Emily Blair typed back, I'm here.
Tristan Davis replied right away. Did you bring my birthday present? I want to open yours first.
Of course I did. Go do your thing, don't worry about it, Emily answered.
Alright, I'll get back to work, Tristan sent before going offline.
Emily rested in her room for a bit, letting the quiet settle over her. Right on time, a staff member knocked at her door to let her know the banquet was about to begin. She took a deep breath, grabbed the gift box, and headed for the ballroom.
The Davis family had gone all out for Tristan. In the short time Emily had been away, even more people had gathered. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and laughter.
It was obvious how much Tristan meant to his family.
Emily glanced around, looking for the table where guests were leaving their gifts. She walked over and handed hers to the attendant, who checked it in before adding it to the growing pile. Her present blended right in, nothing flashy.
She remembered a time when her gifts always got the best spot, right at the front. Things were different now, but she figured Tristan was sharp enough to spot the SRS initials she'd written on the box. He never missed a detail.
The banquet rolled on with all the usual speeches. Steven Davis and the older family members welcomed everyone, wished Tristan a happy birthday, and said a few words about the family. Then Tristan took the stage to speak, looking calm and confident. Steven stood beside him, beaming with pride, and made the big announcement: Tristan would be the next head of the Davis family. The company was his now.
That was it, the official word. The applause was loud and long.
Tristan looked amazing up there, dressed in a crisp white suit that fit him perfectly. The chandelier light caught the angles of his face and made him look even more striking. He had that rare mix of sharpness and quiet confidence.
He hadn't been with the company very long, but what he'd done already was impressive. He streamlined resources, made bold moves, started new projects, and cut out anything that didn't work. Every decision showed he was no beginner. He was someone to watch.
Emily stood off to one side, clapping along with everyone else, her heart swelling with pride for him. She didn't try to hide it.
On stage, Tristan scanned the crowd, searching. Emily knew he was looking for her, so she met his gaze, her expression warm and steady.
Their eyes met, and Tristan broke into a real smile, the first genuine one she'd seen from him all night.
The applause faded, and Steven stepped forward again.
In a moment, I have more good news to share, he said. But first, let me invite Mr. Rivera and Ms. Rivera to the stage.
People looked around, confused.
Only Emily noticed the way Tristan's smile shipped away. He looked at
her, and she saw real panic in his eyes, like he needed her to understand.
Mr. Rivera and Cynthia Rivera went up on stage. Tristan tried to step down, but
Steven held him back, gripping his arm tightly.
Emily frowned, suddenly uneasy.
What's going on?
She didn't have to wonder for long.
This wasn't just a birthday party. It was also the engagement party for Tristan and Cynthia Rivera.
Steven Davis and Mr. Rivera
announced the engagement with big
smiles their voices full of
excitement Cynthia joined Tristan on stage, head lowered, her smile shy and filled with happiness.
Tristan, though, looked nothing like the others. His face had gone dark, his jay tight, and with Steven still holding onto him, he had no way off the stage.