Chapter 566
Chapter 566:
Inside, the ballroom was a kaleidoscope of excess. Chandeliers the size of small cars hung from the vaulted ceiling. The tables were draped in silk, laden with caviar and lobster. The elite of Haven City were there, preening in their diamonds, nervously sipping champagne. The air was thick with tension; everyone knew the rumors about Lucian, but the allure of diplomatic immunity and the sheer spectacle of the event drew them in like moths to a flame.
Lucian Graves stood at the head of the room, flanked by private security guards who looked more like mercenaries. He wore a white tuxedo that made him look like a cult leader. Victoria Hayes clung to his arm, dressed in a lace gown that cost more than most people earned in a decade. She was beaming, oblivious to the fact that she was merely a walking bank account to her fiancé.
“They love us,” Victoria cooed, waving to a photographer.
“They fear us,” Lucian corrected, his eyes scanning the crowd, searching for threats. “Where is she p>
“Who? Skye?” Victoria laughed shrilly. “She won’t come. She’s probably crying in a gutter somewhere p>
At that moment, the heavy double doors at the end of the red carpet swung open.
The chatter in the room died instantly.
Skye Sterling stood in the doorway.
She wasn’t wearing black for mourning. She wasn’t wearing white for surrender. She was wearing red.
A gown of crimson silk that hugged every curve of her body, spilling onto the floor like a pool of blood. It was strapless, revealing the creamy skin of her shoulders and the massive Sterling Ruby resting at her throat. Her hair was swept up, exposing her neck—defiant and proud. She looked like a goddess of vengeance.
“Oh my God,” someone whispered.
Skye stepped onto the carpet. Her red-soled heels clicked with military precision. She didn’t look at the guests. She looked straight at Lucian.
Lucian’s grip on his champagne glass tightened until the stem snapped. Glass and wine fell to the floor, but he didn’t notice.
“She has the audacity,” Victoria hissed, her face turning blotchy. “Security! Get her out p>
𝘕𝗼 𝗉i𝗿𝘢c𝗒 𝘳𝗲𝗮d o𝘯 𝘣𝘦.cо𝘮
Two burly guards stepped into Skye’s path.
“Invitation?” one grunted.
Skye didn’t slow down. She reached into her clutch and pulled out a black card with gold circuitry embossed on it.
The Oracle Invitation.
The guard looked at the card. His eyes widened. He stepped aside, bowing slightly.
“Right this way, ma’am p>
Skye walked past them. A ripple of whispers followed her.
“Is that Skye Sterling p>
“I thought she was broke p>
“Look at that dress p>
She reached the foot of the dais where Lucian and Victoria stood.
“Fashionably late,” Skye said, her voice carrying over the silence.
“You’re not welcome here,” Victoria spat. “This is a private event p>
“Actually,” Skye smiled, “it’s a shareholder meeting. And since I own a significant portion of the debt underwriting this estate’s lease… I think I have a right to inspect my investment p>
Lucian stepped forward, pushing Victoria slightly behind him. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Skye. You’re alone. The FBI can’t help you here p>