Chapter 924

Lucian Graves stepped back into his office, his sharp eyes immediately finding Rosalind Fairchild curled up on the leather couch, her breathing slow and even in deep slumber.

He placed the stack of documents on his mahogany desk with deliberate quietness, loosening his silk tie with one hand as he approached her. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting golden streaks across her peaceful face.

"Wake up, darling," he murmured, brushing his knuckles lightly against her flushed cheek.

Rosalind stirred slightly, her delicate fingers clutching at his sleeve as she instinctively sought his warmth. "Five more minutes," she mumbled sleepily, nuzzling against him like a contented kitten.

Lucian's lips curved into an involuntary smile. The way her long lashes fanned across her cheeks, the faint pink tint to her skin from sleep - she looked utterly enchanting in her vulnerability.

Settling onto the couch, he gathered her into his arms, one hand automatically reaching to stroke her hair. She sighed happily, burrowing deeper into his embrace without waking.

V

After draping a cashmere throw over her shoulders, Lucian balanced his tablet in one hand while keeping the other securely around Rosalind. The office was silent except for her soft breathing and the occasional tap of his stylus.

The peace was shattered when Nathaniel entered abruptly. "Mr. Graves-"

Lucian's icy glare cut him off mid-sentence. The assistant froze, only now noticing the sleeping woman in his boss's arms. "My apologies," he whispered.

"What is it?" Lucian's voice was barely audible.

"Ms. Genevieve and Reginald are here to see you."

Lucian didn't even glance up from his documents. "Not now. Schedule another appointment."

Nathaniel nodded and retreated. Outside the office doors, Genevieve tapped her designer heels impatiently. "Is Lucian in there? I'm going in."

She moved to push past Nathaniel, but he blocked her path. "I'm afraid Mr. Graves is unavailable at the moment."

Reginald frowned. "What do you mean unavailable? His last meeting ended twenty minutes ago."

Genevieve's eyes narrowed. "We're practically family. He wouldn't turn us away." She tried to sidestep Nathaniel again.

The assistant stood his ground, beads of sweat forming at his temples. "I have strict instructions. If it's urgent, I can relay a message."

Genevieve's perfectly sculpted brows drew together. "Who's in there with him?" she demanded, suspicion dripping from every syllable.

Reginald crossed his arms. "Yeah, who could possibly be more important than us?"

Nathaniel swallowed hard. "I really can't say."

A cruel smile twisted Genevieve's lips. "It's Rosalind, isn't it? That little-"

Nathaniel's silence was confirmation enough.

Reginald made a disgusted noise. "What's she doing here again?"

Genevieve shoved past Nathaniel with surprising strength. "We'll see for ourselves!"

Nathaniel couldn't stop them both. The office doors burst open as the pair stormed in.

"Lucian, what the hell-" Genevieve began, her voice shrill with indignation.

The words died in her throat as Lucian lifted his gaze. The sheer intensity of his glare could have frozen lava.

Then she saw her - Rosalind, still fast asleep, curled against Lucian's chest like she belonged there. The sight made Genevieve's perfectly manicured nails dig into her palms.