CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Dimitri

The steady hum of the private jet's engines filled the luxurious cabin, but Dimitri Stavros barely heard it. He sat in his usual seat by the window, legs crossed, a tumbler of whiskey resting in his hand, as the aircraft sliced through the night sky en route to Athens.

the Stavros family, the annual holiday gathering was more than a tradition—it was a rule. No matter where they were in the world, every member of the family was expected to return to their ancestral mansion in Athens.

It had always been this way.

Dimitri had grown up privileged yet disciplined, raised with the understanding that the Stavros name carried weight. His childhood had been smooth, yet tough, molded by a father who believed that strength came from control and power. His brothers and sister had been taught the same—family came first, betrayal was non-existent, and weakness was never an option.

They had been raised to take.

And Dimitri had taken that lesson to heart.

He swirled the whiskey in his glass, staring out at the dark clouds beyond the window, but his thoughts soon drifted to something—or rather, someone, else.

Olivia Carter.

A slow, knowing smirk played at his lips as he recalled their last encounter at the party. The way she had stood her ground, defiant as ever, her mesmerizing eyes flashing with challenge.

She was a rare breed—gorgeous, intelligent, untamed.

And damn if that didn't make him want her even more.

He could still remember the way her body had reacted to him—the flush on her cheeks, the rise and fall of her chest, the way her eyes had darkened ever so slightly when he moved closer.

His groin tightened at the memory.

She wanted him, whether she admitted it or not.

But Olivia Carter was a woman who thrived on control. And Dimitri? He lived to break through control.

His smirk deepened.

The jet's pilot made an announcement, bringing him back to the present. They would be landing in Athens in ten minutes.

Dimitri straightened in his seat, finishing the last sip of his whiskey.

It was time to go home.

—

The moment the jet touched down, Dimitri unfastened his seatbelt and grabbed his phone, checking a few emails before standing.

By the time he stepped off the jet, a convoy of sleek black SUVs was already lined up on the tarmac. Security detail stood at attention, their earpieces buzzing with quiet communication as the lead bodyguard opened the car door for him.

Dimitri slid into the back seat, adjusting the cuffs of his custom-tailored suit as the vehicle smoothly pulled away from the airport. The drive to the mansion was familiar, the winding roads, the ancient architecture of Athens illuminated under the moonlight, the quiet strength of the land that had raised him.

But nothing compared to the Stavros family estate.

—

The car passed through massive iron gates, revealing the breathtaking mansion that had stood for generations. It was a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, adorned with towering columns, marble floors, and breathtaking courtyards. The estate sprawled over acres of land, surrounded by private vineyards and manicured gardens.

Dimitri barely had time to step out of the car before a warm but firm voice greeted him.

"My son. Finally, you're home."

His mother.

Eleni Stavros.

Elegant as ever, she stood at the grand entrance, her golden-brown hair swept into a timeless chignon, her emerald-green dress perfectly tailored.

"Mama," Dimitri said, stepping forward to kiss her cheek.

She cupped his face briefly, her sharp, assessing eyes scanning him. "Too much work. Not enough rest," she muttered. "And you need to shave."

Dimitri smirked. "I missed you too."

His mother sighed but smiled, stepping aside as the house staff immediately moved in to take his bags upstairs.

Inside, the mansion buzzed with life. Laughter echoed from the main living room, where the rest of his family had already gathered.

—

Dimitri barely had a chance to settle before a strong hand clapped his back.

"About time you showed up," Alexandros, his younger brother, smirked. "We were starting to think you forgot us."

"Impossible," Dimitri said, shaking his head. "You're too loud to forget."

A round of deep laughter erupted as his other brother, Pavlos, walked up, raising a glass of whiskey.

"Welcome home, big brother."

Their father, Marinos Stavros, sat in his usual chair, exuding the calm, quiet authority that had built their empire. He gave Dimitri a nod of approval. Beside him, their grandmother, Evgenia Stavros, sat gracefully, sipping tea while observing the conversation with sharp, knowing eyes.

Then, Sophia, the youngest of them all, came rushing over, wrapping her arms around Dimitri.

"Finally, someone with sense is back," she teased. "These two"—she shot a glare at Alexandros and Pavlos—"have been nothing but trouble."

Dimitri chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Still causing chaos, I see."

Sophia grinned. "Wouldn't be a Stavros if I didn't."

The air was filled with laughter, banter, and warmth. The Stavros family was fierce, powerful, and unwavering in their loyalty to each other.

No betrayal. No weakness. Just strength.

—

Just as Dimitri was about to pour himself a drink, his mother's voice cut through the conversation.

"Dimitri," she said, turning to face him.

He lifted a brow. "Yes?"

"You're the eldest," she began, folding her arms. "Yet, no wife. No children. No Stavros heir."

Dimitri exhaled. Here we go.

His grandmother, Evgenia, sighed dramatically. "When I was your age, I had three children already."

Pavlos and Alexandros stifled laughter, while Sophia smirked.

"I'm too busy running an empire," Dimitri said smoothly, taking a sip of his drink.

His mother scoffed. "An empire means nothing if there's no next generation to inherit it."

Sophia leaned forward, eyes twinkling. "Maybe he's waiting for someone special?"

Dimitri smirked. If only they knew.

His mother eyed him suspiciously. "Do you already have someone in mind?"

For a fleeting second, an image of Olivia flashed through his mind.

Defiant. Stunning. Untamed.

But he only shrugged. "When the time is right."

His grandmother clucked her tongue. "Hmph. At this rate, I'll be gone before you give me great-grandchildren."

Dimitri chuckled. "You'll outlive us all, YiaYia."

Laughter filled the room again, and just like that, the conversation drifted to something else. But even as they talked, Dimitri's thoughts remained elsewhere.

His mother wanted him to find a wife.

What would she think if she knew that the only woman who intrigued him at the moment was one who wanted nothing to do with him?