The heir's task

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.