Chapter 1567: No Need to Be Hasty

Roxanne felt discouraged after a fruitless afternoon spent contacting medicinal herb suppliers. She had reached out to nearly all previous collaborators with the research institute. If she couldn't find a suitable partner, she’d have to push harder to secure a deal with Jack, a disadvantageous position for the institute.

Evening arrived with no solution in sight. Then, Lucian called. Roxanne composed herself before answering.

“Are you getting off work now?” His voice held concern.

Roxanne felt a surge of frustration, but masked it with a chuckle. “Not yet, but I could leave anytime. What’s up?”

Lucian sensed something amiss. “I’ll pick you up, then. Let’s get the kids from school together.”

Hearing this, Roxanne relaxed, a hint of anticipation warming her. “Okay. I’ll wait for you.”

They hung up. Worried he’d notice her low spirits, Roxanne tried to pull herself together. Linda entered.

“Dr. Jarvis, aren’t you leaving? Is the herb supply proving difficult? Can I help?”

Roxanne’s tension eased after speaking with Lucian. Touched by Linda’s offer, she smiled gratefully. “That’s not necessary. You’ve just returned from overseas and lack the connections. Please focus on factory operations instead.”

Linda agreed and left. Roxanne remained at her desk until Lucian called to say he’d arrived.

Outside, she found him leaning against his car, absorbed in his phone. She grinned, planning to surprise him. But Lucian saw her.

He pinched her chin, kissed her, and chuckled, “I saw you the moment you walked through the doorway.”

He pocketed his phone and opened her car door. Roxanne blushed, relieved no one had witnessed the scene, before getting in. Lucian opened the other door.

“How was the discussion with Jack? You seemed a little down.”

Roxanne’s gaze darkened. She replied evasively, “We finalized the profit split, but the pricing needs further discussion.”

Lucian, seeing her gaze downcast and her hands clasped in her lap – her telltale signs of dishonesty – knew the negotiation hadn't gone well. However, sensing her reluctance, he decided to give her space.

He started the car. Instead of pressing, he said in a deep voice, “Back-and-forth is inevitable in business. No need to be hasty.”

Roxanne nodded.