Stand Me Up? I'll Marry His Billionaire Uncle novel Chapter 72

Tristan stood at Sunny's front door, pressing the buzzer for a solid ten minutes.

Even the neighbor poked her head out, frowning. "Young man, that girl left early this morning. Stop ringing the bell—my head's splitting from all the noise."

Under her disapproving glare, Tristan quietly turned and made his way down the stairs.

Sunny had blocked him everywhere—calls, messages, even WhatsApp. He couldn't reach her at all.

A flicker of frustration burned in his chest. The wedding was tomorrow. Didn't she think she owed him an explanation, or at least an apology?

He'd heard his father and Mr. Carrington had already finalized their business partnership. Did she really believe she had another option besides marrying him?

Despite his irritation, Tristan's anger softened just a little. He was still worried—about her broken hand, most of all.

If her hand was fractured, would she even be able to wear her wedding dress tomorrow?

He didn't let himself dwell on the fact that she hadn't even bothered to show up for her last dress fitting.

–

In the hospital, Sunny sat outside the operating room, skin chilled to the bone.

She drew a shaky breath and dialed Sean. "Grandma's collapsed. You need to get to the hospital. Now."

Her voice was icy, making Sean's pride bristle on the other end.

"Sunny, where are you? Do you realize the wedding's tomorrow? And who was that stranger you left with last night?"

"If you dare make a fool out of Tristan, you can forget about calling me your father!"

Sunny's eyes were cold, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Grandma's in the ER, fighting for her life. All you care about is the wedding? Dad, she isn't just my grandmother—she's your mother, too."

Only then did Sean process what she'd just said.

He'd been stewing all night and, the second he answered, let his anger fly.

"Wasn't she at the care home? How could this happen?"

Sunny's breath shook. "I don't know. She's still in surgery. When are you coming?"

Sean glanced at his watch. "I've got a meeting with the CEO of Luminary Holdings soon. I can't cancel this. I'll have Ms. Quinn go to the hospital now. I'll come when I'm done."

How could her own father be so cold?

His mother—her grandmother—was on the operating table, and all he could think about was business.

Sunny's voice was glacial. "Don't bother. If that's how it is, just don't come."

She hung up and sat in silence, numb and shivering outside the operating room.

Since her mother died, Grandma was the only family who'd ever shown her real warmth.

[Anyone want to name it?] [Picture of an adorable rabbit]

The first "like" popped up. Heart pounding, he checked—only to find it was his niece.

[Zara: OMG, Uncle Stellan, you got a bunny? It's SO cute, I just want to squish it!]

But the message he was hoping for never came.

Stellan's eyes darkened. He got up and stepped outside to make a call.

"Hello, Uncle Stellan—did you want me to help name your rabbit?"

"Zara, did you talk to your best friend last night?"

Zara paused. "She messaged me that she was home and told me not to worry. So, she should be fine, right?"

But uncertainty crept in—Sunny had replied last night, but hadn't answered her texts this morning.

"Uncle Stellan, I'll hang up and try calling Sunny myself."

Five minutes later, Stellan's eyes narrowed at a new text on his phone.

"You're handling things in Lincross City this afternoon. Book me the fastest flight back to the capital—I'm leaving immediately!"