[The Gilded Oak – Private Lounge]
The low hum of jazz filled the air, blending with the clink of glasses and murmured conversations. The Gilded Oak wasn't the kind of place one stumbled into, it was an invitation-only kind of bar where old money met to make quiet deals.
Benjamin Reid sat in one such corner with a glass of whisky resting loosely between his fingers.
Gregory arrived moments later. His expression was composed but his eyes were sharp. He nodded curtly as Benjamin stood to greet him. He looked exactly as Gregory Carter remembered—calm, unbothered and far too controlled for a man whose family had just survived a media storm.
"Mr. Carter," Benjamin said smoothly, extending a hand. "It's been too long."
Gregory shook it. "If you remember, we met a couple of weeks back during an event." He sat and a waiter silently poured another round before retreating.
Not minding his sarcastic tone, Benjamin smiled. "I appreciate you agreeing to meet. I know things have been tense given recent events."
Gregory's lips curved faintly. "Tense is a generous word but I suppose that depends on how one defines it."
Benjamin chuckled under his breath, unoffended. "Fair enough. I am at a loss here so I won't mind your snarky comments."
Gregory leaned back, swirling his drink. "I will be honest, Benjamin. I didn't come here for pleasantries but I am grateful to your son, Alexander. He handled things when most would have turned a blind eye."
Benjamin inclined his head. "I am glad to hear that. Alexander tends to act when others hesitate. He is a smart man," he said, proudly.
Among his two sons, he preferred his eldest, Alexander, at all times. Be it in the society or business, Alexander had always made him proud. At a young age, he had managed to become a prominent figure who was feared by many.
Gregory nodded slowly. "At least one of your sons has sense." He narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly showing his displeasure.
The comment hung between them like a sharp glass but Benjamin didn't flinch. Instead, he smiled faintly.
"Jack is impulsive," he admitted. "But I raised my sons to learn from their mistakes. Some just take longer than others."
Gregory grunted. "That is one way to put it." He paused and then added, "Evelyn's been through enough because of your boy's mistakes."
Gregory never liked his daughter's pair with the youngest Reid. When she started dating Jack two years ago, he had always had a bitter feeling about their relationship. He preferred his daughter to date someone who wasn't a magnet for trouble and scandals.
Benjamin took a sip of his whisky. "And yet I am told she handled herself with grace. Much like her father, I imagine."
Gregory's gaze flicked up. "Flattery, Benjamin? That's new."
Flattery wasn't something that a man like Benjamin Reid resorted to. This made Gregory wonder what his intention were.
Benjamin smiled, setting his glass down. "Just stating facts." He leaned forward slightly. "You and I both know situations like these have a way of testing alliances. But sometimes—" his lips curved into the faintest hint of a smirk, "they also create new ones."
Gregory studied him. "Go on."
Benjamin met his gaze squarely. "It's unfortunate things didn't work out between Jack and your daughter. But between us—" he let the pause stretch. "I wouldn't mind if something did work out between Evelyn and Alexander."
Gregory's brows rose and for a moment, he didn't speak. Then he let out a low chuckle. "You are suggesting a marriage alliance between Evelyn and Alexander?"
Benjamin shrugged lightly. "I am suggesting that two families with as much influence as ours should think ahead. You know how these circles work. Perception matters and together we could silence every whisper left in the room."
Gregory's fingers tapped against the glass. "You make it sound like a merger."
Benjamin smiled. "In our world, Gregory, what's the difference?"
And that remark earned him a dry laugh from Gregory. "You have got nerve, I'll give you that." He helplessly shook his head. "My daughter has been humiliated publicly by your son and you are sitting here talking about alliances."
Benjamin's tone remained even but his gaze sharpened. "And I am offering her stability and respect. Alexander wouldn't let her face another scandal alone and you know that."
Gregory's jaw tightened, but there was no immediate rebuttal. For a moment, it didn't seem like a repulsive idea. Having Alexander Reid as a son-in-law would be a privilege not only for her daughter but also their influence in the society and not to forget, their company.
"Your son is capable," he admitted. "But Evelyn's been through enough. If this happens, it will be her choice."
Benjamin nodded once. "As it should be."
They sat in silence for a few moments, the weight of their conversation settling between them.
Finally, Gregory stood. "You haven't changed, Benjamin. Still thinking ten moves ahead."
Benjamin smiled mildly as he rose. "And you Gregory—still pretending you don't do the same."
Their eyes met and the two men nodded at each other in mutual acknowledgement, hiding their own intention and motives.
As Gregory turned to leave, Benjamin raised his glass slightly. "Give Evelyn my regards."
"I will." But before leaving, Gregory leaned closer. "Benjamin—my daughter doesn't need another man to give her stability, her father is still alive. And if your boy tries to come anywhere close to my daughter, I will make sure every hair in his body regrets it."
Benjamin's expression stayed composed and almost unreadable. He set his glass down and folded his hands together. "I understand your position and you have my word, I will handle this with the seriousness it deserves. Jack will not come anywhere near Evelyn."
Gregory didn't wait for more. He stood up, smoothed his jacket and walked toward the exit.
…..