Chapter 219
Brandon’s POV
“Sir, after Alexander was denied entry here yesterday, his father took matters into his own hands.” James’s voice carried a hint of amusement. “Old Alexander showed up at the Stark mansion with several Fortune Corp executives in tow, demanding to speak with your grandfather.”
I raised an eyebrow. “And?”
“Apparently, your mother intercepted them.” James’s lips twitched slightly. “According to my source, Mrs. Sinclair was… formidable. She refused to allow them an audience with Mr. William Stark, claiming he was indisposed. When he insisted, she reminded him rather pointedly of his position within the extended family.”
“That’s interesting.” I couldn’t help the small smirk forming on my lips. Mother had her faults–many of them–but her ability to put people in their place had always been impressive.
“Indeed, James continued. “The confrontation ended with Old Alexander departing rather hastily. According to the staff, and I quote, his face was white as a sheet.‘ I must say, Mr. Stark, your mother certainly has a way about her.”
Closing the file in front of me with a decisive snap, I looked up at my assistant.
“This matter deserves no more of our attention. Tell the engineering department I want the first phase of the Manhattan West Side project on the agenda as soon as possible.”
James’s brow furrowed slightly. “What about the bidding process, sir? Haven’t we yet to begin?”
“Early next month,” I replied.
“But sir, that’s practically year–end,” James pointed out, concern evident in his voice. “With Stark Group’s annual celebration and the year–end banquet coming up, the timing seems… challenging.”
I fixed James with a cool stare, my finger tapping rhythmically against the polished surface of my desk. “Are you implying that you need to handle these matters personally, James?”
The warning in my tone wasn’t subtle. James immediately straightened his already impeccable posture. “No, sir! Absolutely not necessary.”
He cleared his throat, clearly deciding to change subjects. “There’s another matter, Mr. Stark. He hesitated, then continued, “Elle Sinclair has been getting quite friendly with Monica recently. This is the tenth instance in three months.”
James handed me a small box. Inside was an expensive–looking platinum necklace.
“She’s been cultivating relationships with your key staff. Monica has been her primary target. For the past three months, Elle has been taking her shopping regularly.”
I examined the necklace briefly. It wasn’t ostentatiously expensive, but certainly not a casual gift either–likely several thousand dollars at minimum. The Sinclair name opened many doors, and Elle clearly knew how to leverage her family’s resources.
“Give this back to Monica, I said, tossing the box to James. “Tell her to continue the friendly relationship. Monica knows what information is appropriate to share and what isn’t.”
“Yes, sir,” James responded, pocketing the box.
“What about Victoria Taylor?” I asked. “Any updates?”
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Chapter 219
“Her first production has wrapped, sir. She should be returning in the next day or two.”
I narrowed my eyes. “No follow–up project?”
“Not at the moment,” James replied. “It’s year–end–most productions are either already filming or delayed until next year. I haven’t arranged any new projects for Victoria either.” He studied my expression. “Would you prefer she doesn’t return yet?”
I shook my head. “Handle it as you see fit.”
Tapping my pen against the desk, I made a decision. “Regarding the Stark Group annual celebration–have Monica and Elle take charge of the arrangements.”
James couldn’t hide his surprise. “Elle Sinclair? But sir, she has no experience with such events. I’m concerned she might-
“She graduated from Georgetown,” I cut him off. “She’s not entirely incompetent. Besides, keeping her busy will give her less time for… other activities.” My tone hardened, making it clear that Elle’s recent behavior had not gone unnoticed.
“Understood, sir.” James nodded and left my office.
I returned to the Manhattan West Side project documents, reviewing the environmental assessment reports. Summer had done exceptional work identifying potential challenges and proposing solutions. Her attention to detail surpassed many of our more experienced employees.
My lips curved into a small smile as I glanced at my watch. 11:30. Time to call her up for our ‘project discussion.”
Summer’s POV
Monica’s voice came through clearly over the phone. “Summer, Mr. Stark would like to see yo project. Could you come up to his office right away?”
arding the Manhattan West Side
I glanced at the clock on my computer–11:30 again. What was with Brandon and these mid–day “meetings” lately?
“Of course, I’ll be right up,” I replied, trying to sound professional despite knowing exactly what this “meeting” was really about.
As I started organizing my desk, Heather looked up from her workstation with a knowing smirk.
“Leaving early again, Summer?” she asked, eyebrows raised suggestively.
“I’m not leaving,” I protested, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. “Just… stepping out for a bit.”
“Uh–huh,” Heather wasn’t buying it. “This is what, the third time this week? Every day around lunchtime you disappear. Come on, spill–do you have a secret boyfriend or something?”
Before I could formulate a response that wouldn’t sound completely unconvincing, Leo émerged from his office, saving me from Heather’s interrogation.
“Ahem, he cleared his throat pointedly, shooting Heather a cool look “Don’t you have actual work to focus on instead of gossip?”
“Director Schmidt! Heather’s expression immediately shifted to innocent professionalism. ‘I wasn’t gossiping, just showing concern for my colleague. Right, Summer?”
I seized the opportunity to address Leo directly. “Sir, I need to step out for a bit, but I’ll be back very soon.”
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Chapter 219
Leo nodded, his expression unreadable. “That’s fine. Just make sure you’re back before the afternoon session begins.”
“Thank you, sir! I’ll definitely be back by then,” I promised, grabbing my purse and phone. “See you later, Heather!”
I hurried toward the executive elevator–the one specifically designated for Brandon’s use. The timing was deliberate; Brandon knew most employees would be heading to lunch now, minimizing the chance of anyone seeing me using his private elevator.
Despite our careful planning, my heart still raced as I stood inside the elevator, watching the numbers climb toward the 27th floor. What if someone saw me? What if they started asking questions?
When the doors opened, I cautiously peered out before stepping into the hallway–only to nearly collide with Monica, who was returning from the break room with a coffee mug.
“Ms. Monica!” I exclaimed, startled.
“Summer,” she greeted me with a professional smile. “Mr. Stark is expecting you. You can go right in.”
“Thank you,” I replied with equal formality, though I wondered if Monica suspected anything. Brandon insisted she was the soul of discretion, but still…
I had just reached Brandon’s office door when I heard Monica’s voice behind me shift from professional to surprised
“Ms. Sinclair! I didn’t expect you back so soon…”
I froze for a split second, then quickly pushed open Brandon’s door and slipped inside, closing it ajar, I tried to see what was going on out there.
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