Chapter 807

Since Julian was adamant about holding a family gathering to address their engagement, Rosalind resolved to make her stance crystal clear - she would never become his wife.

Beatrice shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She cast a worried glance at her son. "What in the world..."

Julian's gaze remained fixed on Rosalind. Her declaration didn't surprise him; he'd anticipated her rejection from the start.

"I acted foolishly before," he admitted, his voice low. "I was impulsive and childish. But now I've come to recognize my true feelings. I've loved you for years, Rosalind. Give me this opportunity to prove myself. I swear I'll treasure you properly this time."

Rosalind's lips curled into a bitter smile internally. His belated realization meant nothing. What did it matter if he finally understood his heart? She owed him nothing, and whatever bond they once shared had dissolved long ago.

"Julian, we-"

Before she could complete her sentence, Victoria's phone buzzed insistently. She glanced at the screen, her brows knitting together. "It's your father."

Alistair had been unusually occupied lately. Though renowned in academic circles, Whitmore Holdings demanded his full attention as CEO. Business affairs never appealed to him, but the family legacy rested on his shoulders.

Moreover, Alistair had only one heir - Rosalind. His daughter pursued fashion design, showing no interest in corporate matters.

"Take the call, Mother."

"Of course."

Victoria answered. Her face paled as she listened, then abruptly stood. "What did you just say?"

Rosalind sprang to her feet. "What's happened?"

"Your father's been hospitalized!"

Rosalind's blood ran cold. "How? We need to leave immediately!"

"Yes." Victoria turned to Beatrice apologetically. "We must go at once."

Beatrice nodded understandingly. "Naturally."

As Rosalind followed her mother toward the exit, Julian's voice stopped her in her tracks. "Rosalind."

She turned reluctantly.

Julian approached with a confident smirk. "Should you require assistance, you know where to find me."

Rosalind's frown deepened. "I appreciate the thought, but your help won't be necessary."

"Never say never," he countered smoothly. "Circumstances may change. I'll be waiting regardless."

His cryptic words puzzled her, but her father's condition took precedence. "Mother, let's hurry."

"Right away."

As they departed, Julian watched Rosalind's retreating figure with unwavering determination.

"You'll return to me, Rosalind. Eventually."

The hospital corridors blurred as Rosalind and Victoria rushed to Alistair's room. They found him propped up in bed, his forehead swathed in bandages with ominous red stains seeping through.

Victoria rushed to his side. "Darling! What happened? How were you injured?"

Rosalind's hands trembled as she gripped the bed rail. "Father, what's going on?"

Alistair attempted a reassuring smile. "There was no need for you to come. I specifically told my assistant not to alarm you."

"You're hospitalized!" Victoria's voice cracked. "Why wouldn't you want us to know?"

"I wished to spare you unnecessary worry."

Rosalind pressed urgently, "Father, tell us exactly what occurred."

Alistair's expression darkened. "There's trouble at Whitmore Holdings."

"What? Everything was stable last week! What could have gone wrong?"