Chapter 801

Rosalind's sneakers slammed against the pavement as she bolted.

Julian let out a dark chuckle, having anticipated her escape. With lightning reflexes, he seized her wrist and pinned her against the brick wall. His grip on her shoulders was ironclad. "Where do you think you're running to?"

"This isn't about me—what the hell do you want?" Rosalind spat, her chest heaving. "Three years, Julian. Three years of nothing. We were never even a thing. Just let me go."

His gaze burned into hers. "I don't accept that. Give me one more shot. Be with me."

"Not in this lifetime," she hissed.

"Why not?"

"You really need me to spell it out?"

His jaw tightened. "Still hung up on Arabella? Yeah, I slept with her. Don't act all high and mighty—you gave yourself to Everett. So why the double standard?"

The mention of Everett ignited something feral in Julian. He knew—everyone knew—how deeply Rosalind had loved him. How she'd given him everything.

Rosalind's eyes flashed. "Shut up. Don't you dare say his name."

"Why? What makes him so special? Open your eyes! Three years, Rosalind. He never came back. He's probably married with kids by now. And you? Still playing big sister to Lillian like some pathetic—"

"Lillian is family!" Rosalind snapped. "Say another word about her and I swear—"

"Or what?" Julian's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Why defend her so hard? Still carrying a torch for him?"

Jealousy twisted his features. Just the name "Everett" was enough to unravel him.

"Whether I love him or not doesn't matter," Rosalind said coldly. "The truth? You'll never measure up."

Julian's pupils dilated. "Oh, I'll show you exactly how I measure up."

He crushed his mouth toward hers.

Rosalind jerked her face away. "Get off me!"

In one brutal motion, she kneed him between the legs. Julian gasped, doubling over—just as a wooden chair leg cracked against his skull.

He whirled to see Lillian, weapon still raised.

The stick clattered to the ground as Lillian grabbed Rosalind's arm. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine—run!" Rosalind yanked her toward the exit.

Julian's roar echoed behind them. "Rosalind, you've just signed your own damnation! Three years of indulgence—tonight, you learn your place!" He snapped his fingers. "Bring her to me. Now."

Black-suited figures materialized from the shadows. "Yes, sir."

Rosalind and Lillian burst onto the neon-lit street, pursuers closing in.

"Stop them!"

Rosalind flung her arm out, desperately flagging taxis. "Stop! Please!"

Not a single car slowed.

Lillian glanced back, panic rising. "They're gaining on us!"

"Please!" Rosalind's voice cracked.

The street remained mercilessly empty.

Julian's silhouette emerged from the darkness. "You can't run forever, Rosalind."

Lillian's grip tightened. "What now?"

Rosalind's pulse hammered in her throat. The answer came in the screech of tires—a sleek black sedan skidding to a halt beside them.

The tinted window rolled down. A familiar voice cut through the chaos: "Get in. Now."

Recognition flashed in Rosalind's eyes.

Everett.