Chapter 55: The Inevitable Engagement

The Huntingtons were rising again.

With their financial crisis mysteriously resolved, their name was being restored in elite circles. Business deals started flowing back in, and their status—**which had been crumbling—**was suddenly stabilizing.

And it was all because of him.

Chris.

Skylar's father had wasted no time in announcing the engagement party, setting the date within weeks. The moment the news broke, the media latched onto it like vultures.

It should have been a celebration.

But for Skylar, it was a storm waiting to explode.

She still didn't understand how Chris had made her father agree. How he had solved everything so effortlessly.

And the worst part?

He refused to tell her anything.

—

The University Grounds

Skylar spotted Chris across the campus, leaning against his usual spot by the library, looking calm, collected, untouchable.

Like a man who had already won.

Her jaw clenched.

She marched up to him, ignoring the stares of passing students. "Chris."

He lifted his gaze, a slight smirk forming. "Skylar."

She crossed her arms. "My father is throwing an engagement party in two weeks."

Chris nodded. "I know."

Skylar exhaled, frustrated. "That doesn't bother you?"

Chris tilted his head. "Why would it?"

"Because!" Skylar's voice lowered, eyes narrowing. "You don't even act like someone who—" She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "This whole thing is insane. Everyone is talking about it, and you just—"

Chris raised an eyebrow. "You're overthinking again."

Skylar glared. "Stop saying that."

Chris chuckled, standing up straight. "You want to know why your father agreed so easily."

Skylar hesitated. "Yes."

Chris's smirk deepened. "Then marry me, and I'll tell you."

Skylar's breath hitched.

Chris leaned in slightly, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Or… you could keep chasing a truth you'll never find."

Skylar's heart pounded.

Because deep down—

She knew he meant every word.

Chapter 56: The Illusion Remains

The Huntington estate buzzed with life, filled with the most powerful figures in high society. Tonight, the air was thick with anticipation—the engagement party of Skylar Huntington and the mysterious man her father had approved.

And then—

Silence.

The moment Ethan Vaughn stepped into the ballroom, the atmosphere shifted.

The Chairman of Blackwood.

A name that commanded attention. A man whose presence alone sent whispers rippling through the crowd.

Guests turned, their expressions shifting from curiosity to shock.

Why was Ethan Vaughn here?

But what truly sent confusion through the room was when Ethan's sharp gaze swept over the gathering and then, without hesitation, he walked straight toward Chris.

Skylar's breath caught.

Her father's grip on his glass tightened.

Every influential guest—**CEOs, investors, heirs—**watched, their eyes flicking between the two men.

Ethan stopped beside Chris, his expression unreadable. Then, in a calm yet casual tone, he spoke—

"You've done well for yourself, kid."

Gasps followed.

Chris, who had been casually sipping his drink, smirked slightly. "You're late."

Ethan exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "Work." Then he turned to the gathered crowd, his voice taking on a neutral but firm tone. "Chris here is one of the hardest-working young men I've come across. Determined. Smart. I see why the Huntingtons like him."

Murmurs broke out.

Chris—a nobody, a simple university student—was personally recognized by Ethan Vaughn?

Skylar's father, Jonathan Huntington, forced a smile, stepping forward to shake Ethan's hand. "Chairman Vaughn. It's an honor to have you here."

Ethan returned the handshake with a polite nod. "The honor's mine. Just wanted to stop by and congratulate the young couple."

Skylar watched the exchange, her mind racing.

Ethan Vaughn was deflecting.

He was deliberately steering attention away from Chris, making him seem like just a hardworking, lucky young man—nothing more.

Why?

Why would a man like Ethan go out of his way to protect Chris's image?

And more importantly—

Who was Chris, really?

Her heart pounded as she looked at him.

Chris simply leaned back in his chair, relaxed

as ever, offering her a small, knowing smirk.

Like he already knew what she was thinking.

And that terrified her the most.