Chapter 967

Rosalind's breath caught in her throat as she looked up—Lucian stood there, his presence commanding the room.

What was he doing here?

Lucian closed the distance between them in three powerful strides, his glacial stare fixed on Julian's grip around Rosalind's arm.

A mocking smirk twisted his lips. "Mr. Blackwood, do you need a translator? Rosalind told you to release her."

Julian chuckled, unfazed. "Perhaps you're the one who doesn't understand women. When she says no, she means pull her closer. Isn't that right, darling?"

Disgust coiled in Rosalind's stomach. "You're delusional."

Lucian's voice dropped to a lethal whisper. "Three seconds. Let. Her. Go."

Julian scoffed. "Who do you think you are, dictating what happens between us? We're consenting adults. This is none of your concern."

The air crackled with tension as Lucian's gaze burned into Julian's. "It is my concern. Rosalind is carrying my child. That makes her—and what happens to her—my business."

Julian opened his mouth to retort, but Lucian had already begun counting.

"Three. Two. One."

His fist connected with Julian's jaw with a sickening crack.

Julian staggered back, colliding with a nearby table. His fingers came away from his face smeared with blood.

Lucian had always been ruthless—whether as Everett Sinclair or the rising tech mogul he was now.

"You bastard!" Julian spat.

Lucian flexed his hand. He'd held back. If he hadn't, Julian would be unconscious.

Grabbing Rosalind's wrist, Lucian pulled her toward the exit. He paused beside Julian, his voice dripping with menace. "Next time I see you, I won't stop at one punch."

Then he was dragging Rosalind outside.

Julian seethed. Ever since Lucian reappeared, he'd been humiliated at every turn. This wasn't over.

On the sidewalk, Rosalind yanked her arm free. "Why are you here?"

Lucian's eyes darkened. "Why were you meeting Julian?"

She almost explained—until she remembered the diamond bracelet he'd bought for Isabella.

They were over. He had moved on. Yet here he was, interrogating her?

Her mood soured. "We just talked."

"About what?" Lucian pressed.

Rosalind's brows knitted together. "That's private. And how did you even know I was here?"

"The housekeeper told me."

"You had someone watching me?" Her voice rose. "That's a violation of my privacy!"

Lucian stepped closer. "Did you want to see him that badly? What did he say to you?"

Rosalind's temper flared. "That's none of your damn business!"