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Chapter 16: Ms. Taylor, You’d Like My Help Choosing A Gift?
This lays bwbur tandfather’s bulbulay party, my quiet mouning at Fortune Corp was interrupted by a familiar ringtone.
Grandpa Grange’s voice on the phone carried that familiar warmth will stand by your side.”
always made my heart ache a little. “Come home, dear, Whatever’s troubling you, I
Π
I popped my phone sight, Amme moiding things wort solve mything. No matter what happens, fou still a member of the Taylor family. “Of course fill come, Cicamps. You’ve always been my strongest support. And home cuuhl I miss your birthday? I wasn’t beir last year – I have to make it up to you properly this
“bast having you home is enough.” His tone held a hint of v
worry that made me feel guilty.
worry about the formalities.“
“No wait” I tried to inject some cheerfulness into my voler. “To definitely getting you a present that will make you smile.
There was a pause, and I could alusest see him shaking his head with that fond exasperation he reserved just for me. “You stubborn cl
The smile his wonds brought to my face faded as soon as I ended the call. Home. The word felt different now, heavy with complications I’d never noticed before. Last time I’d been at the Tayler mansion……. Ma. Don’t think about that mos
Speaking of complications. Despite my best efforts to avoid Alexander over the past few days, he still managed to find me. I’d carefully timed my movements and the office, taking different routes and skipping the usual lunch spots, but here he was anyway. And I didn’t need to turn around to recognize his suise. “I’m working. I keps my eyes lived an my computer screen, thighs the quarterly reports had blurred into meaningless patterns.
“We need to talk.” 1
carried that particular note of patronizing concern that made my skin crawl. “You can’t keep avoiding this conversation forever.
gathering my things, determined to maintain my composure. “And I will.
Actually, I can.” I started gather
“Cant we at least be tends? The way he said it like he was being so reasonable, so mature about everything – made something twist painfully in my
“Triends? Seriously “ He’s definitely kidding me.
His expression shifted to something almost guilty. “Summer, the day after tomorrow is your g
“I wit! be there.” The words came out sharp. not for you. Not for her,”
your grandfather’s birthday. Victoria and i really want you to conse
Christie’s
es elegant interior felt like stepping into another world. The soft lighting cought on glass display cases, making the antiques within gleam with quiet digisity I wandered, between the exhibits, trying to focus on finding the perfect gift for Grandpa rather that the hollow ache in my chest.
“Can I help you find something specific, miss?” A sales specialist materialized at my elbow, her smile professional and practiced.
“Id like to look around tyrell first, thank you” I tried to project confidence I didn’t feel. Better not let them realize I have no idea what I’m doing. Last thing I need is to buy something that makes me look like an amateur in front of Grandpa. Everything looked valuable, but I couldn’t tell what would truly catch Grandpa’s eye. He had such specific taste in art and antiques the kind that came from decades of passionate collecting Maybe I should have paid more attention during all those times he tried to track me about them….
The quiet murmur of conversation died suddenly, like someone had pressed a mute button on the room. I turned, already knowing what I’d find. Who che could command that kind of attention just by walking into a room?
Brandon Stark’s tall figure out an imposing silhouette against the evening light streaming through Christie’s windows. His dark suit probably cost so much money, but it was the quiet authority in his bearing that drew every eye in the roun. James and another man I didn’t recognize flanked him like well–trained shatires
Those dark eyes found mine immediately, and that familiar hall smile played at the corners of a mouth. My pulse jumped traitorously. Get it nogether,
Hex post another Wall Street Khan who happens to drop showing up everywhere.
“Mr. Stark” The sales specialist whod approached me earler practically materialized at Brandon side. “We’ve received an exceptional collection of antiques.
Chapter 16. Ms. Taylor, You’d Like My Help Choosing A Gin?
As per your last request, we’ve set aside several pieces for your consideration.”
Brandon’s
is gaze never left my face as he addressed her. “Thank you, James will review them shortly.” With a subtle gesture, he dismissed his entourage waiting area.
are to the
My fingers twisted nervously in the strap of my bag as he approached. The evening light caught the sharp angles of his face, somehow making him look even more dangerous than usual. Why does he have to look like that? It’s honestly unfair, Well… I had to admit that he’s a bit… stunning.
“Miss Taylor.” His deep voice carried just a hint of amusement, ‘What a pleasant surprise.
1 straightened my spine, determined to maintain my composure. “Mr. Stark. I didn’t know you were interested in antiques.”
“I know a little.” The way he said it suggested he was being modest. Those dark eyes studied my face with unsettling intensity. “You seem… lost.”
Was that obvious? No. I mean… The words stuck in my throat. Come on, Smer. Swallow your pride. This is for Grandpa. “Actually, Mr. Stark, you are right.”
One perfect eyebrow arched slightly. “Oh?”
“It’s my grandfather’s birthday in two days. The words came out in a rush. “He’s a serious collector, and I want to find something special, but I’m a bit…” I gestured helplessly at the displays around us. I can’t believe I’m actually asking for his help!
Ms. Taylor, you’d like my help choosing a gift? That infuriating half–smile was back, making my stomach do odd flips.
