[Dinning Area]
The last plates were cleared quietly and the hum of conversation settled into a softer rhythm as tea and dessert replaced dinner.
The long table no longer felt formal, just full.
Margaret set her napkin aside first.
"Well," she said, glancing at Pauline, "I suppose this is the right moment."
Pauline nodded and gestured subtly to one of the staff.
Within moments, velvet-lined boxes began appearing on the side table one after another until it covered an entire table.
Evelyn blinked. "What is all this?"
"For you," Pauline said simply.
Margaret stood, motioning Evelyn closer. "These are gifts from the Reid family. Some are ceremonial, some are personal. All of them belong to you now."
The first box opened to reveal a diamond bracelet, elegant and timeless, then earrings followed by a necklace and then another.
Patricia's mouth fell open. "Okay—wow."
Lucas let out a low whistle. "You people don't do anything halfway, do you?"
