Chapter 832

Rosalind nearly spat out her wine. "Mother! What on earth? I don't see Julian that way at all!"

Victoria dabbed her lips with a napkin. "Darling, time isn't kind. You were stuck on Lucian for years, but he's clearly moved forward. Shouldn't you? The Whitmores adore you, and your father and I think Julian is quite the catch."

Julian Ashford was the golden boy of their social circle - brilliant, kind, and impeccably mannered. Alistair and Victoria couldn't praise him enough.

Rosalind's fork clinked against her plate. "That's not my priority right now."

"Make it one," Victoria pressed. "Youth fades, sweetheart. We only want you settled with someone worthy."

Not wanting to argue, Rosalind conceded, "I understand. Just... give me space."

Victoria slid a perfectly seared scallop onto Rosalind's plate. "Eat. You've gotten too thin lately."

Later, Rosalind escaped to the powder room. Icy water splashed against her flushed cheeks. The marble counter felt grounding beneath her palms. She just needed to get through tonight.

Her phone chimed as she stepped into the hallway. Lillian's name flashed on screen, bringing an instant smile.

[Returning home in two days!]

Rosalind's fingers flew across the screen. [Perfect! I'll have Cook prepare your favorite desserts. Don't be late.]

She hesitated before adding, [I have exciting news when you arrive.]

Lillian responded instantly: [Can't wait! Miss you terribly.]

Rosalind was still smiling when she collided with something solid. The crisp scent of bergamot and sandalwood hit her first. Then the heat.

She stumbled back, apology ready - until she saw those piercing gray eyes.

Lucian Graves stood before her, immaculate in his tailored suit. "Do I need to reintroduce myself? Or are we playing strangers now?"

Rosalind's pulse stuttered. "My fault. I wasn't watching..."

He'd seen her smiling at her phone, that much was clear. The ghost of amusement played on his lips. "I'd hate to think you'd forgotten me."

"Of course not," she said too quickly. "After your help last month, how could I?"

His silence was heavier than the chandeliers above them. That quiet intensity that once made her weak now only unsettled her.

"I should go," she murmured, stepping around him.

Without warning, his hand shot out, fingers circling her wrist like a manacle. Rosalind gasped as he yanked her forward, her body colliding with his.

Heat flooded her cheeks as she struggled. "Release me this instant!"

His grip only tightened, pulling her closer until she could feel his breath against her temple. "Not until you tell me why you're avoiding me, Rosalind."

The way he said her name - low and deliberate - sent shivers down her spine.

"Let. Go." Each word was sharp as broken crystal.

But Lucian never did what he was told. Especially not by her. Not anymore.