Chapter 1268

Colby kept his head bowed, his eyes darting incessantly. Now that things had come to this, he couldn't keep the truth hidden. Besides, Lucian had already discovered the problem with the distilled water. Did Lucian have further evidence?

As his mind raced, Lucian's voice cut through the silence. "Did you think you could get away with it by privately asking the purchasing staff to help you smuggle in the medicine?"

Colby's eyes snapped up; he gaped at Lucian in shock. He knew! He really knew everything!

Lucian held his gaze impassively. "Are you still planning to deny it? Or will you only confess after the police arrive?"

Roxanne had quietly emerged and stood behind Lucian, regarding Colby with a blank expression. Colby met her gaze; his lips twitched. An intense internal struggle ensued.

After a long moment, he finally admitted, "It was me. Everything was my doing!"

Roxanne's legs weakened at his confession. Instinctively, she grabbed Lucian's arm, digging her nails into her palm to maintain her composure. Her eyes fixed on Colby, she asked, "Why? I don't believe I've wronged you in all these years. Even this project was a collaborative effort."

She recalled their pleasant collaboration abroad and how he'd helped her secure a position at the research institute upon her return. But now, looking at him, she wondered if the Colby she knew had ever truly existed.

Colby stared at her, self-deprecation evident in his eyes. "Why? Don't you know? Roxanne, your reaction makes me feel like everything I've done was a joke."

Roxanne's brows furrowed, confusion evident.

A feverish light flared in Colby's eyes as he revealed his hidden thoughts. "If you want a reason, blame it on the fact that you're too outstanding, too captivating. You're so striking it makes me feel like a rat in a drain, only worthy of looking up at you. But you wouldn't even look down! Am I that contemptible? Jack, Jonathan, and Lucian are more impressive, yes. But have any of them been by your side as long as I have? You just…couldn't see me!"

Roxanne was stunned, her expression panicked. She realized he had feelings for her; feelings she'd never noticed. She recalled their first meeting abroad, while she was pregnant and still in love with Lucian. She hadn't been receptive to other men, only seeing him as a compatible lab partner. After returning home, she'd been focused solely on the research institute and, later, on Lucian's return. Her heart belonged to Lucian; there had never been room for anyone else.