Page 28 of The Sole Suspect

His eyes crinkled slightly at the corners, the only betrayal of whatever thoughts lurked behind that carefully composed expression. I swallowed hard, trying to maintain my composure while my heart hammered against my ribs.

“I’m so pleased you both could attend tonight’s fundraiser,” Adelaide said, breaking the charged silence. The saccharine quality of her voice barely masked her lack of genuine feeling.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Blake replied smoothly, his grin never faltering.

Dominic shifted beside me, his shoulder nearly brushing mine. “The historical society has done remarkable work,” he said, his rich baritone sending an involuntary shiver through me.

“Yes,” I agreed.

“Those drapes were a pain to pin up,” Penny supplied.

“Quite remarkable,” Adelaide said stiffly.

The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken tension. I could feel Adelaide’s curious gaze flicking between Dominic and me, no doubt cataloging every microexpression and subtle reaction. The surrounding conversation and soft string quartetseemed to fade around us, creating a bubble where only we existed. After what felt like an eternity, I cleared my throat, desperate to break the spell before I did something embarrassing, like blurt out something I’d regret.

“Care for a drink?” Dominic’s deep voice cut through the ambient chatter in the room.

Penny and I both dipped our heads in acceptance. Dominic turned toward the bar. His suit jacket pulled taut against his wide shoulders, drawing my attention like a magnet.

“Allow me to assist.” Blake fell into step beside Dominic.

“Such a considerate alpha.” Penny’s whisper carried a hint of vinegar beneath the sweetness. Then his attention shifted to the far corner where two more alphas had just arrived.

Sebastian and Victor Fairfax cut striking figures in their contrasting suits—Sebastian’s old-money Savile Row versus Victor’s modern designer piece.

“I didn’t know your nephews would be here tonight,” Penny whispered.

“Ah, yes… those two. I suppose you both have already heard about their very public row at Fashion Week?”

Before Penny or I could answer, Adelaide continued. “They’ve been in a spat ever since Sebastian took control of the family textile business. Their latest quarrel erupted over Victor’s plans to modernize the company’s image—a change that apparently went over as well as polyester at a silk convention.”

My gaze drifted toward the table where Adelaide’s nephews sat at a careful distance between them, underlying tension evident in their rigid postures.

I glanced at Adelaide. “Those two used to be inseparable in back in college, didn’t they?”

She adjusted her emerald brooch. “This little cold war between them is new—something about a disputed design credit, I believe.” She lowered her voice. “Victor claims Sebastian took credit for his concept. The industry’s been buzzing about it for weeks.”

“Really? I tuned into their last runway show.” Penny bounced on his toes. “Those velvet smoking jackets with art deco embroidery? I’d sell my firstborn for one… not really, but you know what I mean.”

My observation broke as Dominic approached, his presence drawing every omega instinct to attention. Blake trailed behind, two champagnes in hand and a calculating expression playing on his lips.

“Speaking of fashion,” Adelaide clapped her palms together. “What’s your opinion of these gentlemen? Quite striking, wouldn’t you say?”

“You look wonderful, Penny.” Dominic said as he handed my friend a flute of bubbling champagne.

I watched Penny raise his glass with theatrical flair.

Dominic’s silvery gaze moved deliberately over me. His voice rumbled low as he offered me the second glass of champagne he held. “And you look...”

“Delicious,” Blake supplied helpfully, earning a warning glance from Dominic that made my skin tingle with electric awareness.

Blake laughed. The man lacked any trace of remorse. “Circa 1930s suits you perfectly, Mr. Sterling-Hart. And green is most definitely your color, Mr. Lee.”

“Penny dressed all of tonight’s auction participants.” Adelaide gave Blake a pointed look before turning her warm smile on me. “And both Leo and Penny helped transform Fairfax Mansion into the beautiful spectacle you see. The historical society couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout.”

Penny nodded enthusiastically. “We’ve already raised enough from the silent auction to restore the fountain in the square. Maybe we can finally fix those loose cobblestones on Maple Street too.”

“Pouring money into crumbling buildings and uneven streets,” Blake drawled, swirling his champagne with calculated disinterest. His smile didn’t reach his eyes as he added, “Though I must admit, this crumbling estate does make for an entertaining museum piece.”