Victoria’s POV
Brandon barely acknowledged me with the slightest upward curve of his lips. His eyes, however, remained cold and distant– regarding me as though I were just another party guest rather than family. The subtle dismissal made my carefully practiced smile falter for just a moment.
Across the room, I spotted Summer standing in the corner with Leo Schmidt. They’d arrived together, and the rumor mill was already spinning.
“Who is that woman? I heard someone whisper nearby. How does she know Brandon Stark well enough to call him uncler
“Didn’t you see? She came in with Bianca and the others from Stark Entertainment. She must be one of their talents.”
“I think I’ve seen her on TV. Victoria Taylor, right? She’s that actress
“But what’s her connection to our CEO?”
Just as I was about to speak again, a blonde woman in an extravagant evening gown pushed through the crowd. Her face was twisted with fury as she stormed toward me.
“Who the hell do you think you are?” she snarled, shoving me backward. “You think you can just waltz in here and claim Brandon as your uncle?”
I stumbled, nearly falling flat on my ass before Sophie caught me by the elbow. What the actual fuck?
“Uncle‘? You’re calling Brandon ‘uncle‘?” The blonde’s voice rose to a shrill pitch. “I’ve known Brandon my entire life, and I’ve never heard of you! How dare you pretend to be family!”
I steadied myself, raising an eyebrow at this unexpected obstacle. And you are…?” I asked, deliberately keeping my tone polite but
dismissive.
“Someone you can’t afford to mess with!” she snapped back, then turned toward Brandon. “Brandon, who is this woman? Why is she calling you ‘uncle‘? I’ve grown up with you, and I’ve never seen her before!”
She wasn’t finished. “Don’t think wearing some fancy dress makes you special,” she continued, her voice dripping with venom, “Since the whole Stark family is here, along with all the company employees, we might as well clear this up right now. Otherwise, you’ll go around lying to everyone. Jane and Robert are right over there–let’s ask if they know who you are.”
From my peripheral vision, I could see Summer watching from the corner, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips. That little bitch is enjoying this!
“Oh my God, what’s happening now?” someone whispered loudly enough for me to hear.
The blonde woman raised her voice even more. “Aunt Jane! Come look at this woman! Is she actually related to the Stark family? I’ve never heard you mention her before. Uncle Robert, do you know her?”
Robert Stark–Brandon’s father–frowned slightly as he studied me. “Perhaps she’s the daughter of one of Brandon’s friends?” he suggested, sounding uncertain.
Jane Sinclair–Brandon’s mother–let out a derisive snort. “Brandon’s friends? Aren’t they all around his age? How could any of them have a daughter her age?”
My face burned with humiliation as my carefully constructed facade began crumbling around me, I had to salvage this somehow.
1/3
Chapter 246
“Uncle Brandon,” I pleaded, my voice betraying my desperation, please tell them… I’m not actually Brandon’s family, but my husband is! His name is Alexander Stark, and my father–in–law is Alexander Sr. Surely that gives me the right to call you uncle?
Jane Sinclair’s laughter cut throgh me like a knife. “Oh, that Alexander! Who told you they’re related to us? Not everyone with the Stark name belongs to our family.”
My confidence shattered completely. I could feel the blood draining from my face, then rushing back, then draining again. I turned to Brandon, my last hope. “Uncle… I mean, Mr. Stark, please say something. I truly didn’t know…”
Brandon finally broke his silence, interrupting my pathetic plea. “Enough! Ms. Taylor may not have known, and that’s fine. They share the Stark name, after all, No need to be so harsh. His voice was cool and professional. “Ms. Taylor is now a talent at Stark Entertainment. She’ll continue contributing to the company’s success through her work there.”
He turned to James. “Is it time?
“Yes, sir. We can begin the event now,” James replied promptly.
Monica approached, clipboard in hand. “Mr. Starky Mr. Wilson, everything is ready.”
Brandon nodded. “Good. Let’s begin. Everyone, please take your seats
The room shifted as everyone moved toward their assigned tables. Brandon and the core Stark family members took their places in the front row. I spotted Summer sitting in the third row alongside Leo and that Heather girl from Projects. Meanwhile, I was relegated to the side with the other Stark Entertainment talents, like some kind of second–class citizen.
As I sat down, I maintained a calm exterior, but inside I was seething. How dare Brandon treat me like this? After everything I’d done to secure my position at Stark Entertainment!
“You really stepped in it this time,” Sophie whispered, leaning close. You tried to put Brandon on the spot in public, and he still let you off easy. Don’t forget you’re still under contract with Stark Entertainment.”
I shot her a withering glare before my attention was drawn back to Summer. She was leaning toward Leo, laughing at something he’d said. Well, well. This is interesting. I discreetly pulled out my phone and snapped a few photos. Alexander would definitely want to see his precious ex–fiancée getting cozy with her boss.
“Who the hell was that woman, anyway?” I whispered to Sophie, still smarting from the public humiliation.
Sophie leaned in, her lips practically brushing my ear. “Didn’t you hear what she called Brandon’s parents? If I’m not mistaken, that’s Elle Sinclair–some distant relative from Brandon’s mother’s side.”
“Elle Sinclair,” I repeated, the name tasting bitter on my tongue.
“Just let it go for now,” Sophie advised. “Brandon didn’t really take her side either. Did you notice? He doesn’t seem to particularly like her.”
My interest piqued. “Really? Well, then she has nothing to feel smug about either.”
“Exactly,” Sophie nodded. “There’s no point dwelling on it. This isn’t the right time or place to make a scene. We can find another opportunity.”
I nodded slightly, but my mind was already racing with possibilities for revenge.
2/3
The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 247
