Chapter 1167

“Please excuse me,” Jack said to the unconscious Roxanne before carefully reaching out to undo her button. Colby grimaced, watching Jack’s actions.

Just as Jack undid Roxanne’s first button, rapid footsteps sounded outside the office. Colby’s eyes lit up, but he quickly suppressed his excitement, feigning confusion as he looked towards the door. Jack, however, remained focused on Roxanne and didn't hear the approach.

The office door stood wide open for ventilation. The instant Lucian entered, he saw Jack.

“What are you doing?” Lucian’s dislike for Jack, stemming from his relationship with Roxanne, intensified into fury at the sight of Jack seemingly taking advantage of her unconscious state. He immediately lunged forward.

Before Jack could react, a punch landed, sending him stumbling backward.

“What are you trying to do to Roxanne while she’s unconscious, Jack Damaris? I’m warning you; stay away from her! She’s mine!” Lucian scooped up the unconscious Roxanne, glaring fiercely at Jack.

Jack, weakened by inhaled toxic gas, took a full minute to recover and instinctively retaliate. However, recognizing Lucian, he suppressed his anger, licking his scraped lip.

“Ms. Jarvis has been poisoned. I’m afraid her life is in danger. I have to remove her shirt to perform acupuncture,” he said quietly.

Lucian’s eyes darkened. He lowered his gaze to Roxanne in his arms. Colby’s message had only mentioned Roxanne’s unconscious state due to poisoning; the life-threatening aspect was new. Despite his preparations—including a standby team at the city’s best hospital—panic threatened to overwhelm him. If anything happens to Roxanne…

Jack touched his injured cheek before returning to Roxanne, intending to resume treatment. Under different circumstances, he would have retaliated mercilessly. But Roxanne’s life took precedence.

“Get lost!”

Before Jack could touch Roxanne, Lucian lifted her and strode toward the doorway. Jack froze, then, realizing Lucian’s intent, hastily pursued him.

“Lucian, Ms. Jarvis’ situation is urgent! We can’t waste time! I might be able to treat her before you reach the hospital!”

Lucian ignored him, continuing towards the research institute's entrance. Jack, brows furrowed, glared at the still-standing Colby before following Lucian.

An ambulance waited at the entrance, a doctor and two nurses poised for Lucian’s instructions. As soon as Lucian emerged carrying Roxanne, they rushed forward, placing her on a stretcher and into the ambulance.

By the time Jack arrived, the ambulance was gone, leaving Lucian grim-faced at the entrance, about to enter his car.