Chapter 58: The Power Behind the Gift

Skylar still hadn't spoken, her fingers tightening around the edge of her dress.

Her father cleared his throat, breaking the stunned silence. "This is… beyond generous, Chairman Vaughn."

Ethan merely smiled. "Consider it an investment in a promising future."

The words were carefully chosen—meant to sound casual, yet every powerful figure in the room knew what they truly meant.

This wasn't just a wedding gift.

It was an alliance.

A silent claim.

The Huntingtons were now tied to Blackwood.

Skylar's mother, Evelyn Huntington, exchanged a glance with her husband, her expression unreadable. She was a woman who understood the weight of power—and this was a move beyond their league.

Yet no one dared question it.

Skylar turned to Chris, who still hadn't reacted much. His smirk was subtle, almost amused.

"Chris," she finally said, voice barely above a whisper, "who are you?"

A flicker of something crossed his face—but it disappeared just as fast.

He tilted his head, eyes locked onto hers. "Your fiancé."

That answer wasn't enough.

Not anymore.

But before she could press further, the doors to the ballroom swung open again—this time, with even greater impact.

A man in a crisp suit rushed in, his face pale. One of the Huntington family's security personnel. He leaned down, whispering urgently into Jonathan's ear.

Jonathan's expression darkened.

Skylar felt her stomach twist. "Dad?"

Jonathan slowly exhaled, then turned to Chris and Ethan, his gaze sharper now. "It seems we have a situation."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Oh?"

Jonathan glanced at the crowd—then decided against speaking openly. Instead, he gestured for Chris and Ethan to follow him.

Skylar hesitated before stepping forward. "I want to know, too."

Jonathan hesitated but eventually nodded. "Fine. But keep your emotions in check."

That only made her more nervous.

The small group moved toward a private lounge in the estate, away from prying eyes. The moment the door shut behind them, Jonathan turned toward Chris and Ethan.

His voice was cold. "Zayne Lancaster escaped from custody."

Skylar gasped, her body going rigid.

Chris didn't flinch. His expression remained calm. Controlled.

Ethan, however, chuckled lowly. "That was expected."

Jonathan's brows furrowed. "Expected?"

Ethan crossed his arms. "Zayne's connections run deep. Keeping him locked up was never going to last. The real question isn't how he escaped." His eyes flickered to Chris. "It's who helped him—and why."

Skylar's mind raced. "You're saying… this was planned?"

Chris finally spoke. "Of course."

His voice was steady, but there was an edge to it now. A sharpness Skylar rarely heard.

Jonathan ran a hand down his face. "This could be a problem. The Lancasters may be weak compared to Blackwood, but they aren't powerless. If Zayne is back on the board…"

Chris's lips curved into a smirk—but there was no warmth in it.

"Then we'll remove him. Properly this time."

Skylar's breath caught.

Chris wasn't shaken by this news.

If anything—

He had already planned for it.