Chapter 58
Sean had originally decided not to bring Myra to the banquet, but something had shifted. When he arrived home that afternoon, Eve confronted him with a sharp question. “Sean, did you and Myra have another fight?”
He didn’t answer immediately, his face tightening with the weight of everything that had happened recently.
Eve pressed on, her voice laced with concern. “Are you still holding a grudge against Myra for what she did to the other woman and her unborn child?”
The mention of the other woman made Sean’s expression darken. He finally snapped, “Mom, I married her because you insisted. What more do you want from me?”
Eve couldn’t hide her frustration. “Why are you still punishing Myra? Do you still love the other woman? Is that why you’re treating Myra so badly?”
Sean’s anger flared. “You know as well as I do what that woman did to me. Why would I still love her? She’s moved on with someone else.”
Eve’s voice trembled as she continued, “So why are you so cruel to Myra? That child… it wasn’t just hers—it was yours too! And he was supposed to be your grandchild, Sean.”
The words hit Sean like a punch to the gut. He clenched his fists, barely holding it together as he hissed, “That child wasn’t just hers—he was mine, too! How can you expect me to live with a woman who did that?” His voice was filled with raw emotion. “She asked for marriage, and I gave it to her, but I never promised to love her.”
Eve took a step back, her heart aching for both of them. She couldn’t help but plead, “Can’t you see all Myra has done for you? You know the kind of person she is, but you refuse to admit it. What if everything that happened in the past was just a misunderstanding? Please, Sean… stop treating her this way. The affection she has for you won’t last forever.”
After a long afternoon of brooding in his office, Sean finally made his decision. He summoned Richard into his office, but Myra was already on edge, having overheard part of the conversation. Her anxiety over attending the banquet with him grew. She knew how their relationship had soured, and she doubted he wanted her there for anything more than appearances.
Richard noticed her unease and tried to comfort her. “Please don’t worry, Miss Myra. You’re his wife, after all. Director Chase was just putting on a show with the other women.”
“Putting on a show?” Myra echoed bitterly. After their last fight, Sean had spent the night with a young model, making headlines the next day. If all of that was just for show, how much more could he hurt her?
Trying to stay composed, Myra instructed Richard, “Go ahead and get the car. I’ll wait outside.”
She had agreed to attend the banquet, not because she wanted to, but because it was all part of maintaining appearances. Sean might think it was necessary, but Myra wasn’t fooled. She had no illusions about their marriage.
The drive was smooth, and when they arrived at the atelier, Myra was greeted by the staff. “Mrs. Chase, the dress Director Chase picked out for you is ready. It’s a limited edition, flown in from Paris.”
Myra nodded, her mind elsewhere. But when she caught sight of a red Ferrari parked nearby, her heart skipped a beat. A woman had just gotten into that car, and Myra couldn’t shake the feeling that she knew her. Before she could investigate further, the car sped off.
“Miss Sherwood,” Myra called out, her voice tense. “Who was that woman?”
The manager hesitated before responding. “That was Miss Fisher. She was here to pick out an evening dress.”
Miss Fisher. Myra’s mind raced, the name sending a ripple of unease through her. Could it be? She had to know more.
The dress Sean had chosen for her was exquisite—ivory, off-the-shoulder, with a waist adorned with mother-of-pearls. It was elegant, simple, yet stunning. But as Myra stood before the Ritz Carlton, she felt out of place. The grandeur of the event made her self-conscious.
Just then, a gentle voice called her name. “Miss Stark?”
Myra looked up to see Serena, the eldest of the Hart siblings, standing before her. Serena had greeted her warmly the last time they met, and Myra was surprised to see her here.
Serena smiled brightly. “Are you here as Tony’s date?”
Myra blinked, taken aback. “I’m not here with Director Hart.”
Serena’s expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. “Aren’t you here because Tony invited you?”
Before Myra could answer, a familiar voice interrupted. “Myra—”
Myra turned, only to be pulled into a loose embrace by none other than Tony himself.
“I’ve been waiting for you,” he said with a smile, his tone warm and inviting.