Chapter 26: An Unexpected Invitation

Chris sat at the far end of the university cafeteria, his usual spot tucked away from the noise of the crowd. A few students passed by, barely sparing him a glance. To them, he was just another ordinary student, dressed in his usual casual attire—nothing about him stood out.

But Chris was anything but ordinary.

He scrolled through his phone absentmindedly, his mind elsewhere. The Kingsley takeover had gone exactly as planned, and now they were nothing more than a cautionary tale. He had no reason to think about them anymore.

Yet, there was still something unresolved.

Skylar.

His fingers hovered over his phone screen before he finally sent the message.

Chris: "Are you free this weekend?"

The reply came quicker than he expected.

Skylar: "Depends. Why?"

Chris smirked slightly, already expecting her cautious response.

Chris: "I was thinking we should go out. Just us."

A few seconds passed before her reply came.

Skylar: "Go out… as in a date?"

Chris leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the table. He had been careful—never showing too much, never letting her think there was more between them than what was on the surface.

But maybe it was time to change that.

Chris: "If you want to call it that."

Another pause. Then—

Skylar: "You don't sound very convincing."

Chris chuckled. She was sharp.

Chris: "Let's just say I want to spend some time with you. No expectations. Just a night out."

This time, the pause was longer. He could almost imagine her debating whether to say yes or not. Then finally—

Skylar: "Alright. Where are we going?"

Chris smiled to himself.

Chris: "I'll let you know."

He put his phone down, his expression unreadable.

This wasn't just about spending time with Skylar.

It was about testing the waters.

Because no matter what, his world and hers were bound to collide eventually.

And he needed to know if she could handle the truth when the time came.

Chapter 29: The Date

The evening air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of rain as Chris leaned against his sleek black car, waiting. He had deliberately chosen something understated—an older model sedan instead of one of his high-end luxury cars. It fit his cover, and he didn't want to draw unnecessary attention.

Skylar arrived a few minutes later, dressed in a casual yet elegant outfit. A simple dress, nothing too flashy, but still effortlessly stylish.

"You're on time," Chris noted, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Skylar raised a brow. "You sound surprised."

Chris opened the passenger door for her. "Not surprised. Just impressed."

She smirked but said nothing as she slid into the car. Once he was behind the wheel, he pulled onto the road, driving through the city streets at a steady pace.

"So," Skylar started, glancing at him, "where are we going?"

"You'll see," Chris said simply, keeping his eyes on the road.

The drive was smooth, filled with light conversation. Skylar talked about school, complaining about a professor who seemed to take pleasure in assigning extra work. Chris listened, responding here and there, but mostly just enjoying the way she spoke so freely around him.

After about twenty minutes, they arrived at a restaurant—nothing too extravagant, but not entirely cheap either. A cozy rooftop spot with dim lighting, offering a stunning view of the city skyline.

Skylar glanced around, clearly surprised. "I was expecting something… different."

"Like what?" Chris asked as they took their seats.

"I don't know. Fast food, maybe," she admitted. "Something cheap, considering you're always talking about working part-time jobs."

Chris smirked. "I like good food. Doesn't mean I have to be rich to enjoy it."

Skylar nodded slowly, watching him. "You're full of surprises, you know that?"

Chris shrugged, reaching for the menu. "I try."

Dinner passed with ease, the two of them falling into comfortable conversation. Skylar was different tonight—more relaxed, less guarded. She laughed at his dry humor, teasing him about his quiet nature.

At one point, she leaned forward slightly. "Can I ask you something?"

Chris set down his drink. "Go ahead."

"Why do you keep to yourself so much?" she asked, genuinely curious. "You don't really talk about yourself, and you always seem like you're… hiding something."

Chris met her gaze, unreadable. He could lie, deflect, keep up the same act he always did.

Or he could give her just a little piece of the truth.

"Maybe I just like my privacy," he said finally.

Skylar studied him for a moment before smiling. "You're a mystery, Chris. But I'll figure you out eventually."

Chris smirked. I'd like to see you try.

As they left the restaurant, Chris walked her to the car, the night air cool against their skin. Skylar hesitated before speaking.

"I had a good time," she admitted. "I didn't expect to, but I did."

Chris leaned against the car, watching her. "Glad to hear it."

Skylar bit her lip, as if debating something, then finally asked, "So, what now?"

Chris glanced at her, his expression unreadable.

"Now?" he echoed.

He stepped closer, just slightly, enough for her to notice.

"Now," he murmured, "we see where this goes."