diff --git a/src/scikit_build_core/settings/skbuild_read_settings.py b/src/scikit_build_core/settings/skbuild_read_settings.py
index 0dd1d8373..e92ac05ba 100644
--- a/src/scikit_build_core/settings/skbuild_read_settings.py
+++ b/src/scikit_build_core/settings/skbuild_read_settings.py
@@ -265,9 +265,8 @@ def __init__(
                     else:
                         if isinstance(inherit_override, dict):
                             assert not inherit_override
-                            inherit_override = "none"
                         tool_skb[key] = inherit_join(
-                            value, tool_skb.get(key, None), inherit_override
+                            value, tool_skb.get(key, None), inherit_override or "none"
                         )
 
         prefixed = {