Chapter 816

"Mr. Blackwood, I swear I'm Lucian's girlfriend. Don't believe his lies," Rosalind protested urgently.

Julian's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Prove it then."

"How?"

"Kiss him."

The demand was outrageous—Julian actually expected her to kiss Lucian in front of everyone!

Rosalind's gaze flickered to Lucian. His piercing gray eyes held hers, unreadable yet intense. A flush crept up her neck.

"Having second thoughts? I knew you were faking it!" Julian sneered. "Mr. Blackwood detests liars. When he finds out you're a fraud, you'll be tossed out on your pretty little—"

"Who said I'm hesitating?" Rosalind shot back, lifting her chin. "Lucian is mine. I'll kiss him whenever I please."

Rising on her toes, she leaned close enough to catch his sandalwood cologne. "No choice here," she whispered against his jaw. "May I?"

Lucian's thumb brushed her waist. "Commit to the role, darling."

His permission shouldn't have made her pulse spike.

Before she could overthink, Rosalind wound her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. The contact was electric—his mouth soft yet demanding, igniting memories of Everett's stolen kisses three years ago.

Everett had been her first everything. The way he'd traced constellations along her bare skin, whispering promises between heated breaths—

A sharp inhale brought her back. Rosalind broke the kiss, stepping away with trembling fingers.

"Satisfied?" she challenged Julian.

Julian's knuckles whitened around his whiskey glass. He'd been certain she'd balk at the dare. Instead, she'd kissed Lucian with a passion that made his gut twist.

"Mr. Blackwood—"

"Enough, Julian." Reginald Blackwood's voice cut through the tension. "Miss Fairchild is clearly Lucian's companion. Let's not ruin the afternoon."

The billionaire's verdict was final.

Julian's glare burned into Rosalind as she linked arms with Lucian, her smirk victorious.

"Shall we begin our game?" Lucian suggested smoothly.

"Excellent idea." Reginald turned to Rosalind. "Do you play, my dear?"

"Occasionally with my father," she admitted. "Though I'm hopeless compared to professionals."

Reginald chuckled. "Lucian here could outplay PGA champions. How about a wager? If you two win, I'll host dinner at The Celestial tonight."

Perfect. An intimate dinner would give her ample time to discuss Whitmore Holdings' hostile takeover.

Rosalind's eyes gleamed. "You're on. Don't expect mercy."

Reginald's booming laugh echoed across the emerald fairway. "I'd be disappointed otherwise!"