Jonathan's morning speculations plagued him all day. That evening, after work, he called Lucian.

Lucian answered promptly. "Is something wrong, Jonathan?"

Jonathan chuckled. "It's been a while. Are you free for a drink tonight?"

Lucian, sensing Jonathan had something to say, lowered his voice and agreed.

After hanging up, Lucian instructed Cayden to pick up Estella from kindergarten before driving to a private club. A server greeted him upon arrival. "Mr. Farwell, Mr. Queen is waiting for you."

Lucian nodded and followed the server to a private room. Despite Jonathan's invitation for a drink, only a bottle of beer sat on the table amidst several plates of food.

Jonathan, lost in thought, straightened at Lucian's entrance. "I wanted to buy you a drink, but it's late, and I haven't eaten," he explained, smiling. "Let's eat first."

Lucian nodded, and they dismissed the server. Alone, Lucian asked, "What's wrong? Tell me."

Jonathan hesitated. He recalled Lucian's treatment of Roxanne but realized he hadn't seen them interact recently. He didn't know if their relationship had changed. If it remained as his sister described—and if Lucian tacitly agreed—would his actions be futile?

He'd already called Lucian, however, and felt obligated to proceed. While waiting, he'd considered whether to broach the subject. His uncertainty intensified when Lucian asked his question. Opting for evasion, he nonchalantly took some food, exclaiming, "I'm starving! Let's eat first, then talk."

Lucian frowned. Jonathan offered him food, chirping, "Lucian, you haven't eaten either, right? Try this."

Lucian remained silent. Jonathan felt remorseful. I shouldn't have called so quickly. This is my own fault.

After a pause, Lucian dropped the topic and ate. Jonathan steered the conversation toward business, attempting to distract Lucian. This only heightened Lucian's suspicion.

As they finished, just as Jonathan sought an excuse to leave, Lucian spoke. "You haven't explained why you called. What's troubling you?"

Jonathan stiffened, then hesitantly said, "I wanted to ask if you've contacted Ms. Jarvis recently."

"Ms. Jarvis? Roxanne Jarvis?" Lucian frowned. He hadn't contacted her since their café meeting. The last he'd heard, Estella mentioned Roxanne planned to move abroad. The atmosphere grew colder.

Meanwhile, Cayden, having just lain down, answered a call from Lucian. "Mr. Farwell, what can I do for you?"

"Find out who's been contacting major herb suppliers in Horington using Farwell Group's name, and who's blocking Horington suppliers from working with VR Research Institute," Lucian instructed.

Cayden readily agreed. Afterward, confusion hit him. Farwell Group wasn't heavily involved in medicine. Why was Lucian investigating this?

Despite the oddity, Cayden investigated. He soon discovered the truth, leaving him astonished. VR Research Institute belonged to Ms. Jarvis, and the person Lucian suspected was Mrs. Farwell.