Chapter 29: The First Move

The next evening, Skylar found herself standing in front of an upscale restaurant, adjusting the strap of her dress as she let out a slow breath. She didn't want to be here.

But her father had insisted.

"Just dinner, Skylar. You owe Zayne at least that much."

She had argued—of course, she had. But in the end, refusing completely would have only made things worse. Her father wouldn't let it go, and she wasn't ready for that fight.

So here she was.

The moment she stepped inside, she spotted him.

Zayne Lancaster sat at a private table near the window, a bottle of wine already waiting. He looked exactly as she remembered—perfectly tailored suit, effortless charm, and an expression that told the world he was in control.

When he saw her, he stood, flashing that practiced smile. "Skylar."

She forced a polite nod. "Zayne."

As she sat down, she felt her phone buzz in her bag. A message.

Chris: How's dinner with Prince Charming?

Skylar bit her lip, suppressing a smirk.

Zayne leaned forward slightly. "You seem distracted. Or is someone else on your mind?"

She glanced up, meeting his gaze. "Just a friend."

Zayne chuckled. "A friend, huh?" He swirled his wine glass. "Is that what you're calling him?"

Skylar stiffened. "Excuse me?"

Zayne tilted his head, studying her. "Come on, Sky. Your father may have kept me out of the picture for a while, but I still keep up. I know about the guy you've been spending time with. The one with… what was it? No last name worth mentioning?"

Skylar's stomach twisted.

Zayne smirked. "Relax. I don't judge. I just think it's interesting. A girl like you… slumming it with someone like him."

Her grip tightened on her fork. "Chris isn't—"

Zayne raised a hand. "No need to get defensive. I get it. A little rebellion. A little excitement. It's cute, really. But let's be honest—do you actually see a future with him?"

Skylar opened her mouth, but the words stuck in her throat.

Zayne's smirk deepened. "That's what I thought."

Just then, her phone buzzed again. Another message.

Chris: Tell me when you're done. I'll be waiting.

A strange mix of emotions swirled inside her—frustration, doubt, defiance.

Zayne leaned back in his seat, watching her closely. "You're smart, Skylar. And smart girls know how this story ends."

Skylar clenched her jaw

.

Maybe she did.

Or maybe Zayne was in for a surprise.