Chapter 1237

Sensing Roxanne was upset, Lucian considered further questioning. He hesitated, however, remembering their previous disagreement.

Even after dinner was served, neither spoke. The three children, already seated, were delighted to see their parents occupied. Their joy gradually calmed Roxanne.

Though calmer after dinner, the afternoon's investigation weighed heavily on her mind. "Mr. Farwell," she began, "are you ready to discuss it?"

The children, filled with childish curiosity, piped up, "Discuss what?"

Roxanne smiled. "It concerns the research institute and doesn't involve you. Go play."

The children looked to Lucian for confirmation. He nodded gravely. "Go on now."

Only then did they leave the mansion.

Lucian and Roxanne settled onto the couch, coffee at their sides. "How's the investigation progressing?" Roxanne asked, concern furrowing her brow. "Is it related to Mr. Damaris...?" Her anxiety was palpable; she refused to believe Jack was capable of such a thing.

Mentioning Jack narrowed Lucian's eyes. The image of her laughing with Jack on the surveillance footage lingered. Even now, she worried about him. Rage surged within him, but the memory of her earlier, busy silhouette in the kitchen tempered his anger with remorse.

After a pause, Lucian spoke. "Currently, there's no concrete evidence linking Jack to the incident." Roxanne's sigh of relief was cut short. "That itself makes him a stronger suspect."

Roxanne's brows shot up in shock. "Why?"

Sensing her protectiveness toward Jack, Lucian's tone shifted. "The surveillance footage showed nothing incriminating. However, Jack spent more time in the lab than anyone except you. He left for a call minutes before the incident. Isn't that coincidental?" His suspicions were heightened by Jack's extensive knowledge of poisons.

Roxanne hesitated, remembering the previous day's events. While Jack's departure was coincidental, she couldn't suspect the man who'd invited her to the project. She felt Lucian's judgment was clouded by personal feelings.

Sighing softly, she said, "Accusing Mr. Damaris without corroborating evidence is irrational, Mr. Farwell."

Their gazes locked; Lucian's displeasure was evident, but Roxanne held his stare, refusing to yield.

Finally, Lucian broke eye contact, rising to his feet, anger barely contained. "I've sent the drugs you used for testing. We'll discuss the results. And I'll consider your advice."

He left before Roxanne could reply. Having seen the surveillance footage and her protectiveness toward Jack, Lucian knew he couldn't continue the conversation. He wouldn't lose his composure in front of her again.