Brandon’s POV
I was just drifting off, Summer nestled comfortably against my chest when my phone vibrated on the nightstand. Careful not to disturb her, I reached over and checked the screen. Sean. At this hour, it couldn’t be good news.
“Elle Sinclair had an episode!” His voice came through immediately, dispensing with any greeting.
My eyes snapped fully open, a cold clarity washing over me. I gently disentangled myself from Summer’s sleeping form, tucking the covers around her before silently slipping out of bed. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake as I quietly made my way to my study
down the hall.
“How do you know?” I asked, closing the door behind me.
“How do I know?” Sean’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe because she’s currently in my hospital after needing two sedatives to calm her down.” He paused. “What the hell did you do today?”
I sat down at my desk, my lips curving into a cold smile. “Nothing that concerns you.”
“Nothing that concerns me?” Sean laughed humorlessly. “You’re one cold–blooded bastard, you know that? Going after a woman like
that.”
“How long have you known me?” I countered. “Is this really surprising to you?”
Sean sighed heavily. “Fair point. So what’s the next step in your master plan? Because I’m assuming there is one.”
“What’s her current status?”
“I’ve already left the hospital, but she’s sedated and under observation. Oh, and your parents are there too. Both injured.”
That caught my attention. “Elaborate.”
“Robert has a fractured arm, and Jane has some nasty cuts and bruises. Apparently, Elle went absolutely ballistic in the Stark mansion. Threw a crystal vase at Jane before attacking Robert. Took three security guards to subdue her.”
I leaned back in my chair, contemplating this unexpected development. “Interesting.”
“You know,” Sean continued, his voice lowering, “I’ve never liked Jane Sinclair. Woman’s got nothing between her ears except
schemes and bitterness.”
“Your point?”
“Just thinking about how Alice got screwed over because of her.” Sean’s voice hardened. “Your half–sister deserved better than being kept out of the Stark family because of that woman’s machinations.”
I remained silent, knowing where this was heading.
“Remember when Jane drugged your father and that college student, just to create grounds for divorce?‘ Sean continued, anger evident in his tone. The poor girl ends up pregnant with Alice, but ane still doesn’t get her divorce. Instead, the Sinclairs use their influence to destroy the girl’s life, and Alice becomes collateral damage–forever barred from the Stark family registry. And for what? So Jane could save face?”
I don’t need the history lesson,” I cut in sharply. “If you’re angry, don’t direct it at me.”
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Chapter 311
Sean suddenly laughed, the sound jarring against the tension. So, are you going to visit your injured parents? Make a statement while they’re vulnerable?”
‘Not yet,‘ I replied coldly. “Theming isn’t right.”
“Of course not, Sean mocked. “The great Brandon Stark always waits for the perfect moment.”
I’m going back to bed,” I stated flatly.
“Wait-
I ended the call mid–protest, silencing Sean’s voice.
Several days later, I was reviewing acquisition documents in my study when Sean appeared unannounced at my Hamptons estate.
“What are you doing here?” I asked without looking up from my paperwork. “Shouldn’t you be enjoying your time off elsewhere?”
Sean flopped onto my leather sofa, completely at ease. “Is that any way to greet the friend who’s been covering your ass? Talk about burning bridges after crossing the river.”
I finally glanced up, irritation creeping into my voice. “What do you want?”
“Just curious–how much of that special formula did you give Elle?” he asked casually, examining his fingernails. “Because based on her reaction, I’d say it was a pretty significant dose.”
I set down my pen. “You know exactly what was in those pills. You’re the one who created the compound.”
“A compound that causes mental confusion and emotional instability rather than treating actual symptoms,” Sean reminded me with a pointed look. “I risked my medical license for that, you know.”
“I seem to recall you giving her vitamins,” I countered dryly.
“Vitamins with a little something extra,” he smirked. “Look, I’m not judging. I just want to know what we’re dealing with here.”
“We’re not dealing with anything. You’ve done your part.” I gestured toward the door. “If that’s all, I have work to finish.”
Sean peered over at the documents spread across my desk. “Sinclair Group acquisition plans?” He whistled low. “You’re not wasting any time, are you?”
Before I could respond, the sound of heels clicking on hardwood floors caught our attention. Summer appeared at the doorway, dressed in a light gray coat, her hair perfectly styled, and makeup expertly applied.
“Going somewhere?” Sean asked, flashing her a charming smile.
Summer nodded, her face brightening. “It’s the holidays, and the city’s so lively right now. I’m meeting Ruby and Scarlett for lunch.”
Her eyes landed on the papers scattered across my desk. “Are you working through the break? You should really take some time off, Brandon.”
I rose from my chair, walking over to her. “Just tying up some loose ends,” I assured her, my voice softening as I gently traced her cheekbone with my thumb. “Head out early to beat the traffic. And be careful–the streets will be crowded.*
“I will, she promised, leaning slightly into my touch.
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Chapter 311
“Text me when you arrive, I added, adjusting her scarf.
She nodded, then turned to Sean with a polite smile. “It was nice seeing you, Dr. Sean.
After Summer left, Sean shot me a bemused look. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing you like that–all soft and domesticated. It’s like watching a wolf turn into a lapdog.”
“I don’t recall inviting you to observe my personal life,” I remarked coldly.
“Come on, Sean cajoled, ‘since Summer’s out, why don’t we go out too? Ethan’s still in town, you know.”
That caught my attention. “Kennedy? I thought he’d gone back to Philadelphia by now.
“Nope, still here.” Sean grinned. “You’ve been so caught up with your wife you’ve forgotten all about your brothers. How about we hit up Manhattan Club? For old times‘ sake.”
I considered the offer, realizing it had been months since I’d spent time with the others. Ever since Grace’s incident three years ago and Alice’s subsequent departure, our brotherhood had gradually drifted apart.
“Fine, conceded, setting aside my work. “Call Ethan and Edward. Tell them to meet us there at eight.”
Sean was already texting as we headed toward the door. “Should we have Ethan bring little firecracker Arya along? That Carter girl’s a riot.”
“Arya Carter?” I repeated, something tugging at the edges of my memory.
–“Yeah, you know–Carter family kid they never officially claimed? She calls Meave ‘aunt‘ but follows Ethan around like a shadow.” Sean shook his head. “Never understood why the Carters didn’t just bring her home properly instead of leaving her with Ethan.”
My mind suddenly flashed to a half–forgotten memory–a small girl with fierce eyes and a determined set to her jaw. Something about her had always seemed…familiar.
“Hey,” Sean interrupted my thoughts, “why the sudden death stare? Did I say something wrong?”
I smoothed my expression, pushing the unsettling thought aside. “It’s nothing. Let’s go.”
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