Lucian

Marcus had been reluctant to retrieve her that night, understanding the ethical implications better than I wanted to acknowledge. But the Meridian project was her triumph, and she deserved to be there for its celebration. That's what I told myself, anyway. The truth was more selfish, I wanted her there even though she would refuse. I needed her there, in a way that had nothing to do with professional courtesy and everything to do with the way she made every room feel more alive.

The gala was a success by every measurable standard. The investors were pleased, the press coverage would be favorable, and the company's reputation had been further solidified in the city's business community. I should have been satisfied.

Instead, I found myself distracted by a woman in a simple navy dress who moved through the crowd like she was trying to become invisible.

"You're brooding," Marcus observed, appearing at my elbow with his usual impeccable timing.

"I'm observing," I corrected, though my gaze inevitably found Lexi again. She was talking with the son of a billionaire and it didn't sit well with me.

"Observing Miss Carter specifically, it seems."

I didn't dignify that with a response, partly because it was true and partly because Giselle was approaching with that determined smile that usually preceded a conversation I didn't want to have.

She'd surprised me tonight by wearing a dress that matched my tuxedo perfectly. Too perfect to be coincidental. The coordinated look had garnered approving nods from several board members and more than a few photographers, which I suspected had been exactly the point.

Giselle Laurent was beautiful, accomplished, and came from the kind of family that understood the intricacies of business and society. On paper, she was perfect for someone in my position. In reality, she left me feeling nothing more substantial than polite appreciation.

"The evening is going wonderfully," she said, settling beside me with practiced grace. "Though I did notice some of the women being rather... unwelcoming to your project manager."

My attention sharpened. "What women?"

"Victoria Ashford and her little group. They seemed to be making some pointed comments about Miss Carter's... background." Her tone suggested this was merely an observation, but I caught the subtle satisfaction underneath.

Anger flared in my chest, hot and immediate. Victoria Ashford was the kind of entitled socialite who confused pedigree with worth, who'd never worked a day in her life but felt qualified to judge others based on their bank accounts or family connections.

I was moving before I'd consciously decided to intervene, Marcus's knowing look following me across the room.

"...just so good at making the right impressions," Victoria was saying as I approached, her voice carrying that particular tone wealthy women used when they wanted to be cutting without being overtly rude.

Lexi's posture was rigid with controlled tension, her chin lifted in defiance, but I could see the hurt she was trying to hide. The same hurt I'd seen that first day when she'd assumed I was questioning her qualifications based on her appearance.

The protective instinct that roared to life was entirely unprofessional and completely unstoppable.

"Victoria. Ladies." I stepped beside Lexi, close enough that she'd know she wasn't alone in this. "I hope you're enjoying the celebration."

Victoria's demeanor shifted with the practiced ease of someone who'd learned to charm powerful men from birth. "Lucian! We were just congratulating Miss Carter on her impressive work."

The lie was smoothly delivered, but I'd heard enough of the conversation to know better. "As you should be. The Meridian project's success is entirely due to Lexi's vision and dedication. The company is fortunate to have someone of her caliber."

I let my hand settle lightly on Lexi's back, a gesture that could be read as professional support but carried enough intimacy to send a clear message to anyone watching. The subtle shift in the crowd's attention told me the message had been received.

Victoria backtracked quickly, but the damage was done. By tomorrow, the society gossip networks would be buzzing with speculation about Lucian Cross and his mysterious lady about the way he'd defended her, about the possessive undertone in his voice when he'd spoken about her accomplishments.

I should have cared about the implications. Instead, I found myself caring only about the way Lexi's shoulders had relaxed slightly under my touch, about the gratitude in her voice when she thanked me.

"Lexi…" I started to say something, though I wasn't sure what. That I was proud of her? That watching Victoria try to diminish her had made me want to buy out Ashford Industries just to fire the woman?

That the way she carried herself with dignity in the face of their petty cruelty made me respect her even more than I already did?

But Giselle appeared with champagne and calculated timing, inserting herself into the moment with the skill of someone who'd been navigating social situations since childhood.

"Doesn't Lexi look lovely tonight?" she said, her compliment wrapped in just enough condescension to sting. "So... refreshingly understated."

I watched Lexi absorb the subtle insult. Next to Giselle's designer perfection, she probably felt outclassed, though she had no reason to. Her simple dress was elegant in its restraint, and she wore it with a natural grace that no amount of money could buy.

"She looks beautiful," I said quietly, meaning every word.

Giselle's smile tightened, she was too socially adept not to sense the undercurrent, but Lexi broke the spell before it could deepen.

"I should probably mingle," she said, her retreat as graceful as everything else about her. "Thank you for the lovely evening."

I let her go, though every instinct told me to follow. Giselle made pleasant conversation beside me, but I found myself tracking Lexi's movement through the crowd, noting the way other guests responded to her, the genuine warmth in her interactions with the team members who'd worked on the project.

"She's very dedicated," Giselle observed, following my gaze with the perceptiveness I'd always admired and currently found irritating.

"Yes." I found myself nodding.

"And attractive, in an... accessible sort of way." She added.

The subtle dig made my jaw tighten. "Giselle."

"I'm simply observing." Her tone was light. "Though I do hope you're being careful. Office relationships can be so... complicated."

The warning was delivered with perfect social grace, but it was a warning nonetheless. Giselle understood the game better than most people. She knew that powerful men were allowed certain indiscretions, but they were expected to handle them discreetly and without disrupting the established order.

"There's no office relationship," I said, the words tasting like ash.

"Of course not." Her smile was understanding and entirely unconvinced. "Though appearances can be so important in our position, don't you think?"

She was right, and we both knew it. My reputation, the company's reputation, the expectations that came with the Cross name, they all mattered in ways that went beyond personal preference. A relationship with an employee, especially one from Lexi's background, would be scrutinized and criticized by exactly the kind of people who'd been making subtle digs at her tonight.

But as I watched Lexi laugh at something one of the junior architects said, as I saw the way her face lit up when she talked about the work she loved, I found myself caring less about appearances than I should have.