Chapter 37 The Woman in the Mirror

Beatrice wiped Eira’s tears, her own eyes turning red.

"Alaric acted tough, but he was a softie underneath. He just hated anyone knowing it."

She gently lifted Eira’s chin.

"I’m telling you this because Sebastian has taken enough from you. One bad marriage doesn’t get to define the rest of your life."

Eira nodded.

"Good. Now cry if you need to, but get some sleep afterward. I refuse to send you to the expo tomorrow with swollen eyes."

Beatrice pinched her cheek, then frowned.

"And eat something. You’re getting too thin."

Eira laughed through her tears.

"That’s better." Beatrice squeezed her hand. "The stylist will be here tomorrow. Hair, makeup, the works."

She gave Eira a pointed look.

"You’re twenty-five, Dr. Crawford. Wear the dress. Put on the heels. Enjoy yourself. You have plenty of time to dress like a retired librarian when you actually become one."

"I’ll try."

"Don’t try. Do it."

Eira smiled. "I will."

"Good. Once the project review is over, you’ll qualify for university housing. And if Stanford has any sense, a faculty position will follow."

Beatrice squeezed her hand once more.

"You’ve spent long enough taking care of everyone else. It’s time you started taking care of yourself."

Her voice softened.

"I’m proud of you."

--

The next morning, Eira headed to Sterling Tower in her usual work clothes.

Killian and most of the expo team were already at the venue, leaving the executive floor unusually quiet. Eira spent the morning working with Claire to confirm the guest list, seating chart, and security details.

Just before noon, her phone buzzed.

Martin: The stylist is here.

Eira submitted her half-day request and returned to the Thorne estate.

By the time she entered the guest room, the stylist had covered the vanity with makeup and hair tools.

Eira changed into Beatrice’s lace gown and sat before the mirror.

The stylist swept her hair into a low chignon, leaving a few soft waves around her face. She had just begun Eira’s makeup when Alpha Sebastian called.

"Are you still at Sterling?" Alpha Sebastian asked.

"Why?"

"Something came up, so I can’t take you to the expo tonight. Just head home when you’re done."

It was not an apology. It was an instruction.

"That’s fine."

"I knew you’d understand."

The call ended before Eira could answer.

Eira set down her phone without asking what had come up. She already knew.

The stylist studied her in the mirror. "Are those your real lashes?"

"Yes."

"Lucky you. With those eyes and cheekbones, you’re making my job way too easy."

Eira laughed softly. "I’ll take that as a compliment."

"You should."

The stylist finished her makeup and added Beatrice’s pearl necklace and earrings. Then she pointed to a shoe box on the dresser.

"Those arrived from Sterling."

A card rested beneath the designer logo.

For tonight’s event. Size confirmed. Sterling Executive Office.

Inside was a pair of nude heels with thin straps and pearl details at the ankles.

The stylist checked the label and whistled. "Limited release. Nearly two grand, if you can find them."

Eira frowned. "They’re for work."

"Sure," the stylist said, clearly unconvinced. "Does your boss send every employee sold-out designer shoes in the right size?"

"He takes care of his staff."

"If you say so."

Eira slipped them on. They fit perfectly.

Once the stylist had finished the last touches, Eira gathered her skirt and headed downstairs.

Twenty minutes later, the Thorne car stopped outside the expo venue. The shoes still looked perfect, though Eira’s feet had already begun to protest.

Martin opened her door and handed her a small embroidered clutch.

Eira stared at it. "This barely holds my phone."

"It isn’t supposed to hold your entire office."

She raised an eyebrow.

Martin smiled. "Mrs. Thorne’s words, not mine. I’ll be nearby when you’re ready to leave."

Eira slipped her phone and cards into the clutch.

"Thank you."

Then she gathered her skirt and stepped out.

--

The expo filled one of the city’s grandest historic hotels. Warm light spilled from its tall windows, and black cars lined the circular drive.

Eira stepped onto the sidewalk and texted Professor Davies and Claire.

Claire called right away.

"We’re at the main entrance. Where are you?"

"About ten feet to your left."

Claire turned, scanned the crowd, and looked straight past her.

"Claire."

She turned back and froze.

The lace gown followed Eira’s slim figure without looking too revealing. Beatrice’s pearls glowed against her skin, and the soft waves framing her face made her blue eyes appear even brighter. With her graceful posture and quiet confidence, she looked polished, elegant, and completely out of reach.

Claire’s jaw dropped.

"No way."

Eira raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"

"Wrong?" Claire hurried over. "I’ve walked past you twice. I thought you were some actress trying to keep a low profile."

Professor Davies joined them and stopped short.

"Eira?"

"Yes, Professor."

His surprise softened into a proud smile. "You look wonderful."

"Thank you."

Claire stepped back to take in the gown, pearls, and perfectly styled hair.

"Okay, this is not just wonderful. You look like old Hollywood walked onto a red carpet and decided to put the rest of us out of business."

Eira glanced down at herself. "That sounds a little dramatic."

"It’s not dramatic if it’s true." Claire leaned closer. "You’re going to break necks in there."

"Let’s try to avoid workplace injuries."

Claire laughed. "There she is."

Professor Davies offered Eira his arm.

"Shall we?"

Eira accepted it and lifted the hem of her gown as they headed toward the steps.

A bright, excited voice rang out behind them.

"Wow, Sebastian. This place is unreal. I’ll have enough photos to keep my Instagram feed going for a month."

Eira stopped.

Alpha Sebastian answered in the patient tone he usually saved for his younger sister.

"Slow down, Isabella. We’re waiting for someone."

"I know. Serena said she’d be here in fifteen minutes." Isabella laughed. "Why don’t you take me inside and come back for her? Then the two of you can make your big entrance together. The photographers will go crazy. You’ll look like you belong on the cover of Town & Country."

She paused.

"Way better than you would with... You know what? Never mind."

Claire glanced over her shoulder.

"Isn’t that Sebastian Hale? Everyone on the project thinks he and Dr. Winthrop are together. I figured it was just office gossip."

Professor Davies went still.

His gaze moved from Alpha Sebastian to Eira.

Then his expression changed as the pieces fell into place.

"Eira," he said quietly, "That’s your husband, isn’t it?"

"Yes."

Professor Davies stared at her.

"And Dr. Winthrop?"