Dinner gala

Tristan

I stood uncomfortably in the opulent ballroom, keenly aware of the eyes assessing my every move. It had been years since I socialized among the upper crust Sterling relatives and family friends. Tonight’s dinner gala was foreign territory.

Still, I tried to exude an air of calm confidence as Grandfather introduced me around. Can’t show any weakness to these sharks.

“Tristan, allow me to reacquaint you with your uncles Francis and Victor,” Grandfather said, leading me over to two middle-aged gentlemen. “Your father's brothers.”

“Uncle France, Uncle Victor, it’s been too long,” I said politely, shaking their hands. Their smiles didn’t reach their eyes. They likely resented Albert overlooking them for succession and favoring me instead.

“You’re looking well, my boy,” Uncle France remarked. “Marriage must agree with you.”

I tensed slightly, but kept my tone light. “It has its ups and downs like anything. But I can’t complain.”

The uncles exchanged a subtle, knowing look that immediately put me on edge. We all made small talk until the dinner gong rang.

Throughout the lavish five course meal, I remained mostly quiet, letting the older gentlemen dominate the conversation. Discussing business acquisitions, stock trends, elite social circles - things I had deliberately distanced myself from until now.

As dessert was served, France said casually, “Your cousins Brad and Blaine couldn’t make it tonight. A shame - I’m sure they were looking forward to catching up.”

I nearly choked on my soufflé. Brad and Blaine had made their utter disdain for me clear over the years. As teens, they never missed a chance to belittle and haze me when I spent summers here. My return to the family fold was likely their worst nightmare.

“Yes, too bad,” I said mildly, keeping my true feelings hidden. “I’m sure I’ll see them around soon enough.”

“Find time to connect with them while you’re back,” Uncle France said, a calculating glint in his eye. “Family is so important.”

A subtle warning - they would be leverage to keep me in line. I inclined my head in cool acknowledgement.

After the food was cleared away, the ladies adjourned separately for cocktails while Albert led me and a few other gentlemen to his study for cigars and brandy.

As we settled into the leather armchairs, Albert said, “Now Tristan, catch us up - what have you been working on all these years I left you to your own devices?”

I shrugged noncommittally. “A little of this, a little of that. I prefer keeping busy.”

The others chuckled. “Always were an industrious boy,” Uncle France said. “I’m sure your lovely wife appreciates having such a handy fellow around the house.”

I gave a tight smile, sensing the barb hidden in his words. They were fishing for cracks in my composure. Ready to exploit any weakness.

“Vivian is too focussed on her own blossoming career to notice much of what I do these days,” I said lightly, not taking the bait.

“Ah yes, how is your beautiful wife?” Uncle France asked. “Being apart so much lately must have been difficult for you both.”

I took a slow sip of brandy. “Her business engagements do keep her busy. But we make it work.”

The uncles shared a sly look at my evasive answers, but didn’t push further. The conversation moved on to other topics, and I remained wary for more subtle digs at me or Vivian. But none came.

After we rejoined the ladies for dancing and socializing, Albert eventually pulled me discreetly aside. “Come to my study, boy. We have matters to discuss.”

I followed him to the dark paneled room lined with leatherbound books. He settled into the chair behind his massive desk and beckoned me to sit across from him.

“I’m very pleased to have you back where you belong, my boy,” he began. “But tell me truly - how are you faring after the dissolution of your marriage?”

I looked down at my hands. “About as well as can be expected, sir.”

He made a sympathetic noise. “No need for brave faces here. I know how much you cared for the girl. But perhaps it was for the best.”

I said nothing, noncommittally staring at the antique globe on his desk.

“You gave it your all, as you always do,” he continued. “But some people simply aren’t meant for the lives we lead. Consider yourself fortunate to have realized her unsuitability sooner rather than later.”

I grimaced slightly at his callous words, but couldn’t deny their truth. Vivian and I were ultimately too different. Her rejection shouldn’t have come as such a surprise.

Grandfather leaned forward intently. “I brought you here not only to provide comfort and shelter, but because the time is ripe for you to take your rightful place as heir. Our agreement stands - you gave marriage a fair shot. Now that it has ended, the company and all I have built will be yours.”

I closed my eyes as his solemn words washed over me. In my grief over losing Vivian, I had almost forgotten the implications our divorce would have.

“There is much preparation to be done,” Albert continued seriously. “But know that one day soon, all of this shall be yours.” He gestured broadly around the study, referencing the empire he had built.

I opened my eyes and met his expectant gaze. This was the destiny he had been grooming me for since I was a boy. Now that door was open, whether I felt ready or not.

“I am at your full disposal, sir,” I said quietly. “My future is here now.”

Albert gave a satisfied smile and stood, clasping my shoulder firmly. “Get some rest, my boy. Tomorrow we start preparing you to take up the Sterling mantle.”

I retired to my lavish guest suite, but slept little. My mind churned with thoughts of the daunting path stretching before me. Gone were my simple dreams of domestic happiness with Vivian. In their place loomed a frigid destiny of wealth and power I had once shunned.

One thing was certain - assuming the reins of the Sterling empire would send shockwaves through the family. Those like my uncles and cousins, who had long awaited their own chance at power, would not take kindly to my ascension.

I would need to be on guard at all times against those seeking to undermine or unseat me. Ready to assert my position and quell any uprisings.

It was sure to be a heavy burden. But one I must bear nonetheless, as the last heir of the Sterlings.

I only prayed the shy, artistic boy Grandfather had taken under his wing so many years ago was ready to become the ruthless leader the family required. For if I faltered now, there were plenty ready to devour me whole.

The game of dynastic fortunes was not for the weak - a lesson life had already harshly taught me. Tonight, Grandfather had set me on an irrevocable course.

Now I could only steel myself and step forward to meet my destiny, wherever it may lead.