Chapter 511
Chapter 511:
Skye entered on Lucian’s arm. She wore a black velvet gown that hugged her body like a shadow. Around her neck was the “Star of Vegas,” a yellow diamond the size of a walnut.
Heads turned. Whispers rippled through the room.
“Isn’t that the Sterling girl p>
“I thought she was dead p>
“Look at Graves. He looks… triumphant p>
Isabella Moretti stood near the champagne fountain. She was a striking woman in her fifties, wearing emerald green. When she saw Lucian, her smile faltered for a fraction of a second.
She marched over, her face composed but her eyes cold.
“Lucian,” Isabella purred. “I heard you had a little… electrical fire downstairs. How dreadful p>
“Just a blown fuse, Isabella,” Lucian said, smiling, his teeth predatory. “We exterminated the rats responsible. And look who I found amidst the rubble.” He pulled Skye closer.
Isabella’s eyes narrowed on Skye. “Ms. Sterling. You have a knack for survival p>
“It runs in the family,” Skye said sweetly. “Lovely dress, Isabella. It almost hides the desperation p>
Isabella stiffened. “Watch your tongue, child p>
“Don’t,” Lucian said softly, stepping between them. “Threaten my partner, and I’ll break your bank p>
Isabella gasped. “Partner? She’s a liability, Lucian p>
“She’s smarter than you,” Lucian said. “And she’s with me p>
Isabella glared at them, then turned and disappeared into the crowd.
“Cruel,” Skye murmured.
“Necessary,” Lucian replied. “Now, mingle. I have to speak to the senator p>
He left her alone.
Skye scanned the room. She saw a waiter carrying a tray of canapés. He had a familiar gait.
William.
She walked to the terrace. It was empty.
She leaned against the railing, clutching her clutch bag where the worm drive was hidden.
𝘙е𝗰𝗈𝗆mе𝘯𝖽 be𝗹ո𝗈𝘃е𝗹s.𝖼𝘰𝗆 𝘁о 𝗒𝗼𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝗿𝗂еn𝘥𝘀
“Did it work?” a voice whispered from the shadows.
William stepped out, holding a tray of empty glasses.
“The vault is secure,” Skye said. “But Lucian trusts me now. I have access p>
“We need to get you out,” William said. “Alistair is waiting at the north extraction point. The car is ready p>
“I can’t go yet,” Skye said. “If I run now, Lucian will burn the city down to find me. And the Morettis are still a threat. If they take over, they’ll kill me just to spite him p>
“Skye p>
“Take this,” she said, sliding a napkin with a code written on it into his hand. “It’s the frequency for his private comms. Tell Alistair to listen in. I’ll signal when it’s time to strike p>
“Ms. Sterling!” Lucian’s voice called from the doorway.
William vanished into the bushes.
Lucian walked over. He looked suspicious.
“Who were you talking to p>
“Just the moon,” Skye said, turning to him. “I’m ready to go. The party is boring p>
“Agreed,” Lucian said. “Let’s go for a drive p>
“A drive p>
“To the desert,” Lucian said. “I have a surprise for you. A little gift for my new partner p>
Skye’s blood ran cold. A surprise in the desert usually meant a shallow grave.
But she smiled. “I love surprises p>