Chapter 1273

Mild disgruntlement clouded Lucian's face. "Why did he come?"

"The experiment Dr. Galloway tampered with was part of a Damaris Group project. Naturally, Mr. Damaris needed to check on the situation," Roxanne explained patiently. She frowned. "Your attitude was horrible. You misunderstood him for so long and were even hostile earlier. Shouldn't you apologize?"

Lucian's expression darkened, but he controlled his temper in her presence. "That's impossible. Jack must have another motive. It wasn't simply checking the situation; he came to provoke me!"

Roxanne, unaware of their earlier silent confrontation, found his refusal unreasonable. "Where did your hostility toward Mr. Damaris come from? At the hospital, you suspected him, but now it's proven he was a victim. Why the prejudice?"

An idea struck her. "Even if you were rivals, it's over, and you won. Why—"

Lucian interrupted, frowning. "It has nothing to do with that."

Roxanne was perplexed. She considered only one possibility: Could he be jealous? She eyed him incredulously. His brows were furrowed, and he showed no inclination to explain.

"You think Mr. Damaris has feelings for me?" she ventured.

Lucian's gaze confirmed her suspicion. Panic flooded Roxanne. "How? Mr. Damaris and I are only collaborators. If he—"

"Didn't you fail to perceive Colby's interest in you?" Lucian disliked her defense of Jack.

Roxanne felt guilty. She hadn't considered Colby's romantic feelings, but Jack? She couldn't imagine why he'd be interested.

Seeing her skepticism, Lucian stated solemnly, "He treated you to meals, gave you flowers, and tried to win over Archie and Benny." He recounted Jack's actions, leaving Roxanne speechless. She tried to justify them, but Lucian pressed on, "You accepted his flowers, but were reluctant to accept mine. Was it because you didn't like them?"

Roxanne, unable to deny his observation, nodded, pretending she disliked roses. She relented, fearing his daily flower gifts would resume.

"Never mind apologizing to Mr. Damaris. There's nothing between us, so don't overthink it," Lucian said, finally dropping the subject.

Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief.