Chapter 4 Comfortable Position

As the clock neared eleven, Rosalind stood up to leave. Nora walked her to the parking lot, preparing to call a ride when she noticed the right front tire of the car was severely deflated. Still in shock, she saw Rosalind walking over to the car.

A fruit knife lodged in the tire abruptly sobered her up, and her anger flared.

The only culprit that came to mind was Floryn.

Her half-sister.

"Damn, which despicable person did this?" Nora swore angrily, turning to Rosalind with a serious expression. "Rossie, could this be..."

"Who else but her?" Rosalind tucked her hair behind her ear, scanning the area. Her gaze landed on a camera facing the car. She gave a nod in that direction. "You'll have to take care of this."

"I should have beaten her up earlier," Nora gritted her teeth, furious.

Rosalind looked at the fruit knife, her eyes narrowing. Her stepsister was always like this-petty and vindictive.

Since she was brought back to the Hales at the age of nine, Floryn had never shown her any kindness. Whatever Rosalind had, Floryn would find a way to take or destroy it.

Including her ex-boyfriend, Kendrick. Floryn had used every trick to steal him away and then flaunted her victory.

These were typical tactics for Floryn.

As they left the parking lot, the light rain mingled with the bustling nightlife of the capital, adding a chill to the evening air. The night breeze, carrying the scent of rain, made her shiver slightly.

Just as she was about to call for a ride, a smoke-gray Bentley pulled up beside them. The window rolled down to reveal an unfamiliar man's face who nodded slightly toward Rosalind. "Madam."

Rosalind frowned, not recognizing him. She was about to speak when the rear window of the car also lowered.

Through the rain, a strikingly handsome and profound face came into view. The man was dressed in a navy blue tailored suit, looking refreshed and regal, shedding the fatigue from the previous night.

His eyes, hiding a mix of languidness and coldness, rested silently on her slightly flushed face.

The refreshing night wind tousled her hair, and under the dim streetlights, her eyes sparkled with a unique charm and allure.

"Had a drink?" The man's voice was cool and deep, his brows furrowed.

"Just a bit," Rosalind responded softly, her lips slightly parted. "How come you're here?"

"There's a social event nearby. Didn't you drive?"

Rosalind pursed her lips. She had driven, but the car was now in no condition to be on the road.

Though it was their first meeting, Nora immediately recognized this impeccably handsome man and smiled. "What a coincidence! I was about to call a cab for Rossie, and here you are."

Julian's gaze shifted to her. Rosalind introduced, "This is my friend, Nora Weston."

Nora waved at him cheerfully. "Rossie's tire was slashed, and she can't drive. Could you give her a ride home?"

"Get in the car."

"Nora, I'm heading off now." Rosalind tucked her hair behind her ear, waved to Nora, and, braving the rain, walked over to the car. She opened the door, and as the man shifted to make room, she slid into the seat.

As they merged into the flow of traffic, Rosalind idly brushed the raindrops from her hair. A coat with a faint woody scent was draped over her shoulders.

"What happened to the tire?" The man's low, sensual voice filled the quiet car.

Rosalind removed the coat and looked at the navy blue suit. She glanced at him, noting his white shirt with a slightly open collar and his sharply defined features, which gave him a somewhat restrained aura.

"Does it look good?" Perhaps her gaze was too noticeable, as the man turned his head. The dark depths of his eyes were softened by a hint of teasing, accompanied by a faint smile.

Rosalind was momentarily dazed by his sudden smile, her head throbbing from the aftereffects of alcohol. She looked away. "The tire was punctured by a fruit knife."

The rain outside grew heavier.

"Who did it?" Julian's brows tightened again, his voice taking on a chilling edge.

"My stepsister... Floryn Hale," Rosalind replied, rubbing her forehead. She draped his coat over her legs, leaning back against the seat, closing her eyes to alleviate the dizziness from the alcohol.

Julian's gaze turned cold as he looked at the rearview mirror. His assistant, Clark, understood the unspoken command and gave a subtle nod.

As Julian's gaze shifted away, his eyes fell on Rosalind's flushed face, illuminated intermittently by the neon lights outside the window. She looked more delicate and enchanting in the dim light.

"Feeling unwell?"

"Yes."

Rosalind responded perfunctorily, her head tilting to the side.

The car fell into a brief silence. Suddenly, a cool hand clasped around Rosalind's arm, causing her body to tilt to the right. Before she could open her eyes, she found herself nestled against Julian's warm chest, her hand naturally finding its way to his jacket.

When she looked up, her eyes met his deep, sea-like gaze. The mingling of his fresh, woody scent with the rich smell of alcohol filled the car.

Her eyes, slightly glazed, reflected the streetlights, adding a touch of unique allure and charm.

Julian's dark eyes flickered with an unfamiliar emotion as he felt her warm hand against his chest. His throat tightened involuntarily.

"Lean against me if you're uncomfortable," he said, averting his gaze to the window. His voice was gravelly, as if he were restraining something.

Rosalind's lips parted slightly, wanting to say something. However, the potent alcohol made her too weary to speak. Given that they were already married and had embraced the previous night, she saw no need to be overly coy.

She found a comfortable position and leaned against him, settling into his warmth.

The atmosphere in the car shifted noticeably. Clark, driving, stole a quick glance, then adjusted the rearview mirror to maintain discretion.

***