Chapter 1543: Refused to Collaborate

Jack's outburst left Jack speechless. A short pause followed before he rose from the couch. "If that's the case," he stated, "there's nothing left to discuss." He turned, strode from the office, and slammed the door.

Roxanne stared, stunned by the resounding boom. Lucian approached, his voice calm. "Did that startle you?"

Gathering herself, Roxanne replied emotionally, "I'm fine. I just didn't expect that side of Jack."

Lucian's admiration deepened. He enveloped her in a comforting embrace.

Roxanne sighed. "Are all businessmen so two-faced?"

Lucian stroked her back. "Would you be scared if I were like that?"

Roxanne fell silent, picturing Lucian's business tactics. It quickly dawned on her that she knew him intimately, his methods long accepted. "Honestly," she smiled, "I wouldn't be surprised."

Lucian didn't appear pleased. "Is that really how you see me?"

Roxanne pulled away, meeting his gaze. "I found you incredibly astute just now. It felt like your true self."

The Farwell family's success hinged on Lucian's ruthlessness and sharp acumen. Yet, Roxanne was neither afraid nor hesitant to learn from him. What truly shocked her was Jack's ferocious dismantling of the agreement and the intensity of his reaction. She trusted Lucian would never behave similarly.

After her heartfelt words, Lucian gently kissed the back of her hand. "You're adorable when you're serious," he murmured.

Roxanne smiled faintly. "I was scared Jack might turn violent, but knowing you were here eased my fear."

Lucian looked at her deeply, his promise solemn. "I will always protect you." They smiled at each other.

Moments later, Roxanne's unease returned, focusing on the failed discussion with Jack. "I compromised, but it wasn't enough for the Damaris family. Collaboration seems unlikely..."

This posed a significant problem for the research institute. Furthermore, Jack's earlier questioning had shaken her confidence. Anxious, she asked Lucian, "Did I burn bridges? But Jack initially proposed the idea."

He stroked her head reassuringly. "You never truly agreed. Jack aimed to exploit you from the start; otherwise, he wouldn't have suggested an equal profit split." The industry standard dictated that the technology owner held the majority share. Jack's knowledge of this made his actions deliberate exploitation of Roxanne's inexperience.

Understanding dawned on Roxanne. "So, he was likely gathering confidential information when he befriended the employees…"