Chapter 334
Brandon’s POV
The sleek black Bentley purred to a stop in front of the Stark mansion. I sat motionless behind the wheel for a moment, staring at the imposing family estate. The emergency call about my grandfather’s deteriorating health had interrupted an important meeting, forcing me to rush across town. But something felt off.
William Stark didn’t summon people to his deathbed lightly.
As I stepped out of the car, the evening air carried a chill that matched my mood. I draped my suit jacket over my arm and headed toward the entrance.
The family butler materialized before I reached the door, his face lighting up with exaggerated relief. “Mr. Stark! You’ve arrived!”
I acknowledged him with a curt nod. “Yes.”
His performance was too eager, too rehearsed. My suspicions deepened as I stepped into the grand foyer, the marble floors gleaming under crystal chandeliers
“Brandon!” A familiar female voice called out from the living room.
I froze at the entrance, my body instantly tensing as I took in the scene before me. William sat in his usual armchair, looking far too healthy for someone supposedly at death’s door. My father Robert and Jane Sinclair stood nearby, expressions carefully neutral. Uncle Gavin and Aunt Meave occupied the sofa, while my sister Sarah perched uncomfortably on an ottoman. In the corner, Angela played with a small boy I’d never seen before.
The source of the voice stood at the center of it all. Lyanna York. The woman I’d sent away three years ago.
My blood ran cold as I surveyed the room, deliberately avoiding her eyes. “I thought William was bedridden. Critically ill?” I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
When no one answered, I turned to leave. “Since the situation isn’t as dire as reported, I’ll be going.”
Three voices called out simultaneously, stopping me in my tracks:
“You stay right there!” William barked.
“Uncle Brandon!” Angela’s excited squeal.
“Daddy!” The little boy’s voice hit me like a physical blow.
I paused, a dangerous energy coursing through me as I slowly turned back around. Before I could respond, two small figures darted across the room. Angela, my sister’s daughter, wrapped herself around my right leg, while the unfamiliar boy latched onto my left, looking up at me with wide eyes.
“Uncle Brandon! You came!” Angela beamed.
“Daddy! Daddy home!” the boy chirped, his face a disturbing blend of hopeful innocence.
The room fell silent, the air thick with tension. I felt my expression harden as I gently detached Angela and lifted her into my arms. With my other hand, I firmly pushed the boy away.
He tumbled backward, landing on his bottom with a surprised thud. His face crumpled immediately. “Waaah! Mommy!”
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Chapter 334
“Timothy!” Lyanna rushed forward, scooping up the crying child. She cast her eyes up at me, that practiced wounded look I knew all too well. “Brandon, Timothy is just-
“Lyanna York,” I cut her off, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “I told you what would happen if you dared return to New York.”
Her face paled. “I… Brandon, I…”
“This is my home too,” she finally managed, clutching the boy tighter. “Is it so wrong for me to come back? Especially when Timothy needs-”
“Seems like you’re eager to face the consequences,” 1
oftly, my ps curving into a cold smile.
William’s cane struck the floor with a sharp crack. “Enough of this nonsense!” he thundered. “Lyanna is your fiancée, Timothy is your son! Who do you think you’re speaking to like that? I’m the one who brought them back!”
“So that’s how it is,” I replied, my voice deceptively calm. “Well played, Grandfather.”
I set Angela gently on her feet and turned to Sarah. “It’s getting late. Sarah, let me drive you and Angela home.
Sarah hesitated only briefly, clearly uncomfortable but smart enough to know where to place her loyalty. “Yes, it is late. Angela has school tomorrow. We should go.”
As she gathered her purse, she couldn’t resist glancing at Lyanna. The history between them was complicated, but Sarah had always been perceptive.
“Angela, would you like Uncle Brandon to take us home?” Sarah asked, her voice deliberately bright.
“Yay! Yay!” Angela bounced excitedly. “I haven’t seen Uncle Brandon in forever! I missed you so much! Uncle Brandon is my
favorite!”
I felt my expression soften slightly. “And Angela is Uncle’s favorite top.” I tweaked her nose, earning a delighted giggle.
“Stop right there!” William roared, rising from his chair and raising his cane threateningly.
Lyanna moved between us. “William, please don’t!”
My grandfather’s face flushed dark with anger. “Brandon Stark, I’m not dead yet! You think your position as Stark Group CEO is secure? Without my support, do you think the shareholders would stand behind you?”
“Is that a threat, Grandfather?” I asked, my voice dangerously quiet.
“If you had any real power, you wouldn’t fear an old man’s threats,” he spat.
“Indeed. I matched his gaze evenly. “Lee Enterprises‘ current predicament is quite illuminating, isn’t it? Their century–old empire dismantled piece by piece. Even at your age, Grandfather, surely you’ve heard the rumors about how that happened.*
William’s eyes narrowed, understanding my implication perfectly.
I took Angela from Sarah’s arms, balancing her on my hip as I delivered my parting shot: “A child of Brandon Stark cannot be born without my permission. In this world, only my wife can bear my children.”
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked out, Sarah close behind me. I heard Lyanna call my name once more, but I didn’t look back.
Chapter 334
In the car, Angela chattered happily in the backseat while Sarah sat lently beside me.
“That was quite the performance back there,” she finally said, her volte low enough that Angela wouldn’t hear.
“William overplayed his hand,” I replied, eyes fixed on the rond.
“That boy…” Sarah began hesitantly.
“Is not mine.” My grip tightened on the steering wheel.
“Are you certain?”
“Completely.”
Sarah sighed. “William won’t let this go. He’ll use them to try to force you and Summer apart.”
“Let him try,” I said coldly.
“Brandon…” Sarah’s voice, grew serious. “What are you planning to do?”
I glanced at her, then at Angela in the rearview mirror. “Nothing you need to worry about. Focus on keeping Angela away from the mansion for a while.”
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Sarah nodded, understanding immediately. “Consider it done.”
As we drove through the night, my mind raced with calculations. William had made his move, bringing Lyanna and this supposed child back into play. But he’d severely underestimated how much had changed in three years.
I wasn’t the same man. And Summer wasn’t just another pawn in his game.
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