Chapter 941

Reginald glared at Rosalind with icy disdain curling his lips.

"How can you stand there pretending innocence? You're the reason Lucian was scarred for life, and now you dare play clueless? Don't insult me by denying it!"

Rosalind's confusion was genuine. "I swear it wasn't me!"

A bitter, mocking laugh tore from Reginald's throat.

"If you're going to accuse me, you'd better have evidence," Rosalind snapped, her patience fraying. "What really happened three years ago?"

Lucian had never given her the full story behind his injuries. Now, she needed answers.

Reginald's gaze sharpened, boring into hers. "You want me to spell it out? Fine. Three years ago, Lucian was nearly killed during an undercover operation. He came back to see you—only to find you wrapped around Julian Blackwood. The two of you were practically announcing your engagement!"

What?

Rosalind recoiled as if struck. That was impossible. She would never be with Julian, let alone marry him!

Reginald continued relentlessly. "Lucian stood outside your home, bleeding from his wounds. Then men ambushed him, forced him into a car, and poured acid over his face. That’s how he was disfigured. After that, they drove the car off a cliff—with him still inside."

Rosalind's breath hitched.

She had no idea Lucian had endured something so horrific. He had never spoken a word of it to her.

"Who did it?" Her voice shook. "Who would be that cruel? Was there ever an investigation?"

Reginald scoffed. "Still pretending, are you?"

What did that mean?

Then, realization struck like lightning. Rosalind's eyes widened in horror.

"You think I orchestrated it?"

Reginald's stare was razor-sharp. "Of course I do. Those men told Lucian you sent them. That he was an embarrassment to your perfect life, and you wanted him erased."

Rosalind's pulse roared in her ears. This was insane—she would never do such a thing!

Now, everything clicked into place—why Reginald despised her, why Lucian refused to speak of the past.

Reginald's lip curled. "Now you see why I can't stand the sight of you? You almost got him killed. It was Genevieve who stayed by his side. She's the one who deserves him."

Rosalind's fists clenched. "I didn't do it!"

"Didn't do what?"

"None of it! I never sent anyone after Lucian. They were lying! I didn’t even know this happened!"

Reginald laughed—a cold, jagged sound. "Of course you'd deny it. But I know the truth."

"It wasn't me!" Rosalind insisted, desperation clawing at her throat. "This is a setup. I swear, I'll uncover the truth and prove it!"

Reginald said nothing, his smirk dripping with disdain.

Just then, a waiter arrived with two steaming cups of coffee, placing one before each of them. "Your order."

Reginald lifted his cup and took a slow sip, watching her over the rim.

Rosalind's mind reeled. She had no memory of these events, no clue how she'd been implicated. She had to investigate.

She reached for her coffee, bringing it to her lips—

Reginald's fingers tightened imperceptibly around his own cup. He knew what was in hers. All he had to do was wait.

But then—

Rosalind paused, her brow furrowing.

Reginald stilled.

She set the cup down untouched.

"I don't want this," she murmured, frowning.

Reginald's eyes narrowed. "Why not?"

"I just... don't."