Tristan
Morning sunlight streamed in through the towering cathedral windows of the opulent Sterling family mansion master suite, rousing me reluctantly from sleep. For a blissful moment I forgot where I was, the plush king mattress and silk bedding feeling foreign and disorienting.
Then everything came crashing back in a gut punch of recollection. The humiliatingly public divorce from Vivian. Being cast out and losing everything I had worked for, with only the clothes on my back to my name. And my estranged, domineering grandfather swooping in at my lowest point to reclaim his “wayward heir” like a piece of property.
I swallowed hard against the lump forming in my throat. So much for waking to peace and optimism this morning.
A brisk, no-nonsense rap at the carved mahogany door heralded the arrival of Viola, one of the many crisply uniformed housekeepers employed by the estate.
“Good morning Mr. Sterling,” she pronounced crisply, wheeling in a polished silver serving cart laden with domed platters. “Your breakfast, sir.”
“Thank you, Viola,” I managed as she efficiently transferred the dishes to the ornate side table with a flourish, removing the covers with a soft clank to reveal pancakes, sausage, eggs, and sliced fresh fruit. Despite the turmoil churning within me, my stomach rumbled appreciatively at the spread.
After assuring I required nothing further, Viola bustled out. I sat up against the small mountain of plush pillows and dug in hungrily, savoring the light, fluffy pancakes. I had to admit, the legendary Sterling private chefs were as good as promised. Small comforts.
Once I finished eating, I reluctantly left the refuge of the lavish four poster bed to select a casual polo shirt and slacks from the overwhelmingly vast walk-in closet. The upscale designer options felt foreign after so many years wearing thrifted flannel and jeans.
Downstairs I grabbed my sunglasses from the foyer side table before slipping quietly out a side door, avoiding the small army of housekeepers still busily preparing the mansion for the day ahead.
I breathed a deep sigh once I made it outside undetected. Albert had made it abundantly clear he expected me to spend today being “fully oriented to the estate.” But I had a critical meeting to slip away to first.
Luckily, Alex had anticipated I would require means for escaping my new gilded cage. I slid behind the wheel of the sleek black Audi SUV strategically parked near the gardener’s shed, out of direct sight from the house.
Turning the key brought the powerful engine purring to life. I wasted no time cruising through the imposing wrought iron gates onto the open road beyond, savoring my first taste of freedom in too long. Now to rendezvous with my right hand man.
Forty minutes later I strode onto the manicured greens of the elite Willow Creek Country Club golf course. I selected a driver and Titleist ball from my loaner clubs, then slipped on a visor, keeping up the appearance of an early morning player for any potential onlookers.
It didn’t take long to spot Alex casually tee off alone a few holes over. I joined him at the next hole, exchanging a subtle fist bump in greeting.
“How are you holding up, boss?” Alex inquired carefully as we leisurely worked our way around the course, strategically keeping his voice low.
I just shook my head and sighed heavily. “Oh, you know. Adjusting to being a virtual prisoner in a gilded cage.”
Alex’s jaw clenched, a storm brewing behind his usually calm eyes. “The way Vivian and her mother treated you was unacceptable. After everything you did to support that woman, you deserved far better.”
“It is what it is,” I said tiredly, lining up a putt. I didn’t have the emotional bandwidth to get into rehashing old wounds that would never heal.
“Well, there is at least some good news to be had,” Alex redirected after a beat, keeping his voice pitched for my ears only. “While you were...indisposed dealing with the fallout, I took the liberty of fast-tracking the transfer of Hamilton Enterprises’ leadership. As of today, you are officially CEO, Sir.”
I paused my swing, blinking at him for a moment as I processed his words. Then a small but genuine smile broke across my face. “Alex, you brilliant man,” I laughed, clapping him on the back. After having everything so suddenly ripped away, this reminder I still had my life's work felt damn good.
We spent the next hour walking the rest of the course while catching up on company business I had missed. The familiar rituals soothed me, providing a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.
By late morning we had looped back around to the country club's main building. I bid Alex a discreet but heartfelt farewell, then slid my sunglasses back on and pulled out of the parking lot alone, feeling infinitely more centered.
Now to get back inside before my absence was detected...
I managed to sneak back into the sprawling mansion unnoticed, breathing a sigh of relief. Too soon, it turned out - I rounded a corner and nearly collided headlong into my cousins Brady and Blaine. So much for making a clean escape.
"Well, well, if it isn't little Tristan," Brady sneered, blocking my path. His younger brother hovered at his side, both looking worse for wear with their rumpled clothing and bloodshot eyes. Clearly they had indulged heavily the night before. Again.
"Didn't expect to see you slumming here," Blaine added mockingly, refusing to budge.
“Likewise,” I returned tersely, suppressing an eyeroll with effort. Their answering scowls left no doubt they continued harboring resentment over my perceived abandonment of the family to marry Vivian. As if I had ever belonged among these vipers.
