Stand Me Up? I'll Marry His Billionaire Uncle novel Chapter 17

Sunny wore a crisp white blouse tucked into pale blue jeans, the outfit accentuating her slender waist. On regular workdays, she preferred a relaxed style, only dressing up more formally when she had to appear in court or meet clients.

Following the host's lead, she stopped in front of The Zephyr Room on the second floor.

Typical Uncle Stellan, she thought with a wry smile. Only someone his age would insist on meeting for tea.

She pushed open the private room's door.

"Uncle Stellan."

The words had barely left her lips before she realized he was alone.

Stellan wore a black button-down shirt, the top two buttons undone, a stark contrast to his usual buttoned-up, by-the-book demeanor.

He raised an eyebrow, voice low and calm. "Have a seat."

"Would you like some white tea?"

Sunny nodded, though her heart wasn't in it. Coffee was her true love; she'd never had much patience for tea.

Stellan's tone was casual, almost lazy, his sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms. "Sunny, has it really been five years? You seem a lot quieter now."

Sunny felt her cheeks flush.

Was he teasing her about that impulsive confession she made when she was sixteen?

Her throat tightened. She fixed her gaze on the teacup in her hands. "No, Uncle Stellan. I've always been this shy."

He noticed how she kept her head down, and a faint smile crossed his lips. "Relax, I'm not going to bite."

She looked up, meeting his deep, steady gaze. Her heart thudded against her ribs.

"Tristan mentioned you two are getting your marriage certificate soon?" Stellan's eyes lingered on her. "Has he come back from his business trip?"

Sunny's mood dimmed. "I guess he's back."

Stellan paused mid-pour. "Sunny, if Tristan ever treats you badly, you tell me. Don't hesitate."

Suddenly, her nose stung with emotion. It had been a long time since anyone said something like that to her.

"Thank you, Uncle Stellan."

They chatted idly for a few more minutes before Sunny glanced at her watch. "Uncle Stellan, I have to get back to the office. I start at two."

She stood, ready to make her escape.

His warm hand closed gently around her wrist, only to let go just as quickly. "Wait—let's add each other on WhatsApp. Makes it easier for you to complain if you need to."

She looked down at the spot where he'd touched her. It had only been a second, but her skin felt feverish, as if a jolt of electricity had passed through her and left her mind hazy.

His reply was swift and to the point: [Just take it.]

If he was so generous, she wasn't going to argue.

—

The Lawson Estate.

Tonight was Stellan's first real dinner at home since his return. Abbot, the family patriarch, made an occasion of it; aside from his youngest granddaughter, everyone in the immediate family was present.

Magnus raised his glass. "Stellan, welcome home, little brother."

Stellan touched his glass to Magnus's. "Thank you, big brother."

No matter how outsiders speculated, the truth was that the Lawson brothers had always gotten along.

Luna, ever the shadow, sat close beside Tristan, who looked after her with gentle affection. The rest of the family barely seemed to notice the pair—everyone was used to it by now.

But to Stellan, the sight was strangely jarring.

"Tristan, did you and Sunny get your marriage certificate yet?" Stellan asked suddenly, catching Tristan off guard.

He cleared his throat. "We were supposed to do it today, but Sunny had to take a work trip. We'll go as soon as she's back."