Chapter 290 The Fallout

Chapter 290: Chapter 290 The Fallout

After saying good night to Mrs. Jones, Eira went upstairs.

She took a long, hot shower, letting the steam ease the tension from her shoulders. Then she changed into soft cotton pajamas, turned off the bathroom light, and climbed into bed.

Before switching off the lamp, she opened her camera roll. The day’s photos showed the eucalyptus-lined path outside Ashford Lane, the floor-to-ceiling bookcase, and the white orchid glowing against her bedroom window.

She chose a few and posted them.

[New home.]

The likes began almost immediately. Friends, colleagues, and a few university contacts left congratulations beneath the pictures.

[Congratulations, Dr. Crawford!]

[It’s beautiful.]

[Can’t wait to see it in person.]

Her phone kept buzzing on the nightstand, but Eira turned it facedown. Tomorrow would bring unpacking, the lab, and a dozen things that still needed to be arranged.

She closed her eyes and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

Across town, Alpha Sebastian did not.

He woke late the next morning with a throat dry enough to hurt and a headache pressing behind his eyes.

When he tried to call out, only a rough whisper came out.

Bright California sunlight cut through the blinds, far too sharp for the condition he was in.

Ethan was sitting in the armchair near the window, still wearing yesterday’s shirt.

The moment Alpha Sebastian pushed himself upright, Ethan stood.

"Easy. Don’t try to stand yet."

Alpha Sebastian reached toward the nightstand.

Ethan filled a glass from the pitcher and handed it to him. "Small sips."

Alpha Sebastian drank slowly. His throat loosened enough for him to speak.

"Ethan."

"Yeah?"

"I need you to get tested."

Ethan’s expression changed. "For what?"

"Serena tested positive for syphilis." Alpha Sebastian paused, his voice still rough. "So did I."

For a moment, Ethan said nothing.

Then he set the glass down. "You’ve started treatment?"

"Yes."

"Good. That’s the first thing we deal with." Ethan pulled out his phone. "I’ll call my physician and get an appointment today."

Alpha Sebastian watched him. "You’re not going to ask how?"

"I’m going to ask what I need to know." Ethan’s tone stayed controlled, but his jaw had tightened. "The rest can wait until we have actual facts."

Alpha Sebastian looked away.

Ethan studied him for a moment. "Is this why you look like you haven’t slept in a week?"

"Partly."

"I heard Eira moved out."

Alpha Sebastian said nothing.

Ethan exhaled through his nose. "Right. That’s the other part."

Then his phone buzzed.

Serena’s name appeared across the screen.

[Please talk to Sebastian.]

[I need your help.]

[You owe me this much.]

Ethan stared at the messages. His expression hardened.

He typed a reply.

[Do not contact me again.]

Then he blocked her number and deleted the thread.

After a brief hesitation, he opened a private group chat shared by several Bay Area investors and tech heirs.

He did not mention Alpha Sebastian’s diagnosis or share confidential medical information.

[If Serena Winthrop approaches you for money, introductions, or a business favor, do your due diligence before getting involved. I would keep the relationship strictly professional, if you engage at all.]

He sent the message and locked his phone.

Only then did some of the tension leave his shoulders.

"Don’t worry about me," Ethan said. "I get screened every six months. I’ll have my doctor decide what I need tested."

Alpha Sebastian nodded.

Ethan looked at him for a long moment. Serena had cost him his company, his marriage, and now possibly his health.

But Ethan knew better than to list every loss while Alpha Sebastian was still barely holding himself together.

"Take the rest of the week," he said. "I’ll speak with Yates Holdings. If they’re still willing, you can start after Christmas. No pressure to decide today."

Alpha Sebastian swallowed. "Thank you."

He reached for his phone to call Ryan Sullivan.

Ryan answered on the second ring.

"Sebastian. I hope you’ve had time to think about Sullivan Group."

"I have."

"Then let’s not overcomplicate it. Tell me what you need. Compensation, title, reporting structure. We can work through the details."

Alpha Sebastian sat on the edge of the bed, one hand wrapped around the glass Ethan had given him.

"I appreciate the offer, Ryan, but I’m going to pass."

A pause settled over the line.

"Because of your mother?"

"My mother needs me. So do I."

Ryan’s tone remained smooth. "Yates Holdings is offering you a midlevel operating role. That is a significant step down from running Hale Group."

"I’m aware."

"You’d be leaving money and authority on the table."

"Right now, I’m more concerned with getting my family through the next few weeks than protecting my title."

"Think carefully," Ryan said. "Sullivan Group can give you a much faster recovery."

"I’ve made my decision."

The call ended politely, but not warmly.

Ethan watched him set the phone down. "Which Sullivan?"

"Ryan Sullivan."

Ethan’s expression changed. "The man in the photograph?"

Alpha Sebastian looked at him. "You’ve seen it?"

"One of the exhibits from the hearing." Ethan’s jaw tightened. "He was with Serena."

"They were involved."

Ethan leaned back, looking genuinely sick. "That woman has a talent for turning every room into a liability."

Alpha Sebastian did not answer.

Across the Bay, Ryan lowered his phone and let his pleasant expression disappear.

"Lisa."

His assistant looked up from her tablet.

"Find out what happened at that hearing."

Lisa skimmed the public filings. "The records are limited. Serena was ordered to repay the $118 million research grant. The court also addressed the assets and money Sebastian transferred to her after she returned."

"All of it?"

"The ruling voided the agreement that protected her."

Ryan leaned back. "A voided agreement explains why she lost protection. It doesn’t explain how the court reached the full recovery amount."

"I’ll look for the hearing transcript."

"Start with the public gallery." His eyes sharpened. "Find someone who attended but has no obvious connection to Sebastian, Eira, or either family. No one tied to Hale, Crawford, or Winthrop. I want a quiet conversation, not a formal inquiry."

Lisa searched the attendance records and found a name.

Rachel Morgan.