Chapter 954

Genevieve's face flushed with rage. "Lucian, how dare you take her side?"

Lucian Graves' piercing gaze remained fixed on Isabella. "You should release my arm now."

Isabella immediately complied, rising gracefully. "Of course. Thank you."

"I require a new personal assistant," Lucian continued smoothly. "Report to Blackwood Enterprises tomorrow morning."

With those words, Lucian had just appointed Isabella as his personal assistant.

Genevieve's jaw dropped. "You're hiring her? After what just happened?"

Rosalind Fairchild observed the scene with wide eyes. Everyone knew Lucian only employed male staff - this unprecedented hiring shattered his longstanding policy.

Julian Blackwood chuckled darkly. "Seems Mr. Graves is showing Miss Delacroix particular favor, Rosalind."

A sharp pang shot through Rosalind's chest.

Isabella beamed, her smile radiant. "Thank you for this opportunity! I won't let you down."

Lucian gave a curt nod. "See that you don't."

The young woman settled beside Lucian, dutifully refilling his champagne flute. "Your drink, Mr. Graves."

Several executives exchanged amused glances. "First time we've seen Mr. Graves with a female assistant."

"Isabella, you must be special. Don't waste this chance."

Her smile turned coy. "I certainly won't."

Genevieve's glare could have melted steel as it burned into Isabella.

Julian looked pleased. Though he and Genevieve were allies, she'd failed to capture Lucian's attention. Isabella's success served his purposes equally well.

His smirk deepened as he noted Rosalind's paling complexion. "Clearly Mr. Graves has moved on. Why not give me another chance? Be my girlfriend."

Rosalind's icy stare could have frozen hell. "In your dreams, Julian. I'd rather die."

She stood abruptly. "Excuse me."

Julian moved to follow. "Let me accompany you-"

But Harrison intercepted him. "Stay, Julian. The night's just begun."

Grudgingly, Julian resumed his seat.

In the ladies' restroom, Rosalind stood at the marble sink when Genevieve entered.

"Did you see how Isabella fawned over him?" Genevieve sneered.

Rosalind's expression remained impassive. "And?"

Genevieve's laugh was razor-sharp. "Face it - you're yesterday's news. Lucian's clearly moved on to fresher, more... accommodating company."

Rosalind straightened. "You mock me while your own schemes backfire spectacularly. How does it feel to hand the man you love to another woman?"

"Careful!" Genevieve's face darkened before twisting into a cruel smile. "She resembles you, doesn't she? That must cut deep. Younger. Prettier. More eager to please. You're being replaced by your own reflection."

Each barb found its mark with surgical precision.

Rosalind's fists clenched. "Perhaps you should look to your own wounds first."

She exited to find Lucian preparing to leave. Isabella stood holding his discarded suit jacket - that familiar black Armani that Rosalind knew so well.

The sight of another woman cradling Lucian's jacket struck like a dagger to her heart.