Chapter 848

Rosalind gazed at Lucian with genuine gratitude shimmering in her eyes. "I couldn't have devised such a flawless strategy without you."

Lucian's lips curved into that familiar teasing smirk. "Is that gratitude I hear?"

"Absolutely," she affirmed, her fingers nervously twisting the strap of her purse.

He closed the distance between them in one fluid step, his cologne wrapping around her like an intimate embrace. "Then I'll be expecting my proper thank-you present."

The implication sent heat rushing to Rosalind's cheeks. She could practically feel them burning.

With effortless grace, Lucian opened the car door. "Hop in. I'll take you home."

The leather seats embraced her as Lucian slid behind the wheel. The powerful engine roared to life, carrying them through the city's glittering nightscape. Thirty minutes later, the luxury vehicle glided to a stop before the Whitmore estate.

Rosalind unfastened her seatbelt with slightly trembling fingers. "Thank you for the ride."

"My pleasure." His fingers drummed a slow rhythm on the steering wheel. "Don't forget our arrangement."

That promise of a "gift" hung between them like unspoken electricity. Rosalind practically fled from the car, yet she could feel his predatory gaze tracking her every step until she disappeared behind the grand oak doors.

The moment she entered, Victoria and Lillian descended upon her like guardian angels.

"Rosalind! We've been worried sick!"

She pressed the recording device into Victoria's palm. "Give this to Father. He'll understand what needs to be done."

Victoria examined the device with a frown. "Where did you get this?"

"Lucian Graves. He... intervened." Rosalind's voice caught on his name.

Without another word, Victoria swept away toward the study.

Lillian studied her sister with knowing eyes. "You saw Lucian?"

Rosalind's lips twitched. "You've discovered he's your brother then?"

Lillian nodded vigorously. "I stormed right into Quantum Innovations! That wretched Genevieve tried to block me, but Lucian appeared like some dark knight and tore into her. Told her never to darken his company's doorstep again!" She grinned triumphantly. "I may have given him an earful too. He had no idea you'd gone searching for him. The moment he found out, he vanished - probably raced straight to you."

Rosalind's heart clenched. Had Lillian not intervened, Genevieve might have successfully kept Lucian in the dark about Whitmore Holdings' crisis.

She pulled Lillian into a fierce embrace. "I don't deserve you both. Lucian saved our family's legacy tonight."

Lillian laughed, the sound like wind chimes. "That's what brothers are for! And if he ever dares hurt you, I'll skin him alive!"

Rosalind's smile turned wistful. "You should know... things can never return to how they were between us."

"Why ever not?"

"Because we're different people now. I'm not that naive girl anymore, and your brother... he's not Everett Sinclair."

Lillian cupped Rosalind's face with surprising wisdom. "People change, darling. That's called growing up. But real love? That stays. And anyone with eyes can see you two still burn for each other."

Rosalind's breath hitched. Did Lucian still love her? The question haunted her.

Three days later, Whitmore Holdings emerged victorious. The corrupt employee faced justice, the company's reputation was restored, and their stocks skyrocketed.

Alistair returned home beaming. "That Graves boy worked miracles. We must properly express our gratitude." His meaningful glance at Rosalind spoke volumes.