Chapter 571

Julian couldn't believe what Rosalind had just said. His grip on her wrist tightened, fury burning in his eyes. "Rosalind!"

She let out a mocking laugh. "What's wrong, Julian? Did I strike a nerve? It's perfectly normal for you to be all over Arabella—after all, she's your girlfriend now. But since you keep bothering me, I have every right to call you out!"

They were supposed to be over. Done. Yet here he was, standing in front of her, his fingers digging into her skin, the faint mark on his neck from Arabella's earlier affection still visible. The contact made her skin crawl.

She yanked her arm back. "Let go of me."

His jaw clenched. "No."

Just then, Arabella stepped out of the sleek sports car, her eyes narrowing at Rosalind like a viper ready to strike. "What do you think you're doing? Julian is mine now. Are you really this shameless?"

Rosalind scoffed. "Maybe you should get your eyes checked. Look again—who's holding onto whom?"

She lifted her hand, forcing Arabella to see the truth—Julian was the one refusing to let go.

Arabella's face darkened. A moment ago, Julian had been distant in the car, but now he was tangled up with Rosalind.

Rosalind shot Julian a cold glance. "Your girlfriend is right here. Let me go before she gets the wrong idea."

Julian didn’t even spare Arabella a look. His gaze remained locked on Rosalind’s defiant expression. "Are you still with Everett?"

"Yes," Rosalind answered without hesitation. "Everett is my boyfriend now."

Boyfriend.

The word hit Julian like a slap. He sneered. "Do you even know who he really is? What could you possibly see in him?"

Rosalind's bright eyes turned icy. "Stop looking down on people. There's nothing wrong with Everett. He's extraordinary, and I love him."

Julian's temper flared. "Extraordinary? Do you have any idea what Everett is doing right now?"

She arched a brow. "What are you implying? Last time you dragged me to that construction site, all it proved was how hardworking he is. He earns his living honestly—no stealing, no cheating. That’s what makes him admirable."

Julian fell silent.

Arabella seized the moment to loop her arm through his. "I think Rosalind is serious about Everett. You two are over, Julian. Just let her go!"

With a sharp jerk, Julian threw her off. "Get lost!"

Arabella stumbled back, her heel catching on the pavement. She crashed to the ground with a shriek. "Julian! You hurt me!"

He didn’t even glance at her. His furious gaze remained fixed on Rosalind. "Everett doesn’t steal or cheat? You’ve romanticized him. He’s not the saint you think he is!"

"Let go of me! And don’t you dare talk about Everett like that!" Rosalind wrenched her arm free.

She had no intention of continuing this conversation and turned to leave.

But Julian moved faster, grabbing her again. "You're coming with me!"

He dragged her toward his car.

Rosalind struggled. "What do you want from me? How many times do I have to tell you to leave me alone?"

"Shut up!" Julian snapped, wrenching open the passenger door and shoving her inside.