21
The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 86
Brandon’s POV
My hand paused mid–signature as I heard the expected footsteps approaching my office. I glanced up, a small smile playing at my lips. “He’s here already? Sooner than I anticipated.”
“Sir, your foresight continues to amaze me,” James remarked, standing at attention by my desk. “Though I must admit, I’m surprised Alexander actually had the nerve to show up”
I allowed myself a brief, cold smile. “Even if his pride objects, his father would find a way to make him come.”
James nodded, understanding perfectly. “And now, sir?”
“Send him up.” I signed the last document with a flourish. “And make sure the team knows I’m only giving them one year on this project. The first phase needs to launch immediately.”
“Of course, sir.” James collected the papers efficiently. “I’ll have him sent up right away.”
Alexander was escorted to my office by one of the junior assistants, is expression carefully composed though I could see the tension in his shoulders. This was his first time on the executive floor of Stark Tower–a privilege he hadn’t earned before and likely wouldn’t again.
He stepped inside, immediately adopting a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Uncle Brandon.“.
The familial address was a transparent attempt to establish connection–to remind me of our blood ties, distant as they might be. Each syllable seemed to cost him, the forced respect clearly burning his pride. I could almost taste his resentment.
“What brings my nephew to visit today?” I asked, my tone deliberately neutral, emphasizing our familial relationship and the implicit power dynamic. Each word was carefully chosen to remind him of his place–beneath me in every hierarchy that mattered.
“Uncle Brandon,” he began, the words clearly leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. “I’ll be direct. I’ve come to ask for your assistance with a somewhat delicate matter.”
I lifted an eyebrow, feigning interest while inwardly enjoying his discomfort. Every moment in my presence was clearly torture for him–good. After what he’d done to June, this was the least he deserved.
“Go on,” I said.
Alexander took a deep breath. “Do you remember George Taylor’s birthday celebration a while back?”
I nodded once. “I do.” The memory of finding June drugged and vulnerable that night made my jaw tighten imperceptibly. “Why bring that up now?”
“Well, you may have heard that I recently got engaged to Mr. Taylor’s granddaughter,” he continued, fidgeting slightly. “Victoria Taylor–she was standing beside me that evening. The Taylor family’s eldest daughter.”
“I see, I responded, my expression revealing nothing while inwardly savoring what was coming. “I don’t recall.”
Alexander’s face stiffened noticeably. He clearly hadn’t expected such a dismissive response, especially regarding someone as recognizable as Victoria. His confidence wavered visibly, but he pressed on.
“Victoria works in the entertainment industry,” he explained, his voice strained. “It’s a cutthroat business, full of unsavory characters. Recently, she’s become the target of a rather vicious online smear campaign. She’s the victim here, being attacked by—”
1/3
Chapter 861
“Get to the point. I Interrupte pinching the bridge of my nose. What does this have to do with me?/
Alexander straightened, sensing my waning patience. “I know Stark Group owns a film production company. I was hoping you might… help Victoria. These allocks could destroy her career.
“Ah, now I understand. I pressed the intercom button James, come in for a moment.
Every cell in my body wanted to throw him out of my office, to make him suffer for how he’d betrayed fure. But patience was required here. Victoria’s current troubles were just the beginning ad far more comprehensive plans for both of them.
James entered promptly, nodding politely to Alexander. “You needed me, sir?
“We own a film production company, correct? 1 asked, though we both knew I was perfectly aware of every asset under my control.
“Yes, sir,” James confirmed, seamlessly following my lead. “I’ve been verseeing it on your behalf.”
I turned back to Alexander, noting how he struggled to maintain eye contact. Asking for my help clearly cost him his pride, especially given the barely concealed hatred he felt toward me. The fact that his father had forced him into this meeting for Victoria’s shares in the Capital Corp made it all the sweeter.
“There you have it. James manages our entertainment division. Whatever you need, discuss the details with him. He has my full authority in these matters.”
The momentary flash of disappointment on Alexander’s face was telling–he’d hoped to establish a direct connection with me, not be pawned off to my assistant. Nevertheless, he recognized the offer for what it was: a grudging concession.
“Thank you, Uncle,” he said, each word clearly painful to pronounce. I appreciate your help.”
“Of course,” I replied, waving toward the door. “James will take care of everything.”
As they left, I allowed myself a small smile. Let Alexander think he’d won a victory–it would make the eventual lesson all the more
effective. Let him go back to Victoria with good news, let them celebrate this small reprieve.
After several minutes, James returned alone, his expression hesitant, as though wrestling with an unasked question.
I raised an eyebrow. “Something on your mind?”
James nodded, choosing his words carefully. “I don’t quite understand your strategy, sir. We have enough damaging information on Victoria to completely destroy her career. Why offer her a role at all? Why not simply release everything at once and be done with
her?”
His confusion was reasonable. James had worked with me long enough to know my usual approach to enemies–swift, decisive, and without mercy. This more measured response clearly puzzled him.
I allowed myself a cold smile. “Killing her career outright would be too merciful, don’t you think?” I swirled the bourbon in my glass, watching the amber liquid catch the light. “No, I prefer a different approach. Build her up first. Let her climb to the very pinnacle,
taste what real success feels like.”
I leaned back in my chair, setting down the untouched drink. “Then, when she’s at her highest point, when she believes herself untouchable… that’s when we pull the rug out. The fall from such heights isn’t just devastating–it’s obliterating. She won’t just be ruined; she’ll be shattered beyond repair.”
James couldn’t quite suppress a shiver. “I see, sir.”
“Gradually direct our best resources her way,” I instructed. “But first, have her terminate her current contracts. I want her fully
under our control.”
2/3
Chapter 86
James looked surprised. “You want the production company to sign Victoria Taylor?
1 nodded. It she craves the spotlight so badly, let’s give it to her. My lips curved into a dangerous smile. Let her learn that being the center of attention can quickly turn into being the target of everyone’s disgust.”
“But sir, we’ve only offered her a supporting role. Will she even accept?”
“She will,” I said with absolute certainty. “People like Victoria, with that kind of ambition? They never refuse an opportunity, no matter how small. She’s desperate now–she’ll grab any lifeline we throw her.”
“Very well, sir. I’ll see to the arrangements.”
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
