Chapter 828
The tension in the car thickened instantly.
Lucian's voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Reginald, that's not something to joke about."
Genevieve froze in her seat, her fingers tightening around the edge of her coat.
His tone turned icy. "I appreciate everything Genevieve has done for me these past three years, but she is only a friend. I don’t find humor in remarks like that."
The warmth drained from Genevieve's face, leaving her pale. She had always known Lucian didn’t return her feelings—he had never given her false hope.
But she refused to surrender. A man like Lucian was rare. How many marriages were built on love alone?
She was certain she was the perfect match for him.
Reginald lifted his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No more jokes. I’ll keep my eyes on the road."
Silence settled over them again. Lucian pulled out his phone, his thumb hovering over the screen.
He wanted to message Rosalind, but the words wouldn’t come. What could he even say?
Rosalind stepped through the front door of her family’s estate.
Alistair, now recovered, sat in the living room with Victoria.
He rose when he saw her. "You’re home late. Where were you?"
She hurried to his side. "Sit down, Dad. I met with Mr. Blackwood today. He confirmed he won’t terminate our partnership."
Victoria’s face brightened. "Really? That’s wonderful! Did you go alone?"
Rosalind shook her head. "No. I ran into Mr. Graves. He helped me."
"Mr. Graves?" Alistair’s brows lifted. "You mean Lucian Graves, the tech prodigy?"
The business world was small, and Lucian’s name carried weight. Taking a company public in three years was no small feat.
Rosalind nodded. "Yes, that’s him."
Alistair frowned. "But you two never crossed paths before. Why would he intervene?"
She hesitated only a moment before answering. "Because… Lucian is Everett."
"What?"
Alistair stiffened.
Victoria’s eyes widened. "Everett? Your ex from three years ago?"
When Rosalind had been dating Everett, Victoria had been abroad. She’d rushed home to meet him—only for him to vanish before she could.
Rosalind confirmed quietly, "Yes."
Alistair chuckled, shaking his head. "No wonder. I wondered where this rising star came from. It’s Everett. I always knew he was extraordinary."
Victoria, however, focused on her daughter. She reached for Rosalind’s hand. "Are you two back together?"
Rosalind tensed, then shook her head. "No."
"Why not?" Victoria pressed. "I know you never stopped thinking about him."
A beat of silence. Then, softly, Rosalind admitted, "He’s with someone else now."
Victoria’s breath caught. "What?"
Rosalind stood abruptly. "I’m exhausted. I’m going upstairs."
"Of course," Victoria murmured.
Upstairs, Rosalind stepped into her bathroom and turned on the shower.
As she shed her coat, her reflection caught her eye—the marks on her neck, left by Lucian, stood out starkly against her skin.
Memories of their heated encounter in the shower flooded back.
Her legs gave way. She slid down the wall until she sat on the cold tiles, arms wrapped around her knees.
Three years ago, he had walked away without a word.
She had watched him marry another woman.
And now, without explanation, he had moved on again.
What had she done wrong?