THE FAMILY DINNER

 

Elena Hayes had faced angry clients, demanding executives, and three years of Adrian Blackwood's impossible expectations.

Yet, as she stood in front of her bedroom mirror on Saturday evening, she felt more nervous than she had ever been in his office.

She adjusted the sleeve of her dark blue dress and studied her reflection.

The dress was simple but elegant. It hugged her figure without revealing too much, and the small gold earrings she had borrowed from Maya completed the look.

She wasn't trying to impress anyone.

At least, that was what she kept telling herself.

Tonight, she would meet Adrian's family for the first time. They would be told that she was going to marry their billionaire son, a man who had spent three years treating her as little more than an efficient assistant.

She could already imagine the questions.

Why her?

How long had they been seeing each other?

What did she know about his family?

And the question she feared most: Was she marrying him for his money?

Her phone rang on the dressing table.

Maya's name appeared on the screen.

Elena picked it up immediately.

"Hey, baby."

"Are you ready?" Maya asked.

"Almost."

"You're lying. You sound like you're about to attend a job interview."

Elena laughed despite herself. "This is worse than a job interview."

"Because you're meeting your future husband's family?"

"Don't call him that."

"Fine. Your future billionaire husband."

"Maya!"

"What? You agreed to marry the man, didn't you?"

Elena sat on the edge of the bed and sighed.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean this is a real relationship. You know why I'm doing this."

"I know why you agreed to it," Maya replied gently. "But I also know you. You don't like being in situations where you can't control what happens next."

Elena looked down at her hands.

"His family could make this very difficult for me."

"Then let them see who you are. You don't have to pretend to be someone else just because they're rich."

The words settled something inside Elena.

She had spent too much of her life trying to prove that she deserved to be in rooms where people underestimated her. She wasn't going to start begging for acceptance now.

"How are you feeling?" Elena asked, changing the subject.

"I'm fine. The nurse came earlier, and I've taken my medication."

"Good. I'll call you when I get there."

"Elena?"

"Yes?"

"Don't let that man intimidate you just because he has money."

A smile touched Elena's lips.

"Trust me. I've been dealing with him for three years. His money is the least intimidating thing about him."

They both laughed.

After ending the call, Elena picked up her handbag and took one last look at herself.

Whatever happened tonight, she would handle it.

She had to.

Not just for herself, but for Maya.

---

Adrian Blackwood hated waiting.

He hated late meetings, delayed reports, and people who wasted his time. But as he stood beside his black Mercedes outside Elena's apartment building, he found himself checking his watch every few seconds.

His driver remained silent.

Adrian checked his phone again.

No message.

He had told Elena to be ready by seven. It was now seven minutes past.

He was about to call her when the entrance door opened.

Elena stepped outside.

For a moment, Adrian forgot what he had intended to say.

She wore a dark blue dress that brought out the warmth in her skin. Her hair fell neatly around her shoulders, and she carried herself with the same quiet confidence he had seen in the boardroom countless times.

But tonight, something about her seemed different.

Perhaps it was because he was seeing her outside the office.

Perhaps it was because, for the first time, he had to introduce her as something other than his assistant.

She walked toward him.

"Sorry I'm late."

He glanced at his watch.

"Seven minutes."

"Would you prefer that I go back upstairs and give you time to recover from the shock?"

His eyes lifted to hers.

"There she is."

"Who?"

"The woman who argues with me over everything."

Elena folded her arms. "You say that as though you don't enjoy it."

"I don't."

"Of course you don't."

She moved toward the car, but Adrian caught her attention before she could open the door.

"Elena."

She turned.

"Yes?"

He looked at her for a second longer than necessary.

"You look beautiful."

The compliment surprised her so much that she almost forgot how to respond.

Almost.

"Thank you," she said. "You look presentable yourself."

His expression changed.

"Presentable?"

"Don't let it go to your head, Mr. Blackwood."

She opened the car door and climbed inside before he could answer.

Adrian stood there for another second, staring at the closed door.

Then he let out a quiet breath and got into the car.

This arrangement was already becoming more complicated than he had expected.

And they hadn't even had their wedding yet.

---

The Blackwood estate stood behind tall iron gates on a quiet stretch of road lined with old trees. The house was enormous, with cream-colored walls, wide windows, and carefully maintained gardens. Warm lights shone through the windows, making the mansion look almost welcoming.

Almost.

Elena stared at it as the car approached the entrance.

