TheReeveLegacy
The morning sun spilled gently through the sheer curtains of the Reeve mansion, casting long golden streaks across the polished floor. Elara stood by the window of the room she now shared with Killian , her reflection soft and pale in the glass. Today marked the company's anniversary-fifty-five years of Reeve Industries. It was more than a celebration. It was a declaration.And for the family, appearances would mean everything.
A light knock on the door broke her reverie.
" Elara," Lily's voice came through, cheerful and bright. "You're supposed to be downstairs already! Mom's in a twist about timing."
Elara chuckled softly. "Coming," she called back. Smoothing the silk robe over her frame.
By the time she made it downstairs, the house was already humming with movements. Stylists, assistants and event staff crisscrossed the house. Mrs Reeve stood in the center of the living room like a general before a battle, her eyes sharp as she scanned the day's itinerary. She gave Elara a once-over , cool and assessing before handing her a garment bag.
"Wear this. It was tailored for the occasion."
Elara accepted it with a small nod.
"Thank you."
They left for the Reeve hotel by midmorning. The hotel's facade gleamed under the sun the grand entrance flanked by polished black cars and uniformed valets. Inside,the ballroom had transformed into a lavish display of elegance. Chandeliers sparkled like frozen stars above guests dressed in silk, satin and power.
Elara stood beside Killian as they greeted guests- shareholders, international partners, political allies. Every smile was measured. Every word spoken like lines from a script memorized to perfection. She wore a floor-length champagne gown that shimmered with her movement, subtle yet undeniably elegant. Killian, in a custom black suit, kept his hand lightly at the small of her back. The gesture both protective and performative.
A murmur ran through the crowd as Vivienne arrived with her family. Her father, the formidable Richard Hart, headed a legacy tech empire, and walked beside her, his hand resting authoritatively on her back. Vivienne's mother ClaraHart, graceful and composed, followed in a jewel-toned gown. Vivienne's eyes swept the room and landed on Elara. Her lips curved into a smile that didn't while reach her eyes.
The air tightened as the two family converged. Mr Reeve stepped forward, shaking RichardHart's hand firmly. JulianaReeve offered a reserved nod to ClaraHart.
"I see you've brought yourbest,"Richard said smoothly,eyeing Elara.
Killian's father gave a tight smile. "Reeve corporation always does."
The subtle tension was palpable. Elara met Vivienne's gaze and held it for a second too long. There was no warmth there- just polished hostility cloaked in polite conversation.
Asher and Lily mingled with younger guests, occasionally casting glances towards Elara to make sure she was managing. Their presence comforted her more than she let on.
As the event officially commenced, Killian was called to the stage to deliver the anniversary speech. Elara stood just off to the side as he spoke confidently about the company's legacy, its future, and the strength of its leadership team.
He thanked the board, the employees and finally- his family.
"Our growth has not come without sacrifice," Killian said, his voice steady.
"But it has always been anchored in loyalty and commitment. That legacy continues...with those we chose to stand beside."
He looked at Elara briefly then returned to the crowd. There were polite claps, murmur, a few interested glances towards her.
After the speech, more guests approached- curious, calculating. Some asked pointed questions. Others were veiled compliments and subtle tests.
"She's...different," One elderly board member whispered to another. "But perhaps different is what the company needs."
Still beneath the surface of smiles and champagne, Elara knew alliances were shifting.
Later that afternoon, as the family gathered in a private lounge upstairs for a break, the conversation turned casual- on the surface.
"Elara, you handled the press well," Killian's grandmother said crisply.
"But this"-she motioned to the grandeur around them-"isn't simply about looking the part. It's about becoming it."
"I understand," Elara replied calmly. She had expected the challenge. She embraced it now.
Killian glanced at her briefly, something unreadable in his expression. But he didn't speak.
Outside, the evening prepared to shift toward dinner. Another speech would follow. But for now, Elara took a quiet breath, bracing herself.
Because this was more than a celebration. This was a battlefield-and every moment she was being watched.