Summer’s POV
Then Meave asked me a few questions about me and my family which I answered without hesitation.
Brandon is a good boy,” she said suddenly, her voice warm with affection. “I’ve watched him grow up, you know. He’s always been… particular about the people he lets into his life.”
I smiled, feeling a flutter of pride. He is pretty selective.”
“And you,” she continued, her gaze softening, ‘you’re a good match for him. I can see why he chose you.”
“Thank you,” I replied, genuinely touched by her approval. That means a lot, especially coming from someone so important to him.”
Meave adjusted the throw blanket across her lap, her movements careful and measured. “You know, dear, this marriage of yours can’t stay a secret forever. You’ll need to find the right time to tell the rest of the family.”
I nodded, sinking back into the plush armchair across from her. “We know. It’s just… the timing doesn’t feel right yet. We’re not avoiding it forever, I promise.”
“Good,” Meave said with a satisfied nod. “That’s all I needed to hear.
She studied me for another moment, her head tilted slightly. “You know, you’re quite the interesting one. Not particularly calculating, but remarkably perceptive.”
I felt my cheeks warm at her assessment. “You’re giving me too much credit, Mrs. Stark.”
“Meave, please,” she corrected gently.
She folded her hands neatly in her lap. “So you work at Stark Group? What about that Sinclair girl… Elle, isn’t it?”
I tensed slightly at the mention of Elle but quickly recovered. “At work, Brandon and I keep things strictly professional. I’m in Projects, so we don’t cross paths that often anyway. Work is work, personal life is separate.”
“A wise approach,” Meave nodded.
I took a deep breath, deciding to broach the subject Brandon had prepared me for. “Actually, Brandon didn’t just invite you here to meet me. He wants you to meet someone else.”
“Not you?” Meave’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.
“No,” I clarified. “Someone Brandon says is important to you.”
Her expression shifted to wary curiosity. “Who?”
“I don’t have all the details,” I admitted, lowering my voice. “But Brandon thought it was important, and he wanted to do this without Gavin knowing first.”
“Keep something fro Gavin?” She looked stunned.
I nodded apologetically. “I know it’s a lot to ask. Brandon said it’s completely your choice. If you’d rather not…
She fell silent, her fingers methodically smoothing her skirt. Finally, she looked up with determination in her eyes.
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Chapter 232
“Brandon’s like a son to me, she said. “If he thinks this is important enough to arrange, I trust his judgment.” A mischievous smile played at her lips. “And I know how to handle Gavin.”
Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone and dialed.
“Gavin,” she said sweetly when he answered, “I’m craving that chocolate mousse cake from Le Pâtissier. Would you mind getting me
one?”
A pause. “Yes, now,” she confirmed. “Thank you, darling.”
She hung up with a satisfied smile. “That should keep him busy for a while.”
As Meave put away her phone, Brandon and Gavin entered the living room. Their expressions were serious, and I wondered what they’d been discussing upstairs. Brandon’s eyes met mine, briefly, a silent reassurance passing between us.
After Gavin left, the atmosphere shifted. Meave turned to Brandon with a serious expression.
“I know you’re always thoughtful about these things,” she said. “Whatever you have planned, I trust you.”
Brandon nodded, then fetched a soft cashmere blanket and carefully draped it over Meave’s lap.
“It’s Ethan Kennedy,” he said quietly. “Remember him?”
“Ethan?” Meave’s hand flew to her throat. “The Carter family’s adopted son?”
Brandon nodded.
“Ethan…” Meave’s gaze drifted, lost in memory. “He’s been abroad, hasn’t he? I’ve seen him so rarely since marrying into the Stark family.”
She shook her head. “I can barely picture him now.”
“He’s in New York,” Brandon said. “And he asked to see you.”
“Did he?” Meave whispered, wonder in her voice. “I’ll see him then. I remember when I first met him–just a tiny thing. And now…” She smiled at Brandon. “About your age?”
“Three years older,” Brandon corrected.
“Of course.” Meave nodded. “Time slips away from me these days.”
Brandon took her hand. “He’ll be here soon. I wanted to arrange this without Gavin because, as you know, Gavin and the Carter
family…”
“I understand,” Meave assured him. “You’re right to be cautious. I’ll see Ethan first, then decide how to tell Gavin.”
Just then, the doorbell chimed.
“I’ll get it!” I jumped up. “Probably Ethan.”
Nhurried to the do quickly smoothing my hair before opening it. Ethan Kennedy stood there, looking even more elegant than at Manhattan Club, a light brown coat draped over his arm. Beside him
My breath caught. Standing next to him was a girl with a doll–like face, dressed in a pale pink dress that made her look like a porcelain figurine.
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Chapter 232
“Ethan!” I managed.
He acknowledged me with a slight nod. “Summer. Where’s Brandon?
Inside with Meave,‘ I replied, my eyes drifting to the girl. “Ethan, who is…?”
“Arya,” Ethan commanded without looking at her, ‘say hello.”
‘Mrs. Stark, the girl said sweetly.
I smiled automatically. “Hi, I’m Summer. Please, come in.”
I led them through the foyer, offering slippers. “This way, Ethan. Arya, you too.”
After showing them in, I stepped into the kitchen to prepare coffee, watching from the doorway as Ethan approached Meave.
“Aunt Meave,” he said, his voice gentler than I’d ever heard it.
Meave stared at him, visibly stunned, her eyes traveling over his tall frame and perfect features–so different from the boy she must have known.
“Ethan?” she asked. “Is it really you?”
“Come closer,” she urged, extending a trembling hand. “Let me look at you. It’s been so many years… I can hardly believe how you’ve
grown.”
Ethan knelt beside the sofa, taking her hand. “Aunt Meave, it’s me. How are you? Is your health holding up?”
“Well enough,” she replied dismissively. “But you–how many years has it been? I could hardly believe Brandon when he said you wanted to see me. How have you been abroad all this time?”
“Well, thanks to your kindness,” Ethan replied formally. “And you’ve been well?*
“Well enough,” Meave repeated. “I never thought I’d see you again. You came to New York specially? Why not visit Philadelphia
too?”
Her gaze shifted to the girl standing behind Ethan. “And who is this? She looks so familiar…”
Her expression turned knowing. “Your girlfriend, Ethan?”
Ethan shook his head. “Look closer.”
“Arya,” he commanded, “go closer. Let Aunt Meave see you properly.”
Arya’s brow furrowed slightly, reluctance crossing her doll–like features. She moved forward hesitantly, stopping in front of Meave.
Meave leaned forward, squinting. Then her eyes flew wide, one hand rising to her mouth. “Ethan, is she… is this Arya? That Arya?”
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