Chapter 982

Rosalind deliberately raised her bare wrist, displaying it pointedly to Lucian.

His dark eyes flickered with surprise. "What are you talking about? I bought Isabella a diamond bracelet?"

"Exactly." Rosalind's voice carried a sharp edge. "That piece must have cost a fortune. I never took you for the generous type."

Lucian's jaw tightened. "I have no idea what you're referring to. Who fed you this nonsense?"

Her breath hitched. Was he seriously denying it? The bracelet had been practically glowing on Isabella's wrist at the party.

"Stop lying to me," Rosalind snapped, crossing her arms. "What's the point of denying something so trivial?"

"I'm not lying." His voice dropped to a dangerous low. "Listen carefully - I have never purchased any jewelry for Isabella Delacroix."

Rosalind studied his face - those sharp aristocratic features betrayed nothing but cold honesty. A sinking feeling settled in her stomach.

What game was being played here?

"Do I need to call her here to prove it?" Lucian already had his phone out, dialing with quick, angry strokes. "Isabella. My villa. Now."

Rosalind's eyes widened. "That wasn't necessary-"

Lucian pulled her flush against him, his lips curling in a humorless smile. "Since my fiancée objects to me buying jewelry for other women, we'll settle this properly."

"I never said I objected!" Rosalind squirmed in his grip. "Spend your money however you like."

His grip tightened. "Then whoever minds is a liar."

Was he calling her a liar now? Rosalind glared daggers at him, thinking the real liar was currently crushing her ribs with his ridiculously muscular arms.

Meanwhile, across town, Isabella nearly dropped her clutch when Lucian's call came through.

She'd been slinking away from The Velvet Lounge after that humiliating scene, cheeks still burning from Rosalind's public accusation. But now? A late-night summons to Lucian's private residence?

Her heart raced as the cab sped through the city. Could this be her moment at last?

The villa's gates swung open before the car even stopped. A maid ushered her inside with knowing eyes.

"Mr. Graves is waiting upstairs," the woman murmured.

Isabella's pulse quickened as she ascended the grand staircase. She paused outside the master suite, adjusting her dress and reapplying lipstick with trembling fingers.

A soft knock. "Lucian? It's me."

"Enter."

The door swung open to reveal Lucian pinning Rosalind against the bedpost, his hands possessively gripping her waist. Isabella's fantasy shattered like dropped crystal.

She stood frozen in the doorway, the diamond bracelet on her wrist suddenly feeling like a lead weight.

Rosalind shoved against Lucian's chest. "Your guest is here. Let me go!"