Chapter 862

Lucian Graves caught Nathaniel's gaze lingering on his neck. "Mr. Graves," Nathaniel murmured, gesturing discreetly, "shall we conceal that...mark?"

A smirk played on Lucian's lips as he examined the love bite Rosalind had left in the mirror. The memory of last night warmed his blood.

"Leave it." His voice was velvet. "Let's proceed."

They strode through the corporate halls, employees bowing their heads in deference.

"Good morning, Mr. Graves."

Whispers ignited like wildfire the moment Lucian passed.

"Did you see? The CEO's sporting a hickey!"

"The 9 AM board meeting was delayed. Rumor has it he was...occupied with company in his private suite."

"Care to wager what kept our ice-cold billionaire preoccupied till dawn?"

The speculation was delicious.

Meanwhile, Rosalind Fairchild emerged from Lucian's private chambers, finding breakfast meticulously arranged.

"Ms. Fairchild," Nathaniel bowed. "Mr. Graves insisted you be properly nourished."

"Thank you."

The moment Nathaniel exited, Rosalind noticed clusters of employees pressing against the glass, desperate to glimpse the woman who'd thawed their untouchable CEO. Heat flooded her cheeks.

Why had Lucian brought her here? Now the entire Quantum Innovations headquarters knew they'd spent the night together.

As she lifted her fork, her phone trilled.

Julian Blackwood. Again.

"This is your final warning," Rosalind hissed. "One more call and you're blocked permanently."

Julian's voice dripped venom. "You whored yourself to Lucian Graves all night, didn't you? Disgusting!"

Rosalind's laugh was glacial. "If loving Lucian makes me disgusting, then yes - I adore him. I crave him. Satisfied?"

A beat of silence. Then Julian's tone shifted. "Meet me."

"After what you did to my family? Never."

"Not even to learn how Lucian's face was scarred?"

Rosalind's breath hitched. She'd questioned Lucian repeatedly about the mysterious marks, always met with evasion.

"You know?"

"Everything."

"Tell me now!"

"Face to face." Julian's demand was absolute.

Rosalind's nails bit into her palm. "Send the address."

The moment Lucian concluded his marathon board meeting, he burst into his office.

"Rosalind—"

Empty.

His gaze snapped to Nathaniel. "Where is she?"

Nathaniel paled. "She received a call...then left abruptly."

The air crackled with danger. Lucian's phone vibrated with a security alert - Rosalind's car had just exited the garage. Alone.

His blood turned to ice.