Chapter 90
Summer’s POV
Elizabeth lost her balance, teetering dangerously on her high heels Alexander rushed forward, catching her elbow just before she toppled over.
Summer, what the hell!” Alexander snapped. “Apologize to Elizabeth right now!
Apologize? Seriously?” I scoffed. “Grandpa’s fighting for his life in there, and you’re all out here pointing fingers at me? When he wakes up, we’ll see who really sent him to the hospital.”
I walked away, needing space from their toxic energy. The only thing that mattered right now was Grandpa George.
Victoria’s voice carried across the waiting room.
“Mom, cool it,” she said loudly. “Summer’s worried too. And Alex, shes just upset, cut her some slack.”
Classic Victoria, I thought. Her talent for playing the peacemaker when others were watching was so predictable
She sidled up to me with practiced grace. “Summer, you okay?”
it
was almost funny.
I just stared at her, taking in the calculated concern in her eyes. Behind her, Elizabeth and Alexander watched our interaction like hawks.
“Look, I know you’re still mad at me,” Victoria continued, her voice honey–sweet. “But Grandpa’s sick. What’s so bad between sisters that we can’t just get over it? I was wrong before. Can’t we just move past everything for Grandpa’s sake?”
I almost snorted at how transparent she was. Victoria hadn’t suddenly grown a conscience–she wanted something.
“You’re right, sister,” I replied flatly. “Since Grandpa’s sick, let’s not discuss anything else. I need some space right now.”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed, but she pressed on. “Summer, do you know why Grandpa had a stroke?”
I just stared at her.
Her perfect mask slipped slightly as the silence stretched. “Summer, did Grandpa-”
The operating room doors swung open, interrupting her. A tired–looking surgeon emerged.
“Family of George Taylor?” he asked.
I rushed forward. “I’m his granddaughter, Summer Taylor.”
“Your grandfather is stable for now,” the doctor said. “We’ve relieved the pressure on his brain, but he’s not out of danger yet.”
“Will he be okay?” My voice cracked.
“He’s temporarily out of danger, but at his age, this kind of stress is extremely risky. Whatever triggered this can’t happen again.”
I nodded quickly. “Of course. How is he now?”
Still unconscious. We’re moving him to ICU for the night. If he wakes up tomorrow, that’s a good sign.” The doctor glanced at my family, who hadn’t moved an inch. “Go handle billing. No need to crowd here. The patient needs complete rest tonight.”
1/3
Chapter 90
Thank God. Thank you, doctor,” I said, relief washing over me
Just doing my job.” le gave me a small smile before walking away.
I turned to leave, but Victoria grabbed my arm.
“Summer, we need to talk,” she insisted.
I yanked my arm free. There’s nothing to talk about. Since we can’t tay with Grandpa, I’m going home. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Elizabeth’s voice cut through the hallway. “Summer! Stop right ther
I ignored her and kept walking. Before I could reach the elevator, Elizabeth grabbed me so hard I nearly fell.
“What now?” I snapped.
“You’re not going anywhere until you tell us the truth!” Elizabeth hissed. “Did you manipulate your grandfather into giving you those Capital Corp shares?”
Unbelievable. That’s all they care about.
“Manipulate? Seriously?” I stared at her in disbelief.
Don’t play dumb,” Elizabeth snapped. “He’s getting old, and you saw an opportunity. You’ve been buttering him up while ignoring the rest of us. It’s obvious you just want his shares.”
Something inside me finally broke. Years of seeking approval, making excuses for their behavior, hoping things might change–all of it suddenly felt pathetic.
“Wow. You think I fake–love Grandpa for his money?” I asked, my voice eerily calm.
“I always thought you disliked me because I’d done something wrong I continued. “But the problem was never me–it’s you. All of you. I care about Grandpa because he’s my grandfather, not his damn shares.”
Elizabeth’s face hardened. “Fine. If that’s true, give the shares to Victoria. I’ll even start being a good mother to you!”
I laughed harshly. “Are you serious right now?”
I looked at Richard and Alexander, seeing the same calculating expressions on all their faces.
“If you want the shares so badly, let Grandpa decide when he wakes up. But right now, whether I have them or not, you’re getting nothing from me.”
Elizabeth raised her hand to slap me again. “You ungrateful—”
I shoved her away. “Three strikes and you’re out, Mother. I’m a person with feelings too, but they’re not infinite. You’ve been wearing them down bit by bit for years. And when they’re gone, they’re really gone.”
I walked away, feeling strangely liberated. The last thread of obligation I’d felt toward my parents had finally snapped.
I walked aimlessly through Manhattan’s streets, barely registering the crowds or the noise. My mind was empty, my body moving on autopilot. I didn’t even notice the ear following slowly behind me until I found myself in a small park, the concrete paths winding between carefully manicured shrubs.
Headlights suddenly illuminated the path in front of me. I turned, momentarily blinded by the brightness, but I recognized the sleek
2/3
Chapter 90
silhouette of Brandon’s car immediately. Something warm stirred in my chest, melting the ice that had formed there, My eyes began to sting with unshed tears as I quickened my pace toward him.
Brandon lowered the window, his dark eyes taking in my disheveled appearance and red rimmed eyes. He didn’t ask questions, didn’t demand explanations.
Get in,” he said simply.
Those two words–so direct, so Brandon–felt like a lifeline thrown to someone drowning. My hand rested on the door handle, squeezing it tightly as I made a decision.
Instead of opening the door, I leaned through the window, cupping Brandon’s face between my cold hands. Without overthinking it, I pressed my lips against his in a desperate, searching kiss. It wasn’t skilled or practiced–it was raw and needy, a desperate attempt to find shelter from the storm inside me.
Brandon’s hands came up to cradle the back of my head, deepening
Chapter Comments
LIKE
e kiss.
POST COMMENT NOW
1