"This is your family home?"

"Yes."

"How many people live here?"

"At the moment? My grandmother, a few members of the household staff, and occasionally my uncle when he decides to be unbearable somewhere other than his own house."

Elena turned to him.

"You speak about your uncle with a lot of affection."

"I save my affection for people who deserve it."

"That must be a very short list."

Adrian looked at her.

"You're determined to irritate me tonight, aren't you?"

"No. I'm simply being myself."

"Try being yourself after dinner. My grandmother has been looking forward to meeting you."

Elena's smile faded slightly.

"Does she know about the arrangement?"

"She knows I intend to marry you. She doesn't know every detail of our agreement."

"And what exactly have you told her about us?"

"That we've known each other for three years and that I've decided to make our relationship official."

Elena stared at him.

"Our relationship?"

"Would you prefer I tell her that my former assistant agreed to marry me because I offered her money?"

Her cheeks warmed.

"No. But I would prefer not to be forced to invent a love story on the spot."

"Then don't invent one. Say we've grown close over time."

"We have not grown close over time, Adrian. I've spent three years bringing you coffee and reminding you about meetings."

"I don't drink coffee every day."

"That is the part you want to argue about?"

He almost smiled.

"Just follow my lead."

Elena looked out the window again.

She hated how easily he could make a difficult situation sound like another item on his schedule.

The car stopped in front of the entrance.

Before she could reach for the door, Adrian spoke.

"One more thing."

She turned back.

"My grandmother can be direct. She won't pretend to like something she doesn't like."

"Good. Neither will I."

"Elena."

"What?"

"Please try not to start a fight with my family during dinner."

She gave him a sweet smile.

"I'll try not to disappoint you."

He shook his head and stepped out of the car.

Elena followed, lifting her chin as a member of the household staff opened the front door.

She had a feeling this evening would test every bit of patience she possessed.

---

The first person to greet them was an elderly woman with silver hair styled neatly around her face. She wore a deep green dress and a string of pearls. Though her steps were measured, her eyes were sharp and alert.

Adrian's expression softened when he saw her.

"Grandmother."

"Adrian."

She kissed his cheek before turning her attention to Elena.

"So, this is the young woman who has finally managed to make my grandson do something without consulting his lawyers first."

Elena blinked.

Then she smiled.

"I wouldn't go that far, ma'am. He still consults his lawyers about almost everything."

The older woman laughed.

Adrian looked at Elena with a warning in his eyes, but his grandmother seemed delighted.

"I like her already."

"I'm pleased to hear that," Elena replied.

"I'm Margaret Blackwood. And you are Elena Hayes."

"Yes, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Margaret took Elena's hand and studied her face with open curiosity.

"Three years, Adrian tells me. You've worked with him for three years."

"That's right."

"And you survived?"

Elena glanced at Adrian.

"Some days were more difficult than others."

Margaret laughed again.

"Excellent. At least you have a sense of humor. Come along, dear. Everyone is waiting."

Everyone.

The word made Elena's stomach tighten.

Adrian placed a hand lightly against the small of her back to guide her inside.

The touch was brief, but she felt it all the same.

She glanced at him.

He kept his attention on the hallway ahead, as if he hadn't touched her at all.

Elena told herself it meant nothing.

It had to mean nothing.

They were only playing their parts.

---

The dining room was filled with polished silverware, crystal glasses, and enough food to feed a small gathering twice over.

Three people were already seated at the table.

A middle-aged man with graying hair sat near the head of the table, his expensive watch catching the light. Beside him was a striking blonde woman in a fitted cream dress, her red lips curved into a smile that did not reach her eyes.

A younger man sat across from them, scrolling through his phone.

The middle-aged man stood when Adrian entered.

"Adrian. You're late."

"Good evening to you too, Uncle Richard."

Richard Blackwood's eyes moved to Elena.

"And this must be the famous Elena Hayes."

The way he said her name made it sound as though he had already decided something unpleasant about her.

Elena offered her hand.

"Good evening, Mr. Blackwood."

Richard shook it briefly.

"I've heard you're very good at your job."

"Thank you."

"Adrian has always valued efficiency. I suppose that's one reason he has kept you around for so long."

The remark sounded harmless enough, but Elena caught the insult beneath it.

Before she could respond, Adrian stepped beside her.

"Elena is more than good at her job. She's one of the most capable people in my company."

Richard raised his eyebrows.

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

The single word ended the discussion.

