After Lucian spoke, he looked away from Aubree. He had married Aubree to repay her grandfather for a past favor, explaining his close relationship with the Pearson family and his agreement to the arranged marriage. For a time, he believed Aubree was his first crush, but that changed six years ago when another woman left without explanation. He then realized his feelings for Aubree weren't love. Despite the elders' continued urging, he delayed the wedding, using various excuses. Over those six years, he diligently assisted the Pearsons, fulfilling numerous business requests to repay their kindness. Now, he felt he had more than repaid them, making the wedding unnecessary.
"Lucian…" Aubree's voice trembled as she watched his impassive face, hoping to confirm her suspicions.
Lucian massaged the bridge of his nose, cutting her off. "Put down the file. I'll look at it later. I have work to do. If there's nothing else, you can leave."
Aubree stared at him, her lip bitten. Realizing his resolve, her eyes reddened, but she swallowed her distress, put down the file, and left.
Her mood was grim as she exited the Farwell Group's office. Six years of waiting, and he was now calling off the wedding. Fortunately, she was certain no other woman was involved, meaning she still had a chance.
This thought lightened her spirits. Yes, I still have a chance. The wedding is only unsalvageable if I make Lucian frustrated with me. I have to stay calm.
She entered her car.
"Are you heading back to the company?" her assistant, Charles Lampton, asked tentatively, noting her expression.
Aubree glanced at him. "No, I'll have lunch out. Aren't we meeting VR Research Institute this afternoon to sign the contract? We're going back after that."
Charles nodded.
At two o'clock, Roxanne and Colby left the research institute for their meeting with the crude drug supplier. Roxanne suddenly remembered she lacked details about their partner. "Can you tell me about the crude drug supplier we're about to sign with?" she asked Colby. As the person in charge, her lack of knowledge could damage their negotiations.
Colby explained, "This supplier is huge in Horington. Their family built their business on crude drugs. Their prices are reasonable, and after learning about our institute's international influence, they expressed strong interest. They seem sincere, so don't worry."
Roxanne nodded, relieved. "I know the major crude drug suppliers in Horington. Based on your description, this must be one of them. I wonder which one."
The repeated phrase "Search the FindNovel.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality" has been removed as it is not part of the narrative.