Chapter 1563: Begging For It

Roxanne explained, “I told you, this has nothing to do with him. He doesn't even know I'm here.”

Tamping down the unsettling feeling surging within her, she remained calm as she addressed the man before her. “Mr. Damaris, you want to increase Damaris Group's profit share, correct? However, I can't agree to fifty percent. Let's find a compromise.”

Jack sneered. “I hope Mr. Farwell truly knows nothing of this meeting. Otherwise, his unexpected arrival might end our discussion prematurely.”

Roxanne interrupted, unwilling to hear Lucian’s name again. “Mr. Damaris, what's the lowest share you'll accept?”

Jack replied without hesitation, “As I've stated, even without the lion's share, Damaris Group requires at least fifty percent.”

Unwavering, Roxanne pressed on. “We'll pay triple the price for Damaris Group's herbs. We'll also find another company for sales. Our cooperation would be limited to the initial phase; afterward, it's a purely transactional relationship. So, why a fifty-fifty split?”

Jack responded, “Because right now, you're begging me.” He felt confident in his position, believing Roxanne had no alternative.

Roxanne stated, “Thirty percent. That's our final offer.”

Jack's expression darkened. His sarcastic tone was evident. “Then I believe our discussion is at an end, Ms. Jarvis.” He internally scoffed at her paltry two percent increase from their last meeting, a meeting that ended poorly. He mused that this negotiation could have easily been handled over the phone.

Roxanne pursed her lips, remaining silent, her determined gaze unwavering.

Time stretched. Seeing Roxanne wouldn't budge, Jack's expression shifted. He critiqued, “That's your best offer? Then you don't value patients' lives.”

Roxanne's calm exterior masked a racing heart. She took a gamble. “If you refuse, we'll switch herb suppliers. The institute has already found one. However, Damaris Group's herbs are superior. I'm negotiating for better medicine at a lower cost for patients.”

Her implication was clear: reject the deal, and the institute would move on.

Bafflement flickered across Jack's face. The stringent quality requirements made finding a suitable replacement seem improbable. He considered that Lucian had been present during their previous negotiation and that, while Farwell Group lacked medical experience, they possessed connections. Lucian's potential assistance could explain the institute's swift discovery of an alternative supplier.

The look in Jack's eyes turned serious, though he quickly concealed it.

A tense silence ensued, a stalemate of wills. Jack eventually broke, losing his patience.

He muttered, “Your resolve is firm, and the herbs are crucial to Damaris Group. Let's compromise. Damaris Group takes forty percent; the institute, sixty.”