Brandon’s POV
I scanned the performance lineup James had placed on my desk, immediately noting the one name cogitantly rest.
‘Stark Entertainment doesn’t have a single person who thinks Victores worth including? I tossed the list to my desk with deliberate casualness.
James shook his head. “From what I understand, Victoria isn’t exactly a team player. She doesn’t associate with the other tits. The veterans–she can’t stand them. The newcomers–she looks down on them. He paused. ‘Honestly, it’s a miracle the lasted this long in the industry. Must be her manager’s doing. Otherwise, Victoria would have crashed and burned ages ago
A smirk tugged at my lips. “Add her name to the list, I instructed, then glanced back at the paper. “Then Blanca and Cleo at the top. plus…” I scanned the remaining names and pointed randomly. This one.
“I heard Victoria’s manager approached you?” I asked, keeping my tone casual.
James’s eyebrow twitched noticeably. “Yes.” The surprise in his voice was genuine–he hadn’t reported this encounter yet.
I looked up, giving him a flat stare. “Quinn was heading down to find you when she spotted Victoria’s car in the parking garage.”
“Maya wants to get Victoria into the Stark Group annual party,” James explained. “Though I don’t fully understand why you’re allowing it, sir.”
“Some things don’t require your understanding, James. Just your execution.” I handed the list back to him. “Inform Quins it’ll be these four. Have them prepare their performances.”
After James left, my phone rang. Jane Sinclair. My mother.
“Brandon,” her voice came through, sharp and accusatory, “I heard your uncle is staying at Hamptons estate?”
I raised an eyebrow but didn’t answer her question. Her voice immediately took on that familiar edge–the sound of her rising temper.
Jane had been perfectly content not knowing about Gavin and Meaves whereabouts until someone mentioned they were sending items to my estate. For her, this was a slap in the face–her son maintaining a closer relationship with his aunt and uncle than with his own mother.
“Brandon,” she said, her voice tightening, “I’m your mother, not Meave. All these years, you’ve been so good to her. Have you ever considered how that makes me feel?”
I could practically hear her teeth grinding. Her hatred for Meave was as predictable as it was tiresome.
“Brandon,” she snapped, her voice rising, “I am your biological mother!
“That fact doesn’t require reminding, Mother. I’ve never denied it,” I replied coldly.
“But the way you treat Meave-”
“My relationship w my aunt is my business,” I cut in. “She’s my uncle’s wife, and she helped raise me. I see nothing inappropriate about how I treat her.” I let my voice cool several degrees further. “May I remind you, Mother, that you were the one who abandoned me. So perhaps you shouldn’t demand too much now. Your name may be on my birth certificate as my mother, a fact no one can change- but nothing more.”
1/3
Chapter 239
“Brandon!” There was genuine fear in her voice now. She was afraid I say something even more cutting, expose some truth she preferred to keep hidden.
‘If there’s nothing else, Mother, have work to do.”
“Brandon!” She quickly interrupted before I could hang up. “After all these years, you still can’t forgive me? I’ve come back to make amends. Everything I’ve done has been for your benefit. Can’t you forgive me? Let me stay at the Hamptons estate with you!”
“That won’t be necessary,” I refused without hesitation. “Uncle Gavin and Aunt Meave are there for a change of scenery that might help her condition. The Stark mansion has plenty of empty rooms if you’re feeling bored. I’m an adult now. I neither need nor have time for your companionship.”
I ended the call abruptly, my expression hardening. Only then did I notice Monica standing awkwardly near the door, clearly wishing she could disappear.
“You had something to discuss?” I prompted, refocusing her attention.
Monica snapped back to attention. “Yes, James just gave me Stark Entertainment’s final lineup. I’ve done a preliminary arrangement. Since Bianca is their top performer, I’ve scheduled her second–to–last right before your closing speech. As for Victoria… how would you like her positioned?”
“Place her wherever you think appropriate.”
“And for your opening dance, who would you like to-” Monica hesitated. In previous years, this question had been unnecessary. I always chose Monica herself as my dance partner.
I knew she understood this wasn’t due to any personal preference. I simply found it troublesome to select someone new, and I avoided physical contact with unfamiliar women. Monica had remained my assistant for years partly because she never harbored romantic notions about our relationship.
This year, however, Elle Sinclair’s presence complicated matters. If I maintained tradition and danced with Monica, Elle might make life difficult for her. But more importantly, I suspected Monica sensed something had changed this year.
I raised an eyebrow, giving her an approving look. “What do you think?” I prompted.
“I think we should try something fresh this year,” Monica replied carefully. “Perhaps you have someone else in mind?”
I looked at her expectantly, encouraging her to continue.
“What if we used a random selection process? It could be a morale boost for female employees.”
I narrowed my eyes slightly. “Are you suggesting I use my physical appearance as an incentive, Monica?“.
“No, not at all!” she backpedaled quickly. “I just thought we have many exceptional female employees.” She met my eyes directly. “For instance, Summer Taylor from Projects. I find her quite remarkable–attractive, articulate, and extraordinarily kind.”
I felt my expression soften involuntarily at Summer’s name. Monica, perceptive as ever, immediately noticed and continued with renewed confidence.
“I think Summer is wonderful. Stark Group needs more faces like hers–positive, energetic, full of life.”
“Proceed as you suggested,” I agreed. “Handle the selection process carefully.”
“Right away, sir,” Monica replied, visibly relieved.
“Monica,” I called, stopping her at the door. “Once this month’s work is complete, your salary will increase by ten percent next year.”
2/3
Chapter 239
Her face lit up instantly. “Thank you, Mr. Stark! I won’t disappoint you.”
For employees like Monica, tangible rewards always meant more than verbal praise.
Once alone, I pulled out the annual party planning book from my drawer. Normally, I wouldn’t concern myself with these details, but this year included unpredictable elements. I needed to ensure everything went exactly as I wanted with minimal effort.
My fingers drummed thoughtfully against the desktop as an idea formed. I pulled out my phone and dialed Summer.
“Gavin and Meave want some time alone today,” I said when she answered. “Let’s go out for dinner.”
F
There was a brief pause. “Gavin and Meave?” Summer asked, confusion evident in her voice. “Is today special for some reason?”