I sidestepped their obstruction swiftly. I had neither time nor patience for petty drama today. Especially not when dinner tonight was sure to bring tensions to a head in far more significant ways.
My palms turned clammy at the thought. I spent the rest of the afternoon pacing my lavish quarters, pulse pounding as I mentally prepared for the confrontation ahead. There was no doubt my grandfather intended to lay out his requirements for me tonight in front of the full Sterling clan. I needed to be ready.
Evening fell, and the Sterling dynasty gathered one by one in the grand formal dining room. Liveried servants circulated efficiently, providing crystal flutes of champagne.
I lingered near the back of the room, fiddling with my silk necktie and watching warily as my extended family laughed and mingled amidst the chandelier-lit opulence. Most were still strangers to me after so many years away. But I remembered the sharks lurking in their smiles.
Right on cue once the first course had been served, my grandfather stood and tapped his wine glass authoritatively with a fork until the room silenced.
“Esteemed family, tonight I wish to welcome back Tristan, who will now at long last resume his rightful place as heir to the Sterling empire.”
I inhaled slowly, steeling my spine. Here we go.
Predictably, my uncle Victor immediately objected. “With all due respect, Father, perhaps the boy requires more... seasoning before being entrusted with control of the company. My own son Brady has dedicated far more years to learning the family business.”
I clenched my jaw at the insult, but said nothing. Brady was a womanizing layabout who spent more time at casinos and nightclubs than the office. But openly challenging my elders would be unwise. For now, I would bid my time.
To my surprise, my grandfather chuckled as if greatly amused. “All valid concerns, Victor,” he conceded, steepling his fingers. “Which is why I am setting a task for young Tristan. A test of sorts, to prove his mettle beyond all doubt.”
I met his steely gaze unflinchingly, bracing myself. Around us, the rest of the family looked on with interest, anticipating some Shakespearean drama.
“You will secure the backing of the Four Titans, our city’s most influential yet mysterious business leaders,” my grandfather pronounced. “Bring them decisively into the Sterling fold, and control of the company will be yours.”
I froze, eyes widening fractionally. The Four Titans were notorious recluses who controlled Avalon City from the shadows. Even getting a meeting was considered impossible for an outsider.
Around the table, my cousins exchanged smirks, clearly wagering this challenge was hopelessly beyond me. That without their connections and resources, I didn’t stand a chance in hell of success.
But I simply gave a solemn nod, keeping my expression carefully neutral. “I accept your challenge, Grandfather,” I intoned gravely. “I swear I will deliver the Four Titans’ backing, or die trying.”
Albert smiled, satisfied with my oath. The rest of the family looked on with interest, awaiting the climactic final act of my inevitable failure.
Let them wait. For the truth was, the Four Titans had belonged to me since long before tonight. After all, I had built their empire up from nothing myself, hidden behind a thousand fronts and facades. This challenge was mine to conquer.
And conquer it I would, when the time came to play my masterstroke. Until then, the game was afoot. What fun.
Bella Stepping off the plane into the bustling Avalon City airport terminal, I breathed a deep sigh of relief. The long cross-country flight was finally over. Now, to track down the man I had impulsively dropped everything to come find - the only man who had ever truly held my heart. Tristan. Just the thought of his name was enough to send my pulse quickening. So many years had passed since we were both awkward, studious teenagers at Avalon Prep. Back when I'd secretly nursed a hopeless crush on the gangly, bespectacled boy with the shy smile. Never in my wildest daydreams did I envision he would grow up to become the elusive, brilliant tycoon who anonymously saved my family's struggling company from impending ruin. His quiet kindness and generosity, hidden behind an unassuming facade, left me utterly smitten. Not that I ever stood a chance at catching his eye, not with him devotedly married all this time to that narcissistic shrew, Vivian. But now, with news of their bitter divor
VivianThe rhythmic click of my designer heels echoed through the glossy corridors of the Hayes Cosmetics corporate headquarters. Employees jumped to plaster themselves against the walls, averting their eyes as I strode past. One of the perks of being the boss.I rounded the corner and came to a stop outside the sleek frosted glass door bearing my name. Stepping inside my corner office overlooking downtown Avalon City, I paused to take in the view. My kingdom.Rolling my neck to relieve the tension coiled there, I sank into the plush leather executive chair behind my desk. Time to tackle the mountain of paperwork and prepare for this afternoon's critical meeting. Securing a partnership with Hamilton could be the breakthrough Hayes Cosmetics desperately needed to reach the next level.I flipped through the proposal one last time, memorizing key details. A knock at my door drew my attention. My assistant Jess poked her bubbly face in, chirping, "Vivian, your 10 o'clock is here!"I glanc
