Chapter 49: Just This Once
Brandon’s
The Stack mansion materialized out of the gathering dusk, its impaing silhouette a reminder of everything I’d spent years trying to leave behind. The familiar drive felt longer than usual, each turn bringing back memories I’d rather forget
“Welcome back, sir.” The butler’s carefully neutral tone carried years of practice as I pulled up to the entrance,
I lowered the window slightly. “Who’s home?”
“Your father and grandfather are both in residence, sit. Your sister his also arrived.“
Sarah. The name alone made something tighten in my chest. I noilded curtly and guided the car toward the garage, already regretting my decision to canse. But some battles needed to be fought in person.
“Uncle Brandon!”
The high–pitched squeal of delight was my only warning before a small figure launched itself at me the moment I stepped out of the car. I caught Angela instinctively, years of practice taking over as my piece wrapped her arms around my neck.
“How did you get here? I couldn’t quite keep the surprise from my voice. The garage wasn’t exactly a typical hangout spot for seven–year–olds.
Angela’s round face lit up with that innocent joy that made her the only true bright spot in this family. “With mommy! We came to see you!” She planted a wet kiss on my check, completely unfazed by my usual stern demeanor. “Did you bring me a present?”
I found myself smiling despite everything, the expression feeling foreign on my face. “And why would I have a present?”
“Because you always do!” She pouted adorably. “Mommy says you never come home
anymore. Why don’t You
visit us?
E
Something warm and complicated unfurled in my chest, but I kept my expression neutral. “We’ll see each other soon.
“Sarah.” I acknowledged my sister’s presence without turning. Her footsteps had always been distinctive cautious, hesitant, like she was perpetually walking on eggshells.
“Brandon,” The tension in her voice was familiar too. “Father and Grandfather are waiting
Angela’s small hand found mine as we walked toward the main house, her cheerful chatter a buffer against the storm I knew was brewing. The entrance hall hadn’t changed still the same oppressive grandeur, still the same portraits of Stark patriarchs glaring down from the walls.
–
“That troublemaker’s finally here?” William Stark’s voice carried clearly from the study, sharp with displeasure. Same tone he’d used since I us fifteen and refused to follow his precious traditional path.
“Father.” Robert Stark’s attempt at peacekeeping was as ineffective as ever. “Brandon’s not a child anymore.”
1 WIT
“Not a child? The scoff in William’s voice could have stripped paintLook at what he’s doing to Stark Group! Throwing out I employees, dismantling decades of tradition…
I let their voices wash over me as I guided Angela toward the study, she skipped beside me, completely oblivious to the tension cracking through the air. At least someone in this family still has their innocence.
The study door opened before us, revealing the familiar tableau–William in his throne–like chair, Robert hovering nearby like an anxious courtier, Sarah perched on the edge of a sota as if ready to be at any moment.
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Chapter 49: Just This Once
“Great–grandpa!” Angela’s enthusiasms cut through the tension like a knife through butter. “Uncle Brandons here.
William’s expression softened slightly as it always did for Angela, but his eyes remained cold when they fixed on me. ‘So prodigal son returns. “
“Grandfather.” I kept my voice neutral as I settled into one of the leather chairs, positioning myself so I could see everyone’s fates.
“You wanted to see me?
He tossed a folder onto the coffee table between us. Matthew’s complaint. Care to explain yourself?”
I picked up the folder without opening it, already knowing its contes. “Explain what? That one of your old guard has been embezzling company funds? Or that he thought his connection to you would protect him?”
“You ungrateful William started to rise, but Robert placed a warning hand on his shoulder.
“Brandon.” My father’s voice carried that particular note of disapproval I’d grown immune to years ago. These men have served the company faithfully for decades. Your grandfather trusted them
“And that trust was misplaced.” I cut him off smoothly, watching Sarah flinch at my tone. The market has changed, Stark Group
needs to evalve.”
“Evolution doesn’t mean destroying everything we’ve built!” Williams face had taken on that particular shade of red that usually preceded one of his legendary tirades.
“No.” I agreed, my voice carrying an edge that made Sarah shift nervously. “But it does mean removing dead weight.”
“Brandon, please,” Sarah finally spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. “Think about what you’re doing. Matthew has connections throughout the industry. If you force him out…
“Only this once.” The words dropped into the silence like stones into still water. Til let him keep Grandfather. But his resignation letter needs to be on my desk by morning.”
“You—” William started, but I was already standing.
his shares, out of respect for
“Angela.” I turned to my niece, who had been unusually quiet during the exchange. “Time for me to go home.”
Her lower lip trembled slightly. “But Uncle Brandon, this is your home too!”
Home. The word tasted bitter. I smoothed her hair gently, the gesture automatic after years of practice. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”
The bakony offered temporary refuge from the suffocating atmosphere inside. The familiar scent of old money and older prejudices fallowed me out, but the cool evening air helped clear my head.
“Brandon!” Sarah’s voice carried a note of desperation as she followed me out. “You can’t do this!”
I lit a cigarette, watching the smoke curl into the darkness. “Can’t 17
“He’s family-
“No.” I cut her off without turning. “He’s your investment partner. Don’t think I don’t know about your little side deals.”
The sharp intake of breath told me I’d hit my mark. “How did you…”
ar that little
“I grew up watching you defend me from the nannies, Sarah.” The memory almost made me smile. Almost. “But I’m not boy anymore. And I won’t let anyone use my weakness against me – hot even you”
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Chapter 49: Just This Once
years of unspoken words. Finally, Sarah’s quiet footsteps retreated, leaving me alone
The silence stretched betweeičus, benvy
envy with years
with the night air and my thoughts.
The Hamptons estate felt different when I finally returned warmer somehow, despite the late hour. The sound of running water drew me toward the master bathroom, where steam curled invitingly rough the half–open door.
Summer stood at the sink in a silk robe, her wet hair falling in dark waves down her back. She caught my reflection in the mirror and turned, those expressive eyes widening slightly.
Summer must have felt the weight of my gaze, because she suddenly followed my line of sight. Her eyes widened in realization, and she quickly crossed her arms over her chest protectively.
“Ah, you… when did you get back?” Her voice came out higher t
than usual, a flush creeping up her neck.
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