Chapter 806

Rosalind felt a visceral disgust toward Julian. After finally escaping him tonight, here he was again, demanding a family gathering.

"Mother, I refuse to see him! Yes, we were engaged, but he betrayed me with Arabella. He's the one who broke it off—that should void any agreement. I won't marry him, not ever!"

"Rosalind, your father and I stand with you," Victoria assured, her voice firm. "We want you to marry someone worthy. Julian never truly cared for you—he only saw you as a means to our family's influence. We haven't forgotten that."

"But the Blackwoods have grown powerful. Our families have decades of intertwined interests. They just called, begging for a meeting. I couldn't refuse. Let's meet tomorrow and settle this engagement once and for all."

As the Fairchild heiress, Rosalind understood privilege came with duty. She couldn't risk tearing their families apart.

She exhaled sharply. "Fine. Tomorrow. I'll make my stance clear."

"Good."

The next day, after dropping Lillian at the research facility, Rosalind returned home.

Victoria escorted her to The Grand View, the upscale restaurant where both families would meet.

As they entered the lavish private dining room, Beatrice and Julian were already waiting.

Beatrice rose with a practiced smile. "Mrs. Fairchild, Rosalind. How lovely to see you."

Julian's gaze locked onto Rosalind. She wore a sleek Chanel dress, her hair cascading freely—radiating an effortless elegance that always drew attention.

A spark lit in his eyes. After chasing her for so long, here she was, appearing before him as if summoned.

Soon, he thought, she'd be his.

"You look stunning," he murmured, lips curving.

Rosalind shot him an icy glance before turning away.

Julian wasn't fazed. Her resistance only fueled his obsession—a twisted mix of desire and resentment. Once they married, he'd break that defiance in the most intimate way.

"Please, sit," Victoria said smoothly.

They took their seats.

Victoria addressed Beatrice directly. "We're here to discuss the engagement, but as I recall, Julian called it off three years ago. That agreement is void."

Beatrice chuckled. "Julian was young and impulsive back then. Our families' alliance is vital for our futures, don't you agree?"

Victoria remained composed. "Marriage is serious. The children's wishes matter most."

Rosalind turned to Julian. "Do you want to marry me?"

He hesitated. "I—"

She cut him off. "I once considered it. But after you cheated with Arabella and ended things, that door is closed. Forever."