Chapter 263
Brandon’s POV
I helped Meave out of the car, steadying her with a gentle hand on her elbow. The last thing I wanted was for her to return to this toxic environment, but I understood her sense of duty.
“Careful with that step, I murmured, grabbing her luggage with my free hand.
Just as we reached the front steps, Elle came rushing toward us.
“Brandon! You’re here!” Her voice was high–pitched with excitement, arms outstretched,
My cold stare stopped her in her tracks. She recovered quickly, turning to Meave with a saccharine smile.
“Aunt Meave, it’s been so long! How have you been?” Elle gushed, words dripping with false enthusiasm,
Meave raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t we just see each other yesterday?”
“Oh, that’s right!” Elle’s smile faltered momentarily. “Aunt Meave. Let me help you inside!”
“That won’t be necessary,” Meave replied politely. She turned to me, eyes kind but insistent. “Brandon, I can manage on my own. You should go if you have other matters to attend to.”
I hesitated. “If you’re sure, Aunt Meave?”
My mother’s voice cut through the air.
“You’re back but not coming inside?” Jane emerged from the doorway “What matters are so urgent? You don’t even have time to see your mother?”
Meave sighed softly. “Jane, Brandon has someone waiting for him.”
“What?” Jane’s voice rose sharply. “Your own daughter disappeared for three whole years without a care for you, and now you’re trying to keep me from seeing my son?”
“That’s enough!” I finally snapped.
“Brandon, I’m your mother. How can you speak to me this way? You know this woman-*
“What woman‘?” I cut her off coldly. “This is the woman who raised me. In my heart, she is my mother! During the fifteen years you were absent, Aunt Meave cared for me day and night. Everything she does is for my well–being. Mother, you shouldn’t slander her.” I turned back to Meave, voice softening instantly. “Aunt Meave, you must be tired standing. Let me help you inside.”
As we climbed the grand staircase, I kept my pace slow to match Meave’s. Jane and Elle trailed behind us.
“Aunt Meave,” I said quietly, “please don’t take what just happened to heart.”
“Silly boy, am I that petty? Your mother has a point though–she is your biological mother, while I…”
“Please don’t belittle yourself, Aunt Meave. In my heart, I truly see you as my mother.” I glanced down the hallway. “Uncle Gavin isn’t home yet, and I’m worried they might confront you. If there’s nothing urgent, please stay in your room for now.”
She smiled understandingly. “Summer is waiting alone in the car–aren’t you worried about keeping her waiting?”
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“I’ll head back now. Please visit us when you can, Aunt Meave. Summer and I would love to have you!”
After ensuring Meave was comfortable, I turned to leave, only to find Jane and Elle waiting at the top of the stairs.
“Brandon, why not stay for dinner? Or you could spend the night! We have plenty of rooms, or you could use your old room. I’ve kept it clean for whenever you return.”
“That won’t be necessary. I need to leave now.”
“Brandon, what could possibly be so urgent? It’s already getting late and Elle mentioned your company is closed for the next few days. Are you in such a hurry to leave because, you don’t want to see your mother?”
I moved past them down the stairs. I was nearly at the bottom when Jane’s composure shattered.
“Stop right there, you ungrateful child!” she shouted. “Is this how you treat your birth mother? I carried you for ten months, and this is how you repay me? I’ve already humbled myself so much, and if you had any conscience at all, you’d at least have a meal with me!” Her voice rose higher. “Tell me, was it that woman upstairs who taught you this? Her own daughters have abandoned her, one after another, and now she’s trying to monopolize you. She stole another woman’s husband, and now she wants to steal my
son?”
I turned slowly, fury coursing through me. “Enough! Mother, my decisions have nothing to do with Aunt Meave. I’m leaving simply because I don’t want to see you or your precious niece. If you had any self–awareness, you’d leave the Stark mansion and New York
immediately..”
Brandon, I’m your mother, you-”
“Now you remember you’re my mother?” I asked coldly. “When I needed you most, you treated me as a burden. I know I’m not the child of you and the man you truly loved, which is why you abandoned my father so completely and avoided me like the plague. Don’t test my patience further.”
“Brandon, but your father wronged me first! He had another woman. Alice Stark is proof of his betrayal. Have you forgotten? That girl, she-”
“Alice couldn’t join the Stark family because of you. What you owe to Alice and her mother can never be repaid.”
“No, how could I possibly owe that homewrecker anything? She destroyed my family! She’s shameless!”
“I won’t discuss the truth of what happened with you. This is my final warning: don’t harass Aunt Meave, don’t threaten my father, or you’ll lose what little tolerance I have left for you.”
Turning to the Butler, I changed the subject. “Where’s my grandfather?”
“Mr. William went out with some friends today, sir. He hasn’t returned yet. Are you leaving now, Mr. Stark?”
“Yes, take good care of Aunt Meave. Uncle Gavin is handling some business and will return shortly. Aunt Meave is resting in her room. Have someone keep watch, and don’t let anyone disturb her until Uncle Gavin returns, or they’ll face consequences.”
“Yes, Mr. Stark. Have a safe trip.” He turned to the women. “Mrs. Sinclair, Miss Sinclair, I’ll go check on Mrs. Stark now. If you’re tired or hungry, please inform the staff.”
“Hmph! Watchdog!” lane snorted.
Before I could reach my car, Elle came tearing after me.
Brandon, wait for me! Don’t go!” she called desperately. “Brandon, you just arrived, how can you leave already? Isn’t this your
home?
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She caught up to me, grabbing my arm. “I’ve been in New York for months, and you never spend time with me. Brandon, I’m your fiancée! Brandon, please stay! Or take me with you–we can go out for dinner, and then I can go to your place, okay?”
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