Chapter 961

Lucian grabbed Rosalind's wrist to stop her.

She turned, meeting his gaze with icy defiance.

After a tense silence, Lucian spoke. "Don't hit her again."

His words weren't for Isabella's sake—he was protecting Rosalind.

Rosalind wrenched her arm free with a scoff. "Whatever you say, Mr. Graves."

She spun on her heel and strode away without another glance.

Isabella's heart soared. This little performance had worked better than she'd dreamed. The great Lucian Graves had actually defended her!

No man could resist a vulnerable young woman like her.

Strangely, she almost felt grateful to Rosalind. Without that dramatic slap, she'd never have gotten this close to Lucian.

The past week as his "special assistant" had been painfully professional. Nathaniel handled all his personal matters. She barely saw Lucian at Quantum Innovations.

The office gossips envied her position, whispering about their supposed affair. Only Isabella knew the cold truth—Lucian treated her with detached professionalism.

That's why she'd sought out Rosalind today. And oh, what a perfect decision that had been!

Her eyes shimmered with manufactured admiration as she gazed at Lucian. "Thank you for protecting me, Mr. Graves."

He barely glanced at her. "Don't mention it."

Isabella pressed on in her sweetest tone, "Coming from nothing, fighting my way up alone...you're the first person who's ever stood up for me. I don't know why Ms. Fairchild hates me, but having you defend me..."

Lucian's lips curved slightly. "I said don't thank me. I wasn't protecting you."

She blinked in confusion. "But you—"

"I did it for Rosalind," he cut in.

Isabella froze.

"She's pregnant," Lucian continued casually. "I was worried she'd hurt her hand slapping you."

The blood drained from Isabella's face.

He wasn't protecting her? He was worried about Rosalind's hand?

Her mind short-circuited. This made no sense!

Oblivious to her crisis, Lucian strode after Rosalind without a backward glance.

Isabella stood rooted to the spot, her perfect plan crumbling around her.

That man was insane.

Rosalind stormed from the hospital entrance when Lucian caught up, his fingers encircling her wrist again.

"Slow down," he chided. "I'll drive you home."

She yanked free. "I don't need your help. Go comfort your precious assistant. She's probably crying after that slap."

Lucian studied her furious expression and suddenly smirked. "Are you jealous?"

The question hung between them.

Rosalind's breath hitched.

He stepped closer, his broad frame casting her in shadow. "Answer me. Are you jealous I hired a female assistant?"

"Don't be ridiculous!" she snapped too quickly. "I couldn't care less!"

Lucian's gaze searched hers. Of course she wasn't jealous. He must have imagined that fleeting vulnerability in her eyes.