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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 203
Brandon’s POV
The Hamptons estate welcomed me with its familiar silence as I stepped through the door. Without pausing, I made my way directly to my study.
I settled into my chait, powering up my laptop and phone. Immediately, notifications flooded both screens. Twenty seven missed calls on my phone. Most were from Elle Sinclair and Jane Sinclair. Two were from my father.
I ignored them all, dialing James instead.
“What happened after I left with Mrs. Stark today?” I asked without preamble.
“Ah,” James’s voice took on a carefully neutral tone. “Miss Sinclair went to your office after you left. When she couldn’t find you, she became… agitated. She triggered the security system trying to access your private files.”
“And?” I prompted, a muscle tightening in my jaw.
“Security responded to the alarm. She couldn’t explain her presence. When they tried to contact you and found your phone was off, they threatened to involve the police. Miss Sinclair contacted your mother, who demanded the security guards be fired immediately.
“The guards–what are their names?”
“John and Miller, sir,” James replied.
“Give them each a bonus–one month’s salary. And promote them.”
There was a brief pause. “Sir?”
“They did their job correctly. They deserve to be rewarded, not punished.”
“Of course, Mr. Stark,” James said, his voice brightening. “I’ll arrange it immediately.”
“And James,” I added, “upgrade the security system. Make it more comprehensive.”
“Yes, Mr. Stark. I’ll contact the security company first thing tomorrow. I’ll ensure not even a fly could get in without proper
clearance.”
Before hanging up, James hesitated. “Mr. Stark, if I may…”
“What is it?” I asked.
“I’ve noticed a change in your schedule recently,” he began carefully You’ve been leaving the office at reasonable hours and arriving at consistent times. It’s… unusual.”
“Is that a problem?” My tone was neutral, though I knew exactly what he was getting at.
“Not at all, sir,” James replied, a hint of warmth in his typically formal voice. “On the contrary, it’s refreshing. You used to practically Jive at the office.”
“Mrs. Stark prefers we commute together when possible,” I explained “It’s a practical arrangement.”
Of course, sir,” James said, though I could hear the smile in his voice “Very practical.”
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Chapter 203
“Anything else?” I asked pointedly.
“No, sir. Except- he paused, “It’s good to see you living like this, My Stark. Like a normal person.”
As I set down my phone, a movement at the doorway caught my attention. June stood there, leaning against the frame, wearing a ridiculous cartoon apron with a smiling panda face across the front
“How long have you been standing there?‘ I asked.
“Not long,‘ she replied, smiling. All done with work? Dinner’s ready
“Come here,” I said, motioning her forward..
She crossed the room. As she reached my desk, her eyes widened.
“Wow, Leo got these to you already?” she asked, looking at the papers scattered across my desk.
I tapped a section of calculations. “Are these your numbers?”
“Yeah,” she nodded, leaning closer. “Is something wrong?”
“No,” I said, studying the detailed, work. “You did well. Very well, actually.” I pointed to a specific section. But here–if you reduced this further and approached it from a different angle, it might yield better results.”
I explained the alternative method, drawing out the calculations. June leaned over my shoulder, her scent distracting me momentarily.
“Do you understand?” I asked, finishing the explanation.
She blinked rapidly, as if coming out of a daze. “Huh? Oh… are you hungry?”
I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my mouth. She hadn’t heard a word I’d said.
“Let’s eat,” I conceded. “We can discuss this later.”
“Great!” she brightened immediately.
June gathered the papers as we left the study. I watched her efficient movements, appreciating how naturally she’d integrated herself into my space.
“I made steak,” she chatted as we headed downstairs. “And pork ribs. Oh, and these amazing eggplants! It might be a bit heavily seasoned–I hope you don’t mind.”
“I’ll eat anything you make,” I replied simply.
She glanced back at me, a smile playing at her lips. “Has anyone ever told you how sweet you can be?”
“Is it working on you?” I asked, enjoying the blush that immediately rose to her cheeks.
“Yes,” she admitted with a pretend scowl. “And it’s too much.”
“Can’t help it,” I said, reaching for her hand as we reached the bottom of the stairs.
I’d never imagined I could enjoy something as simple as listening to someone talk about their day. But June’s voice, her animated expressions–it all captivated me completely.
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This, I realized, was what people meant when they talked about coming home. Not to a place, but to a person.
At the foot of the stairs, I pulled her toward me, my hand slipping around her waist as I leaned down to kiss her.
Just as our lips were about to meet, my phone rang
in
I’ll go set the table,” she said quickly, escaping to the kitchen.
my pocket. June jumped back, startled.
I pulled out my phone, Jane Sinclair’s name flashing on the
screen. With a resigned sigh, I answered.
“Hello?”
“Brandon, it’s Mom.” Her voice–refined, cultured, and utterly unwelcome–came through clearly.
“Mother,” I managed. “It’s late. What do you want?”
June reappeared silently at the bottom of the stairs, catching my eye. Seeing my annoyance, she reached for my free hand and traced letters on my palm: S–M–I–L–E.
Despite myself, the tension in my shoulders eased slightly.
“Mother, if there’s nothing urgent, I’ll have to go,” I said, my tone marginally less icy.
“Brandon,” she sighed dramatically. “I know you’ve been angry with me for years, but you don’t understand what happened between your father and me. We… we can never go back to how things were.
“I’m well aware,” I replied flatly. “If that’s all you called to discuss, it’s unnecessary. I’m no longer the child you remember. And frankly, I couldn’t care less about the state of your relationship with Father.”
June’s eyes widened at my harsh tone, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she squeezed my hand gently.
“Fine,” Jane conceded. “Let’s not discuss your father and me. Let’s talk about you and Elle. She cares for you deeply, Brandon. You know that. I know you’re still thinking about Lyanna York, but she betrayed you years ago. People can’t live in the past forever. Elle is an exceptional young woman who has waited for you all these years. Can you really bear to disappoint her?”
“Are you suggesting I have no choice but to marry her?” I asked, my voice dropping dangerously. “And if I refuse?”
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