Skyler dashed downstairs in one breath.

"What is it this time? You sound like a banshee!" Alaina glanced over at Skyler.

Panting hard, Skyler struggled to get the words out. "Ms. Sylvester, do I... do I have a childhood nickname?"

"Of course you do." Alaina nodded matter-of-factly.

Skyler froze. Wait, seriously?

Swallowing nervously, he pressed on, "So... what is it?"

Please, God. Not Donkey. Anything but Donkey...

Alaina didn't hesitate. "Donkey."

Skyler's mind went blank. He tried to play it off, forcing a smile. "You're joking, right? You must be. Did Uncle Gordon message you something dumb on WhatsApp?"

Justice turned to his son with a straight face. "You really were called that—at least until you turned three."

It was only after his third birthday that everyone stopped, which explained why Skyler had no memory of it.

Skyler knew his father never lied to him. Hearing Justice confirm it, he was on the verge of tears.

"Ms. Sylvester, Mr. Cumming! Am I really your flesh and blood? Uncle's name might not be the coolest, but at least it's a real name! Why did I end up as... Donkey?"

If word ever got out, how was he supposed to show his face in public again? At first, he'd thought Gordon was just messing with him. But this—this was real.

Alaina just shrugged. "Don't blame me. Blame your grandmother. When you were born, she insisted boys needed rough nicknames to grow up strong. She insisted on Donkey."

The Cumming family matriarch was old-fashioned, a stickler for tradition. That's why, the moment Skyler was born, she'd picked out the least dignified nickname she could think of.

Skyler looked at his mother in disbelief. "And you didn't stop her? Am I really your son?"

"I tried! That's why you only heard it until you were three. If I hadn't put my foot down, you'd still be Donkey now!" Alaina retorted.

Justice nodded gravely. "Your mom's right."

Skyler collapsed onto the sofa, utterly defeated.

A few minutes later, he stomped back upstairs.

Gordon was working out in the gym, shirtless, abs and V-line on full display.

Normally, Skyler would've stopped to envy Gordon's physique, but not today. "Uncle," he called out.

"Yeah?" Gordon grunted, barely glancing up as he kept lifting.

Leaning against the doorframe, Skyler looked downright pitiful.. Uncle,

le, let's make a deal how about we both pretend neither of us ever

had a nickname? Please?"

Donkey. Just thinking about it was humiliating. Totally unworthy of a Cumming

Group heir-and disastrous for his love life.

Gordon said nothing, continuing his reps.

Skyler pushed, "Uncle, if you don't say anything, I'll take it as a yes. Deal's made, okay?"

Neon Spire.

Palmer Manor.

The butler had just returned from

the pharmacy and personally

supervised the kitchen as the

restorative herbal tonic was

prepared, following the doctor's instructions to the letter.

Once it was ready, he carried the steaming cup up to Celia's room.

"Miss Palmer, it's time for your medicine."

Jennifer took the cup from the butler, hesitating as she glanced at Celia, Worry flickering in her eyes.

"Miss Palmer are you sure you want

to drink this?"