Chapter 1161

Watching Roxanne and Jack work together ignited Colby’s jealousy. The pre-testing lasted three days. They successfully tested the finished product's properties and determined its feasibility before gradually increasing the dosage. As the amount of medicinal herbs increased, so did the experiment's demands. The experiment's delicate nature necessitated slow, careful additions; obtaining the materials was also difficult, demanding extra caution.

Noticing Roxanne's perspiration, Jack softly offered, "Let me do it," reaching for the materials. Roxanne cautiously avoided his hand, fearing spillage, a refusal evident in her action. She trusted no one more than herself with this delicate task. Jack, raising an eyebrow but not pressing, grabbed tissues, saying, "You're sweating. I'll help."

Before she could respond, he reached for her forehead. Surprised by his hand, she instinctively recoiled. His hand froze. Only when she saw the tissues did she understand, feeling a surge of repulsion. "Thanks, Mr. Damaris, but I can do it myself," she said, taking the tissues. Jack smiled nonchalantly. His smile momentarily dazed her. She questioned whether his earlier gesture had been intimate, or merely her imagination.

Just as she pondered this, Jack naturally took the used tissues, causing her to waver again. Colby, meanwhile, seethed, watching their interaction. He worried something would happen between them. Frowning, he approached Roxanne. "You must be tired, Dr. Jarvis. Why don't you rest? I can take over."

He couldn't let them be alone. Roxanne, equally unsure how to handle Jack, accepted. "Okay, then. Thanks." Colby, suppressing his jealousy, offered a reassuring smile. She stepped aside, leaving the men alone.

After discarding the tissues, Jack turned to Colby, offering a cryptic smile. "It's a pleasure to work with you, Dr. Galloway."

Colby replied grimly, "Mr. Damaris, since you're assisting with the research, please refrain from anything unnecessary."

Jack snorted. "How can you be sure it's unnecessary? I might gain unexpected results."

They both understood the unspoken threat. Colby's gaze darkened; he knew Jack's words could easily become reality, given his rapport with Roxanne. The prospect enraged him. He'd been by Roxanne's side for so long, yet she barely acknowledged him. He wouldn't let Jack win.