Chapter 850

Rosalind had never truly understood what love felt like for others. But her feelings for Lucian were an all-consuming fire—just as intense now as they had been three years ago.

Yet those three years apart had left her with countless unanswered questions. Where did she even begin?

She returned to the living room, smoothing her dress. "He said he's free tonight."

Alistair's face lit up. "Perfect! I'll have my assistant reserve the best table at The Regal."

Lillian tugged Rosalind's arm excitedly. "Come on! We have to pick out our dresses."

Victoria beamed. "Go get ready. I had several custom gowns delivered just yesterday."

Fashion-forward and doting, Victoria adored dressing her daughters like royalty. "We'll be upstairs," Rosalind said.

The moment they entered the walk-in closet, Lillian gasped at the array of designer dresses. She held up a sapphire-blue gown against Rosalind. "Which one? This? Or this? Ugh, you make everything look good—it's impossible to choose!"

Rosalind pinched her sister's cheek playfully. "Flatterer."

"Lucian's coming tonight. You have to look breathtaking. Make him lose his mind over you!"

Dress for him?

A blush crept up Rosalind's neck. "But he and Genevieve—"

"Please. He's not interested in her. She’s not even half as stunning as you. You're the only sister-in-law I’ll ever accept," Lillian declared with a grin.

Rosalind hugged her, then selected a sleek black evening dress.

"This one."

"Perfect! Now let me do your makeup. Lucian won’t be able to look away tonight!"

Rosalind tried to protest, but Lillian was relentless, guiding her to the vanity and expertly applying cosmetics.

That evening, at The Regal’s most exclusive private dining room, Lucian arrived in a tailored black suit, exuding power and sophistication. The black lace mask covering half his face added an air of enigmatic allure, perfectly suited to his status.

Alistair rose, studying him. "Everett—no, I should address you as Mr. Graves now."

Lucian smiled. "Professor Whitmore, I’ll always be your student."

Alistair nodded approvingly. "I knew you were extraordinary back then. You’ve surpassed even my highest expectations. The future is in good hands."

Genuine admiration shone in his eyes.

"You honor me," Lucian replied humbly.

Victoria gestured gracefully. "Mr. Graves, please sit."

"Thank you."

His assistant pulled out a chair, and Lucian sat, scanning the room. His gaze lingered on the empty seats. "Ms. Fairchild and Lillian aren’t here yet?"

Victoria checked her watch. "Those two have been fussing over their outfits forever. They insisted we start without them. They’ll be here any moment."

As if on cue, the doors swung open. Lillian strode in, dragging Rosalind behind her.

"Lucian! We made it!" Lillian announced cheerfully.

She nudged Rosalind forward. "Doesn’t she look absolutely divine tonight?"

Lucian’s eyes locked onto Rosalind—and didn’t let go.