Chapter 908

With those words, Lucian turned on his heel and strode away without a backward glance.

Reginald's face darkened with barely contained fury. "That stubborn fool won't see reason until he's lying flat on his back in the gutter. Mark my words, he'll spend his entire miserable life chasing after Rosalind Fairchild!"

Genevieve's manicured nails dug into her palms. After all her carefully laid plans, how could she still lose to that insignificant girl? The injustice of it burned through her veins like poison.

"Reginald," she said through gritted teeth, "do you know which restaurant Lucian is meeting Rosalind at?"

His eyes narrowed. "What are you scheming now?"

"I merely wish to observe."

Reginald exhaled sharply before nodding. "Fine. Let's witness this train wreck firsthand."

Meanwhile, Lucian arrived at The Grand View, where he'd instructed Nathaniel to reserve the entire establishment for the evening.

The maître d' greeted him with obsequious enthusiasm. "Mr. Graves, your private dining area is prepared."

He led Lucian to an intimate corner table set with crystal stemware and fresh white roses.

"She hasn't arrived?" Lucian asked, glancing at his Patek Philippe.

"Not yet, sir."

"Leave me. I'll wait alone."

As the staff retreated, Lucian checked his phone—5:58 PM. His thumb hovered over the chat with "sunshine_girl." The ridiculous username made his lips twitch.

[Running late?] he typed.

Outside, Vivian Astor paused beneath the restaurant's awning when her phone chimed. The message from Lucian sent her pulse skyrocketing.

After discreet inquiries, she'd learned Lucian Graves wasn't just wealthy—he was the youngest self-made billionaire in tech, with looks that could melt glaciers. This was her golden ticket.

Tonight, she'd secure her future.

Vivian giggled to herself. If he'd added her on Instagram and agreed to this date, the attraction was clearly mutual. That fleeting encounter yesterday? Destiny.

She checked her reflection in a compact mirror. The pleated mini dress showcased her dancer's legs, while loose curls framed her heart-shaped face. Men had been falling at her feet since puberty—this would be no different.

[Just arrived!] she replied with a flirty emoji.

The maître d' greeted her with a bow. "Good evening, miss."

"I'm meeting Mr. Graves," she simpered.

"Of course. Right this way."

As they wound through the empty restaurant, Vivian spotted Lucian immediately. The way his tailored Tom Ford suit clung to his broad shoulders made her mouth go dry. Unlike the paunchy executives she usually entertained, this man radiated lethal elegance.

Her knees nearly buckled. The universe had handed her perfection on a silver platter.

She was already mentally spending his fortune.

Lucian glanced up from his phone as the maître d' announced, "Your guest, Mr. Graves."

His smile vanished.

Vivian stepped forward with practiced grace. "Lucian, darling—"

"Who the hell are you?" His voice could've flash-frozen the champagne.

Vivian's smile faltered. "It's me, your—"

Lucian turned to the horrified maître d'. "I paid to have this place cleared. Why is some random groupie wandering in?"

Random groupie?

Vivian's cheeks burned. "I'm sunshine_girl! We were supposed to meet here!"