The Ex-con Queen Strikes Back novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Yana, Carlos and Yana lingered in the study, handing out last minute details for the party.

A few days before the big night, Yana dragged Skylar on a shopping spree, piling up bags and booking a full spa day.

Freya tagged along at first, but Yana was all about Skylar, barely tossing her a question here and there.

Feeling like a third wheel, Freya ditched the outings after a couple of days.

On the night of the gala, Skylar stepped into the spotlight, arm with jewelry that caught every light in the room,

with Carlos. She wore a custom–made gown Yana had commissioned, dripping

Carles raised a glass, his voice warm but commanding. “Thanks for coming out tonight, everyone. I’m thrilled to introduce my daughter, Skylar Lambert, who’s finally back, with us.”

He nudged her forward, “Skylar, say a few words,”

Skylar didn’t miss a beat, her tone calm and confident. “Great to meet you all. Looking forward to getting to know you.”

The room erupted in applause..

Once the formalities wrapped, Carlos and Yana ushered Skylar into the crowd, introducing her to the Lambert family’s business partners and close friends.

The three of them, all smiles and charm, looked like a picture–perfect family. That hurt Freya, deeply.

Freya watched from across the room, her grip tightening on her wine glass until her knuckles went white.

“Enjoy your moment, she thought, venom curling in her mind. It won’t last long”

She downed her drink in one gulp, set the glass down, and slipped out of the ballroom, her dress swishing behind her.

When she returned, Skylar was lounging on a couch, taking a breather.

A shadow flickered in Freya’s eyes. She waved over a server and whispered a quick instruction.

The server returned with two glasses of wine. Freya scanned the room, her movements casual, and tapped one glass lightly with her finger.

She Sauntered over to Skylar, heels clicking, a smile plastered on her face. “Hey, Skylar, congrats on the big debut.”

She held out one of the glasses. “Here’s to you. Let’s make nice, yeah?”

Skylar’s eyes narrowed. This was the same girl who’d been shooting daggers at her for weeks, now playing friendly.

That screamed suspicion.

She took the glass, her expression neutral. “Sure, let’s play nice.”

Skylar raised the glass to her lips.

Freya’s gare locked on the rim, her heart racing, fingers trembling with anticipation,

as the red liquid grazed Skylar’s lips, she paused and lowered the glass.

She pressed a hand to her temple. “I’ve had a few already. Another sip and fill be a mess.”

Freya’s smile faltered, “What, you’re gonna leave me hanging?”

Hanging Skylar propped her head on one hand, giving Froys a sidelong glance. “Your good vibes aren’t exactly worth a fortune.

Freya’s lips pursed, her innocent act cracking.

“So that’s how it is? You don’t want to get along?” She leaned in, voice soft but sharp. “I’m trying here, Skylar, I don’t want to keep fighting it’ll break Mom and Dad’s hearts.”

Skylar’s p

gaze flicked to the glass on the table, then back to Freya. She smirked. “You buying your own pitch?”

Freya’s jaw clenched. ‘Why won’t she just drink it?”

“Fine,” she said, straightening up. “If you’re not interested in peace, then it’s game on in this family. May the best woman win.”

She reached for the glass on the table, her arm swinging wide. The wine sloshed out, splashing across Skylar’s white dress.

It was a vivid red stain. The wet fabric clung to her, drawing every eye in the room.

Freya gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. “Oh no, Skylar, I’m so sorry! It was an accident, I swear,”

She grabbed a napkin, dabbing at the mess. “Your dress is ruined, and with all these guests… You should probably change. There’s a spare room upstairs.”

Skylar’s eyes dipped, hiding a flash of something dangerous. Her lips curved faintly. “Guess I’ll go change.

Freya nodded eagerly. “Don’t worry, take your time.”

Skylar flagged down a maid, asking for a blanket and a fresh outfit.

She wrapped the blanket around herself, hiding the stain, and headed upstairs with the maid to a guest room.

Freya trailed behind, watching Skylar disappear into the room. A grin spread across her face, too wild to contain.

She pulled out her phone and typed a quick message: [She’s in. Move now]

A group

of shady figures slipped through the Lambert estate’s back entrance, creeping through the halls and avoiding the crowd.

They made a beeline for Skylar’s room.

Freya plopped onto the sofa, her leg jittering with nervous energy.

Her phone buzzed, and a sly grin spread across her face.

She sipped her wine, relishing the moment, and checked her watch. ‘Here we go

She shot up, racing to Carlos and Yana with teary eyes. “Mom, Dad, something’s wrong with Skylar!”

Carlos and Yana’s faces went pale.

Yana grabbed Freya’s arm, her grip firm. “What’s going on? Is she okay?”

Freya glanced at the crowd nearby, her voice shaky. “It’s just..”

She paused, twisting her hands, letting the silence hang

Yana’s patience broke, “Come on, Freya, talk!

Freya’s voice trembled, tears pooling in her eyes. “I saw Skylar comered by some guys. They’re in the guest room right now

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