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This isn’t how I imagined this conversation would ge, he said any, exigening Rete Brandon, I came of the war tim to discuss your Future with Elle. Not to be insulted.”
Let’s be reasonable here, he continued, his tone shifting to something mors diplomatie. Elle comes from an accolade mckground. The Sinclair name carries weight in Washington. She’s educated, coffered, beautiful–everything a man in a
in a wife. He paused. “Whereas Victoria Taylor… Brandon, she’s a married woman. The gossip in New York high sejaty has bee merciless. Do you really think the Stark family would accept some like her?
I allowed myself a thin smile. “You’re right about one thing, Uncle. 14 have many options for potential partners.“
“Exactly my point,” Jeffrey nodded eagerly.
“But,” I continued, “I’d prefer someone mentally stable over someone with a documented history of psychiatric issues. Woulda E Stark family more readily accept a woman with a clean bill of mental health than someone who’s been institutionalized multiple
times?”
Jeffrey’s face darkened again. “Elle does not have mental problems. That’s absurd.”
“is it?” I asked, tilting my head slightly. “Then perhaps you can explain what she was being treated for ten years ago? Or three years ago during the Washington incident? Or her most recent hospitalization just before coming to New York?
I turned to James, who had been standing silently by the door. “James.”
James immediately stepped forward, placing a thick manila envelope on the table in front of Jeffrey.
Jeffrey stared at the envelope before finally reaching for it. His hands trembled slightly as he undid the clasp and slid out the contents–medical records, psychiatric evaluations, documentation of multiple inpatient stays at exclusive mental health facilities.
The color drained from his face as he flipped through the pages,
“This is… this is a violation of privacy,” he stammered. “How did you get these?”
“Uncle, I’ve known about Elle’s condition for years,” I said calmly. “Did you really think I wouldn’t investigate after what happened in Washington? I’m the CEO of Stark Group, not some naïve college kid you can manipulate,
Jeffrey pushed the papers away, his jaw working as he fought for control. It’s not what you think. Elle’s condition… it’s not her fault. Her mother had similar issues. I was put in an impossible position back then.”
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“I understand,” I replied, my lone softening just enough to offer kime dose of dignity. Family is mar her choice I get that. And I told she’s doing much better now, stabilized with the right medicara
Jeffrey latched onto this perceid opening. “Exactly! She’s nothing like her mother. Elle is een kind. The’s now or ne
“And I’m willing to take care of her,” I said carefully. As a cousin, a family member. She’ll never want for anything. But won anyone else has other expectations…” I let the implication hang in the air. “The Stark family won’t agree to
I slid the envelope back toward him. “Consider this my gift for your sit to New York.”
Standing up, I adjusted my cuffs. James immediately stepped forward with my overcoat.
“I’m afraid I have other matters to attend to,” I said. “James will arrange for a guide to show you and the city. New York has its own… rulebook. It would be beneficial for you to understand how things work here.
“Your uncle seemed less than pleased,” James remarked as we strode down Le Bernardin’s richly carpeted hallowey
“As you predicted, the Sinclair Group’s stock has been unstable lately. There are whispers of internal problems”
I nodded. “Good. Let’s help them along, shall we? Cause a little more trouble.”
“Sir?” James looked at me, a spark of excitement in his eyes.
I said. “Let’s make sure Jeffrey has plenty to worry about at home before he can focus on us. Get the Sinclair family squatting amongst themselves.”
“How soon do you want results?”
“Three days. Have their stock drop at least fifteen percent. What position does Jeffrey’s son hold in the family company?”
“Project Management Director,” James replied promptly. “Quite capable, from what I’ve heard, but Jeffrey keeps him under his thumb. He owns a fifteen percent stake in the Sinclair Group.”
“Perfect,” I nodded. “And what about his uncle? Philip Sinclair?*
“He’s been semi–retired for years but still sits on the board. He and Jeffrey have a… complicated relationship.”
“Then he’s our chess piece,” I decided, glancing out the window at the darkening sky. “Looks like rain’s coming.”
We reached the entrance where my car was already waiting. I slid into the back seat, James settling beside me.
“Back to Stark Tower, sir?” James asked.
“Yes,” I replied, leaning my head back against the leather seat.
My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out, finding several WhatsApp messages from Summer:
How’s the meeting going?
It’s cold today, make sure to wear your coat!
*Weather app says it’s going to rain. Don’t get caught in it–I don’t want you getting sick! *
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I felt the tension in my shoulders ease as I read her messages, a smile tugging at my lips. The stormy expression I’d maintained throughout the meeting with effrey softened.
James glanced at me, doing a double–take at my changed demeanor, Sir?”
“Change of plans,” I said, tucking my phone away. “Take me to Manhattan West mall.”
Thirty minutes later, we pulled into Manhattan West’s underground parking. I opened my eyes as the car came to a stop, stepping out without waiting for James to get the door.,
The Tiffany & Co. boutique was relatively quiet at this hour. A slender woman with silver–streaked black hair looked up as I entered, recognition lighting her eyes.
“Mr. Stark,” Olivia greeted me warmly. “What an unexpected pleasure It’s been some time since you visited here.”
I scanned the gleaming display cases, taking in the arrays of diamonds and precious stones.
“How can I help you today?” she asked, noting my focused attention,
I met her eyes directly, my decision already made. “Rings,” I said simply. “Wedding rings.”
James, who had followed me into the store, nearly stumbled at my words.
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