Chapter 253

**Brandon's POV**

Lisa's jaw literally dropped. She stared at me for a full five seconds before sputtering, "I'm sorry-what did you just say?"

"A wedding ring." I repeated, enjoying her reaction despite myself."Preferably something tasteful."

"Oh my God." Lisa's professional demeanor cracked completely. "Mr. Stark.you're not joking, are you? You're actually getting married?∗YOu∗?1′

I raised an eyebrow. "Is that so difficult to believe?"

"It's just-" Lisa caught herself. clearly realizing she might be overstepping."Well, yes, actually. Your bachelor status is practically legendary in New York society. This news would break half the hearts on theUpper East Side!"

I chuckled softly. "Then I suppose those hearts will just have to mend.Now.about those rings?"

Lisa nodded, shifting back into professional mode though her eyes still sparkled with curiosity. "Of course, of course. Every piece in my collection is completely unique, Mr. Stark. I design each one personally." She paused.unable to contaín herself. "If you don't mind my asking... who's the lucky lady? Not that actress from Stark Entertainment who's been in the papers recently? Victoria Taylor?”

I felt my smile turn cold. "What do you think, Ms. Lisa?"

She studied my face for a moment before shaking her head.11NO,probably not.She's married, isn't she? To that Stark relative-what's his name?Alexander?"

"Indeed," I replied. offering nothing more.

Lisa seemed to realize she'd hit a wall. "Well, what kind of ring were you envisioning. Mr. Stark? What does your fiancée prefer?"

"Something understated," I said. glancing around the display cases."Elegant. Nothing ostentatious."

Lisa's eyes lit up with understanding. "Ah, so your bride-to-be favors subtlety. That narrows things down considerably." She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Someone who appreciates craftsmanship over carats,perhaps?"

I didn't confirm or deny, but Lisa was already moving to a cabinet behind the counter. She unlocked it with a small key from her pocket and removed a velvet tray.

"I think I have exactly what you're looking for," she said, placing the tray on the counter.

The set consisted of matching pieces-a pair of rings, a delicate necklace.and a bracelet. All platinum with minimal embellishment, yet crafted with exquisite attention to detail. The central ring-clearly meant for a woman-featured a modest diamond set flush with the band, surrounded by an intricate pattern etched into the metal.

back down. "I'm surprised the great Lisa Jewelry has pieces that don't sell."

Lisa's smile didn't falter. "As I said. I'm a businesswoman, but I only sell to those who truly connect with the piece. It's not about selling-it's about finding the right match."

She began reaching for another display. "If this doesn't quite capture what you're looking for, I have several other collections that-"

"No." I interrupted, pointing to the tray. "This set is perfect. I'll take it."

Lisa beamed. "Excellent choice, Mr. Stark! Would you like to take it with you today? I can have it boxed up in just a few minutes."

"Not yet," I replied. "I'll need a few adjustments. The men's ring needs to be sized to match this one, and I want both rings engraved."

"Of course," Lisa nodded, reaching for a notepad. "What would you like engraved?"

I took the pen she offered and wrote two letters: BS.

Lisa studied the initials. her curiosity plainly visible. "I'll have these ready within the month. Mr. Stark. Is there any particular rush?"

"The sooner the better." I replied, already turning to leave. "James will handle the payment details. Have a good day, Ms. Lisa."

As I walked out, I could feel her eyes on my back, no doubt wondering which woman in New York had finally captured the elusive Brandon Stark-and what the initials "BS" could possibly mean.

"This arrived for your mother this morning." James explained, his tone carefully neutral. "It was sent by your uncle Jeffrey Sinclaiir-overnighted from Washington."

"And you intercepted it," I noted, not a question.

"Yes, sir." James stood with perfect posture, hands clasped behind his back.

"Standard protocol for all packages sent to the Stark residence. Dr.Sean has analyzed the contents."

I opened the bottle, examining the small white tablets inside. "And?"

"They contain a powerful sedative, commonly used to treat severe anxiety and certain..." James hesitated, choosing his words carefully, "...certain psychiatric conditions. According to our sources in the household.Elle Sinclair had an... episode yesterday. Apparently, she disposed of her previous medication."

I closed the bottle with a decisive snap. "So my dear uncle is sending more.How thoughtful."

"We've replaced the contents with vitamin supplements that look identical."James continued. "Dr. Sean assured me they're completely harmless.Would you prefer we substitute something else? As long as it's not too obvious, the switch likely wvon't be detected."

I looked up at James, allowing a coldly amused smile to cross my face.His slight discomfort was visible only in the faintest tightening around his eyes.

"What about the film announcement?" I asked. changing subjects abruptly."When is the press conference scheduled?"

"In three days," James replied. "Will you... will you actually be attending.sir?"

I fixed him with a level stare. "Is that a problem?"

"No,sir! Not at all," James quickly assured me. "I'll make all the necessary arrangements immediately."

I nodded, dismissing him with a wave. As the door closed behind him,I swiveled my chair to face the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office, looking out at the Manhattan skyline.