REUNION

"Victoria! Victoria! Wake up! Everyone's busy, and you're still asleep!"

A lively voice rang from outside the door.

With a deep breath, Victoria pushed herself out of bed and strode over, forcefully pulling the door open. Standing before her was Elena Montgomery, adorned in vibrant, colorful attire, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She thrust her phone toward Victoria, determination in her voice.

"Look at this!" Elena commanded.

The headline blared: "Young Billionaire Adrian Sinclair Returns from Overseas to Resume Business in Eldoria."

"Listen closely, Victoria. My dad is a close business partner of Mr. Sinclair, and he's picking him up this afternoon. And guess what? We're having dinner tomorrow night with the Lanchester's."

Victoria barely processed Elena's words.

"Victoria… Victoria!" Elena waved a hand in front of her face, demanding her attention.

Victoria snapped back to reality. Just yesterday, her father had informed her that the Lanchester's heiress had finally returned. Now, Adrian Sinclair was back as well. She had spent the entire night convincing her father to arrange a meeting with the enigmatic heiress, but even he had struggled to connect with anyone.

Years ago, Alexander Lanchester, Damien Montgomery, and Ann Sinclair were inseparable friends from college. Ann Sinclair fell victim to an arranged marriage dictated by her family's power. They all married, building their empire side by side, although at that time only the Sinclairs were truly thriving. The Montgomery's were just trying to keep pace with the Lanchester. But as their businesses expanded, the dynamic shifted. What once was genuine friendship transformed into strategic alliances, reducing their interactions to mere business transactions.

After Ann's husband passed away, she left Eldoria with her son, Adrian, and built her empire abroad, cutting ties with the past. Alexander buried himself in his work after losing his wife, becoming more of a titan in business than a friend. Damien, ever the strategist, was intent on solidifying the Montgomery legacy. Meanwhile, the Lanchester's had expanded exponentially, outpacing all competitors in the industry.

However, with Ann Sinclair's return alongside her son Adrian, the trio recognized that it was imperative to rekindle the connections that had once defined Eldoria's elite. For the first time in years, they were gathering not merely as formidable figures, but as friends.

This meeting would mark a significant milestone, as they finally introduced their families to one another.

Victoria had only met Elena at an exclusive boutique, but that fleeting encounter had changed everything. And from that moment, Victoria had latched onto the connection like a lifeline.

Elena was everything Victoria aspired to be wealthy, admired, and, most importantly, effortlessly beautiful. Victoria too was wealthy but her greed made her envious of her friend.

Victoria's breath caught as realization struck. "Wait… You're telling me you'll meet the Lanchester's heiress? And her father? And then Adrian..."

Elena, halfway through reapplying her lipstick, barely glanced up. "Slow down," she murmured, inspecting her reflection. "You're too eager, darling. The Lanchester's heiress is… well, she's different. You can't just approach her like any other socialite." She pursed her lips. "And honestly, I doubt she cares about anyone outside her little empire. And Adrain, we only got a glimpse of him on the media. We know nothing personal about him yet."

Victoria barely heard the rest. She knew exactly what Elena meant. Those billionaires were beyond her standards.

And yet, Victoria wasn't deterred.

Elena suddenly gasped, her eyes lighting up. "We need to go shopping. Immediately."

Victoria blinked. "Shopping?"

"Yes! If that heiress is going to be at dinner tonight, I refuse to be outshined." Elena flipped her hair over her shoulder, her tone absolute. "If I can't be the richest in the room, I will be the most beautiful."

***

The Obsidian Prime Tower VIP suite was nothing short of perfection. Every detail had been meticulously arranged, from the fresh floral arrangements lining the long dining table to the soft golden glow from the chandeliers above. The air was filled with the scent of the salty ocean breeze drifting in from the open balcony.

The Montgomery's and Sinclairs were the first to arrive. Damien and Bianca Montgomery stepped into the grand dining hall, followed closely by their daughter, Elena, whose phone was practically glued to her hand. She had already posted about the dinner "Getting ready for dinner with Papa and friends" and the likes and comments poured in.

She barely noticed when the Sinclairs entered, only looking up when Bianca nudged her under the table. With her signature radiant smile and a bright-colored designer outfit, Elena looked as if she belonged in this perfectly curated setting.

And then, finally, the Lanchester's arrived.

Alexander Lanchester walked in first, exuding quiet authority, But all eyes were on Olivia as she stepped into the room.

It was her first public appearance. Three years ago, she had begged her father to let her live life on her terms as he had made most of her life's decisions. That's how she ended up with Ethan.

He had allowed it then but ended up in pain and now, her time was up.

Across from her, the Montgomerys and Sinclairs watched her with curiosity, speculation clear in their eyes.

Then, Ann Sinclair broke the silence.

"Damien, aren't you going to introduce us to your daughter?" she asked with a knowing smile.

Damien chuckled. "Well, shouldn't Alexander go first? He's the one with a mysterious daughter."

Laughter rippled around the table, but Olivia remained silent.

She stood gracefully, her expression unreadable. "Olivia Lanchester," she introduced herself.

Across the table, Adrian Sinclair met her gaze with cold intensity. He had been silent the entire time, his sharp features unreadable.

Elena barely heard the introductions, too busy glancing at her phone. Her latest post was already going viral.

"Meeting the Lanchester's heiress today at the Obsidian prime tower. And she's a true goddess."

Her comments were flooded with excitement:

"Elena, you're a true queen!"

"Who would have thought you'd be friends with the Lanchester's?"

"Go girl, I'm sure that heiress will love you at first sight!"

"Who dines at the Obsidian Prime Tower only the billionaires"

"wow, Is that the Obsidian Prime tower?"

She was so caught up in the online attention that she nearly missed the bombshell that dropped next.

"Olivia and Adrian should get married," Alexander Lanchester announced, his voice calm but firm. Ann Sinclair agreed too, stating that she should use it as a medium to let go of the past.

Olivia's breath hitched.

Her father's words echoed in her head. Marriage. Just like that.

Across the table, Adrian didn't even flinch. Instead, his next words made Olivia's heart beat faster.

"I agree."

"Miss Lanchester's is a rear gem who would miss such an opportunity he said, suddenly smiling."

She turned to her father, searching for an explanation, for some kind of way out.

Her father wasn't giving her a choice this time. She swallowed hard. Her father had let her go once. He wouldn't do it again.

Olivia had learned the hard way a long, tense silence stretched across the table. Then, at last, she spoke.

"…Fine." Perhaps listening to her father would help her now.

"Congratulations sister Olivia and Brother Adrian," Elena spoke up smiling.

"Take care of me in the future ok?" she added.

Murmurs of approval filled the room.

"Elena, you can't post about this," Bianca whispered firmly.

Elena pouted but nodded. "Yes, Mum." She knew when to keep quiet.

Olivia's eyes locked with Adrian's and she quickly looked away. The adults witnessed this and smiled.