A faint scowl appeared on Lucian's face. Just as he was about to speak, a ringtone interrupted the awkward silence. Roxanne apathetically averted her gaze, retrieving her phone from her bag. The caller ID showed Larry.

She secretly sighed with relief. Larry's call came to the rescue!

Nodding toward Lucian, Roxanne answered the call and walked to her car. He didn't try to stop her this time.

As she walked past him, Roxanne felt herself relax. Lucian, meanwhile, watched her retreating figure, recalling the caller ID. If I remember correctly, that man even had a private dinner with Roxanne. They seemed to have enjoyed themselves. Hmm, I didn't expect them to be so close.

This realization darkened Lucian's expression.

"Larry, is something wrong?" Roxanne asked after answering the phone.

After exchanging pleasantries, and once she was in her car, Roxanne asked Larry why he was calling.

He chuckled. "Why so distant? Can't I just call?"

Free from Lucian's presence, Roxanne relaxed considerably. "Of course you can," she replied, smiling. "But most people don't call this early just to chat."

Larry knew her schedule; she was usually taking the children to kindergarten or commuting to work at that hour. His call was unusual.

He dropped the small talk. "I have something to give you. What time are you free? This afternoon?"

"Lunch hour works for me," Roxanne said after a moment. "Near my research institute?"

Larry readily agreed.

After hanging up, Roxanne was puzzled. I wonder what he wants to give me. He's being so secretive.

That afternoon, after leaving the research facility, Roxanne checked the GPS location Larry had sent: a Chananean restaurant nearby. She quickly headed over.

Larry was already there.

"My apologies," Roxanne said, sitting opposite him. "You must have been waiting a while."

He smiled casually. "I'm used to it. You must be starving after working all morning, so I've already ordered. I hope you like it." He signaled the waiter.

They chatted while they ate.

"You said you wanted to give me something," Roxanne said, digging into her food. "What is it?"

Larry grinned, producing an invitation. "There's a medical conference in Bellridge, with many experts attending. I thought you'd be interested, so I got an extra invitation."

Roxanne's eyes lit up. If Larry considered them experts, they must be at least on par with her professor, Harvey Lambert. The opportunity to discuss medicine with them was invaluable.

(The repeated promotional message was removed.)