Chapter 192
Brandon’s POV
The dinner hour at the Stark estate approached as I stood in the living room, checking my watch. Father and Uncle Gavin spoke in hushed tones across the room, while Maeve, Gavin’s wife sat nearby, her frame more fragile than I remembered.
Heels clicked against marble as Mother descended the staircase with Elle supporting her–an unnecessary gesture that reeked of performance. The seating arrangement spoke volumes: Grandfather at the head, me directly opposite, Uncle Gavin and Aunt Maeve together, and two empty chairs beside Father for Mother and Elle.
“Shall we begin?‘ Grandfather asked as the butler helped him to his seat.
“My my, look at you two,” Mother said, her gaze lingering on Uncle Gavin and Aunt Maeve with thinly veiled contempt. “Still joined at the hip after all these years. Tell me, Gavin, is it devotion or guilt that keeps you chained to her bedside? Playing the dutiful husband must be so… exhausting.”
Uncle Gavin’s fingers paused over his silverware, his eyes turning cold.
Aunt Maeve offered a thin smile. “Oh my, Jane. Still dressing to turn heads at your age? I’m sure that neither of us needs to rely on plunging necklines to keep our husbands interested.”
Mother’s knuckles whitened around her fork as she took her seat beside Father, the barb about her revealing outfit hitting its mark
The tension was disrupted by Sarah’s arrival with Angela, whose face lit up when she spotted me.
“Uncle Brandon!” Angela squealed. “Up! Up!”
I rose immediately to take her from Sarah. “Hello, princess,” I said, lifting her easily. Angela wrapped her arms around my neck, planting a wet kiss on my cheek.
I returned to my seat with Angela beside me, and Sarah took the seat on my other side, effectively blocking Elle from her intended position.
“Well, isn’t this cozy?” Sarah remarked, her voice deceptively light. “It’s been ages since we’ve had a full family dinner.”
Her eyes found Elle, still standing. “Elle, why are you still standing? Please, sit down. We’re all waiting to begin.”
Elle had no choice but to sit beside Mother. “Sarah,” she greeted Sarah stiffly. “It’s been too long.”
“Certainly has, Sarah replied. “I honestly thought you and my mother were planning to stay in Washington for good.”
Sarah explained her unexpected appearance: “Just good timing. Angela heard Brandon was visiting and insisted on seeing her favorite uncle.
Angela tugged at my sleeve. “Uncle Brandon, did you miss me? It’s been forever!”
I allowed my face to soften. “Of course I missed you. How could I not? Did you miss your uncle?”
So much!” she exclaimed, hugging me again. “This much!” She stretched her little arms wide.
*Since everyone has finally arrived,” Grandfather announced, “let’s eat before the food gets cold.”
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Chapter 192
After dinner, Sarah pulled me aside while Angela played nearby.
“So this emergency phone call was about them?” she asked, nodding toward Mother and Elle.
“Would you have come if I had told you?” I countered.
Sarah sighed. “Fair point. It’s getting late, and Angela needs to get to bed. We should head out.”
“I’m leaving too,” I said. “I’ll walk you out.”
Sarah’s expression turned serious. “Brandon, you’re not exactly getting any younger. When are you going to bring home a nice girl?”
I couldn’t suppress the amusement that flickered in my eyes.
“Wait,” she said, studying my face. “There is someone? For real?”
“When the time is right,” I promised, “I’ll introduce you.”
“So there really is someone,” Sarah pressed. “That’s wonderful! I was worried you might still be hung up on the past, but now-
“Sarah,” I cut her off firmly.
She raised her hands in surrender. “Okay, okay! I’ll stop.”
One by one, the family dispersed. Grandfather retired first, followed by Uncle Gavin escorting Aunt Maeve. Father exchanged a curt nod with Mother before retreating to his study.
I carried a sleepy Angela into the living room, Sarah following close behind. Elle immediately stood.
“Brandon, I was hoping we could talk-
I deliberately turned away. “Mother, it’s getting late. Sarah and I should be going.”
Mother’s face hardened. “Brandon! Have things really gotten to the point where you can’t even stand to be in the same house with
me?”
Angela tensed in my arms, terrified.
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” I murmured. “Uncle Brandon’s got you.”
“You’re overreacting,” I told Mother. “I would be leaving now regardless. I have work tomorrow.”
“Work?” Mother scoffed. “This is your home, Brandon. I’ve come all this way, and you can’t even spend one night under the same roof? I’m your mother, not your enemy.”
“I’ve never called you my enemy,” I replied evenly. “But I have early meetings, and Sarah and Angela need to get home. It’s not safe for them to be on the roads too late.”
Mother’s eyes flashed. “Fine, go tonight. But what about tomorrow? The day after? Sarah is married, so I understand her obligations elsewhere. But you–the Stark estate is your home. What’s keeping you away?”
Sarah stepped forward. ‘Is that what you think, Mother? That marriage makes me less of a Stark? If that’s the case, what about you? Is Stark your real home, or is it Sinclair? Am I your daughter, or is Elle?”
Mother recoiled. “How dare you speak to me that way!”
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Chapter 192
“How should I speak to you, then?‘ Sarah challenged.
I shifted Angela, now asleep on my shoulder. “We should go, Sarah,
Outside, I transferred Angela to Sarah’s arms. “Get home safely.”
“Brandon, Sarah called. “About Mother… she’s been away from New York for so long. She doesn’t understand us anymore. Try not to take it personally.”
“I should be the one reassuring you,” I replied. “Don’t worry. Take care of Angela, especially with your husband out of town.”
Sarah nodded. “I will.” She hesitated. “And…. thank you. For last time.
“No need for that between us,” I said firmly. “Just remember–as long as I’m alive, you will always have a place in the Stark family.”
“I know,” she said softly. “Goodnight, Brandon. Go home.”
“I intend to,” I replied, watching them drive away.
The lights were still on when I pulled into the Hamptons estate. Through the window, I could make out June’s silhouette. By the time reached the door, she was coming down the stairs.
“Brandon? You’re back!” She greeted me with a smile that washed away the evening’s tension.
“Mm,” I nodded, suddenly exhausted.
June knelt, presenting two pair of matching slippers. Mine were navy blue with a crown embroidered on them, making me “King of the House.”
I froze, staring down at them.
“Brandon?” June’s voice rose in concern. “What’s wrong? You don’t like it?”
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