Chapter 24
Chapter 24:
“Well, well,” Aunt Petunia chirped, her voice dripping with acid. “If it isn’t the happy couple. We heard rumors, Skye. Going back to school? Is the allowance Liam gives you not enough for shopping p>
A few cousins nearby snickered.
Skye opened her mouth to retort, her hand drifting to her clutch where her voice recorder was running.
“Actually, Petunia,” Liam’s voice cut through the air, smooth and dangerous, “Skye scored the highest marks in the university’s history. She isn’t shopping. She’s outsmarting everyone in this room p>
The snickers died instantly.
Skye looked up at Liam, genuinely surprised. He was looking at Petunia with cold disdain.
“And,” Liam continued, turning to Uncle Arthur, “I heard about your ridiculous remarks regarding the wasteland purchase. Arthur, you lack vision. Skye sees potential where you see dirt. That’s why she’s a visionary, and you are… managing a declining portfolio p>
Uncle Arthur turned purple. “Now see here, Liam p>
“I don’t like people insulting my wife,” Liam said, stepping closer, using his height to intimidate the old man, “or my investments p>
He wasn’t defending her out of love. Skye realized that as she watched his jaw tighten. He was defending her because she was his. An insult to her was an insult to his judgment.
“Come, Skye,” Liam said, guiding her away from the sputtering relatives.
They walked to a quiet corner.
“Thank you,” Skye said, keeping her voice neutral.
“Don’t thank me,” Liam muttered, taking a glass of champagne from a passing tray. “Arthur is a leech. He’s trying to sell Sterling Corp shares to a shell company to cash out before the quarterly report p>
Skye’s eyes widened. “What p>
𝖲𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗁𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗈𝗇 𝖻𝖾.𝖼𝗈𝗆
“He thinks I don’t know,” Liam smirked. “He’s selling 15% of the family stock. Under the table p>
Skye choked on her water.
Oracle Holdings.
That was her company.
She looked at Liam. He had no idea. He was telling her that her uncle was selling shares to her, thinking he was sharing gossip.
“Interesting,” Skye managed. “We should… keep an eye on that p>
She needed to text Alistair immediately. Arthur is selling. Close the deal tonight.
Just then, Liam’s phone buzzed.
He checked it. His face softened. The “Business Liam” vanished, replaced by the “Savior Liam p>
Seraphina.
Skye watched the transformation. The moment of connection—the shared disdain for her relatives—shattered like glass.
Liam looked at Skye. He looked guilty.
“I have to go,” he said. “Board meeting. Emergency p>