trembling fingers.
“Grandpa? My voice cracked slightly as 1 opened the folder. “Capital Corp shares? Why would you…”
“Because you’re my granddaughter.” His tone carried that particular mix of authority and affection that had always made arguing with him impossible. “Victoria isn’t the only Taylor heir, despite what your parents might think.” He nodded to Jenkins, who produced an elegant fountain pen. “Sign the transfer documents. I’ve hiready arranged for the notary”
“I never wanted any of this. I pushed the folder away, my voice trempling. “If you give me these shares now, won’t they think Ir trying to compete with Victoria for the family fortune?” I swallowed hard, twisting my fingers in my lap. “I’m already not in my parents‘ good graces. If I take these shares now, they’ll see me as even more of a thorn in their side.”
y gift to you. Now si
shares are my
“Let them think what they want! Grandpa’s voice carried that family steel, “These shar
in the papers!
“That’s right,” Jenkins stepped forward, unable to stay silent any longer. “Mr. Taylor has been planning to give these to you for a long time. If you don’t take them, and they end up in your sister’s hands…”
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
SHARE
2/2
The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 52: Inheritance–2
“Tut Grandpa…‘
amily fall into outsiders hands?
“Summer,” Grandpa’s expression turned stem. “Do you want to see the Taylor family
“What do you mean?” 1
mean?” 1 stared at him, confused. “Why would your say
“The Stark family is ambitious,” his eyes fixed on mine with Intense focus. “Why do you think Alexander wants to marry your sister! Victoria has never had a head for business – she’s only interested in the entertainment industry Capital Corp will need to be in your hands eventually. He leaned forward slightly. “The Starks may carry our name, but they’re not Taylors. Do you understand?”
My heart sank as his meaning became clear.
With these shares in your hands,” he continued, his voice softening lightly, no one can stop you from taking your rightful place at Capital Corp. Remember that.”
(“Grandpa…”
“Don’t Grandpa‘ me with those eyes. But his tone softened slightly m not doing this out of pity or guilt. You’re a Taylor – its time you had the power to protect yourself
My fingers trembled as I accepted the pen from Jenkins. Each signature felt like crossing a threshold I couldn’t uncross, but „Grandpa’s steady presence gave me strength. When I finally finished, he tucked the documents safely away with a satisfied nod.
“There. Was that so hard?” His eyes crinkled with familiar warmth. How are you holding up?” His eyes studied my face with grandfatherly concern. “After everything that happened at the birthday party…”
I swallowed hard, forcing a smile, “I’m fine, Grandpa. Really.”
“Summer.” The way he said my name – gentle but firm–made tears prick at my eyes. “You don’t have to pretend with me. what they tried to do.”
I know
“Can we… not talk about that? My voice came out smaller than intended.
He reached across the table to pat my hand. “Alright, dear. But remember you’re stronger than they think. Than you think.”
The rest of our tea passed in comfortable conversation, Grandpa sharing stories from my childhood that made me both laugh and cry. By the time we finished, the sun had long since set over Manhattan,
I insisted on waiting until Grandpa and Jenkins had safely departed before leaving myself. The night air felt crisp against my face as I stepped out onto the sidewalk, my mind still spinning with everything that had happened. Capital Corp shares. Real voting power in the family company. The weight of it felt almost physical
The sudden part of a familiar engine made me jump. A sleek black Bentley pulled up beside me, the passenger window rolling down to reveal Brandon’s perfect features.
Get In.” His deep voice brooked no argument as he reached across to open the door.
slid into the butter–soft leather seat. Brandon leaned over, his cologne wrapping around me as he carefully fastened my seat… The casual intimacy of the gesture made my heart race.
“How did you know where I was?” I managed to ask once my heart stopped trying to escape my
y chest.
His dark eyes flickered to mine for just a moment. “James mentioned seeing your car
ar still at Fortune Corp. Thought you might
…might need
1/2
Chapter 52: Inheritance–2
ride.
“Oh.” I couldn’t quite meet his gaze. Thank you”
His fingers drummed a gentle shythm against the steering wheel
merged into traffic. “Good talk with your grandfather
“Mm.” I twisted
my
fingers in my lap, suddenly uncertain how to explain what had happened. “He… gave me something”
Twenty percent of the Capital Corp’s shares,” the weight of the document folder in my bag suddenly felt heavier. I didn’t want this
Any of it.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
<SHARE
