Chapter 796

The affluent heirs surrounding Julian Blackwood erupted in laughter, nudging him playfully. "Julian, those bunny girls can't stop staring at you! Your magnetism is truly something else!"

"With your wealth and striking looks, no wonder they're practically swooning," another chimed in, eliciting more raucous cheers from the group.

Julian lounged against the plush velvet sofa, swirling his merlot with practiced elegance. A mischievous smirk played across his lips as he commanded, "Well? Don't keep us waiting. Let's see those dance moves."

The privileged crowd erupted in encouragement. "That's right! Show us what you've got! Let Julian judge who's the most graceful!"

"Best performer might just win a special prize tonight," someone teased suggestively. "Maybe even a private audience with our host here."

The scantily clad performers exchanged shy glances before beginning their seductive routine. Each movement was calculated perfection - these weren't ordinary bar girls but professional models and social media stars. Their toned bodies undulated like silk ribbons in the dim lighting, drawing wolf whistles from the intoxicated spectators.

The entire spectacle made Rosalind Fairchild's stomach churn. This was the grotesque display of wealth and privilege she'd tried so hard to escape.

She averted her gaze sharply. Julian Blackwood belonged to a different world now - one she wanted no part of.

"Here's to us," Rosalind declared, raising her cosmopolitan toward Lillian Sinclair.

Their glasses clinked gently. "How do you like it?" Rosalind inquired as her companion took a tentative sip.

Lillian's nose wrinkled adorably. "It's... electrifying. Like swallowing starlight that burns and sweetens at once."

Rosalind's laughter sparkled brighter than the chandeliers overhead. "That's the spirit! Bottoms up."

Their moment shattered when an unwelcome presence materialized beside them - Arabella Blackwood, Julian's venomous cousin.

"What are you doing here?" Arabella sneered, her skintight latex dress leaving little to imagination.

Rosalind's grip tightened around her glass. Of all people to encounter tonight, it had to be Arabella - second only to Isabella Delacroix on her list of despised individuals.

"Enjoying the ambiance," Rosalind countered coolly. Her gaze swept over Arabella's revealing outfit. "Though clearly not as much as you are. Which billionaire heir are you hunting tonight?"

Arabella's philosophy mirrored Isabella's - marriage was merely a financial transaction. Since her breakup with Julian three years prior, she'd been circulating through elite social circles like a shark in bloody waters.

A cruel smile twisted Arabella's lips. "My business is my own. Unlike you, wasting your prime years babysitting Everett's little sister."

For three years, Rosalind had dedicated herself to Lillian's wellbeing while others chased fleeting pleasures.

Rosalind immediately positioned herself as a shield before Lillian. "She's family. A brilliant researcher at Westfield University. I couldn't be prouder."

Arabella's laugh was razor-sharp. "Still just Everett Sinclair's sister at the end of the day, isn't she?"

The name struck like a physical blow. Rosalind's composure faltered for just a heartbeat.

"Everett discarded you years ago," Arabella pressed her advantage mercilessly. "Yet here you are, playing mother to his sister. Pathetic. Tell me, does he even know about your little charity project?"

Rosalind's eyes darkened dangerously. Everett was her Achilles' heel - but Lillian was completely off-limits. "My life is none of your concern. Though judging by that outfit, you're clearly hoping to catch Julian's eye tonight, aren't you?"