Chapter 573

Rosalind stood rooted to the spot, her breath catching in her throat. The man before her bore no resemblance to the Everett she thought she knew.

Julian chuckled darkly. "See now, Rosalind? This is the real Everett Sinclair. Gambling dens, shady company—he's from a world you can't even imagine. He's beneath you."

Her hands clenched into fists as she turned to Julian, realization dawning. This had been his plan all along. He'd known Everett would be here.

"Whatever Everett is or isn't, that's not for you to decide," she spat. "You have no right to judge him!"

Julian arched a brow. "Still defending him? What spell has he cast on you?"

"That's none of your concern. I'm leaving." She spun on her heel, but Julian blocked her path.

"He's right there. Won't you at least greet him?"

"I said move!"

Rosalind didn't understand why Everett was here, but the tension in his posture told her everything. He didn't want her seeing him like this.

Julian's grip tightened around her wrist. "Oh no, darling. You're not running away."

"Let go of me!" She twisted violently, but his hold was ironclad.

Then she felt it—a gaze like winter steel slicing through her.

Everett stood across the room, his expression glacial. Their eyes locked, and Rosalind's pulse stuttered.

Julian smirked, yanking her against his chest. "Long time no see."

Rosalind shoved him away, her palm itching to strike that smug face.

Everett approached, flanked by men in black suits. They recognized Julian immediately. "Blackwood! Didn't expect you tonight." Their attention shifted to Rosalind. "And who's this lovely lady?"

"Not his—"

"My girlfriend," Julian interrupted.

Their overlapping declarations drew knowing grins. "Ah, so the infamous Julian Blackwood finally brings a date. Does she play?"

Rosalind's glare could have melted steel. This made no sense—Julian had betrayed her for Arabella. What game was he playing now?

Her eyes darted to Everett. "Everett, I—"

The men blinked. "You know Blackwood's girl?"

Before she could deny it again, Everett's voice cut through like a blade. "We've never met."

Rosalind recoiled as if struck. The icy dismissal hurt more than any physical blow.

Everett's gaze flickered over her once before he turned away. "I have business elsewhere."

Just like that, he was gone.

She stood frozen, the air punched from her lungs.

One of the men chuckled. "Don't take it personally. Sinclair's always been... detached."

"Noticed," Julian drawled.

"That man speaks less than a statue but gets shit done. The boss trusts him completely. Rumor is, this whole operation will be his soon."