Chapter 899

Lucian Graves couldn't comprehend why Lillian would choose Rosalind Fairchild over him. His hands stilled in the soapy dishwater as a chilling thought struck—was he truly her blood brother?

He shot Lillian a searching glance. "What if I'm not the one at fault here? What if Rosalind's the problem?"

"Impossible! Rosalind's never wrong!" Lillian's retort came swift and absolute.

A humorless chuckle escaped Lucian. The realization hit him like a slap—his sister's loyalty was irrevocably one-sided.

"You'd better fix things with Rosalind, or else!"

With that ultimatum, Lillian flounced back to her bedroom, leaving Lucian staring blankly at the porcelain plate in his hands.

Rosalind spent the afternoon in Lillian's company. While the younger girl sketched complex research diagrams, Rosalind pretended to focus on her fashion sketches—though her ears remained attuned to every sound beyond the door.

After finishing the dishes, Lucian departed—likely to his office. The man had been drowning in work lately.

The doorbell chimed that evening, admitting a cluster of Lillian's university friends from the research institute. Their cheerful voices filled the foyer as they swarmed the living room.

Lillian immediately latched onto Rosalind's arm. "Everyone, meet Rosalind Fairchild!"

The girls' eyes widened appreciatively. "Oh my god, Rosalind! You're stunning!"

"Maddy talks about you constantly, but she never mentioned you were this gorgeous!"

Rosalind offered a practiced smile. "That's very kind of you."

The front door swung open abruptly, revealing Lucian laden with grocery bags. He'd clearly made a detour after work.

The reaction was instantaneous—female gazes locked onto his tall frame like homing beacons. One girl tugged Lillian's sleeve urgently. "Who is that walking god?"

Lillian smirked. "My brother, Lucian. Lucian, these are my friends."

He acknowledged them with a curt nod, his piercing gaze sweeping the room before disappearing into the kitchen to unpack groceries.

The girls collectively forgot to breathe.

"Your brother is... wow."

"He cooks too? Gorgeous and domestic—where do I sign up?"

Lillian preened at their admiration. "Lucian excels at everything. His cooking's divine. Right, Rosalind?"

She seized the opportunity to showcase Lucian's virtues.

Rosalind's lips curved into a faint smile. "Indeed, he's quite skilled."

Among the visitors, Vivian Astor stood out—a vision of youth and beauty whose gaze remained riveted to Lucian.

"What does your brother do?" Vivian inquired casually.

Lillian's chest puffed with pride. "He's CEO of Quantum Innovations."

A fresh wave of gasps erupted.

"No way!"

"Genius runs in the family, huh? No surprise with Maddy being so brilliant!"

As laughter bubbled through the room, Rosalind found herself transported to her own university days—that golden era before life's harsh lessons. Back when she'd first encountered Lucian Graves.

Without warning, bile surged in her throat. She stood abruptly. "Excuse me—restroom."

Lillian waved absently. "Sure."

Rosalind barely made it to the porcelain basin before her stomach revolted violently.