Chapter 839

Lillian Sinclair rushed toward Quantum Innovations headquarters with desperate urgency, her heart pounding against her ribs. She needed to see her brother immediately.

The sleek glass lobby doors slid open as she entered, only to be halted by an impeccably dressed receptionist.

"Good afternoon," the woman said with practiced politeness, though her eyes assessed Lillian critically. "Who are you here to see?"

Lillian swallowed hard. "Lucian Graves."

The receptionist's perfectly arched eyebrow lifted slightly. These days, women constantly appeared claiming connections to their illustrious CEO.

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No," Lillian admitted, shaking her head. "But please inform him I'm here. My name is Lillian Sinclair. Tell him it's his sister."

The receptionist's polished facade cracked momentarily. "Mr. Graves' sister?"

"Yes. He'll want to see me immediately. It's urgent."

A smirk twisted the receptionist's lips. "First a woman claiming to be his close friend, now his sister? Should I declare myself Mrs. Graves next?"

Lillian's hands clenched at her sides. "I'm telling the truth. Lucian is my brother."

"Without an appointment, you're not seeing anyone," the receptionist dismissed with a flick of her wrist.

Lillian's temper flared. "Listen—"

Before she could continue, a cool voice interrupted. "Is there a problem here?"

The receptionist's demeanor transformed instantly, her posture straightening. "Ms. Genevieve! You shouldn't be down here—Mr. Graves is still in his meeting."

Genevieve Blackwood glided forward, her designer heels clicking against the marble floor. "I needed some air." Her sharp gaze landed on Lillian. "And who is this?"

The receptionist gestured dismissively. "Another woman asking to see Mr. Graves."

Genevieve's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized Lillian. Every unknown woman seeking Lucian triggered her defenses. Though he'd remained unattached these past three years, ambitious women never stopped trying.

"You want to see Lucian?" Genevieve's voice dripped with icy politeness.

Lillian met her stare head-on. "Who are you? What's your relationship with my brother?"

Genevieve's lips curled into a humorless smile. "I believe that's my question. What exactly is your connection to Lucian?"

Lillian squared her shoulders. "If he knew I was here, he'd come immediately."

A mocking laugh escaped Genevieve. "Rosalind Fairchild was here earlier without half your confidence."

Lillian's stomach twisted. So Rosalind had encountered this woman too.

"I don't care to chat with you," Lillian stated firmly. "I need to see Lucian."

The receptionist gasped. "How dare you speak to Ms. Blackwood that way!"

Lillian's eyes flashed. "And who exactly is Ms. Blackwood that I can't? Isn't this Lucian's company?"

The receptionist smirked. "Mr. Graves owns Quantum Innovations, but Ms. Blackwood here is practically his right hand."

Lillian's breath caught.

She turned her full attention to Genevieve. "What are you to my brother?"

Genevieve's smile turned victorious.

"I'm closer to Lucian than any of you could ever hope to be," she purred. "For three years, women have thrown themselves at him. But as long as I'm here?" She leaned in, her perfume cloying. "None of you stand a chance. Save yourself the humiliation and leave now."