Chapter 228

"I didn't ask for your help," Roxanne said, her tone distant. A long moment passed before she spoke.

Lucian frowned. Displeasure filled his eyes. "Is that so? If I hadn't helped you, how would you have gotten out of that situation?"

Roxanne lowered her gaze. "I'm a doctor. I would have found a way." She'd studied acupuncture for years and knew pressure points that could incapacitate someone without causing lethal harm. If the doctor had approached her, she wouldn't have hesitated to demonstrate the extent of her knowledge. However, before she could act, Lucian appeared.

He understood the implication of her words. He'd observed her acupuncture skills while she treated Alfred, and knew she was capable of defending herself. This relieved him, but her indifference still upset him. "May I assume you consider me a busybody, Ms. Jarvis?"

Roxanne remained silent, her expression answering his question. It was the first time Lucian had been perceived as intrusive for offering help.

"Regardless, I helped you," he stated.

Roxanne wanted to end the conversation. "Thank you, Mr. Farwell," she said sarcastically. "I should go. You're here on business; someone's waiting. Shouldn't you return?"

She nodded and started toward her private room when he grabbed her wrist. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but Roxanne felt her emotions magnified. His touch triggered her. "What are you doing? I thanked you. What more do you want?" she snapped. Six years ago, he'd deeply hurt her. Now, determined to remain strangers, she resented his persistence. She couldn't read his mind and no longer cared to guess his intentions; she only wanted distance. But Lucian wouldn't let her go. He himself seemed unsure of his actions. He realized he was holding her wrist and saw her furious expression. He frowned. "Is that how you treat someone who helped you? Why the rush back to your private room? Is someone important waiting for you?"

Roxanne found his accusation unreasonable. "What business is that of yours? Let go of me!"

Despite her protest, he tightened his grip, causing her pain. He saw the change in her expression but didn't release her. He took a step closer. Roxanne narrowed her eyes, tensing.

Lucian chuckled, his aura oppressive. "Ms. Jarvis, even if you consider me a busybody and refuse to thank me, I still lost a business opportunity by keeping my client waiting. So, how will you compensate me for my losses?"

Roxanne met his gaze. She didn't believe anyone would refuse a deal with the Farwell family; this was merely an excuse. But since he'd mentioned it, she wouldn't owe him anything.

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