Chapter 288
Brandon’s POV
I pulled Summer close, feeling her warmth against my chest as I rested my chin on the top of her head. Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. If I wasn’t confident, I wouldn’t take the risk.”
She looked up at me. “What do you think he wants? Why come to New York now?
To verify things for himself,” I said thoughtfully. “jeffrey doesn’t trust anyone–not reports, not underlings, not even his own eyes sometimes. He needs to personally confirm the situation before he makes his next move.”
Summer caught on immediately. “So your meeting tomorrow is about teassuring him?”
“Look at you, figuring it all out,” I smiled, tapping her nose lightly. My clever little wife.”
“But why is he so invested in this?” she pressed. Is it really all about Elle?”
I shook my head. “Elle is just a pawn. I don’t know his ultimate endgame, but Jeffrey’s ambitions have always been substantial. Years ago, when relations between the Stark and Sinclair families were less strained, he was more subtle. Now he’s getting impatient. This situation will need to be resolved, one way or another.”
Her eyes searched mine. “What happened three years ago? You mentioned an ‘incident‘ on the phone.”
I hesitated, memories of that night in Washington flashing through my mind. The drugged whiskey, Elle in my bed, Jeffrey’s staged discovery, the accusations, the ultimatum–it wasn’t something I wanted to revisit tonight
“Some friction between our families,” I said vaguely. “It’s a long story and it’s getting late. I’ll tell you another time.”
Summer nodded, not pushing further. “We should get some rest then You’ll need your energy for tomorrow’s meeting with your
uncle.”
She understood me so well–knew when to press and when to let things be. I felt a rush of gratitude as I followed her to the bedroom, momentarily forgetting about Jeffrey and the troubles ahead.
The next day, I arrived at Le Bernardin early to ensure everything was precisely as I wanted it. The largest VIP room had been prepared to my specifications—a display of power on my home turf.
When James ushered Jeffrey in, I stood to greet him. “Uncle. Please, have a seat.” I gestured to the chair across from me before instructing James to bring tea.
Jeffrey removed his coat, his keen eyes taking in every detail of my appearance. I knew what he was seeing–the changes in me since we last met face to face. I was no longer the younger man who could be manipulated or coerced.
“You’ve matured,” he observed. “More composed, more… present.”
I poured tea for us both. “I took the liberty of ordering your favorite dishes,” I said, ignoring his comment. “But let’s not pretend this is merely a family reunion. When exactly did you arrive in New York Uncle?”
Jeffrey’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “With your connections, I’m sure you already know the answer. Not much happens in this city without Brandon Stark hearing about it, does it?”
“You flatter me,” I replied mildly. “New York is vast, and I can’t possibly keep track of everything–particularly the small details.”
1/2
Chapter 288
I shifted gears abruptly. Have you seen my mother and Elle yet? They must be eager to see you.”
Jelfrey had no choice but to follow my conversational lead. “No, I only arrived last night. Haven’t had the chance to visit them yet.
I’m touched that you prioritized seeing me,” I said, the irony thick
my voice. “They’ve been staying at the Stark residence for
quite some time now. Once you’ve concluded your business here, perhaps you could take them back to Washington with you? They’re constantly complaining about New York to my father and Uile Gavin–clearly they miss home.”
Jeffrey frowned slightly. “Jane has never mentioned any discomfort me.” He paused, a calculating look crossing his face. “Besides, Jane is a Stark now. She should get used to New York eventually.”
He leaned forward, changing tactics. “As for Elle… she and your..”
“Elle is my cousin,” I stated flatly, cutting him off. “It’s natural that look after her, but I can’t be responsible for her indefinitely.”
Jeffrey sighed, apparently deciding to abandon subtlety. “Brandon, it just us family here. Let’s speak plainly. What are your intentions regarding Elle? You know she’s not my biological daughter, so there’s no ethical issue with you two being together. Elle genuinely loves you, and after what happened three years ago…”
“Uncle I interrupted, my voice hardening. “Since you want plain speaking, let me be absolutely clear: my position hasn’t changed since three years ago. Elle is my cousin, now and always. Unless you formally remove her from the Sinclair family, which–let’s be honest–would actually sever any connection she has to me as well. Either way, in my eyes, she’s essentially a stranger.
Jeffrey’s expression darkened. “Is that truly how you feel? After everything? Three years ago, she gave you everything, Brandon. I’m not trying to force you, but your actions then-”
“Victoria Taylor,” I interjected, watching his reaction carefully. “I assume you’ve investigated her by now? Let me make one thing perfectly clear: whatever plans you have for her, you should reconsider. For every move you make against her, I’ll elevate her position twice as much.”
“She’s a married woman!” Jeffrey protested, genuine confusion crossing his face. “Brandon, I’ve looked into her background thoroughly. In what possible way is she superior to Elle?”
I held his gaze, delivering my final blow with icy precision. “I would rather be involved with a married woman than with someone who is mentally unstable. Is that clear enough for you, Uncle?”
The shock on Jeffrey’s face confirmed my message had landed precisely as intended.
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