Chapter 362: A Sudden Strike
Half an hour later, Larry returned Roxanne's call. Roxanne answered instantly. "How did it go, Larry?" she asked anxiously.
Larry's tone was somber. "The discussions were going well until I mentioned your research institute. That completely changed their attitude."
Roxanne's eyes dimmed, her lips curling into a sour expression. "I see. I'm sorry to trouble you. Please don't involve yourself further. I'll handle this." She was concerned about Larry's potential repercussions for helping her.
As she spoke, Larry unexpectedly asked, "What's going on between you and Mr. Farwell? He's behind this, isn't he?"
Roxanne was taken aback. Lucian? Why would he do this, and how did Larry know?
"Why would you say that? What does this have to do with Lucian?" she asked.
Larry frowned. "Whoever's behind this is clearly targeting you."
Roxanne grunted. "I know, but I can't imagine why Lucian would do this."
"I've been asking around," Larry replied grimly. "Farwell Group secretly warned major suppliers against collaborating with you, threatening repercussions."
Roxanne's eyes widened. Colby, beside her, also frowned. Farwell Group? When had they crossed paths? How had Roxanne become entangled with them to warrant such an effort? He thought of Aubree. He still didn't understand the animosity between Roxanne and Aubree, Mr. Farwell's fiancรฉe. Could Aubree be trying to eliminate a rival? But that seemed unlikely; they wouldn't be so relaxed if that were true. He was baffled.
Roxanne, however, had a suspicion. "No, it wasn't Lucian," she said calmly.
"Then who?" Larry asked, his expression solemn.
"It doesn't matter," Roxanne said, her lips twitching. "You shouldn't be involved. I already feel bad about involving the research institute in my personal problems, and I don't want to drag you down too."
Larry was silent for a moment. "Does that mean you know who's behind this? I don't mind staying out of it, but I need to know if you're in danger."
Roxanne considered her answer. "I think the research institute was targeted to force me out of Horington. Don't worry. Worst case, I'll go back. The situation will likely improve once I'm gone."
Larry scowled, but agreed.
After the call ended, Roxanne thought of Sonya. Only Sonya, within Farwell Group, would treat her this way.
Roxanne's brows furrowed. What had happened outside her awareness? Why had Sonya suddenly attacked her?