Chapter 898

Rosalind beamed at Lillian. "I told you! You're absolutely brilliant."

Lillian lifted her soup bowl with delicate fingers. "Shall we eat?"

The dining room filled with an uncomfortable silence that stretched between bites. When the last morsel disappeared, Lillian rose gracefully.

"I'll handle the dishes."

Though she hadn't contributed to cooking, basic courtesy demanded she assist. As a guest in Lucian's home, she refused to be dead weight.

Her manicured fingers brushed against silverware when Lucian's strong hand encircled her wrist abruptly. The unexpected contact sent electric currents up her arm.

His palm radiated warmth, the slight roughness of his skin contrasting sharply against her porcelain complexion.

"You prepared the meal. Allow me," Lucian's baritone voice rumbled.

Rosalind's dark lashes fluttered. "I want to help. It's only fair."

A smirk played on Lucian's lips. "Why bother learning domestic chores? If you've never done them, don't start now."

The intensity of his gaze made her pulse quicken.

With deliberate slowness, he released her wrist. "Keep Lillian company. That's contribution enough."

Rosalind nodded mutely as Lucian gathered plates with effortless efficiency. From the kitchen doorway, she observed his crisp white shirt stretching across broad shoulders as he worked. The rolled sleeves revealed corded forearms that flexed with each movement. Even performing mundane tasks, he exuded lethal elegance - the kind of man women wrote sonnets about.

A painful realization struck: she'd never encounter another man like Lucian Graves.

"Admiring the view?" Lillian's teasing voice interrupted her thoughts.

Rosalind jerked her gaze away. "Must you torment me?"

Lillian's musical laughter filled the hallway. "Oh please, even I acknowledge my brother's unfair attractiveness. So... when's the wedding?"

Rosalind's breath hitched. Neither had disclosed their fractured relationship to Lillian. The charade continued, and the weight of deception settled heavily on her shoulders.

"You should rest," Rosalind deflected, steering Lillian toward the bedroom.

Lillian giggled. "Yes, doctor's orders."

Moments later, Lillian reappeared in the kitchen, planting herself before Lucian.

"Did you two quarrel?"

Lucian's hands stilled in soapy water. His expression remained inscrutable. "She told you?"

"Not a word. Remarkable, considering you're being insufferable." Lillian crossed her arms. "What happened? Everything was perfect before."

Lucian's jaw tightened. "Ask her."

"It's obviously your fault!" Lillian huffed.

An incredulous brow arched in response.

Lillian jabbed a finger at his chest. "Mark my words - if Rosalind leaves you, I'm choosing her side!"