The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 190
Brandon’s POV
The Stark family estate came into view as I drove through the wrought iron gates.
The butler was already waiting at the entrance.
“Mr. Stark.” he greeted as I stepped out of the car.
“When did my mother get here?” I asked without preamble.
“Mrs. Sinclair arrived on the morning flight from Washington, sir, butler replied, falling into step beside me as I made my way
toward the main entrance.
I nodded, processing this information. “And who else is with her?”
“Miss Elle,” butler added cautiously, clearly sensing my shift in mood
I stopped mid–stride, a cold wave of irritation washing over me. Elle Sinclair. Of course she would be here too. The real reason behind this sudden visit was becoming clearer.
“Miss Elle said she was concerned about Mrs. Sinclair traveling alone butler continued, clearly uncomfortable with my silence
“I see,” I replied, my voice deliberately cool as I resumed walking. The sooner I dealt with this situation, the sooner I could return to
June.
The moment I stepped into the grand foyer, Elle Sinclair was rushing toward me, arms outstretched. Her honey–blonde hair was perfectly styled, gleaming like silk in the light, with delicate features complemented by large eyes and cherry–red lips. Her tailored dress perfectly accentuated her slender figure.
Undeniably, from a purely aesthetic perspective, Elle was the kind of beauty that would make most men stop and stare–but to me, this meticulously crafted beauty only evoked an instinctive aversion, like a flower too perfect to be genuine.
“Brandon!” she exclaimed, moving to embrace me.
I stepped aside smoothly, causing her to stumble slightly as she missed her target. She recovered quickly, turning to face me with a wounded expression that I’d seen too many times to count.
“Brandon, you’re so mean!” Elle pouted, her voice taking on that familiar wheedling tone. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. What if I had fallen? Don’t you care?”
“I believe I’ve made it clear before,” I replied evenly, “that I don’t appreciate being touched.”
Her eyes widened in theatrical hurt. “Brandon!”
I ignored her protest, moving past her toward the main sitting room where I knew my mother would be waiting. Elle trailed behind me, her heels clicking against the marble floors.
Jane Sinclair sat on one of the antique sofas, elegant as always in a tasteful cream suit that emphasized her still–youthful figure. Her blonde hair, perfectly maintained, was swept up in a sophisticated chignon. At fifty–three, she remained a striking woman, the kind who turned heads when she entered a room.
She rose as I entered, her practiced smile not quite reaching her eyes. “Brandon.”
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Chapter 190
“Mother,” I acknowledged, mamtaining a respectful but measured dillance.
Elle quickly scurried to Jane’s side, darting a wounded glance in my erection as she deliberately positioned herself between us. I shifted slightly to maintain the space I’d established.
‘Elle is your sister, Brandon. There’s no need for such coldness between siblings. Jane said, her voice carrying that hint of disapproval I’d grown accustomed to over the years.
I remained silent, unwilling to engage with that particular fiction. Elle wasn’t my sister–not by blood, not by law, not by any definition that mattered to me.
“Elle, come here,” Jane called, patting the space beside her on the sofa.
“Yes, of course!‘ Elle responded ‘eagerly, taking her seat with obvious pleasure at the attention. She turned toward me with a bright smile. ‘Brandon’s probably just shy because it’s been so long since he’s seen me. Isn’t that right, Brandon?”
I turned to butler, who hovered discreetly near the doorway. “Where are my grandfather and father?
“Mr. William Stark is upstairs, sir. Your father and Mr. Gavin are in the study discussing business. Would you like me to inform them of your arrival?”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll go up shortly,” I replied. “Please have some tea brought up.”
“Right away, sir,” butler nodded, clearly relieved to have an excuse to exit the increasingly tense atmosphere.
I chose a chair positioned strategically far from both Jane and Elle, sitting down and meeting my mother’s increasingly irritated gaze directly.
“What brings you back, Mother?” I asked, deliberately keeping my tone neutral.
Jane’s perfectly shaped eyebrows arched in displeasure. “This is still my home, isn’t it? Do I need your permission to return?”
“Of course not,” I replied evenly. “I’m simply curious about the timing of your
visit.”
The tension between us was palpable, years of unresolved issues hovering just beneath the surface of our polite exchange, Jane’s hands, adorned with several tasteful rings but notably missing her wedding band, tensed slightly on her lap.
“Brandon, I am your mother,” she said, her voice carrying a note of frustration. “You could at least pretend to be happy to see me.”
“I never said I wasn’t,” I countered smoothly. “How long are you planning to stay? Washington is your home now, after all.
A flash of genuine hurt crossed Jane’s features before being quickly masked by indignation. “How dare you speak to me that way? You know why I left back then. None of that was my fault!”
I felt a familiar weariness settle over me. This was why I avoided these encounters whenever possible–they inevitably circled back to the same old grievances, the same tired justifications.
I have no interest in revisiting ancient history,” I said, leaning back slightly in my chair. “It’s been years. What’s done is done. Why are you really here, Mother?”
“I’m here to see my son,” Jane insisted, her voice rising slightly. “Is that so difficult to believe?”
“You’ve seen me,” I replied, standing up. “I have matters to discuss with Father. If you’ll excuse me.”
Elle jumped to her feet, moving to intercept me before I could leave, Brandon, please! Aunt Jane misses you. You hardly ever visit us in Washington. She just wanted to see you.”
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Chapter 190
When I didn’t respond, her expression grew increasingly desperate. Brandon! What’s wrong with you? This is your mother. How can you treat her this way? You weren’t always like this.”
1 fixed her with a cold stare. “This is a Stark family matter. As an outsider, you’d do well to stay out of it.”
Jane stood abruptly. “That’s enough, Brandon! You can be angry with me, but Elle has done nothing wrong. She is your sister, and I won’t have you treating her this way. She came all this way to see you, and you-”
‘If my memory serves me correctly, I interrupted, my patience finally exhausted, “she’s merely your uncle’s adopted daughter. What relation is that to me?”
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