Chapter 674
Chapter 674:
Liam smirked. “On him? I love it p>
The rain blurred the city lights into streaks of neon red, gold, and electric blue. Inside the climate-controlled cocoon of the sports car, the air was warm and smelled faintly of Liam’s cologne, a scent of cedar and rain that always grounded Skye.
She glanced at the rearview mirror. The image of Lucian standing in the downpour, stripped of his dignity and wheels, was a memory she would savor. But the adrenaline was fading, leaving a hum of restless energy beneath her skin.
“Since we’re spending Lucian’s money,” Skye said, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel, “we should pick up Victoria. She’s been texting me all day p>
Liam adjusted the wig slightly, frowning. “Victoria? Why? Last I checked, she was part of the problem p>
“She was,” Skye admitted. “But she helped me expose Lucian at the engagement party. Arthur kicked her out, Liam. Publicly. I put her up at the Four Seasons downtown because she had nowhere else to go. No cards, no car, no fun. She’s probably climbing the walls p>
“She deserves a timeout,” Liam muttered, putting the black-rimmed glasses back on. He slumped slightly, shifting back into “Preston p>
“Maybe,” Skye said. “But she’s useful when she’s indebted to us. Plus, watching her try to navigate life without a black card is entertainment in itself p>
Liam sighed, a sound of long-suffering compliance. “Fine. But if she asks for a loan, I’m charging interest p>
The drive to the hotel took twenty minutes. The rain had slowed to a drizzle by the time they pulled up to the valet entrance of the Four Seasons. Skye flashed her lights twice, a signal they had arranged via text.
A side door opened. Victoria Hayes slipped out, clutching a designer bag to her chest like it contained the crown jewels. She wore a trench coat over a cocktail dress, looking like a spy who had gotten lost on the way to a gala. She sprinted to the car and threw herself into the back seat.
“Go, go, go!” Victoria hissed. “The concierge is looking at me weird. I think my credit card hold bounced p>
J𝗼𝗂n t𝗵𝗈𝘂s𝘢ո𝘥𝗌 о𝖿 𝘳𝗲а𝗱𝖾𝗿s o𝗇 𝖻e.с𝗈𝘮
Skye peeled away from the curb, merging smoothly into traffic. “Relax, fugitive. You’re safe p>
Victoria let out a dramatic breath, shaking out her damp hair. Then she froze, staring at the passenger seat.
“Who is this?” she demanded, pointing a manicured finger at Liam. “I don’t remember having a cousin named Preston. And I know all the cousins. Even the ugly ones p>
Skye suppressed a smile. Victoria was observant when it came to family trees and potential rivals.
Liam didn’t turn around. He kept his gaze forward, popping another tapioca pearl into his mouth. He cleared his throat, summoning that grating, raspy voice again.
“I’m from the West Coast branch,” he croaked. “Parker’s side. I’m basically his gaming proxy. I level up his characters while he sleeps p>
Victoria rolled her eyes so hard it looked painful. “Of course. Parker would hire a human bot. You look like you haven’t seen the sun since the Bush administration. And what is up with that voice? Did you swallow a Speak & Spell p>
“Nodules,” Liam rasped, tapping his throat. “Too much screaming at noobs. Doctor says I sound like a dying seal p>