Chapter 1537: We Made No Progress

A cold look briefly flashed across Jack's eyes at her firm rejection, but he quickly suppressed it. "I'm serious, Roxanne. Dating is essential to maximizing our potential. Don't you want to advance your medical career?" he pleaded earnestly, his gaze expectant.

His ambitious confession, however, only frightened Roxanne further. "I do want to advance my career, but not like this! You've had too much to drink, Mr. Damaris. Let's end this conversation."

Roxanne started to rise, but Jack chuckled wryly. "I knew you'd reject me, Roxanne. I just didn't expect it without a chance. Is being with me truly so bad? I don't understand how Lucian is superior."

Roxanne closed her eyes, calming herself before replying coldly, "This has nothing to do with Lucian. I simply don't have feelings for you. I do appreciate you not resorting to the nasty tactics Colby used."

She left without looking back. Jack narrowed his eyes, watching her go. He grabbed a handful of coffee beans and stuffed them into his mouth, his expression softening slightly as he chewed.

I thought this would secure Roxanne for my family, but I was wrong. She won't comply without force. She thanked me for not using nasty methods like Colby! I gave you a chance, Roxanne, so don't blame me for what I might do!

An icy expression settled on his face as he stared at the coffee pot.

Roxanne waved goodbye to the remaining cafe staff as she exited. I don't know how I'll face Jack after that! Our partnership continues, so I can't simply abandon him.

A worried frown creased her face as she descended the stairs. A Bentley with a familiar license plate caught her eye.

The window slowly lowered, revealing Lucian. "What are you doing here?"

Relieved, Roxanne approached. Lucian exited, opening the door for her. "I knew you were here to see Jack, so I followed," he stated matter-of-factly.

In the past, Roxanne would have called him overreacting. But after Jack's words, his arrival felt perfectly timed.

"I'm glad you weren't lying about not drinking," Lucian said, closing her door and getting behind the wheel.

Roxanne remembered the earlier car ride but didn't want to discuss it. Lucian had sensed something amiss the moment she emerged from the cafe.

Seeing his words hadn't brightened her mood, his expression grew serious. "What happened? Was your conversation with Jack unpleasant?"

Her face changed at the mention of Jack. Unsure what to say, she downplayed it. "He refused to discuss work, so we made no progress in our negotiations."