Chapter 923

Lucian moved toward the expansive window, his broad shoulders tense beneath his tailored suit as he struggled to regain composure.

Rosalind's gaze flickered to him, noticing how his hands were shoved deep in his pockets - a telltale sign he was concealing something. The way his dark lashes cast shadows across his sharp cheekbones made her pulse quicken involuntarily. Even in his restrained posture, he exuded an intoxicating blend of sophistication and raw magnetism that never failed to affect her.

She averted her eyes quickly, her cheeks burning.

After collecting himself, Lucian called out in that deep, commanding voice, "Enter."

Nathaniel stepped through the doors. "Mr. Graves, the board members are assembled. Mr. Whitmore from Quantum Innovations has arrived as well."

Lucian gave a curt nod. "Understood."

As Nathaniel exited, Lucian approached Rosalind with purposeful strides. "Don't move from this office," he warned, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "If I return and find you gone, there will be consequences. Clear?"

Rosalind swallowed hard, nodding obediently. "Crystal."

The moment the door clicked shut behind him, Rosalind exhaled shakily. She knew this merger negotiation was crucial, yet he'd still taken the time to claim her lips passionately before leaving.

Her fingers drifted unconsciously to her still-flat abdomen as warmth blossomed in her chest. "Little one," she whispered tenderly, "that intense man is your father..."

Before she could dwell further, another knock interrupted. Nathaniel reappeared, followed by two assistants bearing trays. "Ms. Fairchild, Mr. Graves requested we bring you these refreshments."

An array of gourmet chocolates and tart lemon drops were arranged artfully on the coffee table. "He mentioned you've been craving citrus flavors lately," Nathaniel added with a knowing smile.

Rosalind's mouth watered instantly at the thoughtful gesture. "Thank you, Nathaniel."

"Credit goes entirely to Mr. Graves," he demurred. "Though I must say, we've missed your presence these past weeks."

Her smile faltered slightly. Technically, she and Lucian were still... complicated. "Yes, well..."

"Still, I always knew you'd return," Nathaniel continued warmly. "Mr. Graves has never shown such partiality toward anyone else."

Rosalind blinked in surprise. "What makes you say that?"

Nathaniel met her gaze sincerely. "Because the way he looks at you? That's not just attraction. That's devotion."

The words settled over her like sunlight as Nathaniel excused himself. Alone again, Rosalind selected a zesty lemon drop, the sharp tang making her tastebuds dance. She retrieved her sketchpad, losing herself in design concepts until lunch arrived.

"Mr. Graves is dining with the Quantum executives," Nathaniel informed her while setting out an exquisite meal. "He likely won't return until mid-afternoon."

Rosalind nodded understandingly. Between caring for Lillian and these high-stakes negotiations, Lucian was stretched thin.

She ate lightly but with better appetite than recent days, then resumed sketching until drowsiness crept in. Pregnancy had gifted her with near-constant fatigue these days.

Curling up on the plush sofa, Rosalind surrendered to sleep, her last conscious thought of the enigmatic man who'd irrevocably changed her life.