Chapter 111
Victor sighed. “She doesn’t want Mom and Dad to know, Skylar. You wouldn’t…
Skylar waved him off. “I’m not a blabbermouth.”
Given how things stood, she couldn’t really press the issue.
But Skylar still seriously doubted Freya’s illness was fake.
Skylar thought. ‘It’s just too convenient. Bipolar disorder.‘
Freya can use that as an excuse for anything she does from now on; it’s her get–out–of–jail–free card.
And the fact she doesn’t want anyone to know? That screams guilty conscience.
Producing a report like that means she has all her bases covered. No way she’d let anyone easily find out the truth.
Skylar’s lips thinned.
Freya probably knew the family wouldn’t be too pleased with her after the whole “replacement” fiasco.
She’d used the excuse of not feeling well to stay in her room, having her meals brought up by the staff.
Everyone tactfully avoided bringing her up.
Skylar got a message about meeting with investors for “Moonlit Hunt.”
‘Things are quiet at the company,‘ she mused, ‘might as well check it out.‘
The private room was already bustling when she arrived.
Samuel Ward, the Campbell Group’s head of IP for this project, sat to the left of the main seat. He looked none too pleased as Skylar, fashionably late,
walked in.
“Sapphire,” Ward said, his tone sharp, “Mr. Roberts, the investor, has been here a while. You’re late. That’s not very professional,”
Felix Roberts waved a dismissive hand, a smile playing in his eyes. “Perhaps Sapphire was simply held up.”
Having navigated countless business dinners, Ward instantly saw Felix’s game–His gaze landed on Skylar’s face.
Her delicate features, naturally rosy lips that seemed to invite a touch, and that subtle, alluring glow–it was enough to mak was practically devouring her with his eyes.
Ward grinned; tonight’s deal was in the bag.
“Well, well, Sapphire,” Ward’s tone shifted instantly, “don’t just stand there! Please, sit down.”
ne second he was scolding Skylar, the next he was beaming at her, his eyes nearly disappearing into a smile,
‘What a suck–up,‘ Skylar thought, her face remaining impassive.
ne’s pulse race. Felix
Ward waited, but Skylar didn’t make a move to sit. Instead, she started picking at some appetizers, which nearly made him blow a gasket.
‘How is she supposed to schmooze Mr. Roberts if she’s this clueless?‘ he fumed internally.
1/2
13:35 Wed, 16 Jul
Chapter 111
His eyes darted around for a moment before he raised his glass to Skylar, “Sapphire, you were late. Aren’t you going to make up for it?”
Skylar put down her fork. “Make up for it how?”
Ward chuckled. “Tradition dictates three penalty shots for tardiness, Sapphire. Don’t think you can skip out just because you’re a lady?
Skylar glanced at the glass. “Sorry, I took some antibiotics before I came out. Can’t drink.”
‘She knew there’d be drinking at dinner and took antibiotics beforehand? She’s doing this on purpose!‘ Felix fumed silently.
Felix’s face darkened instantly, and he slammed his glass down on the table with a thud.
Ward’s face hardened. “You knew there’d be drinking and you took medication? Are you just trying to trick us into letting you off the hook?”
“Who made it a rule that I have to drink?” Skylar retorted.
Stumped, Ward pointed at Skylar. “Fine, then. Coffee instead of alcohol. That’s acceptable, right?”
That wasn’t unreasonable. Skylar didn’t want to torpedo the deal before it even started, so she didn’t push back further and accepted.
Ward, wanting to cover his bases, had a two–pronged approach.
He personally poured Skylar’s coffee and “accidentally” knocked over her fork. “Oh, I’m so sorry.
“Server, a new fork, please!”
AD
