Chapter 97: The Distance Between Us

Chris sat in his office, surrounded by silence. The empire he had spent years controlling was stronger than ever. His enemies were gone, his influence had expanded, and his name—though hidden in the shadows—was more powerful than ever.

Yet, something was missing.

Skylar.

It had been days since they had spoken. Ever since the graduation ceremony, everything had changed. He had watched as she learned the truth about him, piece by piece. Even though she didn't know everything, she knew enough to realize he wasn't just the ordinary man she had fallen for.

And she had been distant ever since.

Chris leaned back in his chair, exhaling. He had given her space, but for how long?

The sound of his phone vibrating snapped him out of his thoughts. Ethan's name flashed on the screen.

"She's at the Blackwood estate," Ethan said the moment Chris picked up.

Chris stilled. "Skylar?"

"Yes. She arrived about ten minutes ago. She's waiting in the garden."

Chris didn't waste another second.

—

The Blackwood Estate

The evening breeze was cool as Chris stepped outside. The estate, his private sanctuary, was untouched by the chaos of the business world. The garden was quiet, lit by soft golden lights, and in the middle of it all, Skylar stood, her arms crossed as she gazed at the sky.

She didn't turn when she heard his footsteps.

"You finally decided to see me," she said, her voice calm but distant.

Chris stopped a few feet away. "You never called."

She finally turned to him, her eyes searching his. "Would you have told me the truth if I did?"

Silence.

Chris knew there was no point in lying.

"You weren't supposed to find out this way," he admitted.

Skylar let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Then how was I supposed to find out, Chris? When you finally decided I was worthy of the truth?"

Chris clenched his jaw. "I was trying to protect you."

"By lying to me?" Her voice wasn't angry, just tired.

Chris stepped closer. "I didn't want you to love me because of my wealth. I didn't want to be like the men your family tried to force on you."

Skylar sighed, running a hand through her hair. "And now I'm supposed to believe that everything was real?"

Chris frowned. "Do you doubt that I love you?"

Skylar looked at him, really looked at him. "I don't doubt that you care, Chris. But I don't know if I ever truly knew you."

His heart clenched at her words.

For the first time in a long time, Chris Blackwood—the most powerful man in the room—felt powerless.

"Tell me what you want me to do," he said softly.

Skylar held his gaze. "I don't want you to do anything, Chris. I just need time to think."

Chris nodded, even though it felt like his chest was tightening. "Take all the time you need."

She gave him a small, sad smile before turning to leave.

And for the first time, Chris let her walk away—without stopping her.