Roxanne's guard went up when she realized the man was drunk. Hoping to avoid trouble, she apologized again. "I'm really sorry. Are you okay?"

The man smiled maliciously. His voice was excited. "Hello, pretty babe I'm fine. You'll find out after a few drinks with me. I'll forgive you for today once you make me happy."

Roxanne frowned. She knew he was irrational from the drink. She ignored him, lowered her head, and tried to walk past.

As she neared him, he called out again. "Don't leave, pretty babe. I'm rich. If you're with me, you'll live comfortably for life."

He laughed crudely, scanning her from head to toe. "Such a pretty face. A perfect figure. Such fair skin I bet you're wonderful to touch!"

The more he looked, the more excited he became. He reached for her face.

Seeing his hand approach, Roxanne's expression turned cold. She stepped back and kicked him in the stomach. Wearing heels on her first day at the research institute, her kick was powerful.

Already unsteady on his feet, he couldn't react. He paled, clutched his stomach, staggered, and fell heavily.

"You little b*tch! How dare you disrespect me? You should be honored I'm attracted to you! How dare you kick me?!" he yelled.

After squirming, he gritted his teeth, lifted his head, his eyes bloodshot.

Roxanne gave him a disgusted glance and walked past. He roared toward a corner, "Someone, get here! That woman attacked me! Get her into the private room! I want to see her attitude then!"

Two burly bodyguards emerged, hesitated, seeing his state. "Boss…"

"Don't bother about me! Just get her!" he roared.

They approached Roxanne. Hearing their footsteps, her heart pounded. She reached into her bag for a bag of powder. If they get near, they'll taste this medicine, she thought.

As she turned, the bodyguard about to touch her screamed and flew past her. The other disappeared in the same way.

Roxanne was stunned. She saw a slender figure a few steps away. Her heart sank. She spun around to flee.

Lucian, grim-faced, stood in the corridor, sleeves rolled up, collar loosened. He watched her with an intense gaze. He'd stepped outside a stuffy social event for some air—never expecting to see Roxanne.

It's really her!

His gaze darkened. He started to speak, but she tried to run. Frowning, he dashed forward and grabbed her wrist.

Roxanne's heart hammered. His grip was unexpected. She froze, thoughts racing.

"Roxanne!" he said furiously. "Stop hiding from me!"

She struggled. He tightened his grip.

"Let me go!"

She stopped struggling, turning to meet his gaze.

"Let go?" he ground out, staring intently with dark eyes.

Six years had passed since their last meeting. She was more mature, but just as beautiful. But she wasn't the obedient, gentle woman he remembered. She was more assertive, fiercer, even distant.

Anger flared in Lucian's heart. He stared coldly into her eyes. "Do you think I'll let you escape again?"

Roxanne's heart trembled. Before she could speak, he barked at Cayden, who stood behind him, "Get rid of all these scums!"

He grabbed her arm and marched her into the nearby private room. Roxanne felt uneasy, unable to break free, and was dragged into the room, stumbling.