Chapter 23 The Alpha Who Actually Showed Up 2

Lila stepped forward. Isabella immediately moved closer to Alpha Sebastian.

"You tried to scare me with the Hale name," Lila said. "That might work on people who don’t know any better. It won’t work on me."

Her smile stayed pleasant.

"And Eira is here on Sterling business. Put your hands on either of us again, and this stops being family drama. It becomes a legal problem."

Isabella took another step back and bumped into Serena. Serena pulled away on instinct, then quickly covered the reaction.

Alpha Sebastian was watching.

She could not afford to look annoyed with his sister, even if Isabella had just picked a fight with the worst possible people.

Alpha Sebastian caught Alpha Killian’s cold stare and turned to Isabella.

"Apologize to Miss Sterling."

Isabella stepped out from behind him.

"Miss Sterling, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have called you a foster-care stray."

She tried to retreat again.

Lila raised an eyebrow. "That’s it?"

Isabella frowned.

"You insulted Eira too," Lila said. "Try again."

Alpha Sebastian stepped in. "What happens between Isabella and Eira is a family matter."

Alpha Killian’s gaze moved to him.

"Family?" he asked calmly. "Last night, you said you and Miss Crawford were only acquainted."

Alpha Sebastian heard the mockery. Everyone else did too.

His jaw tightened.

"Eira is my wife," he said. "Isabella is my sister."

The boutique went quiet.

Serena’s fingers tightened around her purse.

For the first time in four years, Alpha Sebastian had publicly admitted the marriage.

Only because another Alpha had forced him to.

Alpha Killian looked at Eira. "Is that true?"

Her expression stayed calm.

"Legally, yes."

Isabella’s mouth started to curve, but the movement pulled at her sore cheek.

Alpha Killian turned back to Alpha Sebastian.

"Then your sister owes your wife an apology."

Alpha Sebastian studied him.

Alpha Killian had stepped in too quickly and too often for this to be simple professional courtesy. Alpha Sebastian recognized interest when he saw it, especially when it was aimed at his wife.

The idea made Alpha Sebastian’s blood run hot.

Eira had gone to Sterling Group to resign. Instead, she had landed on the executive floor and somehow gained Alpha Killian Sterling’s protection.

That was no coincidence.

Still, too many people were watching. Alpha Sebastian forced his anger down and softened his voice.

"Eira. Do you really need an apology?"

It was the tone he always used when he wanted her to make his life easier.

Lila opened her mouth.

Alpha Killian stopped her with a look.

The choice belonged to Eira.

She met Alpha Sebastian’s eyes.

"Yes," she said. "I do."

Isabella stared at her. "You slapped me, and now I’m supposed to apologize?"

Eira tilted her head. "The security footage has audio. If you’ve forgotten what you said, they can play it back for you."

Isabella’s face froze. "Sebastian!"

"We can discuss this at home," Alpha Sebastian said. "Not here."

"Interesting," Eira replied. "You suddenly care about keeping family matters private."

The words hit their mark.

Alpha Sebastian’s expression darkened.

"And I’m still working," Eira added. "I’m not leaving."

"You’re shopping," Isabella snapped. "Don’t call that work."

Lila smiled. "Good thing nobody asked you."

Alpha Killian glanced at Miles.

Miles stepped forward, tablet in hand.

"Miss Crawford, Ms. Brooks, and Ms. Morgan are here on an approved company assignment," he said. "Sterling Group is hosting the tech expo next week. Their event wardrobe is covered by the company."

He turned to Alpha Sebastian.

"Miss Hale shoved Lila Sterling, insulted Miss Crawford, and threatened both women’s careers. The store has video and audio of the entire incident."

His tone remained professional.

"Sterling Group needs a clear answer, Alpha Hale. Was your sister speaking for herself, or does Hale Group stand behind those threats?"

Silence fell across the boutique.

Alpha Sebastian understood the trap immediately.

If he defended Isabella, he tied Hale Group to her threats. If he did not, she would face the footage, mall security, and Sterling Legal alone.

Alpha Sebastian’s expression hardened. Serena went pale.

Isabella looked from her brother to Miles, then toward the cameras.

"Fine," she muttered. "I’m sorry."

Alpha Sebastian’s voice sharpened.

"Apologize to both of them. Properly."

Isabella’s face burned.

"Miss Sterling, I’m sorry I shoved you and insulted you. Eira, I’m sorry for what I said about your background and your marriage. It was cruel and out of line."

Eira studied her.

"I heard you."

Not forgiveness. Not acceptance.

Just confirmation that the apology had been made in front of witnesses and cameras.

Isabella exhaled, then muttered, "You all act like I’m the only one who ever looked down on her."

Alpha Sebastian’s gaze sharpened. "Enough."

Isabella gave him a bitter look. "Why? You think the same things. You just know how to say them without sounding rude."

Eira went still.

Isabella was not wrong.

Alpha Sebastian had spent four years dismissing her work, her education, and everything she had done for his family. His contempt had simply come dressed in better manners.

Alpha Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "I said enough."

Then he turned to Eira. "What time are you done? I’ll pick you up."

"No." The answer came so easily that he blinked.

"Eira."

"I already have plans."

"Cancel them."

Eira gave him a cold look. "That wasn’t a request for permission."

Serena’s nails pressed into her palms.

Lila looked between them, clearly ready to jump in, but Alpha Killian spoke first.

"Miss Crawford is scheduled to review the expo briefing this afternoon." His tone stayed neutral. He did not order Eira to stay. He simply gave her an option.

Then his eyes moved to her. "If she still wants the assignment."

Eira understood what he was doing. He was leaving the decision with her.

"I do," she said. "I’ll be back after the fitting."

"Good."

Lila linked her arm through Eira’s.

"I’ll ride back with her."

Alpha Killian glanced at his sister. "You have lab work."

"In the same building. I can manage."

"That remains to be seen."

"Rude."

Despite herself, Eira almost smiled.

Alpha Killian nodded toward the exit. "Finish the fitting. Miles will have the briefing ready when you return."

"Alpha Killian," Alpha Sebastian called.

Alpha Killian turned.

Alpha Sebastian chose his words carefully. "Eira already submitted her resignation."

"She did."

"You can’t keep her employed against her will."

Alpha Killian’s expression did not change. "Correct."

The simple agreement threw Alpha Sebastian off.

Alpha Killian continued:"She can leave Sterling Group whenever she chooses. She also chose to complete her notice period and accept a temporary executive assignment."

His gaze moved briefly toward Eira, then back to Alpha Sebastian.

"You seem to be the only man here confused about the word choice."

Alpha Sebastian’s face darkened.

"She’s my wife."

"Then perhaps you should try speaking to her like a person instead of issuing instructions."

The words landed cleanly.

Alpha Sebastian looked toward Eira, but she had already reached the boutique entrance with Lila.

She did not turn around.

Alpha Killian waited until the doors closed behind her before facing Alpha Sebastian again.

"Your marriage does not give you authority over her employment."

His voice remained calm. "If you disagree, have your attorney call Sterling Legal. I’m sure they’ll enjoy explaining California labor law to you."