Chapter 312
Brandon’s POV
The familiar opulence of Manhattan Club’s private room felt like stepping back in time. Dim lighting, leather chairs worn to perfection, and the lingering scent of expensive cigars—a sanctuary where Wall Street’s elite came to escape the world.
Sean was already shuffling a deck of cards when I arrived, his smirk widening at the sight of me.
“Look who decided to grace us with his presence! he announced to our small gathering. “The elusive Brandon Stark, finally emerging from his love nest.”
Ethan Kennedy looked up from his whiskey, his angular features illuminated by the amber glow of the table lamp. The silent figure beside him–Arya Carter–remained perfectly still, almost statue–like in her careful composure.
“Brandon,” Ethan acknowledged with a slight nod. His eyes held their usual calculating gleam, neither warm nor cold.
Edward Lee sat opposite him, looking more haggard than I remembered. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his once–pristine appearance had given way to a slightly rumpled suit and loosened ti
“Gentlemen,” I greeted, taking my seat at the table. I glanced toward Arya, adding, “And lady.”
She barely looked up, her gaze fixed on her hands.
fa by
“I thought you’d be back in Philadelphia by now,” I said to Ethan, accepting the drink Sean pushed toward me. “Any progress with finding Meave?”
Something flashed in Ethan’s eyes–a warning, perhaps. “What’s that supposed to mean? Am I cramping your style by staying in New York?
I shrugged, deliberately casual. “Just curious.” I turned my attention to Arya. “And Miss Carter, you’re not heading back to the Carter estate for the holidays?”
Arya looked up, startled. Her eyes met mine for a brief moment before darting away. Unlike Ethan’s calculated coldness, her gaze held something more complex–uncertainty, perhaps, or fear.
“I haven’t been formally recognized by the Carter family yet,” she replied softly. “Aunt Meave is the only Carter I’ve really known.”
“That doesn’t sound like you, Ethan,” I observed, watching him carefully. Taking twenty years to reintroduce a lost Carter to her family? You’re usually more… efficient.”
Ethan’s hand twitched ever so slightly as he reached for his cards. “It’s not the right time yet.”
“Seems like you’ve got a lot of free time on your hands lately, Brandon,” Ethan countered, eyes narrowing. “Got your own affairs sorted?”
“I was just going to ask about Meave’s-”
“I know what I’m doing,” Ethan cut me off sharply. He turned to Aryal his voice softening. “Bored?”
She shook her head. I’m fine. I wouldn’t know where else to go anyway.”
“It’s the holidays,” Ethan suggested, his tone carefully casual. “You should meet Brandon’s wife. You two could keep each other
company when you’re bored.”
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Sean snorted, dealing the cards with practiced efficiency. “Funny you should mention that. The only reason our dear Brandon is here tonight is because his wife let him all alone.
She didn’t leave me,” I correcte, examining my cards. “Summer’s just out with her friends. She has a life outside of me
“Oh?” Sean raised an eyebrow. “So it’s not that she temporarily abandoned you, and you suddenly remembered your old friends
exist?
*Summer was meeting Ruby and Scarlett today,” I explained, arranging my hand. “She deserves time with her friends. I’m not about to follow her around like a lost puppy.”
“What about you, Edward?” Sean asked, turning to the silent figure ross the table. “You’re awfully quiet tonight.”
Edward’s lips thinned into a tight line. “Should I be chattering nonstop like you?”
The game progressed in tense silence for several hands, broken only by occasional comments about the cards. I won three consecutive rounds, much to Sean’s obvious irritation.
“Would it kill you to let someone else win occasionally?” Sean grumbled as I collected another pot. “Jesus, Brandon, is this because your wife ditched you? Taking out your frustrations on us?”
“Keep talking,” I replied smoothly, “and I’ll give you something to really complain about.‘
Edward stared at his cards, then at me. “Are you targeting me specifically tonight, Brandon?”
I smiled coldly. “Just good luck. When fortune smiles on you, there’s no stopping it.” I glanced around the table. “Maybe it’s because you’re all single. The universe rewards married men.”
Sean threw down his cards in disgust. “Fuck off with that smug married bullshit.”
Edward abruptly stood, his chair scraping against the hardwood floor “I need a
smoke. Deal me
out for this round.”
As he strode toward the door, Ethan watched him go with a contemplative expression. “Edward’s
.Once the door closed behind Edward, Ethan turned to me, his voice dropping. “You
you?”
had a rough few years.”
still refusing to tell him where Grace is, aren’t
I kept my expression neutral, gathering the cards. “What makes you think I know?”
“Don’t insult my intelligence,” Ethan replied. “Someone deliberately covered Grace’s tracks, and there’s only one person with both
the resources and the motivation to do that.”
“And what exactly would I gain from keeping them apart?” I challenged.
“Three years is punishment enough,” Ethan said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “Let Grace come home. Gavin and Meave have been searching for their daughter for years. She shouldn’t be kept from her family.”
“Believe it or not,” I said quietly, “I had nothing to do with Grace’s disappearance.”
Memories surfaced–Grace with her sharp tongue and sharper mind. We’d never been close; her arrogance had always rubbed me the wrong way. I’d help her occasionally, but there’d been no real bond between us.
“If not you,” Ethan pressed, “then who?”
The door opened as Edward returned, the smell of cigarettes clinging to his clothes. “Is that true? It wasn’t you?” His voice was strained, hovering between hope and disbelief.
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“Lee Enterprises is under attack,” Edward continued without waiting for my response. He’s coming bac
A cold feeling settled in my gut. “Who’s coming back?”
“My uncle.” Edward’s voice was flat. “I think Grace’s disappearance might be connected to him.”
Brandon.”
“Your uncle?” I frowned, piecing together information I’d gathered over the years. The one who was supposed to inherit Lee Enterprises?”
Edward nodded. “Grandfather wanted him to take over, but he left and never returned. Until now, apparently.”
The implications hung heavy in the air. Saul Pena’s return could destabilize more than just the Lee family’s business interests.
“You think he might target Grace to get to you?” I asked carefully.
‘I need her back, Brandon,” Edward said, desperation creeping into his voice. “If you know anything–anything at all–tell me now.”
I weighed my options, considering the consequences. “The Stark family is in a precarious position right now. Grace’s return could complicate things further.” I met Edward’s gaze directly. “And bringing her back isn’t as simple as making a phone call.”
“Do you even want her to come back?” I asked, watching his reaction closely.
His eyes hardened with determination. “More than anything.”
I nodded slowly, decision made. “Then I’ll see what I can do.”
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