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The Billionaire's Sudden Bride novel Chapter 364

Summer’s POV

It had been three days since grandpa George was gone.

The drizzling rain had finally stopped by the time Brandon and I made our way up the hill to Grandpa’s grave at Ridgeline Park Cemetery. The rest of the Taylor family had already left, their black mbrellas disappearing down the winding path like a procession

of crows.

My body felt hollow, drained of everything but grief. My logs trembled with each step, threatening to give out entirely.

Summer,Brandon said softly, his eyes filled with concern. You’re exhausted.

Before I could protest, he swept me into his arms, cradling me against his chest as if I weighed nothing. I didn’t have the strength to argue. Instead, I rested my head against his shoulder, breathing in his familiar scent as he carried me up the steep path.

When we reached Grandpa’s grave, the freshly turned earth was still dark against the green grass. His headstone was simple but elegant, with his photographsmiling that warm, kind smile I knew so wellprotected behind glass. In that moment, looking at his face, the reality of his absence hit me all over again.

Grandpa,I whispered, my voice breaking. I miss you so much.I reached out to touch his photograph, my fingers trembling. Are you missing me too?

3

Brandon set me gently on my feet but kept his arm around my waist, supporting me as I swayed slightly. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d slept properly. The days since Grandpa’s collapse had blurred together in a haze of grief and exhaustion.

Brandon stepped forward, his expression solemn as he addressed my grandfather’s grave. Sir, I promise you, I’ll take care of Summer. You have my word.

I clutched Brandon’s arm, suddenly remembering something vitally important. Brandon,I said urgently, Capital Corpyou have to get control of it. You must save Capital Corp. It was Grandpa’s life’s work. We can’t let it fall apart now.

Brandon’s eyes met mine, firm and determined. I will,he promised simply.

Miss Summer.

I looked up to see Jenkins, Grandpa’s longtime butler, approaching us. His weathered face was lined with grief, but he maintained his dignified bearing.

Jenkins,I acknowledged, my voice barely above a whisper.

The reading of Mr. Taylor’s will is scheduled for tomorrow at the Taylor residence,he informed me. Your presence is requested. It’s important that you attend.

I blinked in confusion. Will? When did Grandpa make a will? I didnt know anything about this.

It was drawn up quite some time ago,Jenkins explained. You are mentioned specifically, which is why your attendance is required.

I nodded numbly, still processing this information.

After the will is read,Jenkins continued, his voice dropping slightly this old man will be returning to the countryside. Take care of yourself, Miss Summer.

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Chapter 364

His words took a moment to igister. You’re leaving too?I asked, able to hide the shock in my voice.

Jenkins nodded, his eyes sad but resolute. It’s time. Mr. Taylor was the last thing keeping me in the city,

The next day, I approached the Taylor family mansion with a sense of dread. It had been my childhood home, but it had never felt like one. Now, without Grandpa’s presence, it felt even more unwelcoming.

As I entered the grand foyer, I felt the weight of hostile stares from various Taylor relatives. An aunt I barely knew stepped forward, her face twisted with disdain.

What are you doing here?She demanded.

Before I could respond, Jenkins appeared at my side. Summer is here at my request,he stated firmly. Today’s will reading concerns her as well.

The aunt retreated, muttering under her breath, but continued to glare at me from across the room.

A few minutes later, a distinguishedlooking man in a tailored suit arrived. He introduced himself as Andrew Phillips, Grandpa’s attorney.

Good afternoon, everyone,he said, his voice carrying across the room. I’m Andrew Phillips, George Taylor’s attorney. Mr. Taylor entrusted me with his last will and testament, to be executed according to his wishes following his passing.

He glanced around the room. I’ll need to confirm the P

of all parties named in the will. Is Richard Taylor present?

My father raised his hand from where he stood beside my mother.

Elizabeth Taylor?

My mother nodded curtly.

Victoria Taylor?

There was a pause.

Victoria is unable to attend due to work commitments,Elizabeth explained smoothly. Her father and I will represent her interests.

Andrew Phillips nodded, making a note. And Summer Taylor?

Present,I said quietly.

The attorney nodded, seemingly satisfied. Very well. Let’s proceed with the reading.

We moved to the formal living room, where everyone took seats. I sat slightly apart from the others, feeling like an outsider as always.

Andrew Phillips opened his briefcase and removed a sealed envelope. He broke the seal and unfolded several pages of legal documents.

This is the last will and testament of George Edward Taylor,he began. I’ll summarize the key provisions.”

He cleared his throat. First, regarding real estate holdings: The upstate New York residence is bequeathed to his son Richard Taylor

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