She was surrounded by several women from influential families.
They discussed charity donations, international travel, and the latest developments in the financial world.
Eleanor listened with the confidence of someone accustomed to being respected.
When she noticed Olivia approaching, her expression changed.
"Alexander," she called.
Alexander turned.
"Mother."
Eleanor looked at Olivia.
"So, you finally brought her."
Alexander smiled awkwardly.
"Mother, this is Olivia. Olivia, you already know my mother."
Olivia extended her hand.
"Good evening, Mrs. Hayes. It's a pleasure to see you again."
Eleanor looked at her hand for a moment before accepting it.
"The pleasure is mine."
Her voice was polite, but her eyes were cold.
One of the women standing beside Eleanor smiled.
"Is this the young lady you've been telling us about?"
Eleanor gave a small laugh.
"Yes. Alexander has certainly surprised us."
Olivia understood the implication.
She kept smiling.
Alexander attempted to change the subject.
"Olivia has been doing excellent work with her company."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow.
"How interesting. What exactly do you do?"
"I'm a financial analyst. I work with investment portfolios and corporate risk assessments."
"At a small firm, correct?"
Olivia nodded.
"Yes. It's an independent advisory company."
Eleanor looked toward her friends.
"Well, everyone has to start somewhere."
The women exchanged subtle smiles.
Olivia felt uncomfortable, but she refused to react.
Alexander noticed the tension.
"Mother, perhaps we should introduce Olivia to some of the foundation directors."
Eleanor shook her head.
"Not yet. I would like to have a conversation with her first."
Alexander looked at Olivia.
"Are you okay?"
Olivia nodded.
"Of course."
But Eleanor had already decided that the conversation would not be friendly.
CHAPTER 3: THE ENVELOPE
A few minutes later, Eleanor asked Olivia to accompany her toward a quieter section of the ballroom.
Alexander was speaking with a business associate nearby.
Olivia followed Eleanor past a group of guests and stopped beside a decorative arrangement of white roses.
Eleanor opened her small handbag.
She removed a cream-colored envelope.
"Olivia, I believe it's time we had an honest conversation."
Olivia looked at the envelope.
"Certainly."
Eleanor held it between two fingers.
"I understand that you care about my son."
"I do."
"And I imagine you believe this relationship could become something permanent."
Olivia hesitated.
"I care about Alexander. What happens in the future is something we should decide together."
Eleanor smiled faintly.
"That's a very careful answer."
She placed the envelope on a nearby table.
"There's something you should understand about the Hayes family. We have responsibilities, traditions, and expectations."
Olivia listened.
Eleanor continued.
"My husband and I spent decades building this family. Alexander is expected to protect what we have created."
"I understand that."
"Do you?"
Eleanor looked at Olivia from head to toe.
"Because I don't think you understand the world you're entering."
Olivia remained silent.