Chapter 48 Uninvited

When the gala finally wound down, Serena left the ballroom on Alpha Sebastian’s arm, smiling as she said good night to investors, researchers, and Pack leaders.

As far as she was concerned, the evening had gone perfectly.

She had been introduced as Dr. Victor Winthrop’s granddaughter and a consultant on a federally funded defense research initiative. More importantly, Isabella had introduced her as Alpha Sebastian’s girlfriend, and no one had corrected her.

Not right away, at least.

Alpha Sebastian Hale had become one of the most closely watched young Alphas in the business world. With Serena beside him, they looked like the kind of power couple society pages loved.

The local grapevine would do the rest.

Several guests stopped them on the way out. Some asked Serena about her research. Others congratulated Alpha Sebastian on Hale Group’s recent growth.

Serena enjoyed every second of it.

Once the crowd began to thin, Isabella joined them with a satisfied smile.

"See? Serena fits into your world. Unlike Eira, who barely knows how to act at an event like this."

Alpha Sebastian shot her a cold look.

"Drop it, Isabella."

She rolled her eyes.

She still could not understand why he kept defending Eira. Yes, Eira had cleaned up well tonight. Yes, Killian Sterling had asked her to dance.

So what?

An Alpha like Killian did not fall for women like Eira. If he was interested, it was probably temporary.

Then another thought struck Isabella.

If something was going on between Eira and Killian, Alpha Sebastian could use it. At the very least, it would keep Eira from playing the innocent victim when the divorce became public.

Alpha Sebastian noticed the look on her face.

"Whatever you’re planning, don’t."

"I’m not planning anything."

"That look says otherwise."

Isabella folded her arms. "Why are you always taking her side? Did you forget she slapped me?"

"You had it coming."

Her mouth fell open. "Seriously?"

Serena touched Alpha Sebastian’s arm.

"Take it easy. Bella’s only looking out for you."

"Exactly," Isabella said, moving closer to Serena. "At least someone appreciates me."

Alpha Sebastian looked unimpressed.

Before Isabella could continue, she spotted Felix Shaw heading toward the main entrance with an older man.

Professor Davies and Claire walked behind them. Miles and two members of the Sterling event team followed close by.

Miles stepped forward to open the door.

"Dr. Shaw, Alpha Sterling had to leave unexpectedly. He asked me to see you out."

Dr. Shaw waved off the apology.

"No need. I’ve been finding my own way out of buildings for seventy years."

Felix smiled. "He’s not kidding. He refuses help on principle."

"I refuse unnecessary fuss," Dr. Shaw corrected.

He walked with a steady stride and carried himself with the quiet authority of a man who had no reason to impress anyone.

Isabella recognized Felix but not his grandfather.

She gave him a bright smile. "Felix, calling it a night?"

"Yes, Ms. Hale."

His response was polite but distant.

Alpha Sebastian and Serena approached.

"Dr. Shaw," Alpha Sebastian said. "It’s good to see you again."

Serena offered a professional smile. "Good evening."

Dr. Shaw nodded to Alpha Sebastian, then turned to her.

"I don’t believe we’ve met."

"I’m Serena Winthrop."

Felix added, "Dr. Victor Winthrop’s granddaughter."

Recognition crossed Dr. Shaw’s face, but it did not make him friendlier.

"I see."

Professor Davies glanced at Serena’s hand resting on Alpha Sebastian’s arm. His expression cooled.

Claire noticed but kept her eyes forward.

Isabella jumped into the silence.

"This is my brother, and Serena is his girlfriend."

Dr. Shaw turned his cool gaze on her.

"I asked Ms. Winthrop."

Color rushed into Isabella’s face. Felix gave her an apologetic look, but she quickly stepped back.

Alpha Sebastian had planned to introduce Serena as his date for the evening. But Miles and several Sterling employees were standing nearby. Anything he said could get back to Eira.

So he chose the safest answer. "Serena and I are old friends."

Serena’s smile stiffened.

Miles raised an eyebrow. "That’s interesting. Ms. Hale introduced Ms. Winthrop as your girlfriend, and that version of the story has already made its way through half the gala."

Alpha Sebastian’s expression cooled. "My sister got carried away."

"Then you may want to clear that up," Miles said pleasantly. "The local grapevine is already working overtime."

Dr. Shaw studied Alpha Sebastian.

"Then Eira Craw..."

Professor Davies cut in before he could finish.

"Dr. Shaw, it’s late. We can pick this up another time."

Dr. Shaw caught the warning and nodded.

"Fair enough. Felix, let’s go."

Alpha Sebastian and Serena stepped aside as the group headed outside. Miles waited until Dr. Shaw and Felix were in the car before closing the door.

As soon as they pulled away, Felix looked at his grandfather.

"You really don’t like the Winthrops."

"I don’t trust Victor Winthrop."

"Why?"

Dr. Shaw looked out the window.

"He’s a capable researcher, but his lab runs on connections. His relatives get positions they haven’t earned, and junior researchers do the work while senior names take the credit."

Felix frowned. "You think Serena is part of that?"

"I think she’s had every door opened for her. I haven’t seen enough of her work to know whether she belongs in the room."

"She’s consulting on a federal defense project."

"A fancy title on a guest list proves nothing."

Felix thought about that for a moment.

"That’s why you respect Dr. Crawford. Her work speaks for itself."

"Exactly."

Felix hesitated. "That really was Dr. Crawford tonight, wasn’t it?"

Dr. Shaw gave him a pointed look. "You knew it was."

"I suspected it. She denied it."

"Then take the hint."

Felix winced.

"So why is she hiding who she is?"

"That’s her business. Claire worked on her research team, and Professor Davies is clearly protecting her privacy. You should do the same."

Dr. Shaw’s voice hardened.

"No calls. No posts. Don’t even mention it to your friends."

"I won’t."

After a moment, Felix asked, "What about the patent Hale Group wants?"

"They’re not getting it."

Felix looked at him in surprise.

Dr. Shaw’s expression cooled.

"Eira was the reason I agreed to meet Alpha Sebastian in the first place. Tonight, he denied she was his wife because telling the truth might hurt his image."

"So he lied to protect the deal."

"And lost it anyway," Dr. Shaw said. "I don’t trust valuable research to a man who changes his story whenever honesty becomes inconvenient."

Felix glanced back at the hotel.

Alpha Sebastian had spent the evening trying to protect his reputation.

Instead, he had cost himself the deal he wanted most.

--

Alpha Sebastian had the driver drop Isabella off first, then take Serena home.

When they reached her building, he stayed in the car.

"Good night."

Serena stared at him. "You’re not coming up?"

Alpha Sebastian did not answer. He told the driver to leave and pulled out his phone.

Serena stood at the curb as the car disappeared down the street. She stamped her supposedly injured foot, no longer bothering to limp.

She knew exactly where he was going.

Alpha Sebastian called Eira twice on the way to the Thorne house. Both calls went unanswered.

By the time he reached the suburbs, it was well past midnight.

Martin opened the door in a robe, surprise crossing his face.

"Alpha Hale? What are you doing here this late?"

Alpha Sebastian glanced past him into the house.

"Could you tell Eira I’m here? She isn’t answering her phone."