Edge of Surrender

Chapter 10

Mason Graves

The evening air was crisp, laced with the faint scent of rain lingering from earlier in the day. I moved through the house, grabbing my coat and keys, mentally preparing myself for the night ahead.

The family gathering at my mother’s house was supposed to be a warm occasion—a welcome home celebration for Selena—but knowing my mother, there would be underlying motives. There always were.

“Alex, is the gift for my sister ready?” I called out as I fastened my watch.

Alex, my ever-efficient assistant, stepped into the room, holding a carefully wrapped package. The silver wrapping paper was smooth, and the deep blue ribbon tied neatly in a bow—Selena’s favorite colors.

He handed it to me with a nod. “It’s all set, sir. Your sister is going to love it.”

I took a moment to run my hand over the wrapping, satisfied.

“Thanks, Alex. I appreciate it.”

His expression remained neutral, but there was a glint of knowing in his eyes. He understood my relationship with Selena better than most—how much she meant to me, how she was the only person in my family I truly cared about.

The drive to my mother’s estate was quiet, save for the low hum of the engine. As I navigated through the streets of London, my mind drifted back to Selena. When she left for Sydney, it felt like a piece of stability had been ripped from my life. She had been my constant—my anchor.

Now that she was back, I wasn’t about to let the weight of my world pull us apart again.

The estate loomed ahead, grand and imposing, its towering columns and intricate iron gates a reminder of the legacy I carried. The driveway was lined with luxury cars, polished to perfection under the golden glow of the entrance lights.

Inside, the house was alive with the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the soft melody of a grand piano playing in the corner. The warmth of the gathering was tangible, but beneath it, I could already sense the undertones of expectation—of obligation.

And then, I saw her.

Selena stood near the fireplace, engaged in conversation, her laughter like a familiar melody I hadn’t realized I missed so much. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes bright with genuine happiness.

When she turned and spotted me, her face lit up.

“Mason!”

She rushed toward me, arms open, and without hesitation, I pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Welcome home, Selena,” I murmured, holding her close. “I’ve missed you.”

She pulled back slightly, scanning my face with a soft smile. “I’ve missed you too—more than you know.”

There was something unspoken in her gaze, a quiet understanding that only siblings could share.

I handed her the gift, watching as curiosity flickered in her eyes. She unwrapped it slowly, fingers moving with careful precision. As the silver paper fell away, her breath caught.

The handcrafted collage of memories from Sydney—photographs of her favorite places, little notes she had sent me over the years, and even a small charm from the bracelet she had lost before leaving—lay before her.

Her voice was barely above a whisper. “You remembered everything.”

I smirked. “Of course, I did.”

She traced her fingers over the frame, her expression raw with emotion. “This is perfect,” she murmured. “Thank you, Mason.”

Before I could respond, Adrian leaned in, an amused smirk tugging at his lips.

“Oh, how touching. And yet, I didn’t get anything,” he teased.

Selena rolled her eyes, punching him lightly on the arm. “You’re impossible, Adrian.”

I chuckled, but the moment of peace was short-lived.

A voice cut through the air—our mother’s.

“Mason, your father is waiting for you in the study.” Her tone was firm. “Meet him now, and both of you get ready. The guests will arrive soon.”

Guests. I already knew who she meant.

Selena arched a brow, arms crossed. “Guests—meaning Liza’s family, right?”

I scoffed. “Excited? I don’t even want them here.”

My mother gave me a look, the kind that promised we would be discussing this later.

“Go,” she ordered. “Your father is furious about something.”

Of course, he was.

I made my way to the study, the heavy wooden doors slightly ajar. Inside, my father stood near the window, a cigar balanced between his fingers. Wisps of smoke curled into the air, mixing with the scent of aged whiskey.

I stepped inside, my movements measured. I took a seat on the leather couch, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. The silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken tension.

Finally, he turned, his piercing gaze locking onto mine.

“Mason,” he said, voice sharp, “tell me—what happened to Jones?”

I met his stare without hesitation. “You know what he did. He got what he deserved.”

His expression didn’t waver, but there was an edge to his voice. “It’s not about killing him, Mason. You should’ve waited until we closed the deal.”

I exhaled slowly, letting the smoke curl around my fingers. “I don’t tolerate traitors. After what he did to my business, I lost my temper. The deal isn’t lost. I’ll fix it.”

His jaw tightened. “You always think you can fix things after the fact. But there are consequences to acting impulsively.”

I shrugged. “I don’t need to explain myself. You taught me that a man handles his problems directly. That’s exactly what I did.”

He studied me for a long moment before shaking his head. “Fine. You never listen anyway.”

He moved to his desk, picking up a file. As he handed it to me, his gaze sharpened.

“And what about that girl?”

I stiffened.

He was talking about Serena.

“She won’t be a problem,” I said evenly. “I’ll handle it.”

His lips pressed into a thin line. “I hope so.”

A knock at the door interrupted us.

“If you’re done,” my mother’s voice called from the doorway, “Liza’s family is arriving soon. Come out now, both of you.”

I let out a slow breath, stubbing out my cigarette before following my father.

Dinner was a calculated affair. I deliberately took a seat next to Selena, leaving the space beside Liza empty. My mother’s disapproving stare burned into me, but I ignored it.

Liza, ever persistent, leaned toward me. “Mason, you seem lost in thought. What’s keeping you so distracted during such an important evening?”

I smirked lazily. “Business. Something you don’t need to concern yourself with.”

The conversation quieted at my bluntness, but I didn’t care.

After dinner, I knew what was coming—the inevitable discussion about my engagement to Liza.

Pushing back my chair, I stood. “Excuse me. I have an urgent call to take.”

Liza’s father frowned. “Mason, everything okay? You left rather abruptly.”

I offered a polite but hollow smile. “Just work. Nothing urgent.”

My mother sighed, irritated. “Mason, can’t you handle your work later? It’s rude to leave like this.”

“I’m sorry, Mom. But this is important.”

I stepped outside, inhaling the cool night air. My mind was already elsewhere.

Serena.

She needed to know the truth.

Driving home, the city lights blurred past as I made a decision. Tomorrow wasn’t just about clearing up misunderstandings—it was about making sure there was no room for doubt between us anymore.

Once home, I checked if Mrs. Adams was awake.

She was the only one who knew my secrets. The only one I trusted.

She looked up, eyes kind. “Mason, you’re home early.”

I leaned against the counter. “I need a favor.”

She nodded. “Of course, my child. What is it?”

“No staff in the house after 3 PM tomorrow.”

She studied me, a slow smile forming. “Understood.”

She hesitated. “Is it her?”

I didn’t answer, but simply nodded.

She simply nodded. “Rest well, Mason.”

As I climbed the stairs, I exhaled slowly.

Tomorrow, everything would change.