Inheritance Redefined

Chapter Thirty-Six

The Calviero estate was quiet that evening, but not peacefully so.

The marble corridors seemed to hum with restrained energy, as if the walls themselves were waiting for someone to speak first. In the grand sitting room, sunlight spilled in through the tall windows, painting golden stripes across the velvet furniture.

Matteo, Nico, Elias, and Elara sat on the long couch like soldiers awaiting orders.

Across from them stood Alessandro and Isabella – not angry exactly, but wearing that expression that made every one of the teenagers straighten up a little.

"You could have caused a scandal," Alessandro said at last, his tone deceptively calm. "The heirs of the five families racing through school grounds? On bicycles?"

"It wasn't racing...exactly," Matteo muttered. "It was–"

"Chaos," Alessandro finished for him.

Nico leaned back, arms crossed. "No one got hurt. No harm no foul."

"That is not the point," Isabella said sharply, her soft voice carrying more weight than any raised tone. "You are Calvieros. The world already watches everything you do. You cannot act like ordinary children."

Her words landed with quiet finality.

Elara's stomach twisted. "I didn't know–"

Alessandro's gaze softened as it turned to her. "I know, piccola. You don't understand the expectations you have."

He sat down opposite them, his presence filling the space effortlessly. "The world will not forgive you for behaving like you have no responsibilities. Especially you, Elara."

Elara's head tilted, confused. "Because I'm… me?"

"Because you carry our name now, and the Drakos name too," Alessandro said simply. "And one day, people will look at you and see an heir before they see a girl."

Silence followed. The weight of that truth settled over the room. Over Elara.

Then Isabella sighed softly and sat beside her husband. "This isn't meant to frighten you, sweetheart. We just want you to understand what being part of this family means."

She looked at the boys. "All of you."

Elara nodded, trying to absorb it all. The lecture didn't feel harsh – it felt like being trusted with something sacred.

For a long moment, Alessandro and Isabella exchanged one of those silent glances that spoke volumes – they were perfectly in sync, as always.

Elara caught it and couldn't help smiling to herself. They really are soulmates, she thought. They never seemed to argue, always balanced, like they were carved from the same calm flame.

"Alright," Alessandro said finally, his tone softening. "You've heard Isabella. From now on, I expect better judgment from all of you."

"Yes, sir," the boys muttered in unison, their usual swagger temporarily subdued.

Elara hesitated. "Can I ask something?"

Isabella's eyes warmed. "Of course, darling."

Elara glanced between her two parents. "You've told me bits of how you met, but not the whole story. I know you worked together, but… how did it actually happen?"

Isabella's expression shifted – surprise first, then fond amusement. She looked at Alessandro, who raised an eyebrow, clearly remembering.

"Well," Isabella began, a smile tugging at her lips, "I am an interior designer as you know. Alessandro here wanted to renovate a property – a luxury building in London."