Chapter 44

Lyra’s heart raced as she rushed down from the stage, sliding up beside Damon. Her voice was soft, honeyed. “Are we leaving already? There are a few things left to wrap up.” She tugged at his sleeve with practiced intimacy, forcing the public to see them together. Her intrusion gave Sloane a brief, quiet moment of relief. The divorce papers were signed, she had no interest in Damon anymore. She turned to Ethan with a small, apologetic smile. “Sorry, Ethan, for making you worry.” Ethan’s smile was gentle, forgiving; he blamed her for nothing. Sloane didn’t even glance at Damon, though she could feel the shadow of his darkened eyes following her. He had planned to announce their marriage today, a final gesture of closure, ready to confront his family and stake his claim. Yet Sloane, with her quiet defiance, seemed to think she could ride the wave of attention and continue to provoke him. Did she truly believe he would grovel, bend, or negotiate for her approval? She was overestimating he