27 The Matriarch’s Unexpected Question
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Sebastian’s presence filled the room, commanding attention without effort. He approached with measured steps, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Mother, I see you’ve met Ms. Shaw,” he said, his voice deep and controlled.
Mrs. Sinclair smiled warmly. “We were just getting acquainted.”
I struggled to maintain my composure. The resemblance between mother and son was striking -the same dark, penetrating eyes, the proud jawline, even certain mannerisms. But something else nagged at me, like a half–forgotten dream.
“Mr. Sinclair,” I greeted him with a slight nod, trying to appear professional despite my confusion.
“I hope my mother hasn’t overwhelmed you,” he said, a hint of concern in his voice.
Mrs. Sinclair laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous, Sebastian. Ms. Shaw and I are getting along wonderfully.”
One of the staff appeared at the doorway. “Mrs. Sinclair, the other guests are ready in the east sitting room.”
“Thank you, Lillian.” Mrs. Sinclair turned to her son. “Would you mind escorting our other guests? I’d like a few more minutes with Ms. Shaw.”
Something unspoken passed between mother and son. Sebastian’s jaw tightened slightly, but he
nodded.
“Of course, Mother.” He turned to me. “Ms. Shaw, we’ll discuss business matters afterward.”
After he left, Mrs. Sinclair guided me toward a more private corner of the sunroom. “Shall we sit? These old knees aren’t what they used to be.”
We settled into plush chairs overlooking the garden. A staff member appeared silently with tea, setting it down before disappearing just as quietly.
“Now,” Mrs. Sinclair said, pouring tea with practiced grace, “let’s talk about my birthday
celebration.”
I reached for my portfolio. “I’ve prepared some preliminary sketches-”
“There will be time for that later,” she waved dismissively. “First, tell me about yourself. Not the professional details–1 already know those. Tell me about Hazel.”
Her directness caught me off guard. “I’m not sure what you’d like to know.”
“You’ve had quite a journey,” she said, studying me over her teacup. “Rising from such difficult
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27 The Matriarch’s Unexpected Question
circumstances to become one of the most promising designers in the country.”
My back stiffened. “You seem very well–informed about my personal life.”
“Our family makes it a point to know who we’re dealing with.” She set down her cup. “I admire resilience, Ms. Shaw. You have it in abundance.”
“Thank you,” I replied cautiously, wondering how much she knew about my past.
Mrs. Sinclair’s eyes softened. “Your designs reflect that strength. They’re elegant but practical- beautiful without being frivolous.”
Despite my unease, her genuine appreciation of my work touched me. “That’s exactly what I aim
for.”
“Which is why I want you to design something special for my sixtieth birthday celebration.” She smiled. “Something that honors tradition while embracing the present–like our family itself.”
“I’d be honored,” I said sincerely. “What kind of event are you planning?”
“A formal dinner followed by dancing.” She leaned closer. “I may be sixty, but I still enjoy moving
to music.”
I couldn’t help smiling at her unexpected playfulness. “So something elegant but with
movement. Let me take your measurements.”
As I worked, more family members filtered into the room. Two older women–sisters, from their similar features–watched me with undisguised curiosity.
“Auntie Lin, Auntie Mai,” Mrs. Sinclair called to them. “Come meet the talented designer I’ve been telling you about.”
The women approached, their silk garments rustling softly.
“So this is her,” said the taller one–Auntie Lin, I presumed. She circled me slowly. “You’re right, Mei–Ling. She is quite lovely”
I felt like a horse being assessed at auction.
“And talented,” added the other woman. “I saw your collection at Shanghai Fashion Week. Impressive work.”
“Thank you,” I said, continuing to measure Mrs. Sinclair’s waist.
“Sebastian should see what real talent looks like,” Auntie Lin commented cryptically.
Mrs. Sinclair shot her a warning glance. “Let’s not discuss family matters now.”
But Auntie Mai ignored her. “Sebastian has rejected every suitable candidate the family has presented. Even the ambassador’s daughter wasn’t good enough.”
My hands faltered with the measuring tape. They were discussing Sebastian’s love life? In front
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27 The Matriarch’s Unexpected Question
of me?
“Her family connections were impeccable,” Auntie Lin agreed. “And she was educated at Oxford:
“Ladies,” Mrs. Sinclair said firmly. “Ms. Shaw is here on business.”
“Of course,” Auntie Mai smiled mischievously. “Though I must say, she surpasses any of the candidates we’ve considered.”
My cheeks burned with embarrassment. I focused intently on noting Mrs. Sinclair’s measurements in my notebook,
“Should I measure anyone else for the event?” I asked, desperate to change the subject.
“Just me for now,” Mrs. Sinclair replied, shooting another warning look at her sisters–in–law. “Though perhaps you could advise on color schemes for the entire family.”
The aunties finally took the hint and moved away, though I could feel their eyes still watching
- me.
“You must forgive them,” Mrs. Sinclair said quietly. “They mean well, but subtlety isn’t their
strong suit.”
“It’s fine,” I assured her, though my face still felt hot. “I’m used to all sorts of comments while
working.”
“I doubt that,” she said knowingly. “They aren’t usually so forward with strangers. You seem to have made quite an impression.”
I finished my notes and closed my notebook. “Mrs. Sinclair, about your dress–what colors do you prefer?”
“Deep blues or emerald greens complement my skin tone,” she replied. “Though for this celebration, I’m open to something bolder.”
“I think a midnight blue with silver accents would be stunning,” I suggested. “Elegant but with a modern edge.”
Her eyes lit up. “That sounds perfect.”
As I packed away my measuring tape, Mrs. Sinclair studied me thoughtfully. “May I ask you something rather personal, Ms. Shaw?”
Warning bells rang in my head. “Of course.”
“What is your opinion on the candidates they mentioned? For Sebastian, I mean.”
The question blindsided me. “I… I don’t think I’m qualified to have an opinion. I don’t know any of the women they’re considering
“But you know my son, she pressed gently.
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27 The Matriarch’s Unexpected Question
“Only professionally,” I clarified, my heart beating faster. “And very briefly at that.”
Mrs. Sinclair smiled knowingly. “Yet you’ve formed an impression of him, I’m sure. Everyone docs.”
I chose my words carefully. “Mr. Sinclair seems very… dedicated to his work. And protective of those he cares about.”
“Accurate observations,” she nodded. “Sebastian is indeed intensely loyal. Some might call him overprotective.”
I thought of how he’d appeared at the hospital, how he’d handled the Alistair situation. “I can see that quality in him.”
“The right woman would understand that about him,” she said meaningfully. “She would see it as strength, not control.”
This conversation had veered far from professional territory. I needed to redirect it.
“About your birthday celebration,” I began.
“Do you have a significant other, Ms. Shaw?” Mrs. Sinclair asked suddenly.
The question hung in the air between us. My mouth went dry.
Beyond her shoulder, I caught sight of Sebastian returning to the room, his dark eyes immediately finding mine across the distance. The intensity of his gaze made my pulse quicken.
What game was his mother playing? And more importantly, why did her question make my heart race?
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