Joe’s POV
My heart nearly stopped when Brandon Stark casually introduced the woman beside him as his wife. Summer Taylor. The woman Anna had locked in a bathroom with a snake.
I couldn’t help but notice how attractive she was
delicate features framed by soft hair, curves in all the right places that even her modest business attire couldn’t completely hide. Her figure was impressive, slim waist with generous curves above and below. Great body, beautiful face. Not at all the bitter, plain–looking shrew Anna had described.
I caught Brandon’s gaze narrowing slightly as he noticed my assessment of his wife. His dark eyes hardened almost imperceptibly, a silent warning that didn’t need translation. I quickly averted my eyes
The assistant returned with our drinks. She placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of me and a glass of lemon water before
Summer.
“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” Brandon said, his tone deceptively casual. “I believe we have some unfinished business to discuss.”
Brandon released Summer’s hand to retrieve something from his desk drawer. He placed a folder on the coffee table between us,
sliding it toward me with one finger.
Inside were stock certificates and transaction records–documentation of all the Watson Group shares Brandon had acquired during his campaign against us.
“What am I looking at?” I asked, though I knew damn well what it was.
“The shares of Watson Group, Brandon confirmed, leaning back slightly. “Currently held by various Stark Group subsidiaries.”
My fingers tightened on the folder. “And you’re showing me this because…?”
“Because I’m willing to return them,” he stated simply. “And potentially open discussions about partnership opportunities between
Stark Group and Watson Group.”
The coffee cup nearly slipped from my grasp. A partnership with Stark Group? That would instantly elevate Watson Group’s standing
on Wall Street.
“That’s… a generous offer,” I said carefully. “May I ask what prompted this change of heart?”
Brandon’s lips curved into that dangerous half–smile that had become legendary in financial circles. “Let’s just say I appreciate people who understand the value of mutual benefit.”
“And what would you require in return?” I asked, because nothing with Brandon Stark came without strings.
“Nothing particularly difficult,” he replied. “Nothing that requires your personal involvement, in fact.”
My stomach tightened. “I’m listening.”
“It involves your sister, Anna
Fuck. should have known. I leaned forward, speaking quickly. “Mr. Stark, I understand Anna made a terrible mistake. But she’s learned her lesson. She even apologized to Summer recently.”
Brandon’s eyebrow ticked up slightly as he glanced at Summer, who nodded in confirmation.
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Chapter 138
“You misunderstand me, Mr. Watson,” Brandon said. “I’m not looking for further punishment. Quite the opposite.”
‘I don’t follow,”
Your sister and Victoria Taylor–they’re close friends, aren’t they?”
The question caught me off guard. “Yes, they’ve been friends for years. Though after what happened…” I trailed off, uncertain how much to reveal.
“I want Anna to maintain that friendship,” Brandon stated.
I blinked, struggling to process his request. “You want… Anna to stay friends with Victoria?”
“Is that a problem?” His tone was light, but his eyes were anything but.
“No, it’s just-” I paused, studying him. “May I ask why?”
“Does it matter?” Brandon countered. “It’s a simple request.”
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Summer shift slightly, her brow furrowing.
“Why would you want Anna to continue being friends with Victoria?” Summer asked, speaking for the first time since introductions. “Victoria is-” She stopped herself, a shadow passing over her face.
Brandon placed his hand over hers, a silent communication passing between them.
I watched this interaction closely, pieces clicking into place. Brandon wanted Anna to spy on Victoria. But why? What was Victoria to him, besides his nephew’s fiancée?
“Do we have an agreement, Mr. Watson?” Brandon’s voice cut through my thoughts.
I hesitated, torn between business pragmatism and brotherly concern. Those shares would stabilize Watson Group. A partnership with Stark would secure our future. But using Anna as a pawn–even after what she’d done, it didn’t sit right.
“Anna’s been through a lot,” I said carefully. “Those scars… they’ve affected her deeply. I’m not sure putting her back in that social circle is healthy.”
“I’m not asking her to do anything she wasn’t already doing,” Brandon pointed out. “Simply maintain a
exists.”
ship that already
“With someone who abandoned her when she needed help,” I countered, remembering how Victoria had watched silently as Anna was dragged away.
“Perhaps that something Anna should decide for herself,” Brandon suggested. “After all, she’s an adult, isn’t she?”
I took a slow sip of my coffee. Anna would agree in a heartbeat–not just for the company, but because beneath her resentment, she still craved Victoria’s approval.
“And if Anna refuses?” I asked, though I already knew she wouldn’t.
Then we remain as we are,” Brandon replied with a casual shrug. “No harm done. But no‘ partnership either,”
‘I should discuss this with Anna first,” I said finally.
“Of course,” Brandon agreed. “Take your time. We’re in no rush.” His tone suggested the exact opposite.
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Chapter 138
He stood, a clear dismissal. James will show you out. I look forward to hearing good news from you soon, Mr. Watson.”
I rose, hesitating before extending my hand. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Stark. Mrs. Stark.”
As James appeared to escort me out, I cast one last glance at the power couple. Brandon had already returned to Summer’s side, his hand resting possessively on her lower back as he murmured something in her ear.
In that moment, I realized this wasn’t just about business or revenge Brandon Stark was protecting his wife–and God help anyone
who stood in his way.
I stepped into the elevator, my decision already crystallizing. The Watson Group had weathered storms before, but never one like Brandon Stark. This partnership wasn’t just an opportunity–it was our lifeline. And if all it took was Anna maintaining a friendship she’d been desperate to salvage anyway…
As the elevator doors closed, I pulled out my phone and scrolled to Anna’s number. She wouldn’t like being used as a pawn, but she’d like bankruptcy even less. Besides, she’d been obsessed with Victoria Taylor for years–this arrangement might actually give her what she wanted, even if it came with strings attached.
My thumb hovered over the call button for just a moment before I pressed it. Some choices weren’t really choices at all.
“Anna.” I said when the call was connected.
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