The blonde woman stood next, offering Elena a polished smile.

"Vivian Sterling."

Elena recognized the name immediately.

Vivian was a regular feature in business magazines and society columns. She came from a wealthy family and had been linked to Adrian in the press several times. There had been photographs of them at charity galas, business dinners, and private events.

Elena had once prepared briefing notes for a meeting involving Vivian's family's company.

She remembered the woman being described as Adrian's ideal match by several gossip websites.

"It's nice to meet you," Elena said.

Vivian's gaze traveled over her dress before returning to her face.

"Likewise. I've heard so much about you."

Elena doubted that.

"Really?"

"Oh, yes. Adrian's assistant. Three years, wasn't it?"

"That's right."

Vivian tilted her head.

"And now you're marrying him."

The room became noticeably quieter.

Elena felt Adrian's attention shift toward her, but she refused to look at him for help.

"That's the plan," she answered calmly.

Vivian smiled.

"How unexpected."

"I imagine it was."

"And how did that happen? I always thought Adrian would choose someone from a similar background."

There it was.

Elena's fingers tightened around the strap of her handbag.

She had expected questions. She had even prepared herself for suspicion. But hearing someone dismiss her so casually still stung.

Before Elena could answer, Adrian spoke.

"Vivian, I wasn't aware that my choice of wife required your approval."

Vivian's smile faltered.

"Of course it doesn't. I'm only surprised."

"Then you can be surprised quietly."

The younger man at the table let out a short laugh before covering it with a cough.

Richard shot him a disapproving look.

Adrian turned to Elena.

"Come and sit beside me."

She followed him to the table, keeping her expression composed.

As she sat, she leaned slightly toward him.

"You could have warned me that your family came with an interrogation team."

"I did warn you."

"You said your grandmother was direct. You forgot to mention your uncle and his unofficial public relations manager."

His mouth twitched.

"Vivian isn't my public relations manager."

"She certainly seems interested in managing your decisions."

This time, Adrian almost smiled.

Across the table, Vivian watched them closely.

She had spent years believing that she understood Adrian Blackwood. She knew his habits, his preferences, the events he attended, and the women he ignored.

But she had never seen him look at a woman the way he was looking at Elena.

And she didn't like it.

Not one bit.

---

Dinner began with polite conversation that quickly turned into something more uncomfortable.

Richard asked Elena about her education, her family, and her plans for the future. At first, his questions seemed reasonable. Then they became increasingly personal.

"Your parents don't live in the city?"

"No, sir."

"And your sister is still receiving treatment?"

Elena paused with her fork halfway to her mouth.

She hadn't expected him to know about Maya.

"Yes," she answered carefully.

Richard nodded as though confirming information in a report.

"That must be expensive."

"Medical care can be."

"And Adrian has been helping you?"

Elena's face grew warm.

"No. My sister's expenses are my responsibility."

Richard leaned back.

"How admirable."

There was something unpleasant in his tone, but Elena couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Adrian set down his glass.

"Uncle Richard, why are you asking about Elena's finances?"

Richard looked offended.

"Must I have a reason to make conversation with my future niece-in-law?"

"Ask her about something that isn't personal."

"You're being rather protective tonight."

"I'm being polite. There's a difference."

Margaret placed her fork on her plate.

"Richard, leave the girl alone. She has only just arrived."

Richard lifted both hands.

"Very well. I meant no offense."

"Of course," Elena said, though she no longer believed him.

Vivian took the opportunity to join in.

"Elena, what do you plan to do after the wedding? Will you continue working for Adrian?"

Elena swallowed before answering.

"We haven't made a decision about that yet."

It was a careful answer. Their agreement allowed her to pursue her own career, but they hadn't discussed how their professional relationship would work after the marriage.

Vivian smiled.

"That must be difficult. Being married to your employer could make things complicated."

"Only if people insist on making them complicated," Elena replied.

The younger man finally looked up from his phone.

"That's a good answer."

Adrian turned toward him.

"Daniel, it's nice of you to join us."

Daniel Brooks grinned.

"I've been listening. It's been more entertaining than anything on my phone."

He looked at Elena.

"I'm Daniel, Adrian's oldest friend. I'm sorry about the welcome committee. They usually behave better when there are witnesses."

"Daniel," Richard warned.

"What? I'm welcoming her."

Elena laughed softly, and the tension in her shoulders eased a little.

"Nice to meet you, Daniel."

"You too. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into."

