Chapter 871

Rosalind's face brightened instantly. "Really? Can I?"

Lucian flashed her a charming smile. "Of course you can. Don't you want to spend the night with me?"

Charlotte bounced excitedly in her seat. "I do! I do!"

Harrison let out an amused chuckle. "Lucian, wouldn't it be... complicated having Charlotte stay with you tonight?"

Lucian shrugged casually. "Not at all. Charlotte used to have sleepovers at my place all the time before."

"That was before," Harrison pointed out, glancing meaningfully at Nathaniel. "Circumstances have changed. You're with Mr. Graves now. I'm not sure if it's... appropriate."

Nathaniel's lips curved into a faint smile. "It's perfectly fine. I adore Charlotte."

The little girl clapped her hands gleefully. "Yay! I get to stay with Rosalind tonight!"

Not wanting to dampen her daughter's enthusiasm, Harrison relented with a laugh. "Alright then. I'll leave her in your care, Rosalind."

Rosalind nodded. "Charlotte, say goodbye to Mommy."

"Bye, Mommy!" Charlotte waved enthusiastically as Harrison exited the car.

Lucian helped Rosalind buckle Charlotte into the plush leather backseat of his Bentley before sliding into the driver's seat. Rosalind settled beside the excited child, smoothing her dress.

"Where are we sleeping tonight?" Charlotte piped up, kicking her feet.

"My villa," Rosalind answered automatically.

Lucian's deep voice interrupted from the front. "Actually, let's go to my penthouse instead."

Rosalind's head snapped up, meeting his intense gaze in the rearview mirror. The unspoken invitation hung between them - he wanted them both at his home tonight.

Her lashes fluttered nervously. "I'm not sure that's... appropriate with Charlotte here. I need to focus on her."

Lucian's tone remained calm but firm. "I enjoy Charlotte's company too. I'd like to spend time with her."

"Then let's go to Lucian's house!" Charlotte declared cheerfully, too young to understand the tension. To her, one luxurious home was as good as another.

Rosalind's cheeks flushed pink. Going to Lucian's private residence changed everything - the implications made her pulse quicken.

When they arrived at Lucian's penthouse in the exclusive Silver Pines district, Rosalind carried Charlotte inside, taking in her first glimpse of his personal sanctuary. The three-story penthouse represented the pinnacle of luxury living in the city - Lucian's primary residence for the past three years.

Lucian produced two pairs of slippers - one petite pair for Charlotte and elegant satin ones for Rosalind. "Here, wear these."

Rosalind eyed the obviously new women's slippers suspiciously as she slipped them on. "Why do you have women's shoes here?"

Lucian's lips quirked in amusement. "What are you really asking, darling?"

"Nothing. Forget I mentioned it." Rosalind turned away, but Lucian caught her wrist gently.

"I've lived here alone for three years," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "No woman has ever crossed this threshold. I had Nathaniel purchase these today. You can ask him if you don't believe me."

Rosalind's tension eased slightly. "I was just making conversation. You didn't need to explain yourself."

Lucian tapped her nose playfully. "So you're really taking Charlotte home after this? No intention of staying with me?"

Rosalind's face burned. "Who said anything about staying with you? You're incorrigible!"

Lucian's grin turned wolfish. "I'll be as shameless as necessary when it comes to you."

Rosalind couldn't help laughing despite herself.

"Come," Lucian said, leading them down a hallway. "I'll show you to your rooms."

He ushered them into the master suite where fresh towels and pajamas lay waiting. "Everything you need is here. You two can shower first."

Rosalind lifted Charlotte into her arms. "Let's get you cleaned up, sweetheart."

The little girl nodded obediently. Their laughter and splashes echoed from the ensuite bathroom. After dressing Charlotte in a soft nightgown, Rosalind tucked her into the massive bed.

Just as she smoothed the covers, a knock sounded at the door.

Lucian's deep voice filtered through the wood. "May I come in?"