Chapter 869

Rosalind reached out and grasped Lucian's forearm.

"Are you alright?"

Lucian shook his head slightly. "That's my line. Did Reginald say anything inappropriate? I had no idea he and Genevieve were giving you trouble. But I promise—no one will bother you again."

A warm sensation spread through Rosalind's chest. Lucian's protectiveness never failed to make her heart flutter.

"He didn't say much," she admitted. "I just don't want to cause a rift between you two. He's been your closest friend for years."

Lucian's lips curved into a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about that. Reginald and I won't fall out over this. I just needed him to understand one thing—you're mine, and no one crosses that line."

Rosalind's breath caught. Then, she recalled something odd. "Actually, Reginald said something strange today. He accused me of betraying you—of sleeping with Julian. When have I ever—"

Before she could finish, Lucian gently squeezed her shoulder. "It doesn't matter. Even if you did, that's in the past. I don't care."

"But—"

She hadn't slept with Julian.

Rosalind wanted to clarify, but Lucian interrupted again, his fingers lightly tousling her hair. "Let's not dwell on unpleasant things. All that matters is that you're mine now."

Standing on her toes, Rosalind pressed a quick kiss to his lips. "And I'll stay yours forever."

Lucian leaned in, intending to deepen the kiss, but Rosalind laughed and dodged. "Work first!"

She settled back at her desk, resuming her sketches.

Amused, Lucian returned to reviewing contracts.

As evening fell, Nathaniel entered the office. "Mr. Graves, regarding tonight's—"

Lucian cut him off. "Cancel everything. From now on, I leave at six sharp."

Nathaniel blinked.

The CEO who once pulled all-nighters was suddenly enforcing work-life balance? Unbelievable.

"Understood, sir," Nathaniel replied before exiting.

Lucian strode to Rosalind's desk. "Finished? Let's get dinner."

Rosalind stood, gathering her designs with a smile. "Actually, I promised Harrison we'd meet tonight."

Lucian's expression dimmed. "So no dinner with me?"

She laced her fingers with his, grinning. "Silly—you're coming with me. Harrison's bringing Charlotte."

His smile returned. "Introducing me to your best friend?"

"Please, everyone already knows who you are," she teased.

Fair point.

Genuine contentment settled over Lucian.

At the restaurant, Harrison had already arrived—with little Charlotte in tow.

The moment Rosalind saw the girl, she swept her into a hug, peppering her face with kisses. "Charlotte! I missed you so much! Did you miss me?"

Charlotte nodded, her voice sweet as honey. "Of course! But Mommy said you've been too busy calling lately. She said you found a boyfriend—and now I get a godfather!"

Her bright eyes landed on Lucian. "Is he my godfather?"

Rosalind beamed. "He is."

Charlotte clapped her tiny hands. "Wow! He's so tall and handsome—"

Both Rosalind and Lucian laughed.

"—no wonder you picked him!"

With her doll-like features and effortless charm, Charlotte was utterly irresistible.