Chapter 649

The afternoon sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of The Grand View as Harrison and Charlotte arrived. Within minutes, Rosalind Fairchild made her entrance.

Three years had done little to diminish Rosalind's effortless elegance. Her raven-black hair fell in silken waves past her shoulders, framing delicate features that still carried the glow of youth. She moved with the refined grace of someone born into privilege.

"Harrison! Charlotte!" Rosalind's musical laughter filled the space as she rushed forward, arms outstretched.

The two women embraced tightly, the years melting away in that instant.

Little Charlotte giggled, her cherubic face alight with mischief. "Rosalind, you're even more beautiful than in your magazine photos!"

Rosalind crouched to the child's level, pressing a kiss to her rosy cheek. "Oh, you delightful little charmer! I'd trade all my designer gowns for a daughter like you!"

Charlotte beamed. "No need! Everyone already thinks we're sisters!"

Rosalind's laughter tinkled like crystal. "Such silver-tongued flattery deserves a reward."

From her clutch emerged a platinum bracelet studded with diamonds, which she fastened around Charlotte's tiny wrist.

Harrison arched an eyebrow. "That's far too extravagant for a child."

Rosalind waved a manicured hand. "Nothing but the finest for our Charlotte. Besides, it's one of my original designs."

In the past three years, Rosalind had become a celebrated name in haute couture, her eponymous studio the talk of Metropolia's fashion circles.

Charlotte gasped, turning her wrist to catch the light. "It sparkles like fairy dust! Thank you!" She planted an enthusiastic kiss on Rosalind's cheek.

Rosalind's heart melted at the child's effervescent charm. With effortless grace, she scooped Charlotte into her arms.

"Our table awaits, ladies."

Harrison nodded. "Lead the way."

As they settled into their plush velvet booth, Harrison studied her old friend. "You've flourished these past years. It eases my mind."

Three years prior, Rosalind had endured a devastating breakup with Everett Sinclair, after which he'd vanished without explanation. Harrison had feared the heartbreak might break her.

Rosalind's crimson lips curved knowingly. "Darling, you of all people should know - a woman's worth isn't defined by a man's presence. If anything, we thrive to remind them what they've lost."

Both women had ascended to remarkable heights, no longer the shadows of their former selves.

Harrison raised her champagne flute. "To formidable women."

Their glasses met with a crystalline chime, eyes alight with shared understanding.

"Speaking of which," Harrison tilted her head, "where's Lillian? You should have brought her along."

At the mention of her adopted sister, Rosalind's face softened with pride. "She's currently sequestered with the national aerospace team. Some classified propulsion project - I only see her fortnightly."

Harrison's eyes widened. "Rocket science? That's extraordinary. Though hardly surprising with your guidance." Lillian possessed innate brilliance, but Rosalind's mentorship and the Whitmore family's influence had undoubtedly paved her path.

"She's the sister I never had," Rosalind murmured, affection warming her voice.

Harrison studied her friend carefully. "Has Everett truly not resurfaced in all this time?"

A fleeting shadow crossed Rosalind's features before she lifted her chin. "Not once."

"How peculiar," Harrison mused. "Lillian is his blood sister. One would think he'd visit, if only for her sake."