TristanThe heavy weight of expectancy hung in the air as I adjusted my bowtie for the tenth time, struggling to get it straight. Bella gently nudged my fumbling fingers aside."Here, allow me," she said, deftly untying and retying the black silk into a neat, symmetrical bow. She smoothed the lapels of my tuxedo jacket and stepped back, surveying her work."There. Perfectly dashing."I checked my reflection in the full length mirror. The handsome stranger staring back looked nothing like the shaggy misfit Vivian had discarded. Yet unease still churned within me."Sir, the car will be arriving in approximately seven minutes," Alex announced briskly, striding into the opulent bedroom suite. His usual unflappable aura seemed edged with tension tonight.I drew a deep breath, bracing myself. "Very well. Let's get this over with."Tonight marked my first public appearance since returning to the Sterling estate. More importantly, it presented a prime opportunity to make contact with the recl
Tristan's palms grew clammy as he lingered anxiously alone near the bar, mentally rehearsing potential opening lines for when the moment arrived. One thing was certain - he refused to let Vivian's presence rattle him tonight. She had made her priorities abundantly clear when she cut ties with him without warning. Now it was his turn to move forward and accomplish his own goals, regardless of her scorn.Starting with securing the allegiance of the man currently accompanying his ex-wife on the dance floor. The gauntlet had been publicly thrown down by her showing up with Russell Pine. And Tristan intended to rise to the challenge.Across the ballroom, the financier Russell Pine grew increasingly puzzled by the beautiful young CEO chatting animatedly at his side as they swayed together. He had agreed to escort Vivian Hayes tonight as a strategic networking opportunity - her cosmetics company was quickly becoming a major player in Avalon, after all.But her not-so-subtle hints about a pot
Spotlights danced across the grand ballroom's polished marble floors as Avalon's elite flooded inside, eagerly claiming their seats. Tonight was the premiere event they had all breathlessly awaited - the climactic showdown between financial phenom Russell Pine and newcomer Tristan Levine in the unprecedented "Investment Duel" challenge.In the lower tier, the city's upper crust jostled each other for a clear view of the sleek dual workstations now set up on the central dais. Higher above in the arched mezzanine, the true giants of Avalon's business world filed into private VIP boxes outfitted with plush leather furnishings and fully stocked bars.Among them, Tristan's ex-wife Vivian Sterling smoothed the beaded skirt of her slinky black gown as she took her seat. Beside her, Vivian's mother Linda accepted a crystal champagne flute from a bow-tied server."This spectacle should prove entertaining, if nothing else," she remarked dryly before taking a delicate sip.Vivian let out a deris
The sun sank below the Avalon skyline, casting the Levine family yacht in a golden glow. Strings of lights twinkled to life along the gleaming white rails as the vessel glided across the harbor. On the upper deck, caterers scrambled to arrange trays of hors d'oeuvres and champagne flutes just so, ensuring every detail was perfect for the celebration about to unfold.Right on schedule, the city's elite began arriving in staggered fashion, the gangplank fluttering under the weight of their footsteps. They represented the top titans of industry - real estate moguls, tech tycoons, politicians and bankers - all flocking aboard the lavish yacht to pay their respects to the guest of honor.The man in question stood gazing out at the water, hands folded behind his back. Tristan cut a striking figure in his dark tuxedo, tall and lanky with chiseled features any ancient warrior god would envy. But his blue eyes glinted with a cunning that heralded danger to friend and foe alike."Quite the reve
The amber liquid burned a fiery trail down Blaine's throat as he glared broodingly out the panoramic windows overlooking downtown Avalon. In the nearby leather armchair, his brother Brady lounged with his own tumbler dangling carelessly from his fingers, looking utterly unconcerned."This whole damned situation is unbelievable," Blaine burst out, smacking his glass down on the polished oak end table. Ice cubes jumped, sloshing whiskey over his knuckles. He swore viciously, shaking the sting away. "One victory in a rigged betting pool against lackluster competition, and suddenly our useless damned cousin is the prodigal son again? He waltzes back in after years away and gets handed the company crown just like that?"Blaine pushed off from the windows, the city lights blurring behind him as he paced agitatedly across the thick carpet. He spun and slammed his fist against the paneled wall hard enough to make the antique oil paintings jump. Brady didn't even blink, merely taking another
The mellow burn spreading through Blaine's limbs raised his tolerance for such necessary unpleasantness a few degrees at least. Let Brady play elastic with any ethical boundaries tonight. He was only here to look receptive and lend the encounter a veneer of legitimacy anyway. And perhaps supply theOdd timely scrupulous protest to make their ultimately damning revelations seem more organically fed and hard won. Yes, Brady could damn well be the unhinged attack dog blindsiding Tristan's pretty ponies tonight. Blaine would stick to subtly poisoning the trough instead. Their mark was too shrewd to confront so openly without inciting suspicion anyway.Before his scattered thoughts could chase themselves in any more useless circles, footsteps echoing down the hallway heralded the arrival of a liveried house servant. Blaine's heart rate instantly redlined. Time to set the stage then."Sirs, your car has arrived to convey you to the Pinetech Tower for your urgent 7 PM appointment," the stuff