Chapter 308
Chapter 308:
“The future of the Kensington line!” Beatrice announced loudly as Seraphina approached.
Liam flinched. He looked at Seraphina with open revulsion.
Then the crowd went silent.
A sleek black sports car roared up to the curb. The door opened.
Skye Sterling stepped out.
She didn’t look like an angel. She looked like a goddess of retribution. The black-and-gold dress shimmered under the flashbulbs. She walked with her head high, alone. Alistair had entered through a side door to coordinate with security, leaving Skye to command the spotlight.
Cameras flashed like lightning.
“Skye! Over here p>
“Ms. Sterling! Is it true you bought Vance’s talent p>
Skye smiled, a cool, mysterious curve of her lips. She walked up the stairs, ignoring Seraphina completely.
“Bold of you to come, ex-wife,” Beatrice sneered as Skye reached the door.
“I came for the jewelry, Beatrice,” Skye said smoothly. “I hear you’re auctioning off the family heirlooms. Someone has to make sure they’re authentic p>
Beatrice turned purple.
Inside, the ballroom was a swirl of music and expensive perfume. Seraphina was holding court near the champagne fountain, showing off a massive diamond necklace.
“It’s a Thorne family heirloom,” Seraphina boasted to a group of socialites, leaning into her fake identity as Eleanor Thorne. “My cousin Dominic gave it to me p>
Skye walked over, flanked by Mrs. Givenchy, the city’s most respected jewelry appraiser and a secret ally of Oracle.
“Interesting,” Mrs. Givenchy said loudly, adjusting her spectacles. “That cut… the refraction is off. It looks synthetic p>
The group gasped. Seraphina flushed red, covering the necklace with her hand.
“How dare you!” Beatrice sputtered, stepping in to defend the asset. “This is a flawless diamond p>
“Flawless glass, maybe,” Skye said with a soft laugh. “But don’t worry, Seraphina. Fake jewelry suits you p>
Seraphina’s eyes filled with tears. She looked up and saw Dominic standing on the balcony above, staring down at her.
𝘊𝘰𝘮𝗉𝘭𝘦𝘁𝘦 𝘴tо𝗋𝗶𝘦𝘴 о𝗻 𝘣𝘦.𝗰о𝗆
He tapped his watch.
Time is up.
Seraphina swallowed hard. She turned to Skye.
“Can we talk?” Seraphina asked, her voice trembling. “Privately? Please. Just for a minute. For the sake of the past p>
Skye looked at her. She saw the fear in Seraphina’s eyes. She knew it was a trap.
“Fine,” Skye said.
She tapped her brooch once, activating the recording.
“Let’s talk p>
They walked toward the grand staircase that led to the upper gallery. The crowd watched them go, sensing drama. Liam started to follow, but Dominic suddenly appeared in his path.
“Liam,” Dominic said, blocking him. “A word about your debt restructuring p>
Liam tried to push past, but Dominic was solid as a rock.
Skye and Seraphina reached the top of the stairs. The music from below sounded distant.
The top of the staircase led to a quiet gallery overlooking the main hall. The floor up here was marble, hard and unforgiving, while the staircase itself curved elegantly down to a mid-landing before continuing to the foyer.
Seraphina stopped and turned to face Skye. The tears dropped instantly, replaced by sheer panic.