Chapter 837

Rosalind Fairchild stood before the gleaming glass towers of Quantum Innovations, her breath catching at the imposing structure that pierced the sky. The afternoon sun reflected off the mirrored surfaces, creating a dazzling effect that matched the turmoil in her heart.

Her fingers trembled as she pushed through the revolving doors. The marble-floored lobby echoed with the click of designer heels and hushed corporate conversations. The scent of expensive leather and freshly brewed espresso filled the air.

"Excuse me," Rosalind approached the reception desk where a perfectly coiffed woman in a tailored suit gave her a practiced smile. "I need to see Mr. Graves. It's urgent."

The receptionist's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Do you have an appointment with Mr. Graves?"

Rosalind's throat tightened. "No, but-"

"Then I'm afraid that won't be possible." The woman's manicured fingers hovered over her keyboard. "Mr. Graves doesn't accept unscheduled visitors."

Rosalind pulled out her phone with shaking hands. The call rang endlessly, each unanswered tone like a knife twisting in her chest. She tried three more times, her hope dwindling with each failed attempt.

"Please," Rosalind leaned across the polished counter. "I know Lucian personally. If you could just tell him I'm here-"

The receptionist's expression hardened. "Miss, we hear that claim at least twenty times a day. Unless you have a confirmed appointment-"

A smooth voice interrupted them. "Is there a problem here?"

Rosalind turned to see Genevieve approaching, her designer heels clicking rhythmically against the marble. The receptionist's demeanor instantly transformed.

"Ms. Blackwood! What a pleasure." The receptionist practically tripped over herself. "Mr. Graves is expecting you. Shall I escort you upstairs?"

Genevieve's gaze slid to Rosalind. "Ms. Fairchild. What an unexpected surprise."

Rosalind forced herself to meet those calculating eyes. "Ms. Blackwood."

Genevieve tilted her head, a strand of honey-blonde hair falling perfectly over her shoulder. "Here to see Lucian?" Her lips curved in a smile that didn't reach her cold blue eyes. "I'm afraid he's moved on, darling. Three years is a long time to wait for someone who never looked back."

Rosalind's nails dug into her palms. The scent of Genevieve's expensive perfume suddenly felt suffocating.

Genevieve stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Let me be perfectly clear. I've stood by Lucian through his darkest days. I won't have some ghost from his past disrupting what we've built." She brushed an invisible speck from her sleeve. "Take the hint, darling. No one likes a desperate ex."

The words hit like physical blows. Rosalind felt the blood drain from her face as the truth settled over her like a shroud.

"I see." Rosalind straightened her shoulders, summoning every ounce of dignity she possessed. "Then I wish you both every happiness."

She turned on her heel before they could see the tears threatening to fall, the click of her own heels against the marble echoing like a final goodbye.