Chapter 865

Lucian's fingers curled into tight fists at his sides. Without uttering a single word, he marched toward the table where Rosalind and Julian were seated.

"That's not happening," he snapped, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.

Hearing his voice, Rosalind looked up, startled. "Lucian? What are you doing here?"

He reached out, gripping her delicate wrist, and yanked her up from her chair. "You're leaving with me."

He was taking her away.

Julian's voice rose in protest. "You can't just drag her off like this! We're in the middle of lunch!"

Lucian shot him a glacial glare. "She's mine now. And if I catch you sneaking around with her again, you'll regret it."

With that, he pulled Rosalind away, leaving Julian behind.

Julian slammed his silverware onto the table with a sharp clatter. He had deliberately provoked Lucian over the phone, yet the man had still come for Rosalind.

His plan to drive them apart had failed.

Damn it.

Just then, a voice spoke beside him. "Mr. Blackwood."

Julian turned his head and saw Genevieve standing there.

He recognized her. He'd had someone investigate the woman who kept appearing around Lucian—a doctor, apparently.

Julian narrowed his eyes. "Do I know you?"

Genevieve smiled coolly. "They say the enemy of my enemy is a friend. So now, we've officially met."

"Lucian dumped you?"

"And Rosalind left you, didn't she?"

Julian's expression darkened. "You want to team up?"

Genevieve nodded. "Exactly. You want Rosalind. I want Lucian. If we work together, we both get what we want."

Julian studied her for a long moment. Genevieve clearly had her own schemes—after all, she'd managed to track him down here.

Finally, he gave a slow nod. "Fine. Let's work together."

Genevieve had no intention of giving up on Lucian. She had loved him for years—she wouldn't let some newcomer like Rosalind ruin everything she'd worked for.

With Reginald cutting her off, Julian was her best remaining ally.

A cold smile curved her lips. "I look forward to it."

Lucian shoved Rosalind into his sleek sports car, buckled her in, and accelerated toward his company.

Rosalind glanced at him. He hadn't spoken a single word the entire drive.

"Are you angry?" she asked carefully.

His hands tightened on the steering wheel. "Angry? No. I'm in a fantastic mood."

Rosalind blinked, uncertain how to respond.

Lucian exhaled sharply. "You really can't tell I'm furious? Don't play dumb with me."

Rosalind flinched. "Is this about Julian—"

Lucian cut her off. "Rosalind, what are we?"

"I'm your girlfriend."

"Exactly. So why the hell were you sneaking off to see Julian? Letting him feed you like that? What's going on? Am I just your backup plan?"

Rosalind rushed to explain. "It's not like that!"

"Then explain. I'm listening."

"He called me while I was in your office. He said he needed to talk in person..."