The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 178

178 The Matriarch’s Endorsement

I couldn’t tear my eyes away. The suit emphasized everything appealing about Sebastian’s physique-his height, his athletic build, the confidence in his stance.

As we discussed fashion, I gradually relaxed. Eleanor was knowledgeable and genuinely interested in my work. By the time Agnes arrived with tea, I was explaining my creative process with unexpected ease.

The directness of the question startled me. I looked from Eleanor’s expectant face to Sebastian’s carefully neutral expression.

“Sebastian! And you’ve brought a guest.” She placed her book aside and stood gracefully.

“Hazel brought me the suit for the alumni event, Sebastian said, “and she has something for you.”

Before I could respond, Sebastian returned wearing the tailored suit I’d designed. My breath caught in my throat. The deep navy fabric accentuated his broad shoulders and trim waist perfectly.

Sebastian’s eyes locked with mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my body.

Heat flooded my cheeks. “I’m just checking the fit.”

“Mother, this is Hazel Shaw.”

“Well?” he asked, adjusting the cuffs.

Eleanor glanced between us, her lips curving knowingly. “The fit is perfect. You’ve captured my son beautifully.”

“Magnificent,” Eleanor declared. “This young woman understands how to dress a man properly.”

“You’re staring, Hazel,” Sebastian noted with a hint of amusement.

“I think…” My voice faltered as conflicting emotions battled within me. “I think he’s so perfect it makes me feel hopelessly inadequate.”

“Your work on the Meridian Tower is legendary! I studied it in college.”

20 92

1/5

I blushed furiously. “Thank you.”

Reluctantly, I lifted my gaze to meet his. His eyes were intense, searching.

“Yes, sir. Shall I bring tea?”

“Thank you. It’s nothing really—”

I swallowed hard. “Yes. Maybe. I don’t know.”

“I shouldn’t be here,” I whispered.

The warmth of his presence overwhelmed my senses. How could I explain that every moment with him made me want things I shouldn’t allow myself to hope for?

She laughed softly. “No, dear. I was an architect. I designed several buildings downtown before I retired.”

“Then I think it’s time you met my mother properly,” he said, taking the garment bag and gift box in one hand and my elbow in the other. “Come on.”

“Please, call me Eleanor.” Her gaze swept over me appraisingly. “Sebastian didn’t exaggerate your beauty. You have marvelous bone structure.”

Sebastian smiled at his mother. “Hazel is always downplaying her abilities.”

“My son is quite a catch, wouldn’t you agree?” Eleanor asked casually, stirring her tea.

“Have you been deliberately avoiding me lately?” Sebastian’s question pierced through my carefully constructed defenses.

“Just what?” he challenged.

The massive front doors opened before we reached them. A uniformed housekeeper nodded respectfully as we entered the grand foyer with its soaring ceiling and gleaming marble floors.

“Is Mother in the blue room, Agnes?” Sebastian asked.

Eleanor draped the shawl around her shoulders. “It’s absolutely perfect. You have a remarkable gift.”

“So this is the talented designer my son can’t stop talking about.” She took my hands in hers, her grip surprisingly warm. “It’s lovely to finally meet you properly, my dear.”

20:32

2/5

178 The Matriarch’s Endorsement

I stared at the perfectly manicured lawn beside us, struggling to find words that wouldn’t reveal too much. “I’ve been busy.”

“Sebastian, wait-” I protested as he guided me toward the mansion.

I perched nervously on the edge of the sofa as Sebastian disappeared into an adjoining room with the garment bag.

Mrs. Sinclair was stunning-elegantly slender with Sebastian’s same penetrating eyes. She moved toward me with the confidence of a woman who had never questioned her place in the world.

“A charming but unnecessary modesty,” Eleanor declared, sitting down and patting the space beside her. “Join me while Sebastian tries on his new suit.”

“And he’s fiercely loyal. Once Sebastian commits to someone, it’s absolute.” Eleanor set down her cup decisively. “What do you think of him, my dear? As a man, not just a client?”

“You remind me of myself at your age,” Eleanor remarked, passing me a delicate teacup. “So passionate about your craft.”

“No more excuses, Hazel.”

Before I could argue further, we entered a sunlit room decorated in various shades of blue and cream. A silver-haired woman sat by the window, reading. She looked up as we entered, her face lighting with pleasure.

I nearly choked on my tea. “You’re Eleanor Westfield-Sinclair? The Eleanor Westfield?”

“I designed it specially for you,” I explained, gaining confidence as she admired my work. “Sebastian mentioned you love blue hydrangeas.”

“Because this-whatever this is between us-it’s complicated.”

The gentle understanding in his voice broke something in me. I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

“Mother,” Sebastian warned, but she ignored him.

Her eyes twinkled. “The very same.”

My frustration bubbled over. “Easy for you to say! You’re Sebastian Sinclair. Your family

practically built this city. I’m just-”

Eleanor beamed with pleasure. “How wonderful to meet someone who appreciates my old buildings.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify