RESCUED BY THE DEVIL 🔞

11. THE HEIRESS AND THE BLACK CARD

Vivienne Lancaster(selene's mom) above<<<<<<

Selene was deeply focused on reviewing reports when a sudden realization struck her.

She had nothing to wear for the party tonight.

Her hand stilled on the papers as mild panic set in. She hadn't considered it before-having been too caught up in everything that had happened-but now, the event was mere hours away. And she was about to step into a world of the elite, standing beside Lucian Blackwood. Looking like a commoner was not an option.

She turned to Lucian, who was typing on his laptop, his sharp jawline tense with focus.

"Lucian?" she called softly.

He didn't look up. "Hmm?"

"I don't have a dress for the party tonight."

That got his attention. His fingers stopped moving, and his blue eyes flicked up to her. Without a word, he reached into his suit pocket and pulled out his sleek black card, setting it down on the table.

"I'll call Xavier. He'll escort you."

Selene shook her head immediately, placing her hand over his before he could grab his phone. "No need. I'll go with my new best friend."

Lucian arched an eyebrow, his lips twitching in mild amusement. "New best friend?"

"Evelyn. From IT."

He leaned back in his chair, studying her. "And you trust her?"

Selene smiled. "She's the only one who stood up for me when Camilla tried to humiliate me. She's also fun to be around."

Lucian hummed in approval but added, "Camilla and her minions won't be a problem. I made sure they're spending quality time in the hospital today."

Selene's lips parted in surprise. He did that for her?

His smirk deepened as if reading her mind. "I take care of what's mine, princess."

A warmth spread through her chest at his words, but she quickly pushed it down and stood up. "Then I'll be going."

Lucian merely nodded. "Be safe."

Selene turned on her heel, heading out of his office. She had one stop to make before she left-finding Evelyn.

---

A Friend's Support

The IT department was tucked away on the lower floor, buzzing with quiet activity. Luckily, she didn't have to search long. Evelyn's electric-blue eyes spotted her first, and she waved excitedly.

"Selene! What brings you down to the land of coding and caffeine addiction?"

Selene hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. "I need a favor."

Evelyn perked up. "Ooooh, this sounds exciting. Spill."

Selene took a steady breath. "Will you come shopping with me? I need a dress for tonight's party."

Evelyn gasped dramatically, grabbing Selene's hands. "Are you asking me to go on a shopping spree with you? Do you even have to ask? Of course!"

Selene exhaled in relief, a small smile breaking through her usual guarded expression. Making a friend really wasn't so bad.

As they drove to the mall, Selene found herself opening up.

She hadn't meant to. She had never shared these things with anyone, but something about Evelyn-her warmth, her unwavering confidence-made her feel safe.