Chapter 978
“I need the name of the surgeon,” Skye said. “And I need a way into the Sterling attic.”
“The attic burned down,” Julian’s raspy voice replied. “Years ago.”
“Not all of it,” Skye said. “The structure is still standing, and Arthur is protecting something inside. I’ve seen the blueprints. There’s a reinforced safe room behind the east wall. My memories are fragmented, Julian — but I know something happened up there. Something they made me forget.”
“If you go back there, Skye…” Julian warned.
“I have to,” Skye said. “I’m done playing defense.”
The Kensington Global headquarters was a fortress of glass and steel, a monument to Liam’s need for control. Skye walked through the lobby, ignoring the receptionist who tried to flag her down, and took the executive elevator straight to the top.
Liam was in his office, staring at a tablet. He looked up as she entered, hope flickering in his eyes for a brief moment before he saw the box in her hands.
“Skye,” he started.
She didn’t speak. She placed the velvet box on his desk and opened it.
Inside lay the diamond engagement ring he had given her in her first life. The wedding band. And the sapphire necklace he had bought her after the Citadel.
“What is this?” Liam asked, his voice tight.
𝖲𝗮𝘷е 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘧𝘢𝗏𝘰𝘳i𝗍𝖾 nо𝗏𝗲𝗅𝗌 𝗼ո 𝘨𝘢𝗹𝗇𝘰v𝖾𝗅ѕ.𝖼𝗈m
“If you’re going to marry Gemma,” Skye said, her voice devoid of emotion, “you should have a clean slate. I don’t want these. They feel… heavy.”
“I’m not marrying her!” Liam slammed his hand on the desk. “It’s a stall tactic. I just need a week to unfreeze the offshore accounts.”
“The world thinks you are,” Skye said. “And that’s all that matters to Arthur. You’re legitimizing her claim, Liam. Every day you don’t deny it, you’re helping them steal my name.”
“I’m trying to save my company!” Liam argued.
“At the cost of my identity?” Skye asked.
The door opened.
“Liam!” A high, sweet voice trilled.
Gemma walked in carrying a basket of muffins. She wore a pastel cardigan and a headband, and looked like a caricature of a wholesome wife. A designer handbag hung from her arm, the leather pristine.
“Oh.” She stopped, feigning surprise. “Skye. I didn’t know you were here.”
Skye looked at her. The surgery was good, she had to admit. The nose was perfect. But the eyes — the eyes were empty.
“I was just leaving,” Skye said.
Gemma drifted toward the desk and noticed the jewelry. “Oh my god,” she gasped. “These are beautiful. Are these… for me?” She looked at Liam with wide, hopeful eyes.
Liam looked like he wanted to be sick. “No, they’re —”
Skye cut him off. “Actually, yes. They’re a gift. From Liam. To welcome you to the family.”
“Skye,” Liam warned.
“Why not?” Skye pushed the box toward Gemma. “If you’re going to be the new Mrs. Kensington, you should look the part.”
Gemma reached out, her fingers greedy. She lifted the sapphire necklace and held it to her throat. “It’s stunning.”
.
.