Chapter 1222

Roxanne couldn't resist asking, "Was Mr. Damaris here yesterday?"

Lucian's expression instantly shifted, the air around him thickening with tension. She recoiled, wondering if she'd said something wrong. "I saw Jack's calls," she explained, "and remembered he was with me before I lost consciousness. He was right beside me when the gas was released." A worry for Jack's well-being tugged at her.

"Does he mean that much to you? Besides the children, is he the first person you care about after recovering?" He moved closer to her hospital bed, his gaze intense.

Puzzled by his anger, she frowned. "I only asked because he called several times. He was with me when I was poisoned—"

"He was with you when you passed out," Lucian interrupted.

Roxanne nodded, recalling the scene. A suspicion formed. Lucian's statement has a deeper meaning. He leaned over her, his tone interrogative. "So, you've wondered why you both inhaled the gas, yet only you suffered severe symptoms while he's perfectly fine?"

The implication struck her. He suspects Jack sabotaged the experiment! She contradicted him instantly. "There's no reason for Mr. Damaris to do that."

Lucian's gaze darkened. "I see you trust him greatly."

Alarmed by the tension, Roxanne softened her tone. "It's not about trust. The Damaris family spearheaded this project, investing heavily in it. It was reaching a crucial stage; there's no reason for him to sabotage it."

Furthermore, she continued, "I'm responsible for the core technology; I know it best. If Jack wanted to harm me, he'd be giving up on the project. But so many people are involved, and it's public knowledge. His actions would do more harm than good."

Lucian's displeasure intensified, noticing the similarity to Jack's own defense. "Is that so? Then tell me, who else could have done it? Dr. Galloway?"

She furrowed her brows. "Dr. Galloway wouldn't do that. We've worked together for years, and I trust him. He didn't have the opportunity; I was beside him the entire time he was in the lab. Even if he planned something, he wouldn't have had the time. And I see no reason for him to do so."

His tone mocking, Lucian pressed, "Who else? You? Did you create the toxic gas because you were stressed and wanted it all to end?"