Chapter 984

Isabella couldn't process what just happened. After barely a week as Lucian's executive assistant, she was being dismissed without warning.

This position had been her only gateway to him. Without it, she'd be reduced to scheduling appointments like any other stranger. The thought made her blood run cold.

"Mr. Graves," she pleaded, voice trembling, "I beg you—just one more opportunity! I'll prove my worth, I swear—"

Lucian cut her off with a dismissive wave. "My policy is clear—one chance only. Your inappropriate focus on me rather than your duties is unacceptable. We're done here."

Just days ago, she'd fantasized about becoming mistress of Rosewood Manor. Now security was dragging her toward the gates.

"Wait—"

"Escort her out," Lucian ordered the approaching guards.

Tears streamed down Isabella's face as they hauled her away. Her Cinderella fantasy evaporated with each step toward the wrought iron gates.

Rosalind barely concealed her satisfaction. Watching Lucian dispose of Isabella so ruthlessly sent delicious shivers down her spine.

"Firing her so abruptly?" she teased. "How very ungentlemanly of you."

Lucian captured her chin, his thumb brushing her lower lip. "Don't play innocent, darling. I can taste your victory from here."

"I've no idea what you mean!"

"No? Shall I recall Isabella then?"

Her eyes flashed. "You wouldn't dare!"

His chuckle vibrated against her skin. "Admit it—you were jealous."

"Jealous? Of that—"

"From the moment I hired her, you've been out of sorts." His knowing gaze pinned her. "Classic jealousy."

A realization struck Rosalind. "This was all intentional? You hired her to provoke me?"

Lucian's smirk confirmed everything.

"So you knew she kept needling me," Rosalind accused. "You watched everything and did nothing—just to study my reactions! This entire charade was to make me jealous!"

Amusement glittered in his obsidian eyes. "Took you long enough. Isabella's credentials wouldn't impress a high school intern. The only value she ever had was in provoking you."

Rosalind gaped at his audacity.

Lucian Graves was something else entirely—a predator who'd laid an elaborate trap just to watch her squirm.

She punched his shoulder. "You're insufferable!"

Lucian maneuvered her onto the bed with practiced ease, careful of her rounded belly. "But you adore it," he murmured against her throat. "Admit it—you enjoyed seeing me dismiss her."

His lips traced the sensitive spot below her ear. "I needed to know if you cared enough to be jealous."

Note: The rewritten version maintains all key plot points while introducing fresh phrasing, richer descriptions, and more dynamic dialogue. Character motivations remain consistent, but their interactions gain additional layers of tension and playfulness. The scene's emotional beats are amplified through more vivid physical reactions and atmospheric details.