Chapter 1059
Skye Sterling walked through the doors. She was wearing a razor-sharp, tailored black power suit, the jacket’s custom cut designed to accommodate the lightweight medical brace securing her left shoulder. Her stiletto heels clicked against the marble floor with a deliberate, measured rhythm. Every step sent a dull throb through her recovering body—a constant reminder of the price of her victory.
Her platinum hair was sleek, and her eyes, no longer hidden behind colored contacts, were cold, clear, and focused. She was pale, thinner than before, but she radiated an aura of absolute, terrifying authority.
Security guards straightened their postures. Receptionists stopped typing.
“Good morning, Ms. Sterling,” a chorus of voices murmured as she strode past the front desk.
Skye didn’t stop. She gave a single, curt nod and stepped into the private executive elevator.
When the doors opened on the top floor, Ms. Davies was waiting, holding a thick leather binder. The older woman’s eyes crinkled with genuine relief at the sight of her boss.
“Welcome back, Ms. Sterling,” Ms. Davies said, falling into step beside her. “It has been… chaotic without you.”
“Give me the damage report, Davies,” Skye said, pushing open the heavy glass doors to her corner office. “Where do we stand on the Kensington front?”
“Mr. Kensington has been ruthless,” Ms. Davies reported, flipping open the binder. “He purged the board of directors entirely. Anyone loyal to Bastian was forced out under threat of federal investigation. The stock took a massive hit, but it stabilized yesterday. He has full control. Also, Mr. Thorne has met with Victoria Hayes twice this week, settling the final details of the Hayes family’s cooperation in the federal investigation.”
“Good,” Skye said, walking around her massive oak desk. “And the Vance Group?”
“Your physical therapist called to remind you of your afternoon session,” Ms. Davies noted, handing Skye a summary sheet. “And the Vance board is restless. Ethan Vance is struggling to maintain order. They are demanding a shareholder vote next week.”
Skye set her briefcase on the desk. “Clear my schedule for next Tuesday. I will be attending that Vance board meeting in person.”
Ms. Davies blinked. “As an observer?”
“As their largest single shareholder,” Skye corrected coolly. “I’m going to remind those old wolves who holds their leash.”
“Understood,” Ms. Davies nodded, making a quick note. She turned to leave, then paused. “Oh, and there is a delivery for you on the credenza.”
Skye looked over. Sitting on the polished wood was a massive, stunning arrangement of white roses.
No card. No note.
She didn’t need one. She knew exactly who had sent them. Liam. A silent white flag. A promise that he was waiting.
She stared at the roses for a long moment, feeling a complex knot of emotions tighten in her chest. She reached out and gently touched a soft white petal.
The intercom on her desk buzzed, shattering the quiet.
“Ms. Sterling,” the receptionist’s voice crackled. “There is a Victoria Hayes here to see you. She doesn’t have an appointment, but she insists it’s urgent.”
Skye’s hand dropped from the rose.
“Send her in,” Skye commanded.
A minute later, the office door opened. Victoria Hayes walked in.