Chapter 972

Lucian didn't simply pass the grape to Rosalind. With deliberate care, he peeled it first before lifting the juicy fruit to her lips. "Open up," he murmured.

He fed her directly.

Rosalind's lashes fluttered in surprise before she obediently parted her lips to accept the offering.

"Sweet?" Lucian inquired.

She nodded. "Mmm. Tart at first, then the sweetness comes through."

Lucian began peeling another grape.

The surrounding socialites observed this intimate exchange with knowing smirks.

"Mr. Graves, we came here to party, not witness a private romance," one teased.

"Who knew the formidable CEO of Quantum Innovations could be such a doting husband-to-be?"

Reginald, Genevieve, and Isabella watched the scene unfold with varying degrees of displeasure.

Isabella's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Ms. Fairchild, you've certainly landed on your feet."

Rosalind met her gaze evenly. "I believe conception requires more than mere luck. Wouldn't you agree?"

Isabella's fingers tightened into fists.

All eyes remained fixed on Lucian's attentive care of Rosalind. Without lifting a finger, she'd become the evening's focal point.

Isabella refused to be upstaged in what was essentially her domain - she'd once been the star performer at The Velvet Lounge before becoming Lucian's secretary.

Determined to reclaim the spotlight and Lucian's attention, she rose gracefully. "Since we're all gathered, why don't I treat everyone to a performance?"

As a former professional dancer, Isabella's announcement caused immediate excitement among the crowd.

Cheers erupted.

"Fantastic! We haven't seen you dance in ages!"

"Your moves are legendary!"

Isabella stood with calculated elegance. "I'll begin now." Her gaze deliberately sought Rosalind's. "Given your... condition, you'll have to remain seated. Do enjoy the show."

The barb about Rosalind's pregnancy limitations was unmistakable - this was Isabella's play for Lucian's attention.

Rosalind recognized the challenge and responded with a frosty smile.

As Isabella ascended the stage, the emcee announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, our beloved Isabella returns to the spotlight! Let's hear it for her!"

Thunderous applause followed. "Welcome back, darling!"

Isabella shed her outerwear to reveal a barely-there ensemble - a cropped tank and micro-mini that showcased her toned midriff and endless legs. Every inch of exposed skin gleamed under the lights.

The music pulsed to life as Isabella began her routine.

Her professional training became immediately apparent. Each movement flowed seamlessly into the next - a mesmerizing display of flexibility and control. A series of pirouettes followed by a gravity-defying kick sent the energy in the room skyrocketing.

The audience watched, enthralled.

"Incredible! She hasn't lost her touch!"

"Mr. Graves, you're fortunate to have such talent at your disposal daily."

Genevieve glared at the stage, green-eyed with envy.

Of the three women vying for Lucian's attention, she possessed the least obvious charms - neither musical nor athletic. All she could do was watch Isabella's brazen display.

Still, seeing Rosalind being publicly upstaged brought Genevieve a petty satisfaction.