Chapter 1621: You Can Leave

Jack was vexed by the woman in his rearview mirror. Only days had passed since their last meeting. How had she become so sharp-tongued? His anger momentarily dissipated as his gaze fell upon the aroma lamp hidden beneath the passenger seat. Yet, his eyes still gleamed with hostility. Soon, this mouth wouldn't utter a single word. The thought exhilarated him.

“Don't forget it was my idea to develop this medicine, Ms. Jarvis. Without me, you wouldn't have progressed so far in your research.” He maintained his composure, engaging her in small talk to buy time.

Roxanne noticed the scent of essential oil but dismissed it, unable to locate the source. She attributed the faint fragrance to Jack's car perfume.

She nodded gently at his comment. “That's true. Without your suggestion, I wouldn't have had the courage to begin. However, I relied on my own skills and capabilities to develop and bring the medicine to fruition.” Initially, Roxanne had been dubious. She debated branding the medicine under the Damaris family name, given Jack's initial proposal. Lucian, however, immediately rejected the idea. He argued that Jack had merely offered a passing comment, playing no part in the research process. The medicine's success was solely due to Roxanne's efforts. He believed anyone could have suggested the idea, but only Roxanne could have created the medicine. He reasoned, "If I were to credit Jack, could I then share a crazy idea with anyone and claim credit later? That's absurd!" The medicine should be exclusively branded under Roxanne's name and her research institute.

Lucian's logic emboldened Roxanne, making her more assertive when defending her position to Jack. This infuriated him. Had the aroma lamp not been burning, he would have opened the door and ejected her.

“Ms. Jarvis, you're truly…eloquent and witty. Why didn't I realize your talent before?” Jack teased.

Roxanne smiled, silent. A brief silence followed. Then, Jack asked, “If I were to sell the medicine at two hundred and seventy-one per box, would you work with Damaris Group?” Roxanne sensed a hidden agenda in his tone, though she couldn't decipher it. “No, thank you. I'm sticking to my decision,” she replied firmly.

Jack's expression darkened. The aroma lamp sputtered out.

“Then there's nothing more to discuss. You may leave, Ms. Jarvis,” he said coldly.

Roxanne nodded, opening the car door. Before exiting, she offered a parting shot. “Mr. Damaris, I respected you for the Damaris family's benevolence and your medical skills. But I didn't expect your ambition to be so… different from mine. I thought doctors prioritized patients' needs, not profit.”

She sighed and stepped out. Jack watched her go, his face a mask of sullen resentment.