Chapter 269: Unfinished Business (Chris’s POV)

Chris sat in silence after Ethan left, his fingers steepled as he stared at the door.

Skylar.

It had been years, but she was still a loose thread in a world he had meticulously rewoven.

The Blackwood administration had rewritten history. The old systems were gone, replaced with something stronger—a government built on control, efficiency, and absolute loyalty.

And yet, she remained.

A knock interrupted his thoughts. The door opened, and Cole stepped in.

"She's here," he said simply.

Chris took a slow breath before nodding. "Send her in."

Cole gave a curt nod and stepped aside.

Then—she walked in.

Skylar.

Time had changed her. She carried herself differently now—colder, sharper, untouchable. Gone was the girl who once tried to run. The woman who stood before him was unreadable.

She met his gaze without hesitation, but there was no defiance in her eyes. No fear either. Just something… unreadable.

Chris studied her for a long moment, then leaned back in his chair, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Well," he murmured. "Look who finally decided to come home."