MasukDamien's POVI tore my gaze from the reporter, surveying the others gathered around us. He wasn't the only one involved. The others had eagerly fired questions at Skylar, shoving their cameras in her face while she struggled to get away. Now, none of them could meet my eyes.The urge to put a bullet in every one of them burned through me, but Skylar wouldn't witness that side of me. Reaching for her hand, I helped her to her feet. My jaw tightened at the sight of her clinging to me with her head lowered, her fingers curled into my shirt.“Marco. Find out who brought these reporters and who supplied them with the information. I want their names, contacts,and every detail you can uncover.” I turned to the reporter Skylar had pointed out. “Start with him.”Marco nodded and pulled out his phone.Damon approached us, his expression troubled. “I'm sorry, bro. I should have done more to protect her.”I gave no response. Getting Skylar away from the crowd mattered more. With my hand around
Skylar's POV A few employees had stopped along the corridor to watch. The executives exchanged glances, and my aunt's eyes settled on me with a look of disapproval. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but my phone began vibrating inside my bag. Damon hurried in, breathing heavily. He grabbed my hand, his gaze darting down the corridor. “It's urgent. Damien wants us home, now.” He pulled me along without waiting for a response. The urgency in his voice made me pull out my phone. My fingers went still as I stared at the headline on the screen. THE TRUE FACE OF SKYLAR MORRISON I tapped the first article, and its opening paragraph made my stomach drop. According to the report, I'd been involved with three men. First, I'd been dating Jace while sleeping with my secretary, Zack. The article claimed Jace had discovered the affair but forgiven me because he still loved me.
Skylar's POV Phone cameras flashed from every direction. I covered my face and bolted through the glass doors. My aunt's car was already pulling out of the parking lot, so I hurried over and stepped in front of it, forcing the driver to slam on the brakes. “If she doesn't get out of the way, run her down,” my aunt ordered from the backseat. I stared at her through the windshield. She might be bossy and all, but she wouldn't go as far as running me over. At least, that was what I thought. The engine roared, and the car began moving toward me. I froze, my foot refusing to move as the headlights grew closer. A hand grabbed mine and pulled me out of the way. Strong arms wrapped around me, drawing me against a familiar body. The tears I had been holding back came pouring out. I clutched his shirt and buried my face against his chest, struggling to get the words out between sobs. “Was it because I didn't win an award?” I sniffed, lifting my face to look at him. “She said something
Skylar's POV “Wait!” She gasped, reaching out to grab my necklace. “Where did you get this from? I've been trying to get my hands on this exact piece for ages.” Damien does have eyes. “It's a gift,” I replied, touching the pendant. She leaned closer, examining the necklace. “Damien must have bought it.” Her tone turned cold, laced with something bitter. “Can you give it to me?” Was she serious? “Why?” “Don't get me wrong.” She pouted, nudging my arm. “Think of it as a keepsake of our friendship. You haven't forgotten my offer, right? Let's take a picture. I'll post it on my socials so we can remember this day. Now pull it off, please.” I sighed, watching her pull out her phone, and gently pushed her hand away. “I don't like taking pictures. And I have a friend who might bite your head off if she saw you talking to me.” “Wow, I'm so jealous of you.” She flashed her ring finger, fidgeting with the heavy stone. “I don't have anyone to call a friend. The man I got engaged to
Skylar's POV Damien and I entered the ballroom together, drawing the attention of a few guests. The hall was filled with men and women dressed in expensive outfits. Soft music played in the background while waiters moved between the tables with trays of champagne. Damien's hand rested against my lower back as he guided me toward the VIP section. Several familiar faces greeted him along the way, and he returned their greetings before stopping in front of a group of men seated around a table. “That man over there is Mr. Dante's brother,” Damien whispered, pointing at a middle-aged man seated at the far end of the table. “It's quite hard to get an audience with him, but if you can get through to him, he might be able to connect you with his brother. Come on.” The man rose from his seat when he saw us and extended his hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Salvatore. It was nice doing business with you.” “Likewise.” Damien shook his hand and brought me forward. “This is my wife, Skylar
“They can wait.” I didn't lift my head. I kept fucking her open with my tongue until her body trembled and a soft cry tore from her as she came on my tongue, flooding my mouth.When her breathing became steady, I got up from the bed and reached for the fresh clothes I'd picked for the gala. “Get dressed. We're almost late for the gala.”She frowned, crossing her arms. “I didn't reply to your text. What does that tell you? I'm not interested.”“Why?” I asked, turning to face her.“There's a high probability that Jace might attend.” She reached for a towel and wrapped it around her chest. “I've been banned from attending as well.”Her expression made it clear that her mind was already made up. The makeup artist and designer I'd arranged for could arrive at any moment, and I had no intention of letting my preparations go to waste.“It's okay,” I replied, pulling on my trousers. “I was supposed to introduce you to Dantes the day you came to my office, but you were exhausted. I planned on







