Chapter 983

Rosalind struggled against Lucian's embrace.

His arms only tightened around her. "Not happening," he murmured against her hair.

She pressed her palms against his chest. "Have you lost your mind? Isabella is right there! Release me this instant!"

Lucian's grip remained unyielding. "I said no."

Isabella stood frozen by the doorway, her expression shifting from confusion to dawning horror.

Was she merely a pawn in their twisted little charade? An unwitting spectator to their lovers' quarrel?

She cleared her throat. "Mr. Graves, you summoned me here."

Lucian's gaze slid to Isabella with deliberate slowness. "That diamond bracelet you're wearing—it's new?"

Isabella's face drained of color. She twisted her wrist instinctively, attempting to conceal the jewelry.

Too late. Lucian's lips curled in a cold smirk. "Tell me, did you go around claiming I bought that for you?"

"That's—there must be some mistake—"

"No mistake," Rosalind cut in sharply. "You flaunted it in my face barely two hours ago. Or has your memory failed you already?"

Isabella's mouth opened and closed like a stranded fish.

Lucian arched a brow. "Well? Did I purchase that trinket for you?"

The silence stretched taut between them.

Rosalind's eyes widened with realization. She turned to study Lucian's chiseled features. "So it wasn't from you? She fabricated the entire story?"

"What do you think? When have I ever gifted jewelry to my staff? This absurdity has nothing to do with me," Lucian stated coolly.

Rosalind's glare could have melted steel. "You lied to my face. I never took you for the type to stoop to such pathetic deception."

Isabella's knees nearly buckled. "I—"

"You were hired as my executive assistant, not as a purveyor of malicious gossip. This slander won't go unpunished. Expect legal papers by morning," Lucian pronounced with icy finality.

Isabella's composure shattered. "Please! Don't involve the lawyers! I'll do anything—"

"Then start by telling the truth."

"I will! The bracelet—Mr. Graves never gave it to me! I bought it myself! It's—it's counterfeit! A twenty-dollar knockoff from the flea market!"

Rosalind's breath caught.

Growing up surrounded by genuine luxury, she could typically spot fakes at a glance. But believing Lucian had gifted it, she'd never questioned its authenticity.

Now, scrutinizing the gaudy stones encircling Isabella's wrist, the truth became painfully obvious.

A cheap imitation.

"You used a fake bracelet to manipulate me?" Rosalind's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.

"I—I've admired Mr. Graves for years. I thought if I could make you jealous... Mr. Graves, I've confessed everything! Please show mercy—I swear I'll never—"

"Mercy?" Lucian's laugh held no warmth. "You're terminated effective immediately. Security will escort you out."

Isabella's world tilted on its axis.

Terminated? Just like that?