Brandon’s POV
I flipped through the quarterly reports on my desk, scanning the numbers with practiced efficiency. Everything looked in order- Stark Tower’s third quarter profits were up 12% from last year, exceeding projections by a comfortable margin. A small victory, but
I’d take it.
When I stepped out of my office, James and Monica were both staring in the direction where Elle had been lurking. She was already disappearing down the hallway, clearly not wanting to be spotted.
“What are you two looking at?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.
Monica started slightly, caught off guard by my sudden appearance. mes, as usual, remained unfazed.
“Mr. Stark, Elle Sinclair-” Monica began.
James cut her off with a subtle shake of his head. “Nothing important, sir.”
“Let’s go,” I said, buttoning my suit jacket. The weight of the small velvet box in my inner pocket was a constant reminder of what truly mattered–not this press conference, not Elle’s childish schemes, but the ring I’d just picked up for Summer.
“Yes, Mr. Stark,” James replied, falling into step behind me.
In the back of my Bentley, James briefed me on the press conference arrangements as we cruised through midtown Manhattan.
The venue is ready, sir. Everything’s set up exactly as you specified, he reported. “We’ve controlled media access–mostly our own people are in attendance, though Elle Sinclair’s associates have also been allowed in.”
I nodded, watching the city blur past outside the tinted windows. “And Victoria?”
“She arrived early for makeup and wardrobe. Everything seems to be proceeding on schedule.”
James hesitated, studying my expression. “Sir, your attendance at this press conference… it might fuel the rumors about you and Victoria Taylor. What about Mrs. Stark? How will she feel about this
I turned my gaze to him, one eyebrow raised. “Continue.”
He shifted slightly, the only visible sign of his discomfort. “I given the recent tabloid stories?”
mean, does Mrs. Stark have any concerns about your appearance today,
“That will be your responsibility to manage, won’t it, James?” I replied smoothly.
His composure finally cracked. “Mr. Stark, with all due respect, what exactly am I supposed to do? The press will write whatever they want. I can’t control what Mrs. Stark thinks about it!”
“You’ll figure something out,” I said with finality. “Summer won’t say anything about this. She understands what we’re doing.”
James nodded, though he still looked unconvinced. I decided to redirect the conversation.
“Tell the venue we’re beginning now. I’ll make my entrance last. As for the drama in between…” I gazed out the window, my lips curving into a slight smile. “I’m sure Elle Sinclair will provide us with quite the show.”
1/3
Chapter 292
No sooner had I spoken than fames’s phone rang. He answered it, listening intently before turning to me.
“That was the backstage coordinator. Victoria’s dress has some issues Apparently, someone tampered with it, he reported, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “Sir, things are about to get very interesting
I nodded, unsurprised. ‘Exactly as expected
The phone rang again almost immediately. James’s expression turned more serious as he listened.
“We have a situation, sir,” he said after ending the call. “Victoria’s outfit has been completely ruined. She’s having some kind of allergic reaction. The press conference has descended into chaos,
“Tell them to maintain control until we arrive, I instructed calmly.
James relayed my orders, then turned back to me. “Mr. Stark, you really don’t need to make an appearance at all. We could handle this remotely.”
I fixed him with a steady gaze. “Drive faster.
Ten minutes later, we strode into the ballroom where the press conference had devolved into a scene of controlled chaos. Security personnel had formed a perimeter around a young man in hotel staff uniform who looked like he wanted to disappear through the floor. Camera flashes were going off continuously as reporters shouted questions.
Quinn Hall, our head producer, rushed over the moment she spotted me.
“Mr. Stark, thank God you’re here,” she said, relief evident in her voice. “We’ve got the situation somewhat under control now.”
“What happened?” I asked, scanning the room.
“Victoria had a severe allergic reaction to something on her dress,” Quinn explained quickly. “She’s been taken to New York Presbyterian for treatment. Her entire body broke out in hives, and she was having trouble breathing. As for this guy…” She gestured toward the hotel employee surrounded by security. “He was caught sneaking away from Victoria’s dressing room.”
The hotel manager appeared at my side, practically tripping over himself in his haste. “Mr. Stark, I want to assure you this has nothing to do with us. We’ve already terminated this individual’s employment. If there’s anything we can do-*
I held up a hand to silence him, then approached the young man being detained. He couldn’t have been more than twenty–five, with disheveled brown hair and a face pale with fear.
“Someone paid you to do this,” I stated. It wasn’t a question.
The hotel employee swallowed hard, his eyes darting around the room.
“The hotel clearly doesn’t pay you enough,” I continued, letting my words sink in.
James stepped forward, producing a check for $100,000 from his jacket pocket. I took it from him and held it up where the young man could see it.
“This is yours,” I said, keeping my voice low. “Tell me who put you up to this.”
The man stared at the check, his eyes widening. He licked his lips nervously.
“It was Miss Sinclair,” he blurted out. “Elle Sinclair. She gave me ten grand to mess with Victoria Taylor’s dress. Said there was some pollen compound that would cause an allergic reaction. She promised another ten when the job was done, He swallowed again. “I swear that’s the truth, Mr. Stark.”
2/3
Chapter 292
I nodded, then handed him the check. The reporters surged forward, cameras flashing frantically as they captured the moment. The mom erupted in excited chattet
I caught James’s eye and gave in a subtle nod. It was time to leave. Monica was already waiting by the exit, holding the door open.
As we walked out, I could hear the rising tide of gossip behind us. Be Sinclair’s name being repeated in shocked whispers. Exactly as I’d planned.
“The headlines write themselves,” James murmured as we stepped in the elevator.
Once we were alone, 1 allowed myself a real smile. “Make sure Quin knows what we expect.”
“Of course, Mr. Stark.”
When we reached the lobby, I kept walking as James stayed behind to tie up loose ends. I heard him call Quinn over.
“Handle the press coverage however you see fit,” James instructed her. “Just make sure the public relations department coordinates with you. And remember–Mr. Stark wants his headline, no matter what.”
Quinn nodded, understanding perfectly. “I’ll take care of it personally. Ladies and gentlemen of the press,” she announced, turning to the reporters who had followed us down, “if you have any questions about what just happened, I’m available to answer them all.”
James caught up with me at the entrance, where my car was already waiting.
“Where to now, Mr. Stark?” he asked as we slid into the backseat.
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