Chapter 968

"You're free to meet anyone—except Julian," Lucian stated firmly, his piercing gaze locked onto Rosalind. "That's non-negotiable."

He had been in the middle of a board meeting when his housekeeper called, informing him Rosalind had left the estate. A quick check with his assistant revealed her destination: a rendezvous with Julian Blackwood.

Anyone but him.

Rosalind crossed her arms, defiance flashing in her eyes. "If you're banning me from seeing Julian, then I have a condition too—I despise Isabella. You're not allowed near her either."

Lucian's expression flickered, caught off guard by her demand. "Isabella is my executive assistant—"

"Then fire her!" Rosalind snapped. "And she's never to step foot in our home again. Can you do that?"

If he could dictate who she saw, then fairness demanded the same from him.

Could he really dismiss Isabella so easily?

If he could, then she’d obey his rule about Julian.

Lucian remained unreadable, his sculpted features betraying nothing.

"I—"

A honeyed voice interrupted him.

"Mr. Graves…"

Rosalind stiffened. Speak of the devil—Isabella Delacroix had arrived.

The woman was like a persistent shadow, always appearing at the worst moments.

Isabella approached with a practiced smile. "Mr. Graves, Ms. Fairchild, good afternoon."

Rosalind responded with icy politeness. "Hello."

Isabella turned her attention back to Lucian. "Are you returning to the office today?"

He shook his head. "No."

Her smile widened. "Understood. Oh, and Reginald just called. He mentioned the group hasn’t gotten together in a while and suggested meeting at The Velvet Lounge tonight."

Lucian’s lips thinned slightly. "Fine."

Isabella tilted her head, batting her lashes. "I know it’s a private gathering, but may I join? I used to dance there, and I can hold my liquor. I’d be happy to drink on your behalf."

Her words were deliberately loud, meant for Rosalind’s ears. A petty attempt to provoke.

Rosalind watched with detached amusement. Isabella’s theatrics were laughably transparent.

But the real test was Lucian. If he entertained her games, that said everything.

Lucian’s gaze slid to Rosalind. "You’re coming with me tonight."

Isabella had begged to attend—yet he’d commanded Rosalind’s presence instead.

Rosalind opened her mouth to refuse—

Then Lucian added, "Isabella can come too."

He’d agreed.

Rosalind’s protest died on her lips. A cold smirk curved her mouth. "Fine. I’m free tonight anyway. Let’s make it a party."

If Isabella was going, she wouldn’t let her have Lucian unchallenged.

Isabella’s smile tightened. She’d hoped to be the only woman at his side.

"I look forward to it," she purred, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear with deliberate grace.

As she lifted her hand, sunlight caught on the diamond bracelet around her wrist—glittering, ostentatious, impossible to miss.

Rosalind’s stomach twisted.

Was that Lucian’s doing? That bastard.

When he’d had nothing, she’d stood by him. Now that he was drowning in wealth, he showered another woman in jewels while she got nothing.

Her fingers curled into fists.

Tonight would be interesting.