"I've been asking myself the same question."

Daniel laughed.

For the first time that evening, Elena felt she could breathe.

Adrian watched her laugh with Daniel and found himself paying attention to details he had never considered important before.

The way her eyes brightened when she laughed.

The way she relaxed when she felt comfortable.

The way she didn't try to impress anyone, even when everyone at the table seemed determined to judge her.

He had chosen Elena because she was capable, discreet, and unlikely to develop romantic expectations.

That had been the reasoning.

But sitting beside her now, watching her defend herself without asking him to rescue her, he wondered whether he had underestimated just how much of a challenge she would be.

And why the thought pleased him.

---

After dinner, Margaret asked Elena to join her in the sitting room.

Adrian was called away by Richard, who claimed they needed to discuss an urgent company matter. Before leaving, Adrian glanced at Elena.

"I'll be back shortly."

"I'll survive."

"I know you will."

Their eyes met for a brief moment before he followed his uncle out.

Elena settled into an armchair opposite Margaret.

For a few seconds, the older woman said nothing. She simply watched Elena with the thoughtful expression of someone who had learned to recognize when people were hiding something.

"May I ask you a question, dear?"

"Of course."

"Do you love my grandson?"

Elena nearly choked on the tea she had just taken.

She set the cup down carefully.

"Ma'am..."

"You don't have to answer immediately."

Elena looked at the woman sitting across from her. Margaret wasn't smiling now. There was no teasing in her eyes.

She was genuinely asking.

"I respect Adrian," Elena said at last. "We've worked together for a long time."

"That wasn't what I asked."

Elena looked down at her hands.

"No, ma'am. I don't love him."

The words felt strange leaving her mouth, especially when she remembered that she was supposed to become his wife.

Margaret nodded slowly.

"Thank you for being honest."

Elena swallowed.

"I hope you don't think badly of me."

"Why would I?"

"Because I'm going to marry him."

Margaret leaned back in her chair.

"I have known Adrian since he was a little boy. I know what he looks like when he's determined to get something, and I know what he looks like when he's afraid of losing it."

Elena frowned.

"I'm not sure I understand."

"My grandson has always believed that if he plans carefully enough, he can prevent anything from hurting him. He plans his business deals, his schedule, even the people he allows into his life."

"That sounds like Adrian."

"It does, doesn't it?" Margaret sighed. "But marriage isn't a business deal, Elena. You can write down every rule you want. You can decide how long it should last and what each person is expected to do. That doesn't mean feelings will obey those rules."

Elena felt an uncomfortable knot form in her stomach.

Their agreement had been carefully written. Rebecca had reviewed it. Every financial obligation and personal boundary had been discussed.

They had made sure neither of them could be trapped by the arrangement.

But neither of them had planned for feelings.

"Adrian and I understand our situation," Elena said.

"I hope you do."

Margaret reached for her teacup.

"And I hope, whatever happens between you, that you remember you are a person with your own dreams. Don't lose yourself trying to fit into this family."

Elena stared at her.

She had expected judgment from Adrian's family. Perhaps even a lecture about her background or her reasons for accepting the proposal.

She hadn't expected kindness.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Margaret smiled.

"Now, tell me something about yourself that has nothing to do with my grandson."

For the next twenty minutes, Elena told her about her interest in event planning, the small celebrations she had helped organize for friends, and the business she hoped to build someday.

Margaret listened with genuine interest.

By the time Adrian returned, Elena was laughing at one of Margaret's stories.

He stopped at the doorway.

For a moment, he simply watched them.

His grandmother looked happier than she had in weeks, and Elena looked comfortable in a house that had seemed to intimidate her only an hour earlier.

He should have been pleased.

Instead, he felt a strange sense of relief that he couldn't explain.

"There you are," Margaret said, noticing him. "I was beginning to think Richard had kidnapped you."

"He tried. I escaped."

Elena rose from her chair and collected her handbag.

"Thank you for dinner, Mrs. Blackwood."

"Call me Margaret, dear. And come again soon."

"I'd like that."

Margaret hugged her before letting her go.

Adrian looked mildly surprised by the embrace.

As they walked toward the entrance, Elena leaned closer to him.

"Your grandmother is lovely."

"She likes you."

"Is that a problem?"

"No."

"Good. Because I like her too."

He opened the front door for her.

"How was the rest of dinner?"

"Your uncle asked about my sister's medical expenses, and Vivian tried to make me feel like I wasn't good enough for you."

Adrian's expression hardened.

"And you didn't tell me?"

"You were busy discussing business."

"I could have handled it."

"I handled it myself."

He stopped walking.

Elena turned to face him.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"No, say it."

Adrian studied her face.

"I don't like the way they treated you."

For once, there was no sarcasm in his voice. No attempt to dismiss her concerns or turn the conversation into an argument.

Elena's expression softened, just a little.

"Thank you."

He nodded toward the car.

"Let's get you home."

---

The drive back was quieter than the journey to the estate.

Elena watched the lights of the city pass outside the window, replaying the evening in her mind. She had survived the dinner, earned Margaret's affection, and discovered that Vivian Sterling was exactly as unpleasant as the society pages had made her seem.

Still, one thing bothered her.

"Adrian?"

He looked up from his phone.

"Yes?"

"Your uncle asked about Maya's treatment. How did he know about it?"

Adrian's expression changed.

"What exactly did he say?"

"He asked if my sister was still receiving treatment. Then he asked if you'd been helping me financially."

Adrian put his phone away.

"Did you tell him anything about our agreement?"

"No. I told him Maya's expenses were my responsibility."

He looked out the window, his jaw tightening.

"Richard has a habit of gathering information about people he considers important."

"Important to what?"

"His plans."

Elena studied him.

"Do you think he's investigating me?"

"I don't know."

"That's not reassuring."

"I didn't say it to reassure you. I said it because it's the truth."

She folded her arms.

"Well, I hope your uncle understands that I'm not going to sit quietly while he digs into my family's private life."

Adrian turned toward her.

"Don't confront him alone if you discover he's doing something he shouldn't."

"Why? Because he's rich?"

"Because he's ruthless."

The seriousness in his voice made her pause.

For the first time that evening, she wondered whether Richard's questions had been more than an attempt to embarrass her.

"Is he really that dangerous?"

Adrian didn't answer immediately.

"He's spent years trying to gain more control over the company. He believes my grandfather's trust gives him a right to interfere in my decisions."

"And now you're getting married."

"Yes."

"So he doesn't like me."

"He doesn't know you well enough to dislike you."

"That has never stopped people before."

Adrian gave her a brief, humorless smile.

"No. It hasn't."

The car stopped outside her building.

Elena reached for the door, but Adrian spoke before she could open it.

"About tonight..."

She turned back.

"What about it?"

"You handled yourself well."

Elena stared at him.

"Was that a compliment?"

"Don't make me regret it."

A small smile tugged at her lips.

"Thank you, Adrian."

She stepped out of the car and closed the door. Before heading inside, she turned and gave him a brief wave.

He watched until she disappeared through the entrance.

Only then did he tell the driver to leave.

He had expected tonight to be a simple introduction. A necessary step before they announced their engagement and arranged the legal wedding.

Instead, he had discovered that his grandmother liked Elena, Vivian saw her as a threat, and Richard was already asking questions about her family.

The marriage had not even begun, and trouble was already gathering around it.

---

Across the city, Vivian Sterling sat in the back seat of her car, staring at the message on her phone.

It was from someone who worked at Blackwood International.

The marriage agreement has been signed. The wedding arrangements are expected to begin soon.

Vivian read it twice.

She had suspected Adrian was serious about Elena, but seeing the confirmation in writing made her stomach twist.

For years, she had believed she was the woman Adrian would eventually choose. Their families moved in the same circles. Their fathers had business interests in common. Their names appeared together at charity events, and people had long assumed that a marriage between them was only a matter of time.

Adrian had never promised her anything.

But he had never made a public effort to correct the rumors either.

Now he was preparing to marry his assistant.

A woman Vivian had barely noticed until tonight.

She called her contact.

"Find out everything you can about Elena Hayes," she said as soon as the call connected.

"Everything?"

"Her family. Her finances. Her sister. Any problems she has. I want to know why a woman like her would agree to marry Adrian Blackwood."

There was a pause.

"Do you think she's using him?"

Vivian looked out at the passing streetlights.

"I think nobody turns down that kind of money without a reason. And nobody accepts a marriage like this without wanting something."

She ended the call and leaned back.

If Elena was marrying Adrian for money, Vivian would find proof.

And if she wasn't?

Vivian's lips tightened.

Then she would find another way to make sure the wedding never happened.

Because she had no intention of watching Elena Hayes take the place she had always believed belonged to her.

Not without a fight.