Chapter 371
Chapter 371:
“Target at twelve o’clock,” Julian murmured.
Skye looked.
Lucian Graves stood in the center of the room.
He wasn’t what she expected. He wasn’t a hulking brute. He was… elegant. He wore a white dinner jacket. His hair was silver-streaked, and his eyes were a startling, unnatural blue. He held a glass of champagne like it was a weapon.
He was talking to a group of politicians, but his eyes were scanning the room. Hunting.
His gaze landed on Skye.
It felt physical—like a laser dot on her forehead. He stopped talking mid-sentence, excused himself from the senators, and walked straight toward them.
“Here we go,” Skye whispered.
“Steady,” Julian said.
Graves stopped in front of them. Up close, he smelled of ozone and mint. His skin was smooth—too smooth for a man his age.
“Julian Vance,” Graves said, his voice a smooth baritone. “I see you are still defying medical science p>
“I’m hard to kill, Lucian,” Julian said, offering a weak handshake. “Lucian, may I introduce the newest talent on my roster. Skye Sterling p>
Graves turned those blue eyes to Skye. He took her hand. His skin was cold. He didn’t shake it; he brought it to his lips. He didn’t kiss her skin—just hovered a millimeter above it.
“Ms. Sterling,” Graves said. “The woman who brought down the Kensingtons. I’ve read about you p>
“All lies, I assure you,” Skye said, flashing her practiced smile.
“I hope not,” Graves replied. His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I prefer dangerous women. They make life interesting p>
“I’m expanding my portfolio, Mr. Graves,” Skye said, pulling her hand back. “Business can be so… dry. I find the entertainment industry has more vitality p>
“Indeed,” Graves said. “And I hear you are about to star in a rather… domestic drama. A CEO on a reality show? It’s unconventional p>
“I like to control the narrative,” she replied smoothly. “Why let the tabloids write the story when I can write it myself on live TV p>
Graves looked impressed. “Why don’t we discuss it? In the VIP lounge. It’s quieter p>
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲.𝗰𝗼𝗺
“I’d love to,” Julian began, signaling his nurse.
Graves held up a hand. “Alone, Julian. I don’t negotiate with agents. I negotiate with talent p>
Julian stiffened. This wasn’t the plan.
“I don’t go anywhere without my representation,” Skye said firmly.
Graves leaned in. “Then you don’t get the funding for your little… Oracle projects. Yes, I know who you really are, Skye. I know you’re not just an actress p>
Skye’s heart skipped a beat.
He knew.
“Skye, don’t,” Alistair’s voice crackled in her earpiece. “Abort p>
She looked at Graves. If she walked away now, she lost the chance to get close. She lost the intel.
“It’s fine, Julian,” Skye said, keeping her eyes on Graves. “I can handle myself p>
“Skye!” Alistair shouted in her ear.
“Give me ten minutes,” she told Julian.
Skye took Graves’ arm. He led her away from the crowd, toward a set of velvet ropes guarded by massive security men.
They entered the VIP lounge. It was darker here—red velvet walls, low music.
Dominic was there, sitting in a corner with a young woman who looked terrified. When he saw Skye with Graves, his jaw dropped.