Chapter 225 An Unexpected Face

Chapter 225: Chapter 225 An Unexpected Face

Eira never expected to find Lainey Crawford here.

Lainey seemed to feel her stare. She glanced up, offered a polite smile, and went back to spooning oatmeal into plastic trays.

This was not what Eira had pictured when she thought of the Crawford heiress.

The Crawfords had built their name in politics. Lainey had grown up hearing that public service meant staying close to ordinary people. Humility was part of the family brand.

Still, Eira could not help wondering whether this was more about good publicity than charity. A few well-edited videos of Lainey serving breakfast at a rural orphanage could do wonders for her image.

Eira turned to Gwen.

"She checks out? Her paperwork too?"

"I looked into her myself," Gwen said. She knew exactly what Eira was worried about. A few years earlier, an influencer had staged an entire charity drive just to get more followers. "Lainey’s legitimate. She provided references, identification, and proof of funding. The kids already adore her."

Gwen studied Eira’s face.

"You two know each other?"

"We’ve met a few times, but we’re not close."

Eira had no idea when Lainey had come to this remote corner of Pack territory, or why she had chosen the very orphanage where Eira had grown up.

Lainey had always been polite. That was part of what bothered Eira. There was nothing obvious to point to, nothing she could call rude or suspicious.

Even so, something about the woman made the hair on Eira’s arms rise. Whenever Lainey’s eyes settled on her, a cold shiver ran down Eira’s spine.

Gwen followed her gaze toward the breakfast line.

"She’s been helpful," she said. "She even volunteered to help with the winter drive."

Before Eira could answer, Lainey walked over and pulled off her cap and mask.

"Eira. We meet again."

"Lainey."

The formal address told Eira enough. Lainey had done her homework.

They shook hands, then sat at one of the tables with their breakfast.

"I never would have guessed this was where you grew up," Lainey said. "Small world."

"It is." Eira glanced at the camera equipment near the dining hall doors. "Are you here to film your fundraiser?"

"I’m trying to. I haven’t shot much yet. The scenery out here is incredible, and the air is so clean." Lainey tilted her head. "Aren’t you supposed to be buried in your research? How did you manage to come all the way home alone?"

Eira’s eyes flicked toward Gwen.

Before she could answer, Gwen stepped in.

"Her husband usually brings her here for Christmas."

Lainey gave Eira a long, knowing look.

"Ah. That explains it."

Eira let out a quiet breath. At least Lainey had not mentioned Alpha Killian or the divorce.

But the truth could not stay hidden forever. Keeping quiet was not a solution. It was only buying time.

"Miss Gwen, I need to talk to you later," Eira said. "Privately."

Gwen’s expression softened. She understood at once.

"I figured you did."

Outside, a patrol wolf crossed the edge of the property, checking the fence line before the next group of children went out to play. Eira watched him disappear into the snowy woods, then looked back at Lainey.

Something about this visit felt wrong.

--

The Office

Gwen locked the office door behind them and slid a folded sheet of paper across the desk.

"When you showed up out of nowhere last night, I figured you were here about Sam." She tapped the paper. "Take a picture, then hand it back."

Eira photographed the handwritten notes. Gwen folded the page and locked it in her desk drawer.

"What happened to Sam?"

She poured two mugs of herbal tea, added a pinch of dried honeysuckle to each, and handed one to Eira.

Eira wrapped both hands around the warm mug.

"Sebastian tracked down Sam’s uncle and moved Sam to a new location. He also enrolled him in a new school. I don’t know which one."

Eira lowered her eyes to the tea.

"He’s making sure I can’t find Sam."

"To pressure you into what?"

"Pretending we’re still married," Eira said. "We’re divorced now, but Sebastian used my name to close a business deal. He wants us to keep pretending we’re happily married whenever we’re in public. I refused, so he took Sam away to force me to cooperate."

Gwen reached across the desk and covered Eira’s hand.

"He looked so charming," she said with a tired sigh. "Turns out he’s just a coward in a nice suit. Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I could’ve helped you."

"I didn’t want you to worry."

"And now?"

"You said I looked better." Eira gave her a small smile. "That’s enough. You can see for yourself that I’m okay."

Gwen sighed.

"I still can’t tell if you’re strong or if you’re just used to handling everything by yourself."

Her expression turned serious.

"You’re not going after Sam by yourself. You may have grown up here, but that doesn’t mean you know what everyone is capable of. I’d send someone with you, but traveling alone with a stranger is dangerous. Two women on the road by themselves is not much safer."

Gwen had always treated safety like a rule carved in stone. Every child who had lived under her roof knew to check the locks, stay in pairs, and call if plans changed.

"Find someone you trust," she said. "Otherwise, you’re not going anywhere."

Eira thought about it.

Alpha Killian was the only male friend she had, but he had a powerful Pack and a vast business empire to manage.

She could ask him to send someone, perhaps, but asking him to drop everything and come himself felt unreasonable.

But she didn’t want a stranger. She wanted someone she could trust.

"I mean it," Gwen added. "If you can’t find someone, I’ll go with you myself."

Eira glanced at her. Gwen was too important to the orphanage, and too old to be chasing leads across the country. The children needed her here.

Eira pulled out her phone and opened Alpha Killian’s messages. She typed a sentence, paused, and glanced down at the fang pendant beneath her sweater.

Then she pressed send.

Eira: Killian, I might need a favor.

His reply came almost immediately.

Killian: Name it.

Eira took a breath.

Eira: Come with me to find Sam.

The typing bubble appeared at once.

Killian: Send me the address.

Eira blinked.

That was it? No questions. No hesitation?

Before she could type another word, a second message appeared.

Killian: My consulting fee is eight hundred a day.

Eira stared at it for a second, then laughed.

The tightness in her chest eased. Of course he had to turn a personal favor into a business arrangement.

Eira: Fine. You’re hired.

Killian: Good.

A moment later, another message came through.

Killian: Miles is booking my flight now. Check your email.

Eira opened her inbox. A flight itinerary was already waiting for her.

Eira looked up from her phone.

"Miss Gwen, I found someone."

"Someone you trust?"

"Completely."

"Good." Gwen stood and reached for the office door. "Your room is ready. Let’s get your suitcase settled."

The room looked much the same as Eira remembered. The bunk beds were neatly made, and a few storage boxes had been stacked against the wall. Everything else was clean and orderly.

A framed photograph sat on top of one of the boxes.

Eira picked it up.

It showed her surrounded by the children during last year’s visit. Beneath it were older photographs from donor events, holiday parties, and Pack fundraisers.

She was in every one.