Chapter 1001: See Him as a Friend

“What’s wrong?” Jack and Colby, both gentlemen, waited for Roxanne to leave before departing. However, her car remained in the same spot, prompting them to investigate.

Roxanne felt helpless. “The car’s broken,” she explained. “Maybe some parts weren’t fully repaired after the accident.” Jack and Colby exchanged glances. “Let me help you check,” Jack offered, immediately getting into the vehicle. He’d always been interested in cars and suspected Roxanne didn’t fully understand the issue.

As he began his inspection, Roxanne said, “Another car hit this one some time ago. The mechanics might have missed a few things. I’ll get it repaired later.”

Jack paused. Since she knew the problem, it wasn't a simple mechanical fault. “Then… let me take you home,” he offered.

Roxanne hesitated. “Oh, there’s no need to bother, Mr. Damaris. My house is in the opposite direction from yours.”

Jack raised an eyebrow, glancing at Colby. “Or would you prefer Dr. Galloway to drive you?”

Roxanne instinctively looked at Colby, who frowned in confusion at their shared gaze. She quickly retracted her gaze. “I didn’t mean—”

Jack interrupted with a half-smile. “Don’t worry. That’s not what I meant either. I’m just fulfilling my duties as a business partner.”

Roxanne, understanding his clear explanation, accepted. “In that case, I’ll trouble you, then.”

“My pleasure,” Jack replied indifferently.

They both exited the car. Colby, witnessing Roxanne’s departure, was even more perplexed. “What’s wrong with it?” he asked.

Before Roxanne could answer, Jack explained, “There’s a minor malfunction, so I’m taking Ms. Jarvis home.”

Colby furrowed his brows, eyeing Roxanne. “But aren’t your houses in opposite directions?” He knew Roxanne wouldn’t want to inconvenience Jack.

Jack quickly responded, “I have some business in that area.” Roxanne nodded in confirmation.

Colby, accepting this explanation, said, “Be careful.”

They nodded, passed Colby, and entered Jack’s car. As Colby watched them drive away, his expression grew glum. He recalled their shared gaze. Roxanne, he surmised, had chosen Jack. The thought angered him.

Him again! Colby thought. As long as others are around, Roxanne will never notice me. To her, I'll always be a business partner. Why can she see Jack as a friend? She’s known me longer.

He concluded the only explanation was the difference in their status. Silently, he vowed to one day surpass Roxanne's reach.

Unaware of Colby’s thoughts, Roxanne sat in Jack’s car, feeling uneasy. She’d considered the backseat, but decided the front passenger seat was more polite. Jack’s silence during the drive made her feel awkward.