Chapter 213 The Woman Who Outshines Him

At 6:20 p.m., Eira texted Alpha Sebastian first.

Eira: I’m at the Southridge gate.

Alpha Sebastian pulled up a few minutes later. A black Sterling SUV was waiting by the entrance, and he knew exactly where she was.

His jaw tightened.

He got out, crossed the driveway, and tapped on the rear passenger window. Both windows lowered at once.

Eira sat in the back beside Natalie. Miles was behind the wheel. They looked less like a private car service and more like a security detail.

Alpha Killian was still overseas, but his people had made sure Eira was not traveling alone.

"Eira," Alpha Sebastian said, forcing a smile. "I bought you a car. Once you pass your driving test, you won’t have to keep borrowing rides from other Packs."

Natalie placed a hand against her chest.

"Oh, Alpha Sebastian. Dr. Crawford is one of Sterling’s most valuable partners. When someone that important needs a ride, Alpha Killian sends a car."

Alpha Sebastian’s smile faded.

Natalie continued in a pleasant tone. "Besides, Dr. Crawford barely has time to sleep, let alone sit through a driving test."

She gave him a polite smile.

"Some people understand how to hold on to good talent. Others are still learning."

Alpha Sebastian ignored the jab and reached for the rear door handle.

"Eira, get in my car."

The door did not open.

Miles smiled through the window. "That ride is a little basic for someone of Dr. Crawford’s standing, Alpha Sebastian. Sterling takes care of its own."

Natalie nodded. "There’s no reason to charge transportation to Hale Group. Alpha Killian has the resources, and he does not mind spending them on people who matter."

Alpha Sebastian’s expression darkened.

Eira watched him with the faintest hint of amusement.

That small smile stung more than anything Natalie had said.

"Married couples usually don’t show up in separate cars," Alpha Sebastian muttered.

Eira looked at him through the open window. "Some do. Especially couples who have already signed the divorce papers but still have to put on a show for everyone else."

Her gaze moved over him, cool and unimpressed.

"And separate cars never bothered you during our marriage."

Alpha Sebastian’s jaw tightened.

Eira turned to Miles. "Where are we headed?"

"Snowmark’s reception is at the Fairmont," he said.

"Then lead the way. I’m not spending all night in the driveway."

Alpha Sebastian had expected to find a woman he could pressure into following his rules. Instead, Eira looked completely out of his reach.

His hands curled at his sides. After a moment, he turned away, got into his own car, and pulled out ahead of them.

Eira settled into the back seat and opened her phone. She searched for the earliest flight to the Klamath area the next morning.

Miss Gwen’s careful warning was too important to ignore.

Natalie noticed the booking screen. "Where are you going?"

Eira trusted both of them. "Klamath."

Miles glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "You’re following the lead on Sam?"

She nodded.

"You could wait until Alpha Killian gets back," Miles said. "He can send a team with you."

"I’m not waiting."

Natalie leaned closer to look at the screen. "Sterling has a satellite office near Klamath. Book the trip through the company. We’ll cover the flight, the hotel, and local transportation."

"This is personal."

"It’s a rescue operation involving a vulnerable pup," Natalie said. "Sterling has always helped people who don’t have anyone else in their corner."

Miles nodded. "We’ll arrange a driver and a secure place for you to stay. Someone familiar with the local territory can go with you."

"You don’t have to do all that."

"Actually, we do," Natalie said. "Travel arrangements are part of my job. I book flights, reserve hotels, and make sure people don’t get stranded in unfamiliar territory. We’re not sending you into the mountains alone."

Eira looked down at her phone.

The earliest flight was almost full. Before she could refresh the page, Natalie had already opened another booking site.

"Don’t worry," Natalie said. "You’re not sleeping in an airport or fighting over the last rental car. I’ll take care of it."

--

They reached the hotel at 7:10 p.m. Alpha Sebastian was waiting outside the entrance.

Snowmark handled business the American way. There were no formal toasts and no banquet tables piled high with food. Tonight’s event was a private cocktail reception. The guests were there to network, build trust, and talk business. Servers moved through the room with champagne, wine, and small plates of crab cakes, shrimp skewers, and mini beef sliders.

When Eira stepped out of the SUV, Alpha Sebastian finally noticed what she was wearing.

Her black silk blouse and fitted charcoal blazer gave her a polished, professional look. Her tailored trousers fell neatly over her heels, while a slim gold watch and small pearl earrings completed the understated outfit.

It was not the formal look he had expected.

On anyone else, the outfit might have looked simple. On Eira, it made her look completely out of his reach.

Alpha Sebastian frowned, then forced himself to let it go. She had come. For now, that was all that mattered.

Miles handed the keys to the valet and joined them. Natalie fell into step beside Eira.

Alpha Sebastian’s expression soured. "She’s coming in with us?"

"I’m Dr. Crawford’s assistant," Natalie replied.

She was not only Eira’s assistant, and Alpha Sebastian knew it. Natalie worked for Sterling Group. If he challenged her presence, he would have to explain why Sterling’s staff was protecting his wife.

He kept his mouth shut.

Eira was already heading toward the hotel entrance with Natalie beside her.

"Are you coming?" she asked without looking back. "We’re not standing out here all night."

Alpha Sebastian followed them inside.

The lobby smelled of polished wood, citrus, and expensive perfume. Guests in tailored suits and cocktail dresses moved between the bar and the reception area. A server passed with a tray of champagne and bite-sized crab cakes.

As they stepped into the elevator, Alpha Sebastian moved closer to Eira.

"We’re still husband and wife tonight," he said quietly. "You should be walking in with me."

Eira pressed the button for the reception floor.

"That was never really your habit," she said. "Don’t start pretending now."

The elevator doors opened.

Eira stepped out first. A hotel attendant approached with a guest list, but Soren spotted them from across the room and came over with a drink in hand.

"Alpha Sebastian Hale," he said warmly. Then his attention shifted to the two women. "Which one is Luna Hale?"

Sebastian reached toward Eira, but she moved first.

She extended her hand to Soren. "I’m Dr. Crawford. Please call me Eira. And this is Natalie, my assistant."

Soren shook her hand. "Of course. My apologies, Eira. I shouldn’t have assumed."

"You’re fine."

"And you look perfect for tonight," he added, glancing at her outfit.

A small smile touched Eira’s lips. "I’m glad I got the dress code right."

"You did. Please, come in." Soren stepped aside. "Alpha Sebastian, you’re welcome to join us. Natalie, you too."

Natalie gave him a polite nod.

Soren’s warmth toward Eira was immediate and genuine. He had already decided that building a direct relationship with Eira would benefit Snowmark, whether or not she remained involved in the joint project.

Within minutes, Eira became the center of attention.

She did not flatter anyone or compete for the spotlight. She simply answered questions with calm confidence, and people naturally gathered around her. Executives introduced themselves. Investors asked about the processor design. Even guests who had never heard her speak before watched her with open interest.

Eira looked more at ease than Alpha Sebastian had seen her in years.