Chapter 1620: Acting Fast

Linda urged Roxanne to have lunch after a busy morning. Dealing with a large shipment of medicinal herbs, Roxanne decided on a quick bite nearby before returning to work.

As she left the premises, a series of honks sounded. Unfazed, she continued walking, prompting repeated honking. It took a moment for Roxanne to realize the honks were directed at her. Turning, she saw Jack's car parked near the research institute entrance, the window partially open, revealing his face.

“Ms. Jarvis,” Jack grinned.

Roxanne frowned. “I'm sorry, Mr. Damaris. It's a busy day. Please excuse me.” She turned towards the restaurant.

The honking resumed as Jack’s car followed. “Ms. Jarvis, let's preserve our relationship, even without a business deal. Aren't we friends? Can't you spare a few minutes?” His voice and the honking drew attention from the research institute.

Roxanne, dreading the attention, stopped. “What do you want, Mr. Damaris? Say it now.”

A cold glint crossed Jack's eyes as she conceded. He opened his car door. “Come in. Let's chat inside.”

Roxanne remained hesitant.

Jack smirked. “Worried I'll do something in broad daylight, Ms. Jarvis? Come on, we're both people of status. I'm mindful of the Damaris family reputation.” He opened the door wider, revealing the car's interior. “It's much more comfortable to talk in the car. I can't say what I need to in a few words.”

Roxanne cautiously examined the car. Instead of the passenger seat, she entered through the back and sat alone. The air conditioner was on, so she closed the door and window. “You can speak now,” she said indifferently.

Hiding the coldness in his eyes, Jack glanced at an aroma lamp under the passenger seat and adopted a regretful expression. “Ms. Jarvis, you acted quickly. I planned to contact you in a few days, hoping for collaboration. I didn't expect you'd already signed with Farwell Group and Queen Group.” Resentment laced his tone.

Roxanne knitted her brows, staring at his reflection in the rearview mirror. “You might want to find out about the research institute’s losses due to this incident, Mr. Damaris.” The factory shutdown due to supply shortages had demanded exorbitant compensation for the production delay. Lucian had offered to produce the medicines in a Farwell Group factory for free, but Roxanne had refused, feeling she'd already received considerable help and didn't want to rely on him further.

An imperceptible flicker of frustration crossed Jack's eyes. “There's no need. The research institute was bound to suffer losses. Frankly, I still disagree with the price you set for the medicine.”

Roxanne felt indifferent to his belittling remarks. “Your acceptance or rejection is irrelevant, Mr. Damaris. I'm not collaborating with Damaris Group. If you disagree with the price, launch your own medicine.”