Chapter 25
Chapter 25:
It was 9:00 PM on a Friday. There was no board meeting.
“It’s her birthday, isn’t it?” Skye asked quietly.
Liam froze. He looked at her, his eyes wide.
“I saw the receipt for the diamond bracelet on the joint account before you hid it,” Skye lied. She had actually hacked his calendar. “Happy birthday to her p>
Liam opened his mouth, then closed it. Shame flushed his neck.
“It’s complicated, Skye p>
“It’s not,” she said, turning away to look at the crowd. “Go. The highest bidder is waiting p>
Liam hesitated for one more second—a second where he almost stayed. Almost.
Then he turned and walked away.
Skye stood alone in the ballroom. She pulled out her phone.
To: Alistair
Arthur is ready to sell. Buy the 15%. Now.
From: Alistair
The paperwork has been ready for weeks. I’m executing the buy order now. By morning, you’ll own him.
Skye sipped her champagne. She watched Liam’s back disappear through the doors.
“Cheers, husband,” she whispered. “You keep the mistress. I’ll take the company p>
The restaurant was called L’Etoile. It was the kind of place where the menu didn’t have prices and the water cost more than a car payment.
Seraphina Miller had booked the private dining room using Liam’s credit card.
She sat at the table, checking her reflection in her compact mirror. She was wearing a pink ball gown that was far too large for the room, the tulle skirt taking up two chairs. Around her neck hung a necklace that was clearly expensive but gaudy—too many stones, too much gold, screaming “new money” rather than elegance.
The door opened. Liam entered.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲.𝗰𝗼𝗺
He looked tired. He was still wearing his suit from the Sterling banquet. He smelled of Skye’s perfume—a subtle vanilla scent that clung to him from when he had guided her through the crowd.
He stopped. He stared at Seraphina.
She was holding a glass of champagne with her pinky extended, posing for a selfie.
“Liam!” Seraphina squealed. She rushed over, the tulle rustling loudly. She threw her arms around his neck. “You came! I knew you wouldn’t let that boring family dinner keep you away p>
She pulled back, beaming. “Look what you got me!” She pointed to a pile of orange Hermes boxes and the necklace she was wearing.
Liam frowned. He felt a headache forming behind his eyes.
“Sera,” he said, his voice flat. “Did you buy the entire store p>
“It’s my birthday!” she giggled, twirling. “I’m the birthday princess p>
It wasn’t cute. It was… childish. It was tacky.
Liam involuntarily flashed back to an hour ago. Skye in her black dress. Understated. Sharp. Discussing corporate espionage and share prices. Skye looked like a queen without needing a crown. Seraphina looked like a toddler playing dress